bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light by dye sensitized titania
Authors: Samuel Joshua J , Yam F K 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe use of textile dyes remain relevant in the issue of water pollution. With the potential harm it may possess on the local flora and fauna, various methods of dye removal have been researched and employed, including photocatalytic degradation. TiO2, being a suitable semiconductor for this purpose needs to be sensitized prior to use, either by doping or chemical adsorption in order to activate in visible light. In this study, various natural dyes were employed to sensitize TiO2. It was found that chlorophyll was superior in dye degradation, with about a 60% reduction in dye concentration over a target 2 h, greater than that of the synthetic sensitizer N-719. This places chlorophyll based photocatalytic reactors as a potential tool for organic pollutant degradation which are also easy to manufacture and abundant in nature.
Rates of ecomorphological trait evolution in passerine bird clades are independent of age
Authors: Phillips Anna G , Töpfer Till , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , Fritz Susanne A 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Although the links between species richness and diversification rates with clade age have been studied extensively, few studies have investigated the relationship between the rates of trait evolution and clade age. The rate of morphological trait evolution has repeatedly been shown to vary through time, as expected, for example, for adaptive radiations, but the strength and sources of this variation are not well understood. We compare the relationship between the rates of trait evolution and clade age across eight monophyletic clades of passerine birds by investigating ecomorphological traits, i.e. morphological traits that influence the ecology of the species directly. We study the ecomorphological divergence pattern using analyses of the disparity through time and determine the best-fitting model of evolution for each trait in each clade. We find no support for a consistent dependence of evolutionary rates on clade age across wing, tail, tarsus and beak shape in our eight clades and also show that early burst models of trait evolution are rarely the best-fitting models within these clades. These results suggest that key innovations or adaptive radiations might be less common evolutionary patterns and processes than generally thought or might depend on the taxonomic level investigated.
Dispersal, endosymbiont abundance and fitness-related consequences of inbreeding and outbreeding in a social beetle
Authors: Tremmel Martin , Steinitz Hadas , Kliot Adi , Harari Ally , Lubin Yael 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Most social species outbreed. However, some have persistent inbreeding with occasional outbreeding, and the decision of the individual regarding whether to stay in the natal group and inbreed or to disperse, with the potential to outbreed, is flexible and may depend on social, genetic and ecological benefits and costs. Few of these factors have been investigated experimentally in these systems. The beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801 (Scolytidae: Xyloborinae) lives in extended family colonies inside date seeds. The beetles inbreed, but some individuals disperse away from the natal seed and may outbreed. We investigated dispersal behaviour and assessed fitness-related measures in inbred and outbred offspring, in addition to the relative abundance of two endosymbionts. We predicted inbred offspring to have higher fitness-related measures and a reduced tendency to disperse than outbred offspring, owing to fitness benefits of cooperation within the colony, whereas increased endosymbiont abundance will promote dispersal of their hosts, thus enhancing their own spread in the population. Dispersing beetles were more active than ones that remained in the natal seed. As predicted, fewer inbred offspring dispersed than outbred offspring, but they matured and dispersed earlier. Fitness-related measures of inbred mothers were either lower (number of offspring) or not different (body mass) from those of outbred mothers. Inbred dispersers had greater amounts of Wolbachia, suggesting a role in dispersal. The results support the hypothesis that inbred females reduce dispersal and that early maturation and dispersal are likely to be benefits of increased cooperation in brood care.
Simultaneous monitoring for regression coefficients and baseline hazard profile in Cox modeling of time-to-event data
Authors: Xue Yishu , Yan Jun , Schifano Elizabeth D 
Published: December 2019

Summary
The Cox model is the most popular tool for analyzing time-to-event data. The nonparametric baseline hazard function can be as important as the regression coefficients in practice, especially when prediction is needed. In the context of stochastic process control, we propose a simultaneous monitoring method that combines a multivariate control chart for the regression coefficients and a profile control chart for the cumulative baseline hazard function that allows for data blocks of possibly different censoring rates and sample sizes. The method can detect changes in either the parametric or the nonparametric part of the Cox model. In simulation studies, the proposed method maintains its size and has substantial power in detecting changes in either part of the Cox model. An application in lymphoma survival analysis in which patients were enrolled by 2-month intervals in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program identifies data blocks with structural model changes.
Sweet dreams: therapeutic insights, targeting imaging and physiologic evidence linking sleep, melatonin and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Afsar Baris , Elsurer Afsar Rengin , Sag Alan A , Kanbay Asiye , Korkmaz Hakan , Cipolla-Neto José , Covic Adrian , Ortiz Alberto , Kanbay Mehmet 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMelatonin is the main biochronologic molecular mediator of circadian rhythm and sleep. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has roles in other physiologic pathways. Melatonin deficiency is associated with metabolic derangements including glucose and cholesterol dysregulation, hypertension, disordered sleep and even cancer, likely due to altered immunity. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a key microvascular complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. DN is the end result of a complex combination of metabolic, haemodynamic, oxidative and inflammatory factors. Interestingly, these same factors have been linked to melatonin deficiency. This report will collate in a clinician-oriented fashion the mechanistic link between melatonin deficiency and factors contributing to DN.
Beyond host regulation: Changes in gut microbiome of permissive and non-permissive hosts following parasitization by the wasp Cotesia flavipes
Authors: Cavichiolli de Oliveira Nathalia , Cônsoli Fernando Luís 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Koinobiont parasitoids regulate the physiology of their hosts, possibly interfering with the host gut microbiota and ultimately impacting parasitoid development. We used the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes to investigate if the regulation of the host would also affect the host gut microbiota. We also wondered if the effects of parasitization on the gut microbiota would depend on the host–parasitoid association by testing the permissive Diatraea saccharalis and the non-permissive Spodoptera frugiperda hosts. We determined the structure and potential functional contribution of the gut microbiota of the fore-midgut and hindgut of the hosts at different stages of development of the immature parasitoid. The abundance and diversity of operational taxonomic units of the anteromedial (fore-midgut) gut and posterior (hindgut) region from larvae of the analyzed hosts were affected by parasitization. Changes in the gut microbiota induced by parasitization altered the potential functional contribution of the gut microbiota associated with both hosts. Our data also indicated that the mechanism by which C. flavipes interferes with the gut microbiota of the host does not require a host-parasitoid coevolutionary history. Changes observed in the potential contribution of the gut microbiota of parasitized hosts impact the host's nutritional quality, and could favor host exploitation by C. flavipes.
Efficacy of intermittent short cycles of integrase inhibitor-based maintenance ART in virologically suppressed HIV patients
Authors: Calin Ruxandra , Landowski Stephanie , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Tubiana Roland , Palich Romain , Agher Rachid , Marcou Morgane , Blanc Christine , Katlama Christine , de Truchis Pierre 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Several studies have shown that NNRTI/PI-based triple therapy could be safely administered as a 4 days (4D) or 5 days (5D) a week maintenance strategy. We report here our experience of using an integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-based 4D/5D regimen in virologically suppressed HIV patients.

Methods
This cohort study enrolled adult patients on ART with viral load (VL) &lt;50 copies/mL for &gt;1 year, who switched to an INSTI-based triple regimen given 4D/5D a week. The primary endpoint was the virological efficacy rate at Week (W) 48, with virological failure defined as confirmed VL ≥50 copies/mL.

Results
A total of 73 patients were included (n = 28 for 4D, n = 45 for 5D): 54 men (74%), median (IQR) age 51 (45–57) years, ART duration 10 (6–18) years and duration of viral suppression 5 (2–9) years at baseline. As of 25 March 2019, the median follow-up was 21 (14–35) months, with a total of 161 patient-years of follow-up; all patients had reached the W24 visit, 66 (90%) W48 and 34 (47%) W96. Four patients discontinued the strategy: virological failure (n = 2) at W60 and W67, respectively, switch for renal toxicity (n = 1) at W28 and switch to rilpivirine/dolutegravir (n = 1) at W65. Overall the rate of virological success (95% CI) was 100% (94%–100%) at W24 and W48 and 93.7% (79.8%–98.2%) at W96.

Conclusions
While waiting for the final results of the large randomized QUATUOR ANRS-170 study, our real-life results suggest that the use of an intermittent maintenance triple-drug regimen given as a weekend (2 or 3 days) off is as effective with an INSTI-based regimen as with a PI or an NNRTI.
When antibiotics fail: a clinical and microbiological perspective on antibiotic tolerance and persistence of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kuehl Richard , Morata Laura , Meylan Sylvain , Mensa Josep , Soriano Alex 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen causing a vast array of infections with significant mortality. Its versatile physiology enables it to adapt to various environments. Specific physiological changes are thought to underlie the frequent failure of antimicrobial therapy despite susceptibility in standard microbiological assays. Bacteria capable of surviving high antibiotic concentrations despite having a genetically susceptible background are described as ‘antibiotic tolerant’. In this review, we put current knowledge on environmental triggers and molecular mechanisms of increased antibiotic survival of S. aureus into its clinical context. We discuss animal and clinical evidence of its significance and outline strategies to overcome infections with antibiotic-tolerant S. aureus.
Insufficient Knowledge in Kunduz: The Precautionary Principle and International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Marchant Emma J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The targeting protocols applied by forces during armed conflict are some of the most secretive documents held by any military. However, their role in applying principles of international humanitarian law (IHL) means that they are key to understanding their development. This piece is primarily concerned with practical and operational application of the precautionary principle under IHL; how much knowledge is sufficient to carry out an attack lawfully during modern armed conflict. In order to establish if a standard has developed with the increase in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technology, this piece uses the framework of an investigation into an incident in Kunduz, Afghanistan in 2009. I explore the difficulties of obtaining information post-incident, the differential standards expected by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Bundesgerichtshof (German Federal Court of Justice), and the manner in which these can be evaluated through the principles of proportionality, distinction and precautions in attack. The piece looks at the interrelated issues raised by the Rules of Engagement and Tactical Directives, as well as the problems surrounding the clarity of intelligence available. I argue that this case is demonstrative of the failings inherent in the application and practical use of the precautionary principle outlined by IHL. The lack of transparency afforded in, and after, incidents of this nature prevents objective analysis and so the development of IHL can be obfuscated. I conclude that the lack of information following incidents of this kind confuses any intelligence standard that exists under IHL.
The Political Cost of Being Soft on Crime: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Drago Francesco , Galbiati Roberto , Sobbrio Francesco 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study analyzes voters’ response to criminal justice policies by exploiting a natural experiment. The 2006 Italian Collective Pardon Bill, designed and promoted by the incumbent center-left (CL) coalition, unexpectedly released about one-third of the prison population, creating idiosyncratic incentives to recidivate across pardoned individuals. Municipalities where resident pardoned individuals had a higher incentive to recidivate experienced a higher recidivism rate. We show that in those municipalities voters “punished” the CL coalition in the 2008 parliamentary elections. A one standard deviation increase in the incentive to recidivate—corresponding to an increase of recidivism of 15.9%—led to a 3.06% increase in the margin of victory of the center-right (CR) coalition in the post-pardon national elections (2008) relative to the last election before the pardon (2006). We also provide evidence of newspapers being more likely to report crime news involving pardoned individuals and of voters hardening their views on the incumbent national government’s ability to control crime. Our findings indicate that voters keep politicians accountable by conditioning their vote on the observed effects of public policies.
PATENT ASSERTION ENTITIES AND EU COMPETITION LAW
Authors: Geradin Damien 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Patent assertion entities (PAEs) are playing an increasingly active role in Europe. Their activities are controversial in that although they may be a source of efficiencies, they may also create anticompetitive harm. Given the growing trend of operating companies transferring patents to PAEs to increase their licensing revenues, the risks of anticompetitive harm created by PAE activities must be taken seriously. When analyzing the impact of PAE activities on competition, a distinction must be drawn between “pure” PAEs, which acquire patents from a variety of sources and generate revenues by asserting them, and “hybrid” PAEs, which acquire patents from operating companies and maintain a relationship with these companies postacquisition. Although pure PAEs create risks of exploitation, hybrid PAEs create exclusionary concerns as such PAEs may be used by operating companies to harm their rivals on downstream product markets. These exclusionary concerns are particularly serious when the operating company retains a significant degree of control over the PAE’s activities following the transfer of the patents. As there is currently no EU competition case-law on the activities of PAEs, this article attempts to show through hypotheticals that depending on the circumstances of each case, privateering may lead to exclusion.
JEL: K21, K41, L24, L40.
Does Type of Violence Matter for Interventions to Mitigate Mass Atrocities?
Authors: Broache Michael P , Cronin-Furman Kate 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPreventing and mitigating mass atrocities is a critical challenge in international security. But international interventions to stop mass atrocities have met with mixed success, and the academic literature offers limited guidance on how to improve this record. We argue that more attention must be paid to the nature of violence, specifically whether violence targets identity groups as such or political opponents of the perpetrator more broadly. Using Krain's (2017) data on interventions and mass atrocities, we test for heterogeneous effects of interventions by violence type. We find that while antiperpetrator military interventions can reduce the severity of identity-based violence, nonmilitary actions have negligible effects. By contrast, in cases of politicide, “naming and shaming” is effective, while military intervention is not; neutral and properpetrator military interventions and economic sanctions are ineffective regardless of violence type. We conclude that intervention strategies should be more narrowly tailored on the basis of violence type.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Myeloproliferative Neoplasm with Ring Sideroblasts and Thrombocytosis with Cooccurrent SF3B1 and MPL Gene Mutations: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Park Chang-Hun , Yun Jae Won , Kim Hyun-Young , Lee Ki-O , Kim Sun-Hee , Kim Hee-Jin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T) is a new disease entity in the current WHO classification. Genetically, 60%–90% of cases have mutations in SF3B1, strongly associated with RS, and more than half of them cooccur with JAK2 V617F. This report describes the rare case of MDS/MPN-RS-T with SF3B1 mutation cooccurring with an MPL mutation.

Methods
We report a 79-year-old man who was referred because of generalized edema. Peripheral blood testing showed macrocytic anemia and thrombocytosis, and bone marrow analysis demonstrated dyserythropoiesis with RS and increased megakaryocytes. A molecular study was performed to detect SF3B1 mutations and recurrent mutations in MPN disease (JAK2 V617F/exon 12, CALR gene exon 9, and MPL gene exon 10 mutations).

Results
The molecular study revealed SF3B1 K666T and MPL W515R mutations, while BCR-ABL1 or JAK2 V617F/exon 12 and CALR mutations were all negative.

Conclusion
This is a rare case of concomitant SF3B1 and MPL mutations in MDS/MPN-RS-T.
Expanding the type IIB DNA topoisomerase family: identification of new topoisomerase and topoisomerase-like proteins in mobile genetic elements
Authors: Takahashi Diane T , Da Cunha Violette , Krupovic Mart , Mayer Claudine , Forterre Patrick , Gadelle Danièle 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The control of DNA topology by DNA topoisomerases is essential for virtually all DNA transactions in the cell. These enzymes, present in every organism, exist as several non-homologous families. We previously identified a small group of atypical type IIB topoisomerases, called Topo VIII, mainly encoded by plasmids. Here, taking advantage of the rapid expansion of sequence databases, we identified new putative Topo VIII homologs. Our analyses confirm the exclusivity of the corresponding genes to mobile genetic elements (MGE) and extend their distribution to nine different bacterial phyla and one archaeal superphylum. Notably, we discovered another subfamily of topoisomerases, dubbed ‘Mini-A’, including distant homologs of type IIB topoisomerases and encoded by extrachromosomal and integrated bacterial and archaeal viruses. Interestingly, a short, functionally uncharacterized motif at the C-terminal extremity of type IIB topoisomerases appears sufficient to discriminate between Mini-A, Topo VI and Topo VIII subfamilies. This motif could be a key element for understanding the differences between the three subfamilies. Collectively, this work leads to an updated model for the origin and evolution of the type IIB topoisomerase family and raises questions regarding the role of topoisomerases during replication of MGE in bacteria and archaea.
Au23(CR)14 nanocluster restores fibril Aβ’s unfolded state with abolished cytotoxicity and dissolves endogenous Aβ plaques
Authors: Zhang Wenkang , Gao Guanbin , Ma Zhongjie , Luo Zhuoying , He Meng , Sun Taolei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The misfolding of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides from the natural unfolded state to β-sheet structure is a critical step, leading to abnormal fibrillation and formation of endogenous Aβ plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have reported inhibition of Aβ fibrillation or disassembly of exogenous Aβ fibrils in vitro. However, soluble Aβ oligomers have been reported with increased cytotoxicity; this might partly explain why current clinical trials targeting disassembly of Aβ fibrils by anti-Aβ antibodies have failed so far. Here we show that Au23(CR)14 (a new Au nanocluster modified by Cys-Arg (CR) dipeptide) is able to completely dissolve exogenous mature Aβ fibrils into monomers and restore the natural unfolded state of Aβ peptides from misfolded β-sheets. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of Aβ40 fibrils when dissolved by Au23(CR)14 is fully abolished. More importantly, Au23(CR)14 is able to completely dissolve endogenous Aβ plaques in brain slices from transgenic AD model mice. In addition, Au23(CR)14 has good biocompatibility and infiltration ability across the blood–brain barrier. Taken together, this work presents a promising therapeutics candidate for AD treatment, and manifests the potential of nanotechnological approaches in the development of nanomedicines.
The Classical Guitar Companion
Authors: Berg Christopher 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The Classical Guitar Companion is an anthology of exercises, études, and pieces organized according to technique or musical texture. Students are encouraged to work in multiple chapters, simultaneously depending on advice from a teacher or their own assessment of what they need. The author’s dual perspective, as an active performing artist and as a teacher who has trained hundreds of guitarists, results in a combination of pedagogical thoroughness and artistic insight. The book opens with a large section devoted to establishing a thorough knowledge of the guitar fingerboard through a systematic and rigorous study of scales and fingerboard harmony, which will lead to ease and fluency in sight-reading and reduce the time needed to learn a repertoire piece. The chapters cover scales exercises and studies, repeated notes, slurs, harmony, arpeggios, melody with accompaniment, counterpoint, and florid/virtuoso studies. Each section contains text and examples that connect material to fingering practices of composers and practice strategies to open a path to interpretive freedom in performance. Exploring advice found in the standard pedagogical literature for guitar that effectively places constraints on a student’s long-term development, the book offers information designed to help students recognize and overcome these constraints. When the book presents the simple version of a technique, it does so through consideration of the technique’s advanced version. Many guitar composers are represented but there are also transcriptions of relevant lute music that expand the scope of the book. The book is designed to serve as a companion for years of guitar study.