bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyurethane foam modified with borohydride: preparation and possibilities of using for synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their nanocomposites
Authors: Isachenko A I , Apyari V V , Melekhin A O , Garshev A V , Volkov P A , Dmitrienko S G
Published: December 2019

The present work describes preparation of polyurethane foam modified with borohydride. Adsorption of borohydride from alkaline solutions in presence of a cationic surfactant is discussed. The polyurethane foam modified with borohydride possesses reductive ability with respect to Au(III). Possibilities of the new material for synthesis of gold nanoparticles are described. This solid reducting agent is convenient for use in the synthesis of nanoparticles, since it ensures precise dosing of a reductant while desorbed from polymer. Gold nanoparticles can be synthesized both in solution and on the polymer surface by varying reagents concentrations during the preparation of modified polyurethane foam.
Synthetic analogues of natural titanosilicate mesoporous minerals as potential functional materials. Synthesis and application
Authors: Nikolaev A I , Gerasimova L G , Maslova M V , Shchukina E S
Published: December 2019

Phase formation upon hydrothermal crystallization in the Na2O-TiO2-SiO2-H2SO4- H2O system has been studied in depth. The obtained results provided the basis for the development of technology for new types of ion-exchangers with the structure of the mineral ivanyukite - Na4(TiO)4(SiO4)34-6 H2O. It was shown that an excessive amount of Na and Si with respect to Ti (mol) and an alkaline medium up to pH 12 affect the rate of the ivanyukite crystallization. The optimal conditions producing the pure ivanyukite phase with designed structure, chemical composition and morphology have been found. The framework composes corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra and TiO6 octahedra linked through bridging oxygen atoms and provide pore system with channels containing H2O molecules and exchangeable Na+cations. The synthetic ivanyukite with wide-pore microporous framework is considered to be perspective cation-exchanger.
Morphological study of PM2.5 by SEM-EDS in Ulaanbaatar
Authors: Tuvjargal N , Enkhtsetseg L , Shagjjamba D , Zuzaan P
Published: December 2019

A morphological and elemental composition of PM2.5 in air pollution of Ulaanbaatar by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) combined X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) were investigated. The morphological parameters were measured using the 5k magnification picture of SEM and analyzed the 752 individual particles of the 25 days (winter-10, summer-15) sample of the PM2.5. The size distribution shown the ~45% of particles were most harmful fraction of particulate matters for human health (less 0.4μm). These fraction particles increased up to 92% in winter. It was shown that ultrafine and irregular PM2.5 results from the combustion. The results of determining the elemental composition of these individual particles are presented.
Dispersed-colloidal fuel systems
Authors: Baranova M , Grishina I , Damdinov B , Gomboev R
Published: December 2019

A substantiation of the action mechanism of alkaline additives on the rheological characteristics of binary fuel systems is proposed, which will allow us to proceed to numerical methods for studying the technological processes of production. The possibility of increasing the stability of the suspension by using a nanomodifier obtained by ultradispersing to a submicron size of a portion of the same suspension is shown.
Numeric Modeling of Phononic Crystal with Time-Dependent Properties
Authors: Demin A , Damdinov B , Baloshin Y
Published: December 2019

The research is devoted to numeric modeling of phononic crystals with time-depended properties of periodic structure. There are many works describing phononic crystal with a tunable bandgap. The mechanism of restructuring can have a different physical nature. In this turn, we developed model of phonon crystal with fast-changing properties, where frequency of changing and propagating wave have the same order. The influence of time-dependent characteristics on propagation of wave packets, waves with different initial phase is shown in this work. Parameters of the crystal cell are given by time-dependent; signal propagation has significant differences from the static case. It was shown that under certain conditions a phononic crystal acquires the properties of a phase filter.
Wire electro spark machining and characterization studies on Ti50Ni49Co1, Ti50Ni45Co5 and Ti50Ni40Co10 alloys
Authors: Soni Hargovind , Mashinni P M
Published: December 2019

The wire electrical discharge machining process (WEDM) is high demand and influenced by various input process parameters namely pulse duration, voltage, wire diameters and wire material. In this research, a smart material made of TiNiCo alloy is investigated to study the machinability using WEDM process. The pulse duration and servo voltage varied to perform the experiments on Ti50Ni49Co1 Ti50Ni45Co5 and Ti50Ni40Co10 smart materials for bone staple applications which were designed by ELCAM software and generated G-code for machining with same software. L-25 orthogonal array used for machining of selected alloys, which is created (L-25 orthogonal array) through Taguchi design of experiment. From the experiments, an analysis was made to study the amount of material removal and average roughness as a response. Further machined areas were subjected to metallurgical characterization techniques such as surface topography, EDS analysis, residual stress calculation and wear mechanism. Tensile residual stress was noticed at higher values of outputs while lower values of residual stress at lower values of outputs which were also confirmed through microstructure and surface topography that smoother surface has been found at lower values of outputs. Moreover, the higher value of residual stress has been noticed on the machined surface of Ti50Ni40Co10 alloy while lower on the machined surface of Ti50Ni49Co1 alloy. Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) were found as additional elements on the machined surface during the EDS analysis of machined components for each alloy.
Rice husk-derived carbon@SnO2@graphene anode with stable electrochemical performance used in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liang Shuqi , Yu Kaifeng , Li Yi , Liang Ce
Published: December 2019

In this study, we adopted a novel method to synthesize a rice husk-derived carbon@SnO2@reduced graphene oxide (rGO)composite with a multi-level structure as an anode electrode for lithium-ion batteries. The carbon source of composite was cellulose extracted from RH. The material exhibits excellent performance of LIBs with large reversible capacity and outstanding cycle performance. It shows a reversible capacity of 1206.9 mAhg−1 at a current density of 0.2C after 100 cycles. Excellent cycle performance is due to unique multi-level structure, which increases active site of lithium ion. Furthermore, SnO2 nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) and carbon skeleton have strong chemical bonds to prevent SnO2 NPs from falling out of the three-dimensional network during cycling., thereby making material a promising anode material for LIBs.
A comparative study of dry sliding wear behaviour of sillimanite and rutile reinforced LM27 aluminium alloy composites
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Sharma Sandeep , Nanda Tarun , Pandey O P
Published: December 2019

The present work compares the dry sliding wear characteristics of sillimanite reinforced and rutile reinforced LM27 aluminium alloy based composites prepared by stir casting process. Particles in the size range of 1–32 μm were added in 5, 10, and 15 wt%. Microstructure, nanohardness, coefficient of friction, and wear rate characteristics were evaluated. Optical microscopy revealed uniform distribution of both sillimanite and rutile particles in the matrix. The hardness of sillimanite reinforced composites was higher than rutile reinforced composites. Further, the wear resistance of sillimanite reinforced composites was superior to rutile reinforced composites. However, coefficient of friction values of sillimanite particle reinforced composites were higher than the rutile particle reinforced composites. SEM-EDS analysis of wear track and wear debris revealed that abrasive wear and adhesion/delamination mechanisms were responsible for the wear of composites at low and high applied load conditions respectively.
Influences of Mg and Mn doping on structure, B-site ordering and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics
Authors: Cui Xuejiao , Liu Liang , Li Hao , Liu Fei , Cheng Lijing , Liu Shaojun
Published: December 2019

Influence of Mg and Mn doping on structure and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Co1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BCN) ceramics with complex perovskite structure is investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectrum investigations show that doping Mg and Mn into BCN ceramics is helpful for improving the quality factor (Q · f value) resulted from enhanced B-site 1:2 ordering degree. Mg- doped samples show higher ordering degrees and larger Q · f values than Mn- doped counterparts. The sintering density, grain size, 1:2 B-site ordering structure and microwave dielectric properties of BCN ceramics show a strong dependence on Mg and Mn doping content. The sintering density of BCN ceramics can be increased significantly by doping a small amount of Mg and Mn. However, further increase in doping content results in the decrease of sintering density. τ

f
value of BCN ceramics can be tailored by doping of Mg into Co sites. The near-zero τ

f
value (∼0.64 ppm °C−1) is obtained when the Mg doping content is at x = 0.1. The ordering degree and Q · f value of Mg- and Mn- doped BCN ceramics increase significantly with increasing annealing time.
Theoretical study on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of BnCn (n = 1–13) clusters
Authors: Chen Xiaojie , Zhang Chen , Song Bin , He Pimo
Published: December 2019

We applied density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the low-energy geometries and electronic characteristics of stoichiometric BnCn (n = 1–13) clusters. We performed harmonic vibration frequency analysis to ensure that the ground-state isomers are the real local minima. BnCn clusters tend to evolve from planar and annular structures to quasiplanar bowl structures to maintain the lowest structural energy as cluster size n increases. The clusters with even n have large HOMO–LUMO gaps and high stability. We used the time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations to acquire the optical absorption spectra for the lowest-energy BnCn (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) clusters. The clusters exhibit strong absorption in the ultraviolet region. With the increasement of n, the absorption of clusters, particularly that of the B8C8 cluster, intensifies in the visible region. Therefore, the clusters investigated in this work can be used to fabricate novel two-dimensional materials for visible-light absorption and have potential applications in various fields, such as catalysis.
Enhanced drug efficiency of doped ZnO–GO (graphene oxide) nanocomposites, a new gateway in drug delivery systems (DDSs)
Authors: Afzal H , Ikram M , Ali S , Shahzadi A , Aqeel M , Haider A , Imran M , Ali S
Published: December 2019

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were doped to zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using a facile chemical deposition method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of hexagonal structure and increased peaks broadening upon doping. Undoped and ZnO doped GO sheets showed morphology like nanoparticles, nanorods and flakes were observed under transmission and field emission electron microscopies respectively. An increase in absorption was observed in absorption spectra upon doping recorded via UV-visible spectroscopy. The hydrogen bonding between functional groups of GO and ZnO is responsible for limiting maximum drug loading efficiency. GO doped ZnO has higher drug loading efficiency of about 89% compared to ZnO (82%) and this trend reverse in drug releasing process. This study will provide an efficient design of the drug delivery system for dissolution enhancement according to the required drug release.
Effect of sodium chloride as a porogen agent in mechanical properties of PLGA/HA nanocomposite scaffolds
Authors: Mokhtarzadegan M , Zebarjad S Mojtaba , Bahrololoom M E , Modarres M
Published: December 2019

In this study, the novel poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (PLGA/HA) nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated with solvent casting and particulate leaching (SCPL) method. The role of sodium chloride (NaCl) particles with diameters of 250-400 μm as porogen agent in the mechanical strength of the produced scaffolds was evaluated. The prepared scaffolds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and compressive tests. The results showed the high compressive strength and homogenous porous structures for PLGA/HA nanocomposite scaffolds compared to pure PLGA due to the presence of HA nanoparticles in nanocomposites. Furthermore, the compressive strength of nanocomposite scaffolds increased by varying the weight ratio of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to polymer (0, 20, 40 wt%) at constant salt ratio and decreased by increasing the weight ratio of salt particles to polymer from 1 to 3 wt% due to more porosity in nanocomposite scaffolds. These results confirmed that not only the nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited high mechanical properties, homogenous structures, as well as good porosity but also, they could be useful for bone tissue application.
Strong-field-induced single and double ionization dynamics from single and double excitations in a two-electron atom
Authors: Borisova Gergana D , Stooß Veit , Dingeldey Andreas , Kaldun Andreas , Ding Thomas , Birk Paul , Hartmann Maximilian , Heldt Tobias , Ott Christian , Pfeifer Thomas
Published: December 2019

Two-electron dynamics of an excited model atom interacting with moderately strong laser fields is analyzed in the time domain. We solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for two electrons confined to the same one-dimensional configuration space, accounting also for the electron-electron interaction. The computational method allows direct access to the time-dependent population of the relevant atomic states during and right after the interaction with a near-infrared (NIR) laser pulse. We compare the ionization dynamics of singly excited states and doubly excited states. We find that doubly-excited initial states exhibit enhanced double ionization yield, with non-trivial dynamics including contributions from direct and sequential processes, while the electrons leave the atom either back-to-back or in the same direction.
Social Support and Positive Coping Skills as Mediators Buffering the Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on Psychological Distress and Positive Mental Health in Adulthood: Analysis of a National Population-Based Sample
Authors: Su Yingying , D’Arcy Carl , Meng Xiangfei
Published: December 2019

There is little research on how childhood maltreatment influences the use of resilience mechanisms that are key to mental health outcomes in the face of adversity. We assessed the mediating roles of social support and positive coping skills in the relationships between childhood maltreatment and both psychological distress and positive mental health. We analyzed data from a national population survey, the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health (CCHS-MH 2012, n = 25,113). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to model the relationships between childhood maltreatment, social support, and positive coping skills and their direct and mediated effect on psychological distress and positive mental health. Childhood maltreatment was found to be negatively associated with social support, positive coping skills, and positive mental health but positively associated with psychological distress. Social support and positive coping skills predicted higher rates of positive mental health but lower rates of psychological distress. Social support and positive coping skills partially mediated the negative consequences of childhood maltreatment on mental health outcomes. Surprisingly, no sex differences were observed among these associations. This research clearly demonstrates that social support and positive coping skills can mediate the negative impact of childhood maltreatment on mental health.
Neighborhood Privilege, Preterm Delivery, and Related Racial/Ethnic Disparities: An Intergenerational Application of the Index of Concentration at the Extremes
Authors: Shrimali Bina Patel , Pearl Michelle , Karasek Deborah , Reid Carolina , Abrams Barbara , Mujahid Mahasin
Published: December 2019

We assessed whether early childhood and adulthood experiences of neighborhood privilege, measured by the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE), were associated with preterm delivery and related racial/ethnic disparities using intergenerationally linked birth records of 379,794 California-born primiparous mothers (born 1982–1997) and their infants (born 1997–2011). ICE measures during early childhood and adulthood approximated racial/ethnic and economic dimensions of neighborhood privilege and disadvantage separately (ICE-income, ICE-race/ethnicity) and in combination (ICE–income + race/ethnicity). Results of our generalized estimating equation models with robust standard errors showed associations for ICE-income and ICE–income + race/ethnicity. For example, ICE–income + race/ethnicity was associated with preterm delivery in both early childhood (relative risk (RR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.17) and adulthood (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11). Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women had higher risk of preterm delivery than white women (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.37; and RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.14, respectively, adjusting for individual-level confounders). Adjustment for ICE–income + race/ethnicity at both time periods yielded the greatest declines in disparities (for non-Hispanic black women, RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.28; for Hispanic women, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09). Findings support independent effects of early childhood and adulthood neighborhood privilege on preterm delivery and related disparities.
Why don’t long-finned pilot whales have a widespread postreproductive lifespan? Insights from genetic data
Authors: Nichols Hazel J , Arbuckle Kevin , Fullard Karen , Amos William
Published: December 2019

In a handful of mammals, females show an extended postreproductive lifespan (PRLS), leading to questions over why they spend a substantial portion of their lifespan nonreproductive. Theoretical and empirical studies suggest that PRLS may evolve when 1) demographic patterns lead to increasing local relatedness as females age, and 2) females come into reproductive competition with their daughters, as these conditions lead to high relative benefits of helping kin versus reproducing in later life. However, evolutionary pathways to PRLS are poorly understood and empirical studies are scarce. Here, we use a dataset of 1522 individuals comprising 22 pods to investigate patterns of reproduction and relatedness in long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas; a toothed whale without species-wide PRLS. We find a similar relatedness structure to whales with PRLS: pods appear composed of related matrilines, and relatedness of females to their pod increases with age, suggesting that this species could benefit from late-life help. Furthermore, females with a large number of philopatric adult daughters are less likely to reproduce, implying intergenerational reproductive competition between females. This suggests that individuals may display a plastic cessation of reproduction, switching to investing in existing offspring when they come into competition with their daughters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such a relationship has been described in relation to PRLS, and it raises questions about whether this represents a step towards evolving PRLS or is a stable alternative strategy to widespread postreproductive periods.
Applications and explorations of CRISPR/Cas9 in CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Li Chenggong , Mei Heng , Hu Yu
Published: December 2019

Chimeric antigen receptor(CAR) T-cell therapy has shown remarkable effects and promising prospects in patients with refractory or relapsed malignancies, pending further progress in the next-generation CAR T cells with more optimized structure, enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicities. The clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology holds immense promise for advancing the field owing to its flexibility, simplicity, high efficiency and multiplexing in precise genome editing. Herein, we review the applications and explorations of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in constructing allogenic universal CAR T cells, disrupting inhibitory signaling to enhance potency and exploration of safer and more controllable novel CAR T cells.
A framework for exhaustive modelling of genetic interaction patterns using Petri nets
Authors: Jacobsen Annika , Ivanova Olga , Amini Saman , Heringa Jaap , Kemmeren Patrick , Feenstra K Anton
Published: December 2019

Motivation

Genetic interaction (GI) patterns are characterized by the phenotypes of interacting single and double mutated gene pairs. Uncovering the regulatory mechanisms of GIs would provide a better understanding of their role in biological processes, diseases and drug response. Computational analyses can provide insights into the underpinning mechanisms of GIs.

Results

In this study, we present a framework for exhaustive modelling of GI patterns using Petri nets (PN). Four-node models were defined and generated on three levels with restrictions, to enable an exhaustive approach. Simulations suggest ∼5 million models of GIs. Generalizing these we propose putative mechanisms for the GI patterns, inversion and suppression. We demonstrate that exhaustive PN modelling enables reasoning about mechanisms of GIs when only the phenotypes of gene pairs are known. The framework can be applied to other GI or genetic regulatory datasets.

Availability and implementation

The framework is available at http://www.ibi.vu.nl/programs/ExhMod.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Auditory Processing Deficits Are Selectively Associated with Medial Temporal Lobe Mnemonic Function and White Matter Integrity in Aging Macaques
Authors: Gray Daniel T , Umapathy Lavanya , De La Peña Nicole M , Burke Sara N , Engle James R , Trouard Theodore P , Barnes Carol A
Published: December 2019

Deficits in auditory function and cognition are hallmarks of normative aging. Recent evidence suggests that hearing-impaired individuals have greater risks of developing cognitive impairment and dementia compared to people with intact auditory function, although the neurobiological bases underlying these associations are poorly understood. Here, a colony of aging macaques completed a battery of behavioral tests designed to probe frontal and temporal lobe-dependent cognition. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and visual evoked potentials were measured to assess auditory and visual system function. Structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging were then performed to evaluate the microstructural condition of multiple white matter tracts associated with cognition. Animals showing higher cognitive function had significantly better auditory processing capacities, and these associations were selectively observed with tasks that primarily depend on temporal lobe brain structures. Tractography analyses revealed that the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the fimbria-fornix and hippocampal commissure were associated with temporal lobe-dependent visual discrimination performance and auditory sensory function. Conversely, FA of frontal cortex-associated white matter was not associated with auditory processing. Visual sensory function was not associated with frontal or temporal lobe FA, nor with behavior. This study demonstrates significant and selective relationships between ABRs, white matter connectivity, and higher-order cognitive ability.
Renal involvement and Strømme syndrome
Authors: Caridi Gianluca , Lugani Francesca , Lerone Margherita , Divizia Maria Teresa , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Verrina Enrico
Published: December 2019

Strømme syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder involving multiple systems. Centromeric protein F (CENPF) is the causative gene of the disease, and variants are usually linked to lethal outcomes either during the foetal stage or in early life. We present a young adult with a genetic diagnosis of Strømme syndrome who—in addition to classic microcephalia, microphthalmia and intestinal atresia (apple peel-type)—experienced slow and unexpected evolution to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In conclusion, Strømme syndrome is a complex multiorgan disease that needs multidisciplinary clinical management, and potential evolution to ESRD should be taken into account.
Primary Emotions and Recognition of Their Intensities
Authors: Afdhal Rim , Ejbali Ridha , Zaied Mourad
Published: December 2019

The emotion recognition field has two major issues. On the one hand, it is difficult to find the same emotion state in different persons since they may express the same emotion state in various ways. On the other hand, it is also hard to seek the difference between expressions of the same person because some emotion states are too subtle to discriminate. The focus of this work is to solve these two problems by proposing a new approach of emotion recognition. This novel approach allows our emotion recognition system to classify 18 emotions (primary emotions and their intensities). First, we proposed textual definitions of the intensity emotions. Then, we created our emotion recognition system, which is composed of three stages: pre-treatment, feature extraction and classification. We used the deep learning for the feature extraction and the fuzzy logic for the classification. The experimental test demonstrates the efficiency of our system for primary emotions and their intensities’ classification compared to other methods.
“Passwords protect my stuff”—a study of children’s password practices
Authors: Choong Yee-Yin , Theofanos Mary F , Renaud Karen , Prior Suzanne
Published: December 2019

Children use technology from a very young age and often have to authenticate. The goal of this study is to explore children’s practices, perceptions, and knowledge regarding passwords. Given the limited work to date and that the world’s cyber posture and culture will be dependent on today’s youth, it is imperative to conduct cyber-security research with children. We conducted surveys of 189 3rd to 8th graders from two Midwest schools in the USA. We found that children have on average two passwords for school and three to four passwords for home. They kept their passwords private and did not share with others. They created passwords with an average length of 7 (3rd to 5th graders) and 10 (6–8th graders). But, only about 13% of the children created very strong passwords. Generating strong passwords requires mature cognitive and linguistic capabilities which children at this developmental stage have not yet mastered. They believed that passwords provide access control, protect their privacy and keep their “stuff” safe. Overall, children had appropriate mental models of passwords and demonstrated good password practices. Cyber-security education should strive to reinforce these positive practices while continuing to provide and promote age-appropriate developmental security skills. Given the study’s sample size and limited generalizability, we are expanding our research to include children from 3rd to 12th graders across multiple US school districts.
Development of a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus invasive infections: Evidence based on human immunity, genetics and bacterial evasion mechanisms
Authors: Miller Lloyd S , Fowler Vance G , Shukla Sanjay K , Rose Warren E , Proctor Richard A
Published: December 2019

Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both hospital and community settings, especially with the widespread emergence of virulent and multi-drug resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. There is an urgent and unmet clinical need for non-antibiotic immune-based approaches to treat these infections as the increasing antibiotic resistance is creating a serious threat to public health. However, all vaccination attempts aimed at preventing S. aureus invasive infections have failed in human trials, especially all vaccines aimed at generating high titers of opsonic antibodies against S. aureus surface antigens to facilitate antibody-mediated bacterial clearance. In this review, we summarize the data from humans regarding the immune responses that protect against invasive S. aureus infections as well as host genetic factors and bacterial evasion mechanisms, which are important to consider for the future development of effective and successful vaccines and immunotherapies against invasive S. aureus infections in humans. The evidence presented form the basis for a hypothesis that staphylococcal toxins (including superantigens and pore-forming toxins) are important virulence factors, and targeting the neutralization of these toxins are more likely to provide a therapeutic benefit in contrast to prior vaccine attempts to generate antibodies to facilitate opsonophagocytosis.
Comparative Plastome Analysis of Root- and Stem-Feeding Parasites of Santalales Untangle the Footprints of Feeding Mode and Lifestyle Transitions
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Fang Dongming , Wu Chenyu , Liu Bing , Liu Yang , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Song Bo , Yang Shuai , Yang Tuo , Wei Jinpu , Wang Xuebing , Zhang Wen , Xu Qiwu , Wang Huafeng , Yuan Langxing , Liao Xuezhu , Chen Lipeng , Chen Ziqiang , Yuan Fu , Chang Yue , Lu Lihua , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Xu Xun , Liu Xin , Wicke Susann , Liu Huan
Published: December 2019

In plants, parasitism triggers the reductive evolution of plastid genomes (plastomes). To disentangle the molecular evolutionary associations between feeding on other plants below- or aboveground and general transitions from facultative to obligate parasitism, we analyzed 34 complete plastomes of autotrophic, root- and stem-feeding hemiparasitic, and holoparasitic Santalales. We observed inexplicable losses of housekeeping genes and tRNAs in hemiparasites and dramatic genomic reconfiguration in holoparasitic Balanophoraceae, whose plastomes have exceptionally low GC contents. Genomic changes are related primarily to the evolution of hemi- or holoparasitism, whereas the transition from a root- to a stem-feeding mode plays no major role. In contrast, the rate of molecular evolution accelerates in a stepwise manner from autotrophs to root- and then stem-feeding parasites. Already the ancestral transition to root-parasitism coincides with a relaxation of selection in plastomes. Another significant selectional shift in plastid genes occurs as stem-feeders evolve, suggesting that this derived form coincides with trophic specialization despite the retention of photosynthetic capacity. Parasitic Santalales fill a gap in our understanding of parasitism-associated plastome degeneration. We reveal that lifestyle-genome associations unfold interdependently over trophic specialization and feeding mode transitions, where holoparasitic Balanophoraceae provide a system for exploring the functional realms of plastomes.
“We Are Like Any Other People, but We Don’t Cry Much Because Nobody Listens”: The Need to Strengthen Aging Policies and Service Provision for Minorities in Canada
Authors: Salma Jordana , Salami Bukola
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

This study explores the aging experiences and needs of immigrant Muslim communities in an urban center in Alberta, Canada. Over one million Muslims live in Canada, with the majority being immigrants and visible minorities. Aging-focused policies and services have yet to address the needs of this population as larger cohorts begin to enter older age.

Research Design and Methods

A community-based participatory research approach was adopted with a community advisory committee co-leading all aspects of the research process. Sixty-seven older adults and stakeholders from diverse ethnocultural immigrant Muslim communities participated in either individual interviews or one of the seven focus groups (2017–2018). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with a focus on factors that support or hinder positive aging experiences in this population.

Results

Participants not only described the benefits of growing old in Canada but also identified unique challenges stemming from their social positioning as religious minorities, immigrants, and older adults. We highlight these experiences in three themes: (a) aging while living across places, (b) negotiating access to aging-supportive resources in a time of scarcity, and (c) re-envisioning Islamic approaches to eldercare.

Discussion and Implications

Immigrant Muslim communities report inequities experienced by older community members. There is a need for an in-depth analysis of the ways aging and migration policies intersect to influence the resources that immigrant minorities have access to as they grow old in Canada.
Antibiotic Cocktail for Pediatric Acute Severe Colitis and the Microbiome: The PRASCO Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Turner Dan , Bishai Jason , Reshef Leah , Abitbol Guila , Focht Gili , Marcus Dana , Ledder Oren , Lev-Tzion Raffi , Orlanski-Meyer Esther , Yerushalmi Baruch , Aloi Marina , Griffiths Anne M , Albenberg Lindsey , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Assa Amit , Cohen Shlomi , Gophna Uri , Vlamakis Hera , Lurz Eberhard , Levine Arie
Published: December 2019

Background

Alterations in the microbiome have been postulated to drive inflammation in IBD. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of quadruple antibiotic cocktail in addition to intravenous-corticosteroids (IVCSs) in acute severe colitis (ASC).

Methods

Hospitalized children with ASC (pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index [PUCAI] ≥65) were randomized into 2 arms: the first received antibiotics in addition to IVCS (amoxicillin, vancomycin, metronidazole, doxycycline/ciprofloxacin [IVCS+AB]), whereas the other received only IVCS for 14 days. The primary outcome was disease activity (PUCAI) at day 5. Microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene and metagenome.

Results

Twenty-eight children were included: 16 in the AB + IVCS arm and 12 in the IVCS arm (mean age 13.9 ± 4.1 years and 23 [82%] with extensive colitis). The mean day-5 PUCAI was 25 ± 16.7 vs 40.4 ± 20.4, respectively (P = 0.037). Only 3 and 2 children, respectively, required colectomy during 1-year follow-up (P = 0.89). Microbiome data at time of admission were analyzed for 25 children, of whom 17 (68%) had a predominant bacterial species (>33% abundance); response was not associated with the specific species, whereas decreased microbiome diversity at admission was associated with day-5 response in the IVCS arm.

Conclusion

Patients with ASC have alterations in the microbiome characterized by loss of diversity and presence of predominant bacterial species. Quadruple therapy in addition to IVCS improved disease activity on day 5, but larger studies are needed to determine whether this is associated with improved long-term outcomes (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02033408).
Baloxavir Marboxil Treatment of Nude Mice Infected With Influenza A Virus
Authors: Kiso Maki , Yamayoshi Seiya , Murakami Jurika , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: December 2019

Background

Immunocompromised patients infected with influenza virus require prolonged treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors, because these patients are not able to eradicate the virus from the respiratory tract, leading to the emergence of drug-resistant mutant viruses.

Methods

In this study, we examined the efficacy of baloxavir marboxil in nude mice that were immunologically deficient.

Results

Daily treatment with a suboptimal dose of baloxavir marboxil increased the survival time of the virus-infected nude mice but did not clear the virus from their respiratory organs, resulting in gradual body weight loss after termination of treatment.

Conclusions

Despite the prolonged baloxavir marboxil treatment, few resistant mutants were detected.
Gradual, Cooperative, Coordinated: Effective Support for Peace and Democracy in Conflict-Affected States
Authors: Fiedler Charlotte , Grävingholt Jörn , Leininger Julia , Mross Karina
Published: December 2019

This article analyzes the success factors for external engagement aimed at fostering peace in conflict-affected states. It focuses on a set of three factors that have been under-researched so far: the strategic prioritization between stability and democracy, the degree of coordination, and the mode of interaction. We compare international engagement in six countries—Burundi, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Senegal, and Timor-Leste. These countries all struggled with violent conflict and experienced a democratic transition in the period 2000–2014. We use an innovative approach to assess the impact of external engagement by analyzing twenty critical junctures in the domestic political processes of these countries mainly linked to elections, constitution-writing processes, and peace agreements, as well as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Based on over 300 interviews, we find that prioritizing stability over democratization is problematic, good international coordination has positive effects, and preferring cooperative forms of interaction over coercion is mostly but not always useful. In discussing these general features of international support, this article contributes to the broader discussion of factors that explain the impact external actors can have on transformative political processes after conflict.
Regulation of the transcription factor E2F1 mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells of cattle
Authors: Morrell Breanne C , Perego M Chiara , Maylem Excel Rio S , Zhang Lingna , Schütz Luis F , Spicer Leon J
Published: December 2019

The E2F family of transcription factors plays an important role in the control of the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and differentiation, and their role in ovarian function is just emerging. Although some evidence suggests a possible role of E2F1 in ovarian follicular development, what regulates its production in ovarian cells is unknown. Objectives of this study were to determine whether: (i) E2F1 gene expression in granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) change with follicular development and (ii) E2F1 mRNA abundance in TC and GC is hormonally regulated. Using real-time PCR, E2F1 mRNA abundance in GC was 5.5-fold greater (P < 0.05) in small (SM; 1 to 5 mm) than large (LG; >8 mm) follicles, but in TC, E2F1 expression did not differ among follicle sizes. SM-follicle GC had 2.1-fold greater (P < 0.05) E2F1 mRNA than TC. In SM-follicle GC, FGF9 induced a 7.6-fold increase in E2F1 mRNA abundance; however, FGF9 did not affect (P > 0.10) abundance of E2F1 mRNA in LG-follicle TC or GC. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) had no effect (P > 0.10) on E2F1 gene expression in SM- or LG-follicle GC. SM-follicle GC were concomitantly treated with insulin-like growth factor 1 (30 ng/mL), FSH (30 ng/mL), and either 0 or 30 ng/mL of FGF9 with or without 50 µM of an E2F inhibitor (E2Fi; HLM0064741); FGF9 alone increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers, whereas E2Fi alone decreased (P < 0.05) GC numbers, and concomitant treatment of E2Fi with FGF9 blocked (P < 0.05) this stimulatory effect of FGF9. Estradiol production was inhibited (P < 0.05) by FGF9 alone and concomitant treatment of E2Fi with FGF9 attenuated (P < 0.05) this inhibitory effect of FGF9. SM-follicle GC treated with E2Fi decreased (P < 0.05) E2F1 mRNA abundance by 70%. Collectively, our studies show that GC E2F1 mRNA is developmentally and hormonally regulated in cattle. Inhibition of E2F1 reduced FGF9-induced GC proliferation and attenuated FGF9-inhibited estradiol production, indicating that E2F1 may be involved in follicular development in cattle.
LC-MS Quantification of Malondialdehyde-Dansylhydrazine Derivatives in Urine and Serum Samples
Authors: Kartavenka Kostya , Panuwet Parinya , Yakimavets Volha , Jaikang Churdsak , Thipubon Kanitarin , D’Souza Priya Esilda , Barr Dana Boyd , Ryan P Barry
Published: December 2019

We developed a robust analytical method for quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in urine and serum samples using dansylhydrazine (DH) as a derivatizing reagent. The derivatization procedure was partially carried out using an autosampler injection program to minimize errors associated with the low-volume addition of reagents and was optimized to yield a stable hydrazone derivative of MDA and its labeled d2-MDA analogue. The target MDA-DH derivatives were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus Phenyl-Hexyl (3.0 × 100 mm, 3.5 μm) column. The mass-to-charge ratios of the target derivatives [(M+H)+ of 302 and 304 for MDA-DH and d2-MDA-DH, respectively] were analyzed in single ion monitoring mode using a single quadrupole mass spectrometer operated under positive electrospray ionization. The method limits of quantification were 5.63 nM (or 0.405 ng/mL) for urine analysis and 5.68 nM (or 0.409 ng/mL) for serum analysis. The quantification range for urine analysis was 5.63–500 nM (0.405–36.0 ng/mL) while the quantification range for serum analysis was 5.68–341 nM (0.409–24.6 ng/mL). The method showed good relative recoveries (98–103%), good accuracies (92–98%), and acceptable precisions (relative standard deviations 1.8–7.3% for inter-day precision; 1.8–6.1% for intra-day precision) as observed from the repeat analysis of quality control samples prepared at different concentrations. The method was used to measure MDA in individual urine samples (n = 287) and de-identified archived serum samples (n = 22) to assess the overall performance of the method. The results demonstrated that our method is capable of measuring urinary and serum levels of MDA, allowing its future application in epidemiologic investigations.
Impact of Unexplored Data Sources on the Historical Distribution of Three Vector Tick Species in Illinois
Authors: Gilliam Beth , Gronemeyer Peg , Chakraborty Sulagna , Winata Fikriyah , Lyons Lee Ann , Miller-Hunt Catherine , Tuten Holly C , Debosik Samantha , Freeman Debbie , O’hara-Ruiz Marilyn , Mateus-Pinilla Nohra
Published: December 2019

We updated the Illinois historical (1905–December 2017) distribution and status (not reported, reported or established) maps for Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae), Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), and Ixodes scapularis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) by compiling publicly available, previously unexplored or newly identified published and unpublished data (untapped data). Primary data sources offered specific tick-level information, followed by secondary and tertiary data sources. For A. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis, primary data contributed to 90% (4,045/4,482), 80% (2,124/2,640), and 32% (3,490/10,898) tick records vs 10%, 20%, and 68%, respectively from secondary data; primary data updated status in 95% (62/65), 94% (51/54) and in 90% (9/10) of the updated counties for each of these tick species; by 1985 there were tick records in 6%, 68%, and 0% of the counties, compared to 20%, 72%, and 58% by 2004, and 77%, 96%, and 75% of the counties by 2017, respectively for A. americanum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis. We document the loss of tick records due to unidentified, not cataloged tick collections, unidentified ticks in tick collections, unpublished data or manuscripts without specific county location, and tick-level information, to determine distribution and status. In light of the increase in tick-borne illnesses, updates in historical distributions and status maps help researchers and health officials to identify risk areas for a tick encounter and suggest targeted areas for public outreach and surveillance efforts for ticks and tick-borne diseases. There is a need for a systematic, national vector surveillance program to support research and public health responses to tick expansions and tick-borne diseases.
Spectroscopic and photometric studies of four W UMa-type eclipsing binaries – II
Authors: Zhang Liyun , Zhu ZhongZhong , Yue Qiang , Terheide Rachel , Han Xianming L , Long Liu , Lu Hongpeng , Pi Qingfeng , Jiang Linyiang
Published: December 2019

We performed photometric and spectroscopic studies on four W Ursae Majoris eclipsing binaries (V384 Ser, AQ Psc, V480 Gem and 2MASS J07095549+3643564). The binaries were observed from 2015 to 2018. The orbital period of V384 Ser showed an interesting cyclic variation overlaying a decreasing period, which may be caused by the light-time effect (LITE) of approximately 2.84 ± 0.01 yr or the magnetic activity cycle of 2.83 ± 0.01 yr. For AQ Psc, we found cyclic variations in its period caused by the LITE either as a result of a tertiary companion or because of a magnetic activity cycle. We derived the cycle of the tertiary component of AQ Psc as 23.87 (±0.14) yr or a magnetic cycle of 44.08 (±1.15) yr. We revised the linear ephemeris of eclipsing binaries V480 Gem and 2MASS J07095549+3643564. We also determined their orbital parameters and star-spot parameters by fitting the light curves. In addition, we found weak excess emissions in the LAMOST spectra of V384 Ser, AQ Psc, V480 Gem and 2MASS J07095549+3643564 in the Hα line, which indicates weak chromospheric activities.
The peculiar kinematics of the multiple populations in the globular cluster Messier 80 (NGC 6093)
Authors: Kamann S , Dalessandro E , Bastian N , Brinchmann J , den Brok M , Dreizler S , Giesers B , Göttgens F , Husser T-O , Krajnović D , van de Ven G , Watkins L L , Wisotzki L
Published: December 2019

We combine MUSE spectroscopy and Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet (UV) photometry to perform a study of the chemistry and dynamics of the Galactic globular cluster Messier 80 (M80, NGC 6093). Previous studies have revealed three stellar populations that vary not only in their light-element abundances, but also in their radial distributions, with the concentration decreasing with increasing nitrogen enrichment. This remarkable trend, which sets M80 apart from other Galactic globular clusters, points towards a complex formation and evolutionary history. To better understand how M80 formed and evolved, revealing its internal kinematics is key. We find that the most N-enriched population rotates faster than the other two populations at a 2σ confidence level. While our data further suggest that the intermediate population shows the least amount of rotation, this trend is rather marginal (1−2σ). Using axisymmetric Jeans models, we show that these findings can be explained from the radial distributions of the populations if they possess different angular momenta. Our findings suggest that the populations formed with primordial kinematical differences.