bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formate-removing inoculum dominated by Methanobacterium congolense supports succinate production from crude glycerol fermentation
Authors: Kim Nam Yeun , Lee Chung Min , Kim So Young , Kim Ok Bin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
We developed a formate-removing methanogenic inoculum (FRI) to facilitate succinate production from crude glycerol by Escherichia coli. FRI converted formate to methane, thereby enabling glycerol fermentation without additional electron acceptors under neutral pH. FRI was selectively enriched from sludge from the anaerobic digester of the Seonam sewage treatment plant (Seoul); this process was assessed via Illumina sequencing and scanning electron microscopy imaging. Methanobacterium congolense species occupied only 0.3% of the archaea community in the sludge and was enriched to 99.5% in complete FRI, wherein succinate-degrading bacteria were successfully eliminated. Co-culture with FRI improved glycerol fermentation and yielded 7.3 mM succinate from 28.7 mM crude glycerol, whereby FRI completely converted formate into methane. This study is the first to demonstrate methane production by M. congolense species, using formate. M. congolense-dominated FRI can serve as a renewable facilitator of waste feedstock fermentation and enable the production of commercially important compounds.
Assessing allegations of child sex abuse in custody disputes
Authors: Schindeler Emily 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRisk assessments by expert witnesses appointed by the Family Court of Australia (FCA), and as informed by findings of any investigations by police and child protection agencies, play a critical role in the adjudication of custody disputes involving allegations of child sex abuse. This study focuses on the contribution made by these independent advisors as documented in the FCA trial transcripts of a sample of 62 such cases in the period 2012–2016. Analysis reveals that those responsible for assessing risk shared a concern for an emerging pattern of applicant responsibility for systems abuse, in conjunction with emotional abuse, as a significant child protection issue. It also raises issues for the Court when there are multiple risk assessments coming from experts who bring different disciplinary and organisational perspectives. As an exploratory study, the implications of these findings need to be viewed through the lens of protecting the best interests of the child.
Burden of healthcare-associated infections at six tertiary-care hospitals in Saudi Arabia: A point prevalence survey
Authors: Alshamrani Majid M. , El-Saed Aiman , Alsaedi Asim , El Gammal Ayman , Al Nasser Wafa , Nazeer Syed , Balkhy Hanan H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA point prevalence survey was conducted on May 11, 2017, among inpatients at 6 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The overall point prevalence was 6.8% (114 of 1,666). The most common types of infections were pneumonia (27.2%), urinary tract infections (20.2%), and bloodstream infections (10.5%). Approximately 19.2% of healthcare-associated infections were device associated.
Impact of discontinuation of contact precautions on central-line associated bloodstream infections in an academic children’s hospital
Authors: Godbout Emily J. , Rittmann Barry J. , Fleming Michele , Albert Heather , Major Yvette , Nguyen Huong Jane , Noda Andrew J. , Cooper Kaila , Doll Michelle , Stevens Michael P. , Bearman Gonzalo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigated the impact of discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infected or colonized patients on central-line associated bloodstream infection rates at an academic children’s hospital. Discontinuation of contact precautions with a bundled horizontal infection prevention platform resulted in no adverse impact on CLABSI rates.
The human microbiota and infection prevention
Authors: Araos R. , D’Agata Erika M.C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe human microbiome participates in numerous aspects of human physiology and disease states. Recently, studies have begun to explore the role of the microbiome in colonization, infection and transmission of pathogens. This review provides a summary of the methodological principles used in microbiome studies and the published evidence of the impact of microbiome dysbiosis in infection prevention.
SECOND LANGUAGE ANXIETY AND ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Teimouri Yasser , Goetze Julia , Plonsky Luke 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSecond language (L2) anxiety has been the object of constant empirical and theoretical attention for several decades. As a matter of both theoretical and practical interest, much of the research in this domain has examined the relationship between anxiety and L2 achievement. The present study meta-analyzes this body of research. Following a comprehensive search, a sample of 97 reports were identified, contributing a total of 105 independent samples (N = 19,933) from 23 countries. In the aggregate, the 216 effect sizes (i.e., correlations) reported in the primary studies yielded a mean of r = −.36 for the relationship between L2 anxiety and language achievement. Moderator analyses revealed effects sizes to vary across different types of language achievement measures, educational levels, target languages, and anxiety types. Overall, this study provides firm evidence for both the negative role of L2 anxiety in L2 learning and the moderating effects of a number of (non)linguistic variables. We discuss the findings in the context of theoretical and practical concerns, and we provide direction for future research.
Molecular detection of rabies virus strain with N-gene that clustered with China lineage 2 co-circulating with Africa lineages in Monrovia, Liberia: first reported case in Africa
Authors: Olarinmoye A. O. , Kamara V. , Jomah N. D. , Olugasa B. O. , Ishola O. O. , Kamara A. , Luka P. D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDespite a long history of dog-transmitted human rabies outbreaks in Liberia, West Africa, no reports exist of molecular characterisation of the causative lyssaviruses. This study investigatedRabies lyssavirus(RABV) strains isolated at the dog–human interface in Monrovia, Liberia 2016 and 2017, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, using primers specific for the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Out of 20 specimens (19 dog brain samples and one human saliva) tested as suspected rabies cases, three (15%) were positive. Purified amplicons from all three positive specimens were sequenced in both forward and reverse directions. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted in MEGA7 and PhyML3 to determine their relationship with RABV sequences accessioned in NCBI GenBank. The first of three RABV strains detected clustered with China lineage 2 RABVs of dogs (99% homology to KU963489 and DQ666322). The second strain segregated with Africa lineage 2 RABVs also of dog origin, and the third strain segregated with Africa lineage 3 RABVs of Southern Africa viverrids. Our results show a transcontinental strain of rabies virus co-circulating with Africa lineages in post-conflict Liberia. This finding should stimulate more effective sub-regional planning and execution of one-health actions, towards stepwise surveillance and elimination of rabies in West Africa by 2030.
The prevalence, temporal trends, and geographical distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Yueqi , Liu Yuxiang , Zhu Jing , Hong Xiang , Yuan Rui , Fu Gengfeng , Zhou Ying , Wang Bei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive overview of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 subtypes and to investigate temporal and geographical trends of the HIV-1 epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Chinese and English articles published between January 2007 and December 2017 were systematically searched. Pooled HIV-1 prevalence was calculated, and its stability was analysed using sensitivity analysis. Subgroups were based on study time period, sampling area and prevalence. Publication bias was measured using Funnel plot and Egger's test. A total of 68 independent studies that included HIV-1 molecular investigations were eligible for meta-analysis. Circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE (57.36%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 53.76–60.92) was confirmed as the most prevalent HIV-1 subtype among MSM in China. Subgroup analysis for time period found that CRF01_AE steadily increased prior to 2012 but decreased during 2012–2016. Further whereas CRF07_BC increased over time, B/B′ decreased over time. CRF55_01B has increased in recent years, with higher pooled estimated rate in Guangdong (12.22%, 95% CI 10.34–13.17) and Fujian (8.65%, 95% CI 4.98–13.17) provinces. The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among MSM in China has changed across different regions and periods. HIV-1 strains in MSM are becoming more complex. Long-term molecular monitoring in this population remains necessary for HIV-1 epidemic control and prevention.
RAMSEY GROWTH IN SOME NIP STRUCTURES
Authors: Chernikov Artem , Starchenko Sergei , Thomas Margaret E. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigate bounds in Ramsey’s theorem for relations definable in NIP structures. Applying model-theoretic methods to finitary combinatorics, we generalize a theorem of Bukh and Matousek (Duke Mathematical Journal163(12) (2014), 2243–2270) from the semialgebraic case to arbitrary polynomially bounded $o$-minimal expansions of $\mathbb{R}$, and show that it does not hold in $\mathbb{R}_{\exp }$. This provides a new combinatorial characterization of polynomial boundedness for $o$-minimal structures. We also prove an analog for relations definable in $P$-minimal structures, in particular for the field of the $p$-adics. Generalizing Conlon et al. (Transactions of the American Mathematical Society366(9) (2014), 5043–5065), we show that in distal structures the upper bound for $k$-ary definable relations is given by the exponential tower of height $k-1$.
An Arctic‐Tibetan Connection on Subseasonal to Seasonal Time Scale
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zou Tao , Xue Yongkang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecent research indicates the great potentials of springtime land surface temperature (LST) as a new source of predictability to improve the subseasonal to seasonal climate prediction. In this study, we explore the initial cause of the springtime large‐scale LST in Tibetan Plateau (TP) and disentangle its close connection with the February wave activities from the Arctic region. Our Maximum Covariance Analysis show that the spring LST in TP is significantly coupled with the regional snow cover in the preceding months. The latter is further strongly coupled with the February atmospheric circulation and wave activities in mid‐to‐high latitudes. When the atmospheric circulation is in a combined pattern of Arctic Oscillation and West Pacific teleconnection pattern, wave trains from the Arctic can propagate and reach the TP through northern and southern pathways. This brings dynamical and moisture conditions for the TP snowfall and builds a bridge for Arctic‐Tibetan connection.
Controls of Basement Fabric on the Linkage of Rift Segments
Authors: Heilman Erin , Kolawole Folarin , Atekwana Estella A. , Mayle Micah 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Rukwa and North Malawi Rift Segments (RNMRS) both define a major rift‐oblique segment of the East African Rift System and are often regarded as discrete rifts due to the presence of the uplifted Mbozi block between them. Here we investigate the influence of basement fabrics on the coupling and linkage of border faults across an interrift transfer zone between discrete juvenile rift segments. We utilized satellite digital elevation model to investigate the morphological architecture of the rift domains and aeromagnetic data to assess the relationships (plan view) between the rift structures and the prerift basement fabrics. Our results show that the present‐day morphology of the RNMRS is characterized by along‐rift alternation of rift shoulder polarity, characteristic of coupled rift segments. Interpretation of filtered aeromagnetic maps along the boundaries of the RNMRS reveals striking alignment of the rift‐bounding faults with colinear NW‐SE trending preexisting basement fabrics. We find that rift coupling along the NE boundary of the Mbozi transfer zone is accommodated by fault‐assisted magma plumbing, whereas coupling along the SW boundary is accommodated by strike‐slip and oblique‐normal faulting that reactivated the Proterozoic Mughese shear zone, within the collisional boundary between the Tanzania craton and the Bangweulu cratonic block. Further, we show how the configuration of the basement fabrics may influence the formation of rift bifurcation across inter‐rift transfer zones. We suggest that the structural connectivity of the boundary faults along the RNMRS and their alignment with colinear basement fabrics demonstrate the influence of structural inheritance on the amalgamation of approaching rift segments.
Reverse signaling via PD-L1 supports malignant cell growth and survival in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Jalali Shahrzad , Price-Troska Tammy , Bothun Cole , Villasboas Jose , Kim Hyo-Jin , Yang Zhi-Zhang , Novak Anne J. , Dong Haidong , Ansell Stephen M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTreatment with programmed death-1 (PD-1) blocking antibodies results in high overall response rates in refractory and relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients, indicating that PD-1/PD-1 ligand interactions are integral to progression of this disease. Given the genetically driven increased PD-L1/2 expression in HL, we hypothesized that reverse signaling through PD-1 ligands may be a potential mechanism contributing to the growth and survival of Hodgkin Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells in cHL. Our data show that engagement of PD-L1 using an agonistic monoclonal antibody increases cell survival and proliferation and reduces apoptosis in HL cell lines. We show that HL patients have significantly higher serum levels of soluble PD-1 than healthy controls, and find that both membrane-bound and soluble forms of PD-1 are able to induce PD-L1 reverse signaling in HL cell lines. PD-L1 signaling, which is associated with activation of the MAPK pathway and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption, is reversed by PD-1 blockade. In summary, our data identify inhibition of reverse signaling through PD-L1 as an additional mechanism that accounts for clinical responses to PD-1 blockade in cHL.
Strain-engineering Mott-insulating La2CuO4
Authors: Ivashko O. , Horio M. , Wan W. , Christensen N. B. , McNally D. E. , Paris E. , Tseng Y. , Shaik N. E. , Rønnow H. M. , Wei H. I. , Adamo C. , Lichtensteiger C. , Gibert M. , Beasley M. R. , Shen K. M. , Tomczak J. M. , Schmitt T. , Chang J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe transition temperature Tc of unconventional superconductivity is often tunable. For a monolayer of FeSe, for example, the sweet spot is uniquely bound to titanium-oxide substrates. By contrast for La2−xSrxCuO4 thin films, such substrates are sub-optimal and the highest Tc is instead obtained using LaSrAlO4. An outstanding challenge is thus to understand the optimal conditions for superconductivity in thin films: which microscopic parameters drive the change in Tc and how can we tune them? Here we demonstrate, by a combination of x-ray absorption and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectroscopy, how the Coulomb and magnetic-exchange interaction of La2CuO4 thin films can be enhanced by compressive strain. Our experiments and theoretical calculations establish that the substrate producing the largest Tc under doping also generates the largest nearest neighbour hopping integral, Coulomb and magnetic-exchange interaction. We hence suggest optimising the parent Mott state as a strategy for enhancing the superconducting transition temperature in cuprates.
Fasciola hepatica GST downregulates NF-κB pathway effectors and inflammatory cytokines while promoting survival in a mouse septic shock model
Authors: Aguayo Vasti , Valdés Fernandez Bianca N. , Rodríguez-Valentín Madeline , Ruiz-Jiménez Caleb , Ramos-Benítez Marcos J. , Méndez Loyda B. , Espino Ana M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractParasitic helminths and helminth-derived molecules have demonstrated to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and confirmed therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. The helminthFasciola hepaticahas been reported to suppress specific Th1 specific immune responses induced by concurrent bacterial infections, thus demonstrating its anti-inflammatory abilityin vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that nativeF.hepaticaglutathione S-transferase (nFhGST), a major parasite excretory-secretory antigen, majorly comprised of Mu-class GST isoforms, significantly suppresses the LPS-induced TNFα and IL1β of mouse bone-marrow derived macrophagesin vitroand the pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine storm within C57BL/6 mice exposed to lethal doses of LPS increasing their survival rate by more than 85%. Using THP1-Blue CD14 cells, a human monocyte cell line, we also demonstrate that nFhGST suppresses NF-κB activation in response to multiple TLR-ligands, including whole bacteria clinical isolates and this suppression was found to be dose-dependent and independent of the timing of exposure. Moreover, the suppressive effect of nFhGST on NF-κB activation was shown to be independent of enzyme activity or secondary structure of protein. As part of its anti-inflammatory effect nFhGST target multiple proteins of the canonic and non-canonic NF-κB signaling pathway as well as also JAK/STAT pathway. Overall, our results demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory properties of nFhGST and its therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Comparative genomics sheds light on the predatory lifestyle of accipitrids and owls
Authors: Zhou Chuang , Jin Jiazheng , Peng Changjun , Wen Qinchao , Wang Guannan , Wei Weideng , Jiang Xue , Price Megan , Cui Kai , Meng Yang , Song Zhaobin , Li Jing , Zhang Xiuyue , Fan Zhenxin , Yue Bisong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRaptors are carnivorous birds including accipitrids (Accipitridae, Accipitriformes) and owls (Strigiformes), which are diurnal and nocturnal, respectively. To examine the evolutionary basis of adaptations to different light cycles and hunting behavior between accipitrids and owls, we de novo assembled besra (Accipiter virgatus, Accipitridae, Accipitriformes) and oriental scops owl (Otus sunia, Strigidae, Strigiformes) draft genomes. Comparative genomics demonstrated four PSGs (positively selected genes) (XRCC5, PRIMPOL, MDM2, and SIRT1) related to the response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in accipitrids, and one PSG (ALCAM) associated with retina development in owls, which was consistent with their respective diurnal/nocturnal predatory lifestyles. We identified five accipitrid-specific and two owl-specific missense mutations and most of which were predicted to affect the protein function by PolyPhen-2. Genome comparison showed the diversification of raptor olfactory receptor repertoires, which may reflect an important role of olfaction in their predatory lifestyle. Comparison of TAS2R gene (i.e. linked to tasting bitterness) number in birds with different dietary lifestyles suggested that dietary toxins were a major selective force shaping the diversity of TAS2R repertoires. Fewer TAS2R genes in raptors reflected their carnivorous diet, since animal tissues are less likely to contain toxins than plant material. Our data and findings provide valuable genomic resources for studying the genetic mechanisms of raptors’ environmental adaptation, particularly olfaction, nocturnality and response to UV radiation.
Mammoth ivory was the most suitable osseous raw material for the production of Late Pleistocene big game projectile points
Authors: Pfeifer Sebastian J. , Hartramph Wolfram L. , Kahlke Ralf-Dietrich , Müller Frank A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLate Pleistocene societies throughout the northern hemisphere used mammoth and mastodon ivory not only for art and adornment, but also for tools, in particular projectile points. A comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of tusk dentine from woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) and African elephant (Loxodonta africana) reveals similar longitudinal stiffness values that are comparable to those of cervid antler compacta. The longitudinal bending strength and work of fracture of proboscidean ivory are very high owing to its substantial collagen content and specific microstructure. In permafrost, these properties can be fully retained for thousands of years. Owing to the unique combination of stiffness, toughness and size, ivory was obviously the most suitable osseous raw material for massive projectile points used in big game hunting.
Irradiation-Dependent Helium Gas Bubble Superlattice in Tungsten
Authors: Sprouster D. J. , Sun C. , Zhang Y. , Chodankar S. N. , Gan J. , Ecker L. E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe implantation of noble gas atoms into metals at high gas concentrations can lead to the self-organization of nanobubbles into superlattices with symmetry similar to the metal host matrix. Here, we examine the influence of implantation parameters on the formation and structure of helium gas bubble superlattices within a tungsten host matrix to uncover mechanistic insight into the formation process. The determination of the size and symmetry of the gas bubbles was performed using a combination of small angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The former was demonstrated to be particularly useful in determining size and structure of the gas bubble superlattice as a function of irradiation conditions. Prior to the formation of a superlattice, we observe a persistent substructure characterized by inter-bubble spacings similar to those observable when the gas bubble superlattice has formed with very large ordering parameters. As the implantation fluence increases, the inter-bubble ordering parameter decreases, indicating improved ordering, until a superlattice is formed. Multiple implantation-specific differences were observed, including a temperature-dependent superlattice parameter that increases with increasing temperature and a flux-dependent superlattice parameter that decreases with increasing flux. The trends quantified here are in excellent agreement with our recent theoretical predictions for gas bubble superlattice formation and highlight that superlattice formation is strongly dependent on the diffusion of vacancy and implanted He atoms.