bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal characterization of laser-induced plasma of tungsten in air
Authors: Mal Eshita , Junjuri Rajendhar , Gundawar Manoj Kumar , Khare Alika 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this manuscript, the time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on tungsten target in air and the coexistence of LTE among atoms and ions as well as the fulfillment of optically thin plasma condition are reported. The laser-induced plasma (LIP) of tungsten is generated by focusing the second harmonic of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser of pulse width ~7 ns and repetition rate of 1 Hz on the tungsten target. The temporal evolution of LIP of tungsten is recorded at four different incident laser fluences of 60, 120, 180, and 270 J/cm2. The several atomic and singly ionized lines of tungsten are identified in LIP. For the estimation of plasma temperature via the Boltzmann plot, the transitions at 430.7, 449.4, 468.0, 484.3, 505.3, and 524.2 nm of Atomic transition of tungsten (WI) and that of the ionic transitions, First Ionic transition of Tungsten (WII) at 251.0, 272.9, and 357.2 nm are selected. The electron density is estimated using the Stark-broadened profile of WI line at 430.2 nm. The McWhirter criteria for the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) condition is verified in present experimental conditions as well as the relaxation time and diffusion length are estimated to take into account the transient and inhomogeneous nature of the plasma. The optically thin plasma condition is studied by assessing the experimental intensity ratio of atomic lines and compared with that of the theoretical intensity ratio (branching ratio). The signal to noise ratio (SNR) is also obtained as a function of time with respect to laser pulse and incident laser fluence. All these observations indicate that the spectra should be recorded within the temporal window of 1–3.5 µs with respect to laser pulse where the plasma can be treated as optically thin as well as under LTE simultaneously along with the large SNR.
A cross-sectional research of iodine status of pregnant women in Chongqing, south-west China
Authors: Yao Ning , Zhou Chunbei , Xie Jun , Zhou Shuang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjective:To investigate whether implementation of a universal salt iodization (USI) programme has sufficient effects on pregnant women in Chongqing, the present study evaluated the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women living in Chongqing by spot urinary iodine concentration (UIC), to provide scientific suggestions to better meet the specific iodine needs of this vulnerable group.Design:Cross-sectional design.Setting:A random spot urine sample and household table salt sample were provided by each participant.Participants:A total of 2607 pregnant women from twenty-six of thirty-nine districts/counties in Chongqing participated.Results:The overall median UIC of pregnant women was 171·80 μg/l (interquartile range (IQR) = 113·85–247·00 μg/l) and 40·97 % (n1057) of participants were iodine insufficient. The median iodine in table salt samples was 25·40 mg/kg (IQR = 23·10–28·30 mg/kg); 93·26 % (n2406) of samples examined were found to be adequately iodized. Iodine nutritional status was not significantly different according to table salt iodization category. Trimester was identified to be statistically associated with UIC (P< 0·01). Seven districts/counties had median UIC below 150 μg/l and one district had median UIC of 277·40 μg/l.Conclusions:The USI programme in Chongqing prevents iodine deficiency generally, but does not maintain iodine status within adequate and recommended ranges throughout pregnancy. Usage of non-iodized or unqualified iodized salt and the slight change of dietary habits of iodized salt in Chongqing may present a substantial challenge to fight iodine-deficiency disorders; more efforts are needed to ensure adequate iodine intake during pregnancy besides the USI programme.
The political construction of public health nutrition problems: a framing analysis of parliamentary debates on junk-food marketing to children in Australia
Authors: Russell Cherie , Lawrence Mark , Cullerton Katherine , Baker Phillip 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjective:Junk-food marketing contributes significantly to childhood obesity, which in turn imposes major health and economic burdens. Despite this, political priority for addressing junk-food marketing has been weak in many countries. Competing interests, worldviews and beliefs of stakeholders involved with the issue contribute to this political inertia. An integral group of actors for driving policy change are parliamentarians, who champion policy and enact legislation. However, how parliamentarians interpret and portray (i.e. frame) the causes and solutions of public health nutrition problems is poorly understood. The present study aimed to understand how Australian parliamentarians from different political parties frame the problem of junk-food marketing.Design:Framing analysis of transcripts from the Australian Government’s Parliamentary Hansard, involving development of a theoretical framework, data collection, coding transcripts and thematic synthesis of results.Settings:Australia.Participants:None.Results:Parliamentarian framing generally reflected political party ideology. Liberal parliamentarians called for minimal government regulation and greater personal responsibility, reflecting the party’s core values of liberalism and neoliberalism. Greens parliamentarians framed the issue as systemic, highlighting the need for government intervention and reflecting the core party value of social justice. Labor parliamentarians used both frames at varying times.Conclusions:Parliamentarians’ framing was generally consistent with their party ideology, though subject to changes over time. This project provides insights into the role of framing and ideology in shaping public health policy responses and may inform communication strategies for nutrition advocates. Advocates might consider using frames that resonate with the ideologies of different political parties and adapting these over time.
Linking annuity benefits to the longevity experience: alternative solutions
Authors: Olivieri Annamaria , Pitacco Ermanno 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe uncertainty regarding financial returns and the life expectancy, joint to the reduced social security benefits, increasingly expose individuals to the risk of outliving their post-retirement assets. However, the demand for longevity guarantees remains low, due to high costs. The providers, on their side, may be reluctant to offer non-adjustable longevity guarantees, as the risk is long term and difficult to predict. It is therefore convenient to reconsider the design of longevity guarantees. In particular, a participating structure, providing a link to some longevity experience, could allow a sharing of losses, and possibly profits, resulting in a reduction of the cost of the retained guarantee. The literature review suggests a number of alternatives to define a longevity-linking arrangement, but the topic is not yet completely explored. It is useful, in particular, to have a common framework, under which the various solutions can be interpreted and compared, also with a view to the trade-off between the retained risk and the cost of the guarantee. Developing a general structure describing longevity-linked post-retirement benefits is the main purpose of this paper. Allowing for aggregate longevity risk, we then examine suitable solutions for insurance products.
Maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence epigenetic aging of the placenta
Authors: Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Shrestha Deepika , Tajuddin Salman M. , Tekola-Ayele Fasil 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDisruption of physiological aging of the placenta can lead to pregnancy complications and increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases during childhood and adulthood. Maternal metabolic and genetic factors need to operate in concert with placental development for optimal pregnancy outcome. However, it is unknown whether maternal cardiometabolic status and genetic ancestry contribute to differences in placental epigenetic age acceleration (PAA). We investigated whether maternal prepregnancy obesity, gestational weight gain (GWG), blood pressure, and genetic ancestry influence PAA. Among 301 pregnant women from 4 race/ethnic groups who provided placenta samples at delivery as part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies, placental DNA methylation age was estimated using 62 CpGs known to predict placental aging. PAA was defined to be the difference between placental DNA methylation age and gestational age at birth. Percentage of genetic ancestries was estimated using genotype data. We found that a 1 kg/week increase in GWG was associated with up to 1.71 (95% CI: −3.11, −0.32) week lower PAA. Offspring Native American ancestry and African ancestry were associated, respectively, with higher and lower PAA among Hispanics, and maternal East Asian ancestry was associated with lower PAA among Asians (p< 0.05). Among mothers with a male offspring, blood pressure was associated with lower PAA across all three trimesters (p< 0.05), prepregnancy obesity compared to normal weight was associated with 1.24 (95% CI: −2.24, −0.25) week lower PAA. In summary, we observed that maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence placental epigenetic aging and some of these influences may be male offspring-specific.
Long Wavelength Progressive Plateau Uplift in Eastern Anatolia Since 20 Ma: Implications for the Role of Slab Peel‐Back and Break‐Off
Authors: Memiş Caner , Göğüş Oğuz H. , Uluocak Ebru Şengül , Pysklywec Russell , Keskin Mehmet , Şengör A.M. Celal , Topuz Gültekin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStratigraphic evidence is used to interpret that the East Anatolian Plateau with 2 km average elevation today was below sea level ~20 Ma and uplift began in the northern part. The presence of voluminous volcanic rocks/melt production across the plateau—younging to the south—corroborates geophysical interpretations (e.g., high heat flow and lower seismic velocities) that suggest progressive removal of the slab subducting under the Pontides. Here, we conduct numerical experiments that investigate the change in the surface uplift as a response to slab peel‐back and potential break‐off processes under subduction‐accretionary complexes as well as continental lithosphere. Model results show similar types of tectonic behavior and magnitudes of uplift‐subsidence in both oceanic and continental removal processes, and they satisfactorily explain 1.5 km of plateau rise and a ~280 km wide asthenospheric upwelling zone beneath Eastern Anatolia over 18 Myr timescale. Parametric investigation for varying plate strength and convergence velocities show that such model parameters control the amount of surface uplift (1 to 3 km), the width of the asthenospheric upwelling zone, and the potential timing/depth of break‐off of the steepening/peeling slab. Experiments show that slab break‐off develops during the terminal phase, which may correspond to only a few million years ago. Therefore, the long wavelength plateau uplift and magmatism over the Eastern Anatolian‐Lesser Caucasus region since 20 Ma is controlled by progressive slab peel‐back and resulting mantle dynamics. The slab break‐off process (if it happened) has yet an indiscernible role.
Temporal and Spatial Development of TEC Enhancements during Substorms
Authors: Weygand J.M. , Wing S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTotal electron count (TEC) enhancements due to space weather are a threat to communications and global positioning systems. It is known that TEC enhancements occur during magnetic storms and can cover large areas for many hours, but it is also not uncommon for TEC enhancements on the order of a few TEC units to occur during substorms. Although much is known about storm‐associated TECs, the temporal and spatial characteristics of substorm‐associated TECs are not well established. By combining two‐dimensional maps of TECs over North America and Greenland and with maps of ionospheric currents derived with the spherical elementary current method [Weygand et al., 2011], we investigate the temporal and spatial changes of TEC enhancement events for both a single substorm and for multiple substorms combined using a two‐dimensional superposed‐epoch analysis. Both the single event analysis and the statistical analysis show an increase of TECs during the expansion phase. Substorm values of the TEC enhancements peak within 10 min after auroral onset and recover to nominal levels after about 40 min. TEC enhancements occur mainly within the nightside region 1 current system and cover millions of square kilometers. Furthermore, these enhancements appear to be associated with enhanced precipitating electron fluxes. These results address one of goals of the Space Weather Action Plan, which are to establish benchmarks for space weather events and improve modeling and prediction of their impacts on infrastructure.
Niche differentiation is spatially and temporally regulated in the rhizosphere
Authors: Nuccio Erin E , Starr Evan , Karaoz Ulas , Brodie Eoin L , Zhou Jizhong , Tringe Susannah G , Malmstrom Rex R , Woyke Tanja , Banfield Jillian F , Firestone Mary K , Pett-Ridge Jennifer 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The rhizosphere is a hotspot for microbial carbon transformations, and is the entry point for root polysaccharides and polymeric carbohydrates that are important precursors to soil organic matter (SOM). However, the ecological mechanisms that underpin rhizosphere carbohydrate depolymerization are poorly understood. Using Avena fatua, a common annual grass, we analyzed time-resolved metatranscriptomes to compare microbial functions in rhizosphere, detritusphere, and combined rhizosphere–detritusphere habitats. Transcripts were binned using a unique reference database generated from soil isolate genomes, single-cell amplified genomes, metagenomes, and stable isotope probing metagenomes. While soil habitat significantly affected both community composition and overall gene expression, the succession of microbial functions occurred at a faster time scale than compositional changes. Using hierarchical clustering of upregulated decomposition genes, we identified four distinct microbial guilds populated by taxa whose functional succession patterns suggest specialization for substrates provided by fresh growing roots, decaying root detritus, the combination of live and decaying root biomass, or aging root material. Carbohydrate depolymerization genes were consistently upregulated in the rhizosphere, and both taxonomic and functional diversity were highest in the combined rhizosphere–detritusphere, suggesting coexistence of rhizosphere guilds is facilitated by niche differentiation. Metatranscriptome-defined guilds provide a framework to model rhizosphere succession and its consequences for soil carbon cycling.
Quantification of the scratch-healing efficiency for novel zwitterionic polymers
Authors: Dahlke Jan , Kimmig Julian , Abend Marcus , Zechel Stefan , Vitz Jürgen , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hager Martin D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this work, we present a new strategy to engineer novel self-healing ionomers, namely, zwitterionic polymers, and a comprehensive analysis of their mechanical, viscoelastic, and scratch-healing properties. This new method enables reproducible damage of the polymer surfaces, calculation of the scratch volume through tactile profile scans, and quantification of the self-healing efficiency. Based on the results of the scratch tests and complementary rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hardness tests, new trends, and structure–property relationships can be identified.
Single cell and genetic analyses reveal conserved populations and signaling mechanisms of gastrointestinal stromal niches
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Fei Lijiang , Yin Wen-Chi , Coquenlorge Sabrina , Rao-Bhatia Abilasha , Zhang Xiaoyun , Shi Sammy Shun Wai , Lee Ju Hee , Hahn Noah A. , Rizvi Wasi , Kim Kyoung-Han , Sung Hoon-Ki , Hui Chi-chung , Guo Guoji , Kim Tae-Hee 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStomach and intestinal stem cells are located in discrete niches called the isthmus and crypt, respectively. Recent studies have demonstrated a surprisingly conserved role for Wnt signaling in gastrointestinal development. Although intestinal stromal cells secrete Wnt ligands to promote stem cell renewal, the source of stomach Wnt ligands is still unclear. Here, by performing single cell analysis, we identify gastrointestinal stromal cell populations with transcriptome signatures that are conserved between the stomach and intestine. In close proximity to epithelial cells, these perictye-like cells highly express telocyte and pericyte markers as well as Wnt ligands, and they are enriched for Hh signaling. By analyzing mice activated for Hh signaling, we show a conserved mechanism of GLI2 activation of Wnt ligands. Moreover, genetic inhibition of Wnt secretion in perictye-like stromal cells or stromal cells more broadly demonstrates their essential roles in gastrointestinal regeneration and development, respectively, highlighting a redundancy in gastrointestinal stem cell niches.
Deconvolving mutational patterns of poliovirus outbreaks reveals its intrinsic fitness landscape
Authors: Quadeer Ahmed A. , Barton John P. , Chakraborty Arup K. , McKay Matthew R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractVaccination has essentially eradicated poliovirus. Yet, its mutation rate is higher than that of viruses like HIV, for which no effective vaccine exists. To investigate this, we infer a fitness model for the poliovirus viral protein 1 (vp1), which successfully predicts in vitro fitness measurements. This is achieved by first developing a probabilistic model for the prevalence of vp1 sequences that enables us to isolate and remove data that are subject to strong vaccine-derived biases. The intrinsic fitness constraints derived for vp1, a capsid protein subject to antibody responses, are compared with those of analogous HIV proteins. We find that vp1 evolution is subject to tighter constraints, limiting its ability to evade vaccine-induced immune responses. Our analysis also indicates that circulating poliovirus strains in unimmunized populations serve as a reservoir that can seed outbreaks in spatio-temporally localized sub-optimally immunized populations.
Large-scale lipid analysis with C=C location and sn-position isomer resolving power
Authors: Cao Wenbo , Cheng Simin , Yang Jing , Feng Jiaxin , Zhang Wenpeng , Li Zishuai , Chen Qinhua , Xia Yu , Ouyang Zheng , Ma Xiaoxiao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLipids play a pivotal role in biological processes and lipid analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) has significantly advanced lipidomic studies. While the structure specificity of lipid analysis proves to be critical for studying the biological functions of lipids, current mainstream methods for large-scale lipid analysis can only identify the lipid classes and fatty acyl chains, leaving the C=C location andsn-position unidentified. In this study, combining photochemistry and tandem MS we develop a simple but effective workflow to enable large-scale and near-complete lipid structure characterization with a powerful capability of identifying C=C location(s) andsn-position(s) simultaneously. Quantitation of lipid structure isomers at multiple levels of specificity is achieved and different subtypes of human breast cancer cells are successfully discriminated. Remarkably, human lung cancer tissues can only be distinguished from adjacent normal tissues using quantitative results of both lipid C=C location andsn-position isomers.
MUC1-C regulates lineage plasticity driving progression to neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Yasumizu Yota , Rajabi Hasan , Jin Caining , Hata Tsuyoshi , Pitroda Sean , Long Mark D. , Hagiwara Masayuki , Li Wei , Hu Qiang , Liu Song , Yamashita Nami , Fushimi Atsushi , Kui Ling , Samur Mehmet , Yamamoto Masaaki , Zhang Yan , Zhang Ning , Hong Deli , Maeda Takahiro , Kosaka Takeo , Wong Kwok K. , Oya Mototsugu , Kufe Donald 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNeuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive malignancy with no effective targeted therapies. The oncogenic MUC1-C protein is overexpressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and NEPC, but its specific role is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that upregulation of MUC1-C in androgen-dependent PC cells suppresses androgen receptor (AR) axis signaling and induces the neural BRN2 transcription factor. MUC1-C activates a MYC→BRN2 pathway in association with induction of MYCN, EZH2 and NE differentiation markers (ASCL1, AURKA and SYP) linked to NEPC progression. Moreover, MUC1-C suppresses the p53 pathway, induces the Yamanaka pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC) and drives stemness. Targeting MUC1-C decreases PC self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for CRPC and NEPC. In PC tissues, MUC1 expression associates with suppression of AR signaling and increases in BRN2 expression and NEPC score. These results highlight MUC1-C as a master effector of lineage plasticity driving progression to NEPC.
Machine learning can identify newly diagnosed patients with CLL at high risk of infection
Authors: Agius Rudi , Brieghel Christian , Andersen Michael A. , Pearson Alexander T. , Ledergerber Bruno , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Louzoun Yoram , Andersen Christen L. , Bergstedt Jacob , von Stemann Jakob H. , Jørgensen Mette , Tang Man-Hung Eric , Fontes Magnus , Bahlo Jasmin , Herling Carmen D. , Hallek Michael , Lundgren Jens , MacPherson Cameron Ross , Larsen Jan , Niemann Carsten U. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInfections have become the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) due to immune dysfunction and cytotoxic CLL treatment. Yet, predictive models for infection are missing. In this work, we develop the CLL Treatment-Infection Model (CLL-TIM) that identifies patients at risk of infection or CLL treatment within 2 years of diagnosis as validated on both internal and external cohorts. CLL-TIM is an ensemble algorithm composed of 28 machine learning algorithms based on data from 4,149 patients with CLL. The model is capable of dealing with heterogeneous data, including the high rates of missing data to be expected in the real-world setting, with a precision of 72% and a recall of 75%. To address concerns regarding the use of complex machine learning algorithms in the clinic, for each patient with CLL, CLL-TIM provides explainable predictions through uncertainty estimates and personalized risk factors.
The molecular basis of pyrazinamide activity on Mycobacterium tuberculosis PanD
Authors: Sun Qingan , Li Xiaojun , Perez Lisa M. , Shi Wanliang , Zhang Ying , Sacchettini James C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPyrazinamide has been a mainstay in the multidrug regimens used to treat tuberculosis. It is active against the persistent, non-replicating mycobacteria responsible for the protracted therapy required to cure tuberculosis. Pyrazinamide is a pro-drug that is converted into pyrazinoic acid (POA) by pyrazinamidase, however, the exact target of the drug has been difficult to determine. Here we show the enzyme PanD binds POA in its active site in a manner consistent with competitive inhibition. The active site is not directly accessible to the inhibitor, suggesting the protein must undergo a conformational change to bind the inhibitor. This is consistent with the slow binding kinetics we determined for POA. Drug-resistant mutations cluster near loops that lay on top of the active site. These resistant mutants show reduced affinity and residence time of POA consistent with a model where resistance occurs by destabilizing the closed conformation of the active site.