bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melt Events in A Nascent Mantle Wedge: Implication from the Luobusa Ophiolite, Tibet
Authors: ZHANG Pengfei , ZHOU Meifu , MALPAS John , ROBINSON Paul
Published: May 2019

The compositions of minerals and whole rocks of the Luobusa ophiolite in South Tibet, a fragment of Neo‐Tethyan forearc lithosphere, is used to investigate the magmatic evolution of nascent mantle wedges in newly‐initiated subduction zones. Clinopyroxenes in the Luobusa peridotites all have diopsidic compositions, and their Al2O3 contents vary from ∼ 2% in the dunites and refractory harzburgites to 2‐4% in the cpx‐bearing harzburgites. The REE of clinopyroxenes in the harzburgites have left‐sloping patterns with contents comparable to those in abyssal peridotites that have experienced 5‐15% partial melting. Chromites in the Luobusa chromitites have the highest Cr#s (∼ 80) and TiO2 contents (0.1‐0.2%), and those in the cpx‐bearing harzburgites have the lowest Cr#s (20‐60) and TiO2 contents (0‐0.1%), whereas those in refractory harzburgites and dunites have intermediate compositions. Cpx‐bearing and refractory harzburgites show spoon‐and U‐shaped REE patterns, respectively, and their HREE distribution patterns suggest at least 15%‐ 20% partial melting. The REE patterns of dunites and high‐Cr chromitites vary from spoon‐ to U‐shaped and require 15‐30% partial melting in their mantle sources to produce their parental melts. Our dataset reveals that the nascent Luobusa mantle wedge was first infiltrated by slab‐derived fluids and later refertilized by transitional lava‐like melts, resulting in cpx‐bearing harzburgites. Partial melting in the deeper cpx‐bearing mantle generated high‐Ca boninitic to arc picritic melts, which interacted with the peridotites in the uppermost mantle to generate high‐Cr chromitites, dunites and some refractory harzburgites. Lithological variation from cpx‐bearing to refractory harzburgites in forearc ophiolites is the result of multi‐stage melt events rather than increasing degrees of partial melting. Intermittent slab rollback during subduction initiation induces asthenospheric upwelling and high heat flux in nascent mantle wedges. Elevated geothermal gradients play a more important role than slab dehydration in triggering Mg‐rich magmatism in newly‐initiated subduction zones.
Variations on Petroleum Geology among Major Basins and Their Formative Mechanisms, Central and Southern South China Sea
Authors: TANG Wu , ZHAO Zhigang , XIE Xiaojun , LIU Shixiang , SONG Shuang , WANG Long , WANG Yibo , GUO Jia
Published: May 2019

The South China Sea (SCS), one of the largest marginal seas in West Pacific, has experienced two marginal sea tectonic cycles, the pro‐SCS and Neo‐SCS, forming a tectonic trend of “compression in the south, extension in the north, subduction in the east and strike in the west”, with various kinds of sedimentary basins developed. The Central and Southern South China Sea (CSSCS) mainly has Zengmu, Brunei‐Sabah, Wanan, Zhongjiannan, Nanwei, Beikang, Reed, Palawan and Nansha Trough basins (Fig. 1). Since the exploration in the early 20th century, hundreds of oil and gas fields have been discovered in the CSSCS, making it one of giant oil and gas provinces in the world. However, the oil and gas potential of the CSSCS varied a lot, even among adjacent basins. Oil and gas resources in the southern Zengmu and Brunei‐Sabah basins are huge in scale, with recoverable reserves of nearly 5.3 billion tons of oil equivalent, which is ten times of that the Wanan basin in the west. The oil and gas discoveries in the Beikang basin on the Nansha block are only one three‐hundredth of Zengmu basin. No commercial discoveries have been made in the Reed and Nanwei basins. Although several studies have focused on the petroleum geology of separate basins, no systematical comparison has been made among various basins to reveal their differences and gain an overall perspective, largely due to limited datasets. The present study aims to investigate these aspects, using 90,000‐km 2D seismic profiles, 34 well logs, three cores, 36 outcrops, as well as paleontology, gravity and magnetic data.
The Changing Nature of International Mediation
Authors: da Rocha José Pascal
Published: May 2019

As warfare mutates from intrastate to infrastate, it was Clausewitz himself who created his own paradigmatic exit: war is a chameleon. The changing nature and trajectories of war have also changed the way that international mediators have deployed and used their skillsets. From liberation movements who fought for a new sociopolitical agenda to fragmented rebel formations and individuals who fight for self‐interests and preservation, mediators have to adapt to the new realities. The real actors are invisible or fluid in shape and structure, and interventions tend to be mired by a lack of appropriate response mechanisms. Along with a dissipation of Western values and culture, and the rise of proto‐states and secessionist movements, the brewing sandstorms of new wars over a new world power dispensation pose a tremendous challenge for mediators. The article will reinforce mediation theory and applied practice through a review of past experiences and a call to supplement state level instruments of mediation with local level cultural dialogue capacities (highlighting early warning and early responses) and the creation of safe spaces through integrated and complementarity approaches to interventions.
Extracellular ATP promotes breast cancer invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α signaling
Authors: Yang Hui , Geng Yue‐Hang , Wang Peng , Zhou Yan‐Ting , Yang Han , Huo Yan‐Fei , Zhang Hong‐Quan , Li Yan , He Hui‐Ying , Tian Xin‐Xia , Fang Wei‐Gang
Published: May 2019

Extracellular ATP has been shown to play an important role in invasion and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in breast cancer; however, the mechanism is unclear. Here, by using a cDNA microarray, we demonstrated that extracellular ATP could stimulate hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) signaling and upregulate hypoxia‐inducible factor 1/2α (HIF‐1/2α) expression. After knocking down HIF‐1/2α using siRNA, we found that ATP‐driven invasion and EMT were significantly attenuated via HIF2A‐siRNA in breast cancer cells. By using ChIP assays, we revealed that the biological function of extracellular ATP in invasion and EMT process depended on HIF‐2α direct targets, among which lysyl oxidase‐like 2 (LOXL2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) mediated ATP‐driven invasion, and E‐cadherin and Snail mediated ATP‐driven EMT, respectively. In addition, using silver staining and mass spectrometry, we found that phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) could interact with HIF‐2α and mediate ATP‐driven HIF‐2α upregulation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that expressions of HIF‐2α and its target proteins could be regulated via ATP by AKT‐PGK1 pathway. Using a Balb/c mice model, we illustrated the function of HIF‐2α in promoting tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, by exploring online databases, we found that molecules involved in ATP‐HIF‐2α signaling were highly expressed in human breast carcinoma tissues and were associated with poor prognosis. Altogether, these findings suggest that extracellular ATP could promote breast carcinoma invasion and EMT via HIF‐2α signaling, which may be a potential target for future anti–metastasis therapy.
First report of Sarcina ventriculi in a pyloric and duodenal brushing specimen
Authors: Rohr Joseph M. , Eidem Megan E. , Lele Subodh M.
Published: May 2019

This case is the first report of Sarcina ventriculi found on routine endoscopic brushings from the pylorus and duodenum. Cytopathologists should consider mentioning this organism in their report if the patient does not have a known reason for gastric stasis.
Rediscovering pneumatology in the “Age of the Spirit”: A North American Lutheran contribution
Authors: Peterson Cheryl M.
Published: May 2019

This essay explores Luther's pneumatology, especially in his sermons on the Gospel of John, might offer resources for “discerning the spirits” in the emerging “age of the Spirit,” as Harvey Cox and Phyllis Tickle have dubbed it, which sees the rise of the “spiritual but not religious” and movements calling for spiritual revolution. The author shows that Luther's insistence that the Spirit work through the given means of “Word and sacrament,” was not intended to limit the Spirit's activity in the world, but rather to protect God's people from those who would wish to use the Spirit for their own means and power.
Tethered homing gene drives: A new design for spatially restricted population replacement and suppression
Authors: Dhole Sumit , Lloyd Alun L. , Gould Fred
Published: May 2019

Optimism regarding potential epidemiological and conservation applications of modern gene drives is tempered by concern about the possibility of unintended spread of engineered organisms beyond the target population. In response, several novel gene drive approaches have been proposed that can, under certain conditions, locally alter characteristics of a population. One challenge for these gene drives is the difficulty of achieving high levels of localized population suppression without very large releases in the face of gene flow. We present a new gene drive system, tethered homing (TH), with improved capacity for both localization and population suppression. The TH drive is based on driving a payload gene using a homing construct that is anchored to a spatially restricted gene drive. We use a proof‐of‐concept mathematical model to show the dynamics of a TH drive that uses engineered underdominance as an anchor. This system is composed of a split homing drive and a two‐locus engineered underdominance drive linked to one part of the split drive (the Cas endonuclease). We use simple population genetic simulations to show that the tethered homing technique can offer improved localized spread of costly transgenic payload genes. Additionally, the TH system offers the ability to gradually adjust the genetic load in a population after the initial alteration, with minimal additional release effort. We discuss potential solutions for improving localization and the feasibility of creating TH drive systems. Further research with models that include additional biological details will be needed to better understand how TH drives would behave in natural populations, but the preliminary results shown here suggest that tethered homing drives can be a useful addition to the repertoire of localized gene drives.
Integrating human geography into futures studies: Reconstructing and reimagining the future of space
Authors: Kurniawan Jude Herijadi , Kundurpi Aravind
Published: May 2019

This article explores the concept of the “future” through the lens of human geography. We examine how space may influence the way we perceive the future and how actors connected to this space will determine or undermine the kind of future to be unfolded. Particularly, we are interested in who influences the ideas of the future that explains how futures could be imagined and constructed. Already, the ideas of the future have utilized concepts of sustainability and climate change to demonstrate how futures may unfold. However, these envisioned futures, which mostly originate from a narrow perspective within a single space–time dimension, can be misleading. The ideas of the future can be challenged because space–time evolution alters the social structure of actors connected to space in multiple dimensions. As space–time evolves, new actors will be introduced, and actors who have been traditionally power‐less may emerge to contest and negotiate access to power to provide alternative ideas of the future. Understanding how power is negotiated and contested by these actors in the future is critical to understanding who has the future power.
Factors associated with hyposalivation and xerostomia in older persons in South Brazil
Authors: Rech Rafaela Soares , Hugo Fernando Neves , Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate characteristics associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation in older persons.

Background

Saliva is one of the most important body fluids and plays an important role in food bolus formation, lubricating the oral mucosa and protecting teeth against demineralisation.

Materials and methods

This is a cross‐sectional study nested within a cohort and includes a sample of 872 older persons living independently in the community, both in rural and urban areas in Carlos Barbosa, Brazil. Data collection included standardised interviews to identify sociodemographic, behavioural and health‐related variables, as well as oral clinical examination performed by two trained/calibrated dentists. Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to calculate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The mean age was 68.5 ± 6.7 years, and the majority of the sample consisted of women (65.3%). The prevalence of xerostomia, of low stimulated salivary flow rate and low at rest salivary flow rate were 338 (38.8%), 494 (56.6%), 320 (36.7%), respectively. In the final adjusted model, women had a significantly increased prevalence of xerostomia (PR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.12‐1.61), as well as participants taking medication continuously (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.16‐1.82) and those with depressive symptoms (PR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.27‐1.76). Lower at rest (PR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.72) and lower stimulated salivary flow were more prevalent in women (PR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.44), while lower stimulated salivary flow was more prevalent in older persons taking medication continuously (PR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.43).

Conclusion

Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia were more prevalent in women and in those with continuous medication use; however, depressive symptoms were associated only with xerostomia. Measures are required to promote oral comfort in cases of xerostomia, thereby reducing the unpleasant sensation of dry mouth and hyposalivation consequences in clinical practice.
Histological and ultrastructural features of Aplysina cauliformis affected by Aplysina red band syndrome
Authors: Gochfeld Deborah J. , Diaz Maria Cristina , Renegar D. Abigail , Olson Julie B.
Published: May 2019

Aplysina red band syndrome (ARBS) affects shallow–water branching Caribbean sponges of the genus Aplysina. Signs of ARBS consist of a red band that advances from an initial circular lesion in both directions along the branch of the sponge, leaving behind spongin fibers devoid of living tissue. The red band is dominated by the filamentous cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp., which is responsible for the red coloration, although its role in the etiology of ARBS remains elusive. We used a combination of histology and transmission electron microscopy to describe ultrastructural and cellular differences between healthy and diseased individuals of Aplysina cauliformis. Tissue from the red band adjacent to spongin fibers devoid of living tissue was compared to healthy‐appearing tissue on the same sponges and to healthy sponges. ARBS‐affected tissue exhibited changes in cell densities, with increases in archaeocytes, collencytes, and unidentified round eukaryotic cells; decreases in exopinacocytes, granular cells, and spherulous cells; and loss of intact choanocyte chambers. Archaeocytes associated with diseased tissue appeared to be more active, as indicated by increased numbers and lengths of pseudopodia, and by a higher density of engulfed bacteria and symbiotic cyanobacteria, some of which were in various stages of disintegration. Filaments of Leptolyngbya sp. tended to be associated only with the ectosome of the red band portion of the lesion itself, and were rarely observed infiltrating intact tissue. These descriptions of anatomical and cellular responses to ARBS in A. cauliformis add to our understanding of the pathological effects of this widespread disease.
Spontaneous pulmonary adenocarcinoma and subcutaneous cavernous hemangiomas arising in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Salleng Kenneth J. , Apple Troy M. , Yu Erin N. Z. , Himmel Lauren E.
Published: May 2019

Benign and malignant pulmonary tumors have been reported in both Old World and New World monkeys but are uncommon. Hemangiomas are also rarely reported in nonhuman primates. Here we present a case of two primary neoplasms (a papillary adenocarcinoma of bronchioloalveolar origin and multiple cavernous subcutaneous hemangiomas) arising in an aged squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).
Morpho‐functional characterization of the heart of Gallus gallus domesticus with special reference to the right muscular atrioventricular valve
Authors: Prosheva Valentina , Kaseva Natalya , Dernovoj Bronislav
Published: May 2019

In this work, we studied the structure and function of the adult chicken heart with a focus on the right muscular atrioventricular valve using anatomic and echocardiographic methods. We demonstrated that the free wall thickness of the right and left ventricles changes from the apex to the base of the heart. The right muscular atrioventricular valve (RAVV) is joined directly to both the parietal right ventricle free wall (one attachment) and the interventricular septum (two attachments: ventral and dorsal). This valve does not have chordae tendineae or papillary muscles. The quantitative morphological and functional characterization of the RAVV is given. In color Doppler echo, no regurgitation of blood flow in the RAVV was observed in any of the studied birds. The blood flow velocity in the RAVV is 56.2 ± 9.6 cm s‐1. A contractile function of the RAVV is shown. Based on the findings obtained, we conclude that the RAVV has a sufficient barrier function. In addition, as this valve is an integral part of the right ventricle free wall, it contributes to the right ventricle pump function. An agreed nomenclature of the parts of the RAVV is required.
How Do Investment Ideas Spread through Social Interaction? Evidence from a Ponzi Scheme
Authors: RANTALA VILLE
Published: May 2019

A unique data set from a large Ponzi scheme allows me to study word‐of‐mouth diffusion of investment information. Investors could join the scheme only by invitation from an existing member, which allows me to observe how the idea spreads from one person to the next based on inviter‐invitee relationships. I find that the observed social network has a scale‐free connectivity structure, which significantly facilitates the diffusion of the investment idea and contributes to the growth and survival of the socially spreading Ponzi scheme. I further find that investors invest more if their inviter has comparatively higher age, education, and income.
Resistance inducers applied alone or in association with fungicide for the management of leaf rust and brown eye spot of coffee under field conditions
Authors: Silva Joyce A. G. , Resende Mário L. V. , Monteiro Ana C. A. , Pádua Moises A. , Guerra‐Guimarães Leonor , Medeiros Fernanda L. , Martins Stéfanny A. , Botelho Deila M. S.
Published: May 2019

The use of resistance inducers is a promising development in the management of plant diseases, owing to their ability to control a broad spectrum of pathogens and improve the efficacy of fungicides. This study evaluates different sources of phosphonates (potassium, manganese, copper), a formulation prepared from the by‐products of the coffee industry (Greenforce CuCa), as well as the effects of their application, alone or in association with fungicide, in the management of two important coffee fungal diseases in Brazil: leaf rust and brown eye spot, caused by Hemileia vastatrix and Cercospora coffeicola, respectively. The effect of these products on defoliation, productivity and chemical composition of coffee beans (content of trigonelline, chlorogenic acid, caffeine and total soluble solids) was evaluated. Among all the alternative products tested individually, potassium phosphonate (P2O5—33.6% + K2O—29%) stood out, particularly for rust control, which was similar to the results of fungicide treatments. Treatments with fungicide, Greenforce CuCa and cuprous oxide, individually, caused less plant defoliation. Regarding the chemical composition of the coffee beans, the manganese phosphonate treatment showed the highest values for trigonelline, chlorogenic acid, caffeine and total soluble solid content. The results of this study show that resistance inducers can be useful in disease management, may come to eventually replace traditional fungicides and can also contribute to the beverage quality.
Integrating nutrition outcomes into agriculture development for impact at scale: Highlights from the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund
Authors: Wesley Annie S. , De Plaen Renaud , Michaux Kristina D. , Whitfield Kyly C. , Green Timothy J.
Published: May 2019

The Canadian International Food Security Research Fund programme supported research and scaling up of nutrition‐ and gender‐sensitive agriculture innovations from 2009 to 2018. Women and girls were identified as agents of change and were targeted as the main programme beneficiaries. Projects were implemented in 25 countries through multistakeholder partnerships among universities, research institutions, public and private sectors, and civil society groups, reaching over 78 million people, mainly women and children. Approaches specific to nutrition included growing more nutritious crops, improving dietary diversity, value added processing, food fortification, and nutrition education. Scale‐up for impact was achieved through a number of pathways that started with evidence through rigorous research, followed by a combination of elements such as understanding local and regional contexts to identify specific bottlenecks and opportunities for the deployment and adoption of successful innovations, selecting politically effective or influential partners to lead the scaling up process, and investing in long‐term local capacity and leadership building. Overall, the knowledge generated in the programme indicate that well‐designed nutrition‐sensitive agriculture and food‐based interventions can have meaningful impacts on pathways that will lead to better health and well‐being of women and children through improving household and individual access to nutrient‐rich foods. Longer intervention times are needed to demonstrate changes in health indicators such as reduced stunting. This overview paper summarises the programme and showcases examples from studies that demonstrate the impact pathway for nutrition interventions that encompass efficacy and effectiveness studies, value‐added processing, cost effectiveness of interventions, and bringing a proven intervention to scale.
A Medicago truncatula SWEET transporter implicated in arbuscule maintenance during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: An Jianyong , Zeng Tian , Ji Chuanya , de Graaf Sanne , Zheng Zijun , Xiao Ting Ting , Deng Xiuxin , Xiao Shunyuan , Bisseling Ton , Limpens Erik , Pan Zhiyong
Published: May 2019

Plants form a mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which facilitates the acquisition of scarce minerals from the soil. In return, the host plants provide sugars and lipids to its fungal partner. However, the mechanism by which the AM fungi obtain sugars from the plant has remained elusive.

In this study we investigated the role of potential SWEET family sugar exporters in AM symbiosis in Medicago truncatula.

We show that M. truncatula SWEET1b transporter is strongly upregulated in arbuscule‐containing cells compared to roots and localizes to the peri‐arbuscular membrane, across which nutrient exchange takes place. Heterologous expression of MtSWEET1b in a yeast hexose transport mutant showed that it mainly transports glucose. Overexpression of MtSWEET1b in M. truncatula roots promoted the growth of intraradical mycelium during AM symbiosis. Surprisingly, two independent Mtsweet1b mutants, which are predicted to produce truncated protein variants impaired in glucose transport, exhibited no significant defects in AM symbiosis. However, arbuscule‐specific overexpression of MtSWEET1bY57A/G58D, which are considered to act in a dominant‐negative manner, resulted in enhanced collapse of arbuscules.

Taken together, our results reveal a (redundant) role for MtSWEET1b in the transport of glucose across the peri‐arbuscular membrane to maintain arbuscules for a healthy mutually beneficial symbiosis.
Influence of Spinopelvic Alignment on Pelvic Tilt after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kanto Makoto , Maruo Keishi , Tachibana Toshiya , Fukunishi Shigeo , Nishio Shoji , Takeda Yu , Arizumi Fumihiro , Kusuyama Kazuki , Kishima Kazuya , Yoshiya Shinichi
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of spinopelvic parameters and hip contracture on change in the pelvic tilt (PT) after Total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

One hundred patients (15 male and 85 female) who underwent THA were included in this prospective study. Radiographic data were obtained preoperatively and 1 year after THA. Radiographic parameters included sagittal anterior pelvic plane (APP), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), sacral slope (SS), pelvic inclination (PI), and lumbar lordosis angle (LL). The APP was defined as the angle between the anterior pelvic plane and the vertical plane. A positive value indicates pelvic retroversion. Postoperative changes in PT were divided into three groups: the PA group (pelvic anteversion, ΔAPP < −5°), the PR group (pelvic retroversion, ΔAPP > 5°), and the PT group (minimal change, ΔAPP ≤ ± 5°). The Kruskal–Wallis test and the Steel–Dwass test were used to compare the preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic parameters among the three groups. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between ΔAPP and spinopelvic parameters.

Results

Minimal change in pelvic tilt was observed in 59% of patients, while pelvic anteversion was observed in 16% of patients and pelvic retroversion was observed in 25% of patients. There were no significant changes in the spinopelvic parameters, including TK, LL, SVA, LL, SS, and APP after THA. The Femoral angle (FA) was significantly decreased after THA (P < 0.001). Preoperative APP was significantly more retroverted in the PA group than the PR group, and the PT group (6.8 ± 12.2, 0.2 ± 9.9, −8.3 ± 8.3, P < 0.001). Preoperative SS, PI‐LL, and PI were significantly smaller in the PA group than the PT group and the PR group. A significant negative correlation was identified between preoperative APP and ΔAPP (r = −0.418, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Approximately 60% of the patients did not have any marked change in PT after THA. Preoperative APP was the only predictive factor associated with marked anterior or posterior change in PT.
Rapid recovery of soil arthropod assemblages after exotic plantation tree removal from hydromorphic soils in a grassland‐timber production mosaic
Authors: Eckert Michelle , Gaigher René , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J.
Published: May 2019

Many wetland systems are being lost or degraded by human activities such as plantation forestry. Therefore, efforts to restore these wetland systems are important for biodiversity recovery. We assess the recovery of arthropod assemblages that occupy hydromorphic grassland topsoil and leaf litter after the removal of exotic pine trees. We sampled arthropods in three biotopes (natural untransformed hydromorphic grasslands, restored hydromorphic grasslands, and commercial pine plantations) replicated across a large‐scale timber‐grassland mosaic in the KwaZulu‐Natal Midlands, South Africa. In the restored sites, overall species richness, as well as species richness of spiders, ants, and orthopterans, was significantly higher than in plantations, and was as high as in natural, untransformed sites. Additionally, overall assemblage structure along with spider, beetle, ant, and orthopteran assemblages showed no significant differences between restored and natural grasslands. Therefore, pine tree removal enables recovery of these arthropod taxa to levels similar to those in natural hydromorphic grassland. Recovery was rapid, with the assemblages in some restored sites resembling those in untransformed sites after only 6 years, indicating a high level of resilience and recovery in these systems. Contrary to expectations, time since pine removal had a negative effect on arthropod recovery. This was due to the strongly negative effect of alien invasive American bramble (Rubus cuneifolius), which was most common in older restored sites, causing deviation from their restoration trajectory. The potential for arthropod recovery in these hydromorphic grasslands is high, but successful restoration is dependent on ongoing appropriate grassland management, especially removal of bramble.
Root vacuolar Na+ sequestration but not exclusion from uptake correlates with barley salt tolerance
Authors: Wu Honghong , Shabala Lana , Zhou Meixue , Su Nana , Wu Qi , Ul‐Haq Tanveer , Zhu Juan , Mancuso Stefano , Azzarello Elisa , Shabala Sergey
Published: May 2019

Soil salinity is a major constraint for the global agricultural production. For many decades, Na+ exclusion from uptake has been the key trait targeted in breeding programs; yet, no major breakthrough in creating salt‐tolerant germplasm was achieved. In this work, we have combined the microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique for non‐invasive ion flux measurements with confocal fluorescence dye imaging technique to screen 45 accessions of barley to reveal the relative contribution of Na+ exclusion from the cytosol to the apoplast and its vacuolar sequestration in the root apex, for the overall salinity stress tolerance. We show that Na+/H+ antiporter‐mediated Na+ extrusion from the root plays a minor role in the overall salt tolerance in barley. At the same time, a strong and positive correlation was found between root vacuolar Na+ sequestration ability and the overall salt tolerance. The inability of salt‐sensitive genotypes to sequester Na+ in root vacuoles was in contrast to significantly higher expression levels of both HvNHX1 tonoplast Na+/H+ antiporters and HvVP1 H+‐pumps compared with tolerant genotypes. These data are interpreted as a failure of sensitive varieties to prevent Na+ back‐leak into the cytosol and existence of a futile Na+ cycle at the tonoplast. Taken together, our results demonstrated that root vacuolar Na+ sequestration but not exclusion from uptake played the main role in barley salinity tolerance, and suggested that the focus of the breeding programs should be shifted from targeting genes mediating Na+ exclusion from uptake by roots to more efficient root vacuolar Na+ sequestration.
Impact of Mixed Convective and Radiative Heat Transfer in
Spiral-Coiled Tubes
Authors: Kushwaha Naveen , Vikash  , Kumar Vimal
Published: May 2019

Spiral-coiled tube heat exchangers (SCTHE) have higher heat transfer as compared to the conventional heat transfer devices and are extensively used to extract heat from exhaust gases in the chemical processing industries and also from sunlight for domestic applications. However, no attention has been made to predict heat transfer characteristics considering combined convective and radiative heat transfer in spiral-coiled tubes. In the present study, numerical analysis has been performed to predict fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics by combined forced convection and thermal radiation in spiral-coiled tubes. The P-1 radiation and the renormalized group (RNG) k–ε turbulence models have been used to study the effect of thermal radiation and turbulent convection heat transfer in the spiral-coiled tube, respectively, over a wide range of Reynolds numbers (10,000–100,000) and curvature ratios (0.02–0.05). The emissivity and optical thickness have been varied from 0.0 to 1.0 and 0.0 to 8.0, respectively, to investigate the effect of thermal radiation on heat transfer characteristics in spiral-coiled tubes. For the considered Reynolds number range, it is found that the heat transfer is enhanced by approximately 10% when radiation is taken into account. It is found that the heat capacity increased with an increase in optical thickness and wall emissivity. Further, the effect of optical thickness on fully developed flow is observed weak and the average heat transfer coefficient is influenced by the wall emissivity over the entire flow.
Axial acoustic radiation force on a spherical particle in a zero-order Mathieu beam
Authors: Li Shuyuan , Shi Jingyao , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Guangbin
Published: May 2019

In this paper, an expression for the acoustic radiation force on a sphere located on the axis of a zero-order Mathieu beam propagating in an ideal fluid is obtained. The simulation results of different kinds of spherical particles, including rigid spheres, fluid spheres, and elastic spheres, are presented to illustrate the theory. Curves of the acoustic radiation force function versus ka are obtained for different half-cone angles β and ellipticity parameters q of the Mathieu beam. The simulation results reveal that β and q have a direct effect on the acoustic radiation force exerted on a spherical object in an ideal fluid. The acoustic radiation force has negative values for a fluid sphere in a zero-order Mathieu beam when the half-cone angle is β≥60°. The value of the half-cone angle β also affects the direction of the acoustic radiation force for an elastic sphere. When the half-cone angle is set as a constant, the greater the ellipticity parameter is, the slower the decrease in the value of the acoustic radiation force function for a spherical particle. The conclusions of this work may be helpful for the design of acoustic tweezers and may also extend the potential applications of acoustic manipulation technology.
Theoretical and experimental study on multibeam synthetic aperture sonar
Authors: Wei Bo , Zhou Tian , Li Haisen , Xing Tianyao , Li Yixuan
Published: May 2019

High-resolution imaging method is one of the researching focuses of underwater acoustic detection. Underwater small-target detection also requires detailed imaging technology. Multibeam echo sounders (MBESs) and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) are the effective instruments widely researched to obtain underwater acoustic images. Constrained by the theory, the along-track resolution of MBES decreases with distance and the gaps problem of SAS always exists and both inevitably limit the quality of acoustic imaging. In this paper, a two dimensional multibeam synthetic aperture sonar (MBSAS) model is designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional underwater imaging instruments. MBSAS can provide a three dimensional (3D) high-resolution acoustic image without a gap problem. An echo model and transducer array manifold are designed to meet the requirements of engineering applications. Imaging theory and target simulations prove the feasibility of the MBSAS model. The performance of the proposed model is demonstrated with a tank experiment. A detailed image is obtained through an experiment that can indicate the shapes of targets and has the ability to separate adjacent targets. The simulations and experimental results indicate that MBSAS can obtain a more detailed 3D full-scan image than conventional MBES and SAS system with a better energy focusing ability.
Bioinspired, graphene-enabled Ni composites with high strength and toughness
Authors: Zhang Yunya , Heim Frederick M. , Bartlett Jamison L. , Song Ningning , Isheim Dieter , Li Xiaodong
Published: May 2019

Graphene-enabled Ni/Ni
3
C composites with brick-and-mortar structure exhibited high strength and toughness.
Magnetizing topological surface states of Bi
2
Se
3
with a CrI
3
monolayer
Authors: Hou Yusheng , Kim Jeongwoo , Wu Ruqian
Published: May 2019

Topological surface states of Bi
2
Se
3
are magnetized by the two-dimensional ferromagnetic van der Waals CrI
3
monolayer.
A unified picture of the covalent bond within quantum-accurate force fields: From organic molecules to metallic complexes’ reactivity
Authors: Lunghi Alessandro , Sanvito Stefano
Published: May 2019

Machine learning atomic potentials can universally describe chemical bonds in both organic and organometallic compounds.
Unexpected Activity of Oral Fosfomycin against Resistant Strains of Escherichia coli in Murine Pyelonephritis
Authors: Pourbaix Annabelle , Guérin François , Burdet Charles , Massias Laurent , Chau Françoise , Cattoir Vincent , Fantin Bruno
Published: May 2019

Fosfomycin tromethamine activity is well established for oral treatment of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections, but little is known about its potential efficacy in pyelonephritis. Ascending pyelonephritis was induced in mice infected with 6 strains of
Escherichia coli
(fosfomycin MICs, 1 μg/ml to 256 μg/ml). The urine pH was 4.5 before infection and 5.5 to 6.0 during infection.
Hemidysgeusia, phantosmia and respiratory arrest: a case of CLIPPERS
Authors: Nguyen Peter Baoviet , Prentice David , Brazel Robert , Leong Wai Kuen
Published: May 2019

A 56-year-old man presented with a relapse of likely chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) after a reduction of steroid dose. MRI demonstrated new perivascular FLuid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) signal hyperintensity involving the dorsal pontomedullary junction and progressing inferiorly into the dorsal medulla oblongata. His admission to hospital was complicated by a respiratory arrest.
Does voluntary medical male circumcision protect against sexually transmitted infections among men and women in real-world scale-up settings? Findings of a household survey in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Davis Stephanie , Toledo Carlos , Lewis Lara , Maughan-Brown Brendan , Ayalew Kassahun , Kharsany Ayesha B M
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Male circumcision (MC) confers partial protection to men against HIV and, in research settings, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is also associated with protection from some STIs among female partners. However, real-world data on changes in STI transmission associated with large-scale public African medical male circumcision (MMC) conducted for HIV prevention are lacking and would improve estimates of the health impact of MMC.

Methods

The HIV Incidence Provincial Surveillance System is a community-based surveillance platform for HIV prevalence, incidence and intervention coverage trends in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. HIPPS collected cross-sectional self-reported data on circumcision status (from men), partner circumcision status for past three partners (from women) and demographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors; and tested participants for HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, hepatitis B,Neisseriagonorrhoeae,Chlamydiatrachomatis,TrichomonasvaginalisandMycoplasmagenitalium. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed on associations between own (men) or partner’s (women) circumcision status and each STI. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, demographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors, and incorporated false discovery rate (FDR) correction.

Results

Among men, MMC had a protective association with HSV-2 (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.86), hepatitis B (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95), HIV (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.65) andM.genitalium(OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.88). Among women, partner circumcision had a protective association with HSV-2 (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.95) and HIV (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.90). Associations with HIV and HSV-2 remained significant for men and all women after FDR correction.

Conclusion

These real-world data, supporting protective associations between MMC conducted for HIV prevention and STIs in men and women, can help clarify the full impact of MMC and support a role in broader sexual health programming.
What do community health workers want? Findings of a discrete choice experiment among Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in India
Authors: Abdel-All Marwa , Angell Blake , Jan Stephen , Howell Martin , Howard Kirsten , Abimbola Seye , Joshi Rohina
Published: May 2019

Introduction

A number of factors contribute to the performance and motivation of India’s Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). This study aims to identify the key motivational factors (and their relative importance) that may help retain ASHAs in service.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey presented ASHAs with eight unlabelled choice sets, each describing two hypothetical jobs that varied based on five attributes, specifically salary, workload, travel allowance, supervision and other job benefits. Multinomial logit and latent class (LC) models were used to estimate stated preferences for the attributes.

Result

We invited 318 ASHAs from 53 primary health centres of Guntur, a district in south India. The DCE was completed by 299 ASHAs using Android tablets. ASHAs were found to exhibit a strong preference for jobs that incorporated training leading to promotion, a fixed salary and free family healthcare. ASHAs were willing to sacrifice 2530 Indian rupee (INR) from their monthly salary, for a job offering training leading to promotion opportunity and 879 INR for a free family health-check. However, there was significant heterogeneity in preferences across the respondents. The LC model identified three distinct groups (comprising 51%, 35% and 13% of our cohort, respectively). Group 1 and 2 preferences were dominated by the training and salary attributes with group 2 having higher preference for free family health-check while group 3 preferences were dominated by workload. Relative to group 3, ASHAs in groups 1 and 2 were more likely to have a higher level of education and less likely to be the main income earners for their families.

Conclusion

ASHAs are motivated by both non-financial and financial factors and there is significant heterogeneity between workers. Policy decisions aimed at overcoming workforce attrition should target those areas that are most valued by ASHAs to maximise the value of investments into these workers.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2018/03/012425.
Proteostasis and ALS: protocol for a phase II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial for colchicine in ALS (Co-ALS)
Authors: Mandrioli Jessica , Crippa Valeria , Cereda Cristina , Bonetto Valentina , Zucchi Elisabetta , Gessani Annalisa , Ceroni Mauro , Chio Adriano , D’Amico Roberto , Monsurrò Maria Rosaria , Riva Nilo , Sabatelli Mario , Silani Vincenzo , Simone Isabella Laura , Sorarù Gianni , Provenzani Alessandro , D’Agostino Vito Giuseppe , Carra Serena , Poletti Angelo
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Disruptions of proteasome and autophagy systems are central events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and support the urgent need to find therapeutic compounds targeting these processes. The heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) recognises and promotes the autophagy-mediated removal of misfolded mutant SOD1 and TDP-43 fragments from ALS motor neurons (MNs), as well as aggregating species of dipeptides produced in C9ORF72-related diseases. In ALS-SOD1 mice and in human ALS autopsy specimens, HSPB8 is highly expressed in spinal cord MNs that survive at the end stage of disease. Moreover, the HSPB8–BAG3–HSP70 complex maintains granulostasis, which avoids conversion of dynamic stress granules (SGs) into aggregation-prone assemblies. We will perform a randomised clinical trial (RCT) with colchicine, which enhances the expression of HSPB8 and of several autophagy players, blocking TDP-43 accumulation and exerting crucial activities for MNs function.

Methods and analysis

Colchicine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Co-ALS) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase II RCT. ALS patients will be enrolled in three groups (placebo, colchicine 0.01 mg/day and colchicine 0.005 mg/day) of 18 subjects treated with riluzole; treatment will last 30 weeks, and follow-up will last 24 weeks. The primary aim is to assess whether colchicine decreases disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R) at baseline and at treatment end. Secondary aims include assessment of (1) safety and tolerability of Colchicine in patiets with ALS; (2) changes in cellular activity (autophagy, protein aggregation, and SG and exosome secretion) and in biomarkers of disease progression (neurofilaments); (3) survival and respiratory function and (4) quality of life. Preclinical studies with a full assessment of autophagy and neuroinflammation biomarkers in fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphoblasts will be conducted in parallel with clinic assessment to optimise time and resources.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Area Vasta Emilia Nord and by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (EUDRACT N.2017-004459-21) based on the Declaration of Helsinki. This research protocol was written without patient involvement. Patients’ association will be involved in disseminating the study design and results. Results will be presented during scientific symposia or published in scientific journals.

Trial registration number

EUDRACT 2017-004459-21;NCT03693781; Pre-results.
Management of varicella in neonates and infants
Authors: Blumental Sophie , Lepage Philippe
Published: May 2019

In countries where vaccination is not implemented, varicella is a common ubiquitous disease offering a broad range of clinical presentations. Whereas mother-to-child perinatal transmission of varicella zoster virus (VZV) can lead to disseminated life-threatening diseases in unimmunised newborns, postnatal acquisition will be generally a source of milder infections. The pattern and severity of the disease are known to be partly determined by the timing of VZV acquisition during pregnancy with the highest risk period located around delivery. Management of youngest children after contact with a varicella case remains difficult for clinicians not only because of unawareness of varicella natural history and risks factors for serious complications, but also because of the lack of consensus from experts available in the literature. This state of uncertainty often leads to overconsumption of healthcare resources with systematic hospitalisation and unjustified antiviral intravenous therapies. After a concise literature review, this article proposes pragmatic recommendations considering newborns in various scenarios following a contact with VZV, taking into account the timing and mode of virus transmission, the maternal immunological status, the baby’s gestational age and the presence of other underlying conditions.
Advice for owners taking their pets abroad
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: May 2019

UK pet travel has increased year on year since the Pet Travel Scheme was relaxed in 2012, increasing from 140,000 dogs travelling from the UK in 2012 to 287,000 in 2017. When combined with the fact that parasitic diseases and their vectors are spreading rapidly, this increases the risk of pets encountering these agents while abroad and bringing them back to the UK. Exotic parasites also represent a disease risk to travelling pets and, potentially, to their owners, so it is vital that pet owners receive the correct travel advice to keep themselves and their pets safe, while also maintaining UK biosecurity. Pet travel represents a unique situation in pet parasite control in that owners must visit an official veterinarian before travel, presenting an opportunity for accurate advice to be delivered in an easy‐to‐understand way so that compliance may be maximised. This article outlines the information and advice that clients should be given before they travel abroad with their pets, concerning their legal obligations, the parasites they are likely to encounter and how best to avoid parasitic disease and zoonotic risk.