bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PGC‐1α deficiency causes spontaneous kidney inflammation and increases the severity of nephrotoxic AKI
Authors: Fontecha‐Barriuso Miguel , Martín‐Sánchez Diego , Martinez‐Moreno Julio M , Carrasco Susana , Ruiz‐Andrés Olga , Monsalve Maria , Sanchez‐Ramos Cristina , Gómez Manuel J , Ruiz‐Ortega Marta , Sánchez‐Niño Maria D , Cannata‐Ortiz Pablo , Cabello Ramiro , Gonzalez‐Enguita Carmen , Ortiz Alberto , Sanz Ana B 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPGC‐1α (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α, PPARGC1A) regulates the expression of genes involved in energy homeostasis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Here we identify inactivation of the transcriptional regulator PGC‐1α as a landmark for experimental nephrotoxic acute kidney injury (AKI) and describe the in vivo consequences of PGC‐1α deficiency over inflammation and cell death in kidney injury. Kidney transcriptomic analyses of WT mice with folic acid‐induced AKI revealed 1398 up‐ and 1627 downregulated genes. Upstream transcriptional regulator analyses pointed to PGC‐1α as the transcription factor potentially driving the observed expression changes with the highest reduction in activity. Reduced PGC‐1α expression was shared by human kidney injury. Ppargc1a−/− mice had spontaneous subclinical kidney injury characterized by tubulointerstitial inflammation and increased Ngal expression. Upon AKI, Ppargc1a−/− mice had lower survival and more severe loss of renal function, tubular injury, and reduction in expression of mitochondrial PGC‐1α‐dependent genes in the kidney, and an earlier decrease in mitochondrial mass than WT mice. Additionally, surviving Ppargc1a−/− mice showed higher rates of tubular cell death, compensatory proliferation, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, NF‐κB activation, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Specifically, Ppargc1a−/− mice displayed increased M1 and decreased M2 responses and expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. In cultured renal tubular cells, PGC‐1α targeting promoted spontaneous cell death and proinflammatory responses. In conclusion, PGC‐1α inactivation is a key driver of the gene expression response in nephrotoxic AKI and PGC‐1α deficiency promotes a spontaneous inflammatory kidney response that is magnified during AKI. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and Safety of Once‐Weekly versus Twice‐Weekly Bortezomib in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Meta‐analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Hu Bin , Zhou Quan , Hu Yang‐yang , Zhuang Lan , Yi Li‐ping , Cao Jin‐xia , Li Tian‐qi , Wang Jun 
Published: April 2019

Study ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly and twice‐weekly bortezomib therapy in patients with hematologic malignancies.DesignMeta‐analysis of 13 clinical or randomized controlled trials, with trial sequential analysis (TSA).PatientsA total of 1567 patients with hematologic malignancies who received either once‐weekly or twice‐weekly bortezomib therapy.Measurements and Main ResultsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. A meta‐analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled effect size; TSA was performed to assess the reliability of the pooled results. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for the overall response rate (ORR) was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.29, p=0.99), indicating no significant differences between patients who received once‐weekly bortezomib and those who received twice‐weekly bortezomib. TSA showed that the cumulative Z‐curve of the ORR entered the futility area, implying that reliable evidence was obtained for this pooled result. The pooled RR for any grade of peripheral neuropathy was 0.48 (95% CI 0.26–0.88, p=0.02); however, the TSA plot revealed that there was insufficient evidence for this result. The pooled RR for peripheral neuropathy grade 3 or higher was 0.21 (95% CI 0.13–0.34, p<0.00001), and reliable evidence was obtained according to TSA. Regarding the other toxicities, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, infection, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, we did not find any significant differences between patients who received once‐weekly bortezomib and those who received twice‐weekly bortezomib.ConclusionCompared with twice‐weekly bortezomib, once‐weekly bortezomib had a comparable ORR and a probable lower incidence of peripheral neuropathy. More clinical trials are needed to draw a conclusion regarding the difference in peripheral neuropathy between the two groups because of the insufficient evidence detected by TSA and the inconsistent results among subgroups.
Adaption strategies used by siblings to childhood cancer patients
Authors: Carlsen Line Thoft , Christensen Sophie Rex , Olesen Søren Peter 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveSiblings of childhood cancer patients experience social challenges. The results presented in this article are part of a larger qualitative study aiming to generate empirical knowledge about social consequences of childhood cancer from the family's perspective.MethodsData were collected through interviews, observational studies, and questionnaires. The study included 68 childhood cancer patients, 39 siblings, and 39 parents from a total of 78 families. Grounded theory informed the data analysis.ResultsMajor life changes caused by childhood cancer entail an emotional hierarchy regarding the accommodation of each family member's need for help. This study identified a dynamic three‐variable, four‐adaption model for adaption strategies among siblings towards their parents, based on the sibling's perspective: (1) receives help without asking; (2) receives help after asking; (3) receives no help despite asking; and (4) receives no help and does not ask. Three variables are elaborative to understand the dynamic in adaption strategies: the patient's prognosis, the course of the disease, and the current situation of the diagnosed child. Even though the adaptions are reported by siblings, both patients and parents are aware of and concerned about the siblings' challenges.ConclusionsThese results have implications for practice and have the potential to improve social and health care professionals' awareness and ability to offer support and information needed by the families and the siblings. The knowledge presented in this article should be considered basic health care information in line with other information such as treatment protocols.
Functional divergence between evolutionary‐related LuxG and Fre oxidoreductases of luminous bacteria
Authors: Deeva Anna A. , Zykova Evgenia A. , Nemtseva Elena V. , Kratasyuk Valentina A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn luminous bacteria NAD(P)H:flavin‐oxidoreductases LuxG and Fre, there are homologous enzymes that could provide a luciferase with reduced flavin. Although Fre functions as a housekeeping enzyme, LuxG appears to be a source of reduced flavin for bioluminescence as it is transcribed together with luciferase. This study is aimed at providing the basic conception of Fre and LuxG evolution and revealing the peculiarities of the active site structure resulted from a functional variation within the oxidoreductase family. A phylogenetic analysis has demonstrated that Fre and LuxG oxidoreductases have evolved separately after the gene duplication event, and consequently, they have acquired changes in the conservation of functionally related sites. Namely, different evolutionary rates have been observed at the site responsible for specificity to flavin substrate (Arg 46). Also, Tyr 72 forming a part of a mobile loop involved in FAD binding has been found to be conserved among Fre in contrast to LuxG oxidoreductases. The conservation of different amino acid types in NAD(P)H binding site has been defined for Fre (arginine) and LuxG (proline) oxidoreductases.
Assimilation impact of high‐temporal‐resolution volume scans on quantitative precipitation forecasts in a severe storm: Evidence from nudging data assimilation experiments with a thermodynamic retrieval method
Authors: Shimizu Shingo , Iwanami Koyuru , Kato Ryohei , Sakurai Namiko , Maesaka Takeshi , Kieda Kaori , Shusse Yukari , Suzuki Shin‐ichi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe assimilation impact of high‐temporal volume scan data (1 min) on very‐short‐range (within 1 h) quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) of a severe storm was investigated using a nudging data assimilation method. This study investigated (a) the assimilation impact of two observational parameters (potential temperature, retrieved using a traditional technique and pseudo‐water vapour, obtained from reflectivity observations), (b) the sensitivity to the temporal resolution of three‐dimensional radar observations, and (c) the assimilation method (re‐initialization at a single time or sequential nudging over 20 min), regarding the predictability of a tornadic storm observed on 2 September 2013 around Koshigaya City, Japan. Our results indicate that (a) data assimilation of both pseudo‐water vapour and potential temperature perturbation demonstrated the highest contribution for up to the first 30 min of the evaluation period (50 min in total), (b) finer temporal resolution provided a better forecast overall, and (c) a nudging scheme provided a better forecast in the first 30 min. Our results showed better predictability than traditional extrapolation‐based nowcasts in the latter 40 min of the evaluation period. The data assimilation with water vapour and potential temperature, determined from a 1 min volume scan, therefore has the potential to extend the cloud‐scale predictability in strong rainfall intensity situations (>20 mm/h) of very‐short‐range QPFs (within 30 min).
The contradiction of the sustainable development goals: Growth versus ecology on a finite planet
Authors: Hickel Jason 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThere are two sides to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which appear at risk of contradiction. One calls for humanity to achieve “harmony with nature” and to protect the planet from degradation, with specific targets laid out in Goals 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The other calls for continued global economic growth equivalent to 3% per year, as outlined in Goal 8, as a method for achieving human development objectives. The SDGs assume that efficiency improvements will suffice to reconcile the tension between growth and ecological sustainability. This paper draws on empirical data to test whether this assumption is valid, paying particular attention to two key ecological indicators: resource use and CO2 emissions. The results show that global growth of 3% per year renders it empirically infeasible to achieve (a) any reductions in aggregate global resource use and (b) reductions in CO2 emissions rapid enough to stay within the carbon budget for 2°C. In other words, Goal 8 violates the sustainability objectives of the SDGs. The paper proposes specific changes to SDG targets in order to resolve this issue, such as removing the requirement of aggregate global growth and introducing quantified objectives for resource use per capita with substantial reductions in high‐income nations. Scaling down resource use is also the most feasible way to achieve the climate target, as it reduces energy demand. The paper presents alternative pathways for realizing human development objectives that rely on reducing inequality—both within nations and between them—rather than aggregate growth.
Impact of Locally Administered Carboxydextran‐Coated Super‐Paramagnetic Iron Nanoparticles on Cellular Immune Function
Authors: Pedro Luisa , Harmer Quentin , Mayes Eric , Shields Jacqueline D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInterstitially administered iron oxide particles are currently used for interoperative localization of sentinel lymph nodes (LNs) in cancer staging. Several studies have described concerns regarding the cellular accumulation of iron oxide nanoparticles relating them to phenotype and function deregulation of macrophages, impairing their ability to mount an appropriate immune response once an insult is present. This study aims to address what phenotypic and functional changes occur during lymphatic transit and accumulation of these particles. Data show that 60 nm carboxydextran‐coated iron nanoparticles use a noncellular mechanism to reach the draining LNs and that their accumulation in macrophages induces transient phenotypic and functional changes. Nevertheless, macrophages recover their baseline levels of response within 7 days, and are still able to mount an appropriate response to bacterially induced inflammation.
Achieving resiliency in major defense programs through nonfunctional attributes
Authors: Enos James R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article examines how the ilities, or nonfunctional attributes, help to understand the concept of resiliency in engineered systems. For engineered systems, resiliency describes the ability of a system to react to and return to full function after an interruption to system operation. The literature on resiliency of engineered systems defines resiliency in both the context of mission and platform resiliency; however, it leaves an opportunity to research how to understand, manage, and achieve resiliency. This work proposes an application of the systems engineering ilities to resiliency to understand how systems engineers can account for resiliency in the design process and incorporate resiliency into systems. Quality, robustness, and agility assist in understanding the components of resiliency and the ilities of repairability, extensibility, flexibility, adaptability, and versatility provide means for systems to achieve resiliency. This article applies this framework to examine two cases of DoD systems, the B‐52 bomber and the F‐117 stealth fighter. These two examples demonstrate how nonfunctional attributes enable engineered systems to achieve resiliency and help to better understand the concept of resiliency in engineered systems.
Cryptic species in an ancient flowering‐plant lineage (Hydatellaceae, Nymphaeales) revealed by molecular and micromorphological data
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D. , Marques Isabel , Macfarlane Terry D. , Remizowa Margarita V. , Lam Vivienne K.Y. , Pellicer Jaume , Hidalgo Oriane , Rudall Paula J. , Graham Sean W. 
Published: April 2019

The flora of the southwestern Australian biodiversity hotspot is rich in endemic species, many of which remain to be discovered or properly described; estimates of species diversity and levels of endemism should take into account the possible occurrence of cryptic species. Here we explore taxonomic diversity in a Western Australian lineage belonging to the primarily Australian genus Trithuria, the sole genus of Hydatellaceae (Nymphaeales). Recent molecular evidence supports the existence of cryptic species in self‐pollinating members of section Trithuria. We investigate Western Australian plants currently classified as T. australis s.l., a self‐pollinating member of the section Hydatella. Using evidence from microsatellite data (SSRs), an expanded molecular phylogenetic analysis based on four plastid markers, and fruit micromorphology, we suggest that material traditionally classified as T. australis s.l. belongs to at least four species. Two species occur in the northern part of the distribution range of the group (31° S to 33°27′ S), and two in the southern part (33°27′ S to 35° S). Each northern species has distinctive fruit micromorphology not recorded in other members of the genus. The two southern species are well characterized by molecular characters and seem to be allopatric, but lack obvious morphological differences from each other. We describe one of the northern species as T. fitzgeraldii sp. nov. However, clarifying the names of the other three species is currently problematic as T. australis and another available name are based on collections made 117 years ago, from localities distant from any subsequent records of Hydatellaceae. Based on genome size estimations, we also demonstrate two ploidy levels in the T. australis complex. Our study supports the view that species diversity in Hydatellaceae is strongly underestimated.
Terahertz Diffractive Optics—Smart Control over Radiation
Authors: Siemion Agnieszka 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOver the last 20 years, thin and lightweight optical elements have become very desirable, especially for the terahertz (THz) range. Reduction of the volume of optical elements alongside an increase in their effective efficiency has begun a new direction of research leading to many practical applications. On top of that, diffractive optical elements can not only focus the incident beam, but also can shape the incoming wavefront into a desirable distribution or can redirect the energy. Starting from theoretical calculations of Fourier optics, diffractive elements have been transformed and nowadays form complicated structures that do not resemble a typical Fresnel lens. The precise control over a phase shift introduced by the designed element creates an opportunity to almost freely transform an incident wavefront. Moreover, the vast diversity of computer-generated holograms (also called synthetic) contributes substantially to this topic. Diffractive elements have a great impact on THz optical systems because their manufacturing is very simple in comparison with any other range of radiation (infrared, visible, ultraviolet, etc.). This review paper underlines developments in evolution of diffractive optics and highlights main principles and technological approaches for fabrication of diffraction optics within the terahertz range, thus serving as a guide to design and production considerations.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Hard Tissues and Hard Tissue Engineered Bio-substitutes
Authors: Mastrogiacomo Simone , Dou Weiqiang , Jansen John A. , Walboomers X. Frank 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool based on the detection of protons into the tissues. This imaging technique is remarkable because of high spatial resolution, strong soft tissue contrast and specificity, and good depth penetration. However, MR imaging of hard tissues, such as bone and teeth, remains challenging due to low proton content in such tissues as well as to very short transverse relaxation times (T2). To overcome these issues, new MRI techniques, such as sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT), ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging, and zero echo time (ZTE) imaging, have been developed for hard tissues imaging with promising results reported. Within this article, MRI techniques developed for the detection of hard tissues, such as bone and dental tissues, have been reviewed. The main goal was thus to give a comprehensive overview on the corresponding (pre-) clinical applications and on the potential future directions with such techniques applied. In addition, a section dedicated to MR imaging of novel biomaterials developed for hard tissue applications was given as well.
Resources and Rape: Congo’s (toxic) Discursive Complex
Authors: Laudati Ann , Mertens Charlotte 
Published: April 2019

Abstract:In the last decade, the rapes (of women) in, and the metaphoric raping (of natural resources) of, the Democratic Republic of Congo have received unprecedented attention from media, donors, and advocacy groups. Beginning in the early 2000s, these two narratives (the involvement of armed groups and state forces in illegal resource exploitation and the widespread prevalence of sexual violence in eastern DRC) merged to form a direct cause-consequence relationship, in which rape is framed as a tool for accessing mineral wealth. Through an analysis of media articles and reports of human rights organizations, this study traces the making of this rape-resources narrative, juxtaposing it with wider academic debates and critical scholarship. The narrative effectively focuses attention on a narrow set of actors and spaces in Congo’s conflicts, highlighting each of those actors/spaces in particular ways while obscuring the role of others. Because of this, key dynamics are missing from the narrative, such as historical context, gendered conflict dynamics, and armed group/civilian activity and mobilization, which are critical to understanding the scale and scope of violence in the region more broadly and the perpetration of instances of rape more specifically. The unraveling of the rape-resources narrative reveals its toxicity in limiting effective interventions and in closing down alternative narratives.
“Nothing but Time”: Middle Figures, Student Pregnancy Policy, and the Malawian State
Authors: Silver Rachel 
Published: April 2019

Abstract:This article explores state/NGO/funder relations in Africa through an ethnographic case study of Malawi’s Readmission Policy. The Policy, which banned the permanent expulsion of pregnant girls from school in 1993, underwent a formal, government-led review in 2016. By focusing attention on the daily work of “middle figures”—the mid-level civil servants, NGO representatives, and consultants who participated in the policy reform process—this article shows how state disempowerment in Malawi was not wholesale, even as aid funding for development policymaking bypassed government. Rather, government actors deployed key strategies, including time (mis)management, to reclaim moral authority over Malawian schools.
Raising the flag among the ruins: the crisis as helping hand for opposition parties?
Authors: Conti Nicolò , Pedrazzani Andrea , Russo Federico 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWithin the context of the economic downturn in southern Eurozone countries and the imposition of new constraints on national policy-making, this article examines the congruence between party issue prioritization, during and after the electoral phase. This is done through a longitudinal analysis of four countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) and use of party manifesto and parliamentary question data. We found that between the electoral and parliamentary arenas, parties tend to emphasize different issues. However, this occurs in different ways across time, countries, and parties. We propose a measurement of issue congruence in agenda framing between the pre- and post-electoral phases to assess to what extent elections provide a guide for public policies. Moreover, we propose arguments to explain different results in the analyzed countries and across parties. We show that the crisis magnified the capacity of the opposition to maintain programmatic coherence – a helping hand for opposition parties (including the radical ones) that succeeded in boosting the relevance of their signature issues.
The Half-Life of 14C—Why Is It So Long?
Authors: Kutschera Walter 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTThe half-life of radiocarbon (14C) is 5700 ± 30 yr, which makes it particularly useful for dating in archaeology. However, only an exceptional hindrance of the beta decay from 14C to 14N—a so-called Gamow-Teller ß-decay—makes this half-life so long. A normal strength would result in a half-life of only a few days, completely useless for archaeological dating. The unusual hindrance is based on the nuclear structure of the two nuclei, resulting in strongly destructive interferences of the nuclear transition matrix element. Nuclear model calculation with great computational efforts have been performed in the literature to reproduce the very low transition probability. Here, we will attempt to describe the nuclear physics behind this most unusual half-life.