bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare case of congenital humeroradioulnar synostosis from medieval Pawłów Trzebnicki, Poland
Authors: Swenson Victoria , Spinek Anna
Published: January 2020

Congenital synostoses are defined as rare abnormal formations of primary anatomical structures. There are three major classifications: (a) skeletal anomalies, (b) soft tissue anomalies, and (c) anomalies involving both skeletal and soft tissues. Radioulnar synostosis is the most common form of upper limb abnormality. Synostoses between the humerus and either the ulna, radius, or both have been documented but are far less common. Of these cases, the most common type is humeroradial synostosis followed by humeroradioulnar and humeroulnar synostosis. This study presents a case of a late medieval (15th–16th c. A.D) adult male skeleton housed at the Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences with bilateral upper limb synostosis. Macroscopic and radiographic analyses suggest a diagnosis of congenital humeroradioulnar and humeroulnar synostosis. The right radius and ulna are hypoplastic. The left radial neck was reduced. The left radial head and the radial notch of the left ulna were absent. The radiographs demonstrate that the skeletal structures of the elbow are absent, suggesting fusion of the radius and ulna. A review of the clinical and bioarchaeological literature was conducted to assess differential diagnoses for the conjoined humerus, radius, and ulna. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of congenital humeroradioulnar synostosis in the paleopathological literature.
Optimal linear quadratic Gaussian control for discrete time‐varying system with simultaneous input delay and state/control‐dependent noises
Authors: Lu Xiao , Zhang Qiyan , Liang Xiao , Wang Haixia , Sheng Chunyang , Zhang Zhiguo , Cui Wei
Published: January 2020

This article focuses on the problem of linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control for discrete time‐varying system with input delay and state/control‐dependent noises. When the state variables can be exactly observed, first, we obtain the maximum principle by applying the method of variation. Second, a nonhomogeneous relationship between the state and the costate is developed in virtue of the obtained maximum principle and the mathematical induction. It is noted that the nonhomogeneous relationship is the solution to the forward and backward stochastic difference equations (FBSDEs). Finally, based on the solution to the FBSDEs, a necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal LQG control is derived in terms of coupled Riccati equations. Moreover, the analytical expression of the optimal controller is presented. The derived results are applied in networked control systems with packet dropout. Numerical examples are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for Duchenne muscular dystrophy based on the direct haplotype phasing
Authors: Chen Min , Chen Chao , Huang Xiaoyan , Sun Jun , Jiang Lu , Li Yingting , Zhu Yaping , Tian Changgeng , Li Yufan , Lu Zhe , Wang Yaoshen , Zeng Fanwei , Yang Yun , Song Xiwei , Peng Zhiyu , Yin Chenghong , Chen Dunjin
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the validity of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) based on direct haplotype phasing without the proband or other family members and its feasibility for clinical application in the case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Thirteen singleton‐pregnancy families affected by DMD were recruited. The pathogenic variants in the pregnant females have been identified by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We resolved maternal haplotypes for each family by performing targeted linked‐read sequencing of their high molecular weight DNA, respectively. Then, we integrated the maternal haplotypes and the targeted sequencing results of maternal plasma DNA to infer the fetal haplotype and the DMD gene variant status. The fetal genotypes were further validated by using chorionic villus sampling.

Results

The method of directly resolving maternal haplotype through targeted linked‐read sequencing was smoothly performed in 12 participated families, but one failed (F11). The predicted variant status of 12 fetuses was correct, which had been confirmed by invasive prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusion

Direct haplotyping of NIPD based on linked‐read sequencing for DMD is accurate.
Registration of TN15‐4009 soybean germplasm with resistance to soybean cyst nematode, southern root knot nematode, and peanut root knot nematode
Authors: Pantalone Vince , Wyman Chris
Published: January 2020

The conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] line TN15‐4009 (Reg. no. GP‐437, PI 691608) was released by University of Tennessee Agricultural Research in 2019 as a germplasm line on the basis of its high seed yield potential in the southern region of the United States and resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), southern root knot nematode, and peanut root knot nematode. The objective of its development was to create a high‐yielding SCN‐resistant soybean line. Progeny rows were selected based on adapted maturity, lodging resistance, disease resistance, and pod density and were entered in yield tests from 2015 through 2018. TN15‐4009 has white flowers and tawny pubescence. The pods have a tan pod wall, and the seed is yellow with a smooth seed coat. The seed size is approximately 13.6 g 100 seed−1, which was significantly greater than that of ‘Ellis’ in the 2018 USDA Uniform Test. In that test, TN15‐4009 matured 1 d earlier than Ellis and the same as ‘AG 4835’, indicating that the relative maturity of TN15‐4009 is approximately 4.8. Soybean line TN15‐4009 is resistant to SCN HG type 5.7 (score = 1) and HG type 2.5.7 (score = 1), resistant to southern root knot nematode (score = 1), and resistant to peanut root knot nematode (score = 1.3). TN15‐4009 is susceptible to stem canker.
Phenotype of children with inconclusive cystic fibrosis diagnosis after newborn screening
Authors: Munck Anne , Bourmaud Aurélie , Bellon Gabriel , Picq Paul , Farrell Philip M. ,   on behalf of the DPAM Study Group
Published: January 2020

Objective

To characterize the phenotypic expression of children with conductance regulator‐related metabolic syndrome (CRMS)/cystic fibrosis screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) designation after positive newborn screening, reassign labeling if applicable and better define these children's prognosis.

Methods

A multicenter cohort with CRMS/CFSPID designation was matched with cystic fibrosis (CF)‐diagnosed cohort. Cohorts were prospectively compared on baseline characteristics, cumulative data and when they reached 6 to 7 years at endpoint assessment.

Results

Compared to infants with CF (n = 63), the CRMS/CFSPID cohort (n = 63) had initially lower immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) and sweat chloride (SC) values, delayed visits, less symptoms, and better nutritional status; during follow‐up, they had fewer hospitalizations, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus identification, CF comorbidities, and treatment burden. At endpoint assessment, they presented a milder pulmonary phenotype on Brody computed tomography scores (0.0[0.0; 2.0] vs 13[2.0; 31.0]; P < .0001, respectively), Wisconsin and Brasfield chest radiograph scores, pulmonary function tests, and improved nutritional status. Among the inconclusive CF diagnosis cohort, 28 cases (44%) converted to CF diagnosis based on genotype (44%), SC (28%) or both (28%); yet, comparing those with or without final CF diagnosis, we found no differences, possibly related to their young age and mild degree of lung disease. In the total cohort, we found significant associations between Brody scores and IRT, SC values, genotype, Wisconsin and Brasfield score and spirometry.

Conclusions

The matched CRMS/CFSPID and CF cohorts showed differences in outcomes. By a mean age of 7.6 years, a high proportion of the CRMS/CFSPID cohort converted to CF. Our results highlight that monitoring at CF clinics until at least 6 years is needed as well as further studies.
Using lung ultrasound to quantitatively evaluate pulmonary water content
Authors: Zong Hai‐Feng , Guo Guo , Liu Jing , Bao Lin‐Lin , Yang Chuan‐Zhong
Published: January 2020

Background

Increases in extravascular lung water (EVLW) can lead to respiratory failure. This study aimed to investigate whether the B‐line score (BLS) was correlated with the EVLW content determined by the lung wet/dry ratio in a rabbit model.

Methods

A total of 45 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to nine groups. Among the animals, models of various lung water content levels were induced by the infusion of different volumes of warm sterile normal saline (NS) via the endotracheal tube. The arterial blood gas, spontaneous respiratory rate, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were detected before and after infusion. In addition, the B‐lines were determined before and immediately after infusion in each group. Finally, both lungs were resected to determine the wet/dry ratio. In addition, all lung specimens were analyzed histologically, and EVLW was quantified using the BLS based on the number and confluence of B‐lines in the intercostal space.

Results

The BLS increased with increasing infusion volume. The BLS was statistically correlated with the wet/dry ratio (r2= .946) and with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r2= .916). Furthermore, a repeatability study was performed for the lung ultrasound (LUS) technology (Bland‐Altman plots), and the results suggest that LUS had favorable intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility.

Conclusions

This study is the first to suggest that the BLS can serve as a sensitive, quantitative, noninvasive, and real‐time indicator of EVLW in a rabbit model of lung water accumulation. Notably, the BLS displayed an obvious correlation with the experimental gravimetry results and could also be used to predict the pulmonary oxygenation status.
Optically Induced Phase Change for Magnetoresistance Modulation
Authors: Wei Guodong , Lin Xiaoyang , Si Zhizhong , Wang Dong , Wang Xinhe , Fan Xiaofei , Deng Kun , Liu Kai , Jiang Kaili , Lei Na , Chen Yanxue , Mangin Stephane , Fullerton Eric , Zhao Weisheng
Published: January 2020

Optical methods for magnetism manipulation have been considered as a promising strategy for ultralow‐power and ultrahigh‐speed data storage and processing, which have become an emerging field of spintronics. However, a widely applicable and efficient method has rarely been demonstrated. Here, the strongly correlated electron material vanadium dioxide (VO2) is used to realize the optically induced phase change for control of the magnetism in NiFe. The NiFe/VO2 bilayer heterostructure features appreciable modulations of electrical conductivity (32%), coercivity (37.5%), and magnetic anisotropy (25%). Further analyses indicate that interfacial strain coupling plays a crucial role in the magnetic modulation. Utilizing this heterostructure, which can respond to both optical and magnetic stimuli, a phase change controlled anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) device is fabricated, and reconfigurable Boolean logics are implemented. As a demonstration of phase change spintronics, this work may pave the way for next‐generation opto‐electronics in the post‐Moore era.
Revisiting the lectotype of Daucus mauritanicus L. (Apiaceae)
Authors: Martínez‐Flores Fernando , Crespo Manuel B.
Published: January 2020

Daucus mauritanicus L. was described by Linnaeus on the basis of heterogeneous material belonging to two different species. The current lectotype of the name, Herb. Linnaeus No. 340.2 (LINN), is said to be a synonym of D. carota L. However, a close examination of the plant in that voucher reveals that it corresponds undoubtedly to D. muricatus (L.) L., a species lacking a big, dark crimson flower in the centre of the relatively small umbels, which makes it to be in serious conflict with the protologue. A new lectotype, Herb. Linnaeus No. 340.3 (LINN), is therefore designated from among the original material, which agrees with the validating diagnosis and the traditional concept of the species as conspecific with D. maximus Desf.
“If I Don’t Do It, Somebody Else Will”: Covert Neoliberal Policy Discourses in the Decision‐Making Processes of an Intensive English Program
Authors: Litzenberg Jason
Published: January 2020

Intensive English programs (IEPs) have traditionally been central actors in promoting teacher professional development, curricular innovations, and applied linguistics and second language acquisition research. Yet at the same time, the programs are also central actors in neoliberal linguistic commodification. This article demonstrates how neoliberalism influences the covert policy discourses of the decision‐making processes of an IEP. Using an analytic autoethnographic approach to present an interwoven series of narratives and analyses, the article argues that IEP administrators, faculty, and staff are limited in how they can contest their complicity at propelling a neoliberal institution profiting from language education. The article also demonstrates how neoliberal positioning took precedence over pedagogical discourses in certain decision‐making processes and impeded the experimentation and exercise of an innovative curriculum, and it suggests ways that the neoliberal orientation of IEPs currently impacts and eventually may alter the nature of MA TESOL. The issues presented here not only reflect the experiences and concerns of professionals in English language teaching, but they are also timely in that IEPs have been largely underrepresented in the expanding discussions of the relationship between applied linguistics, its subfields, and neoliberalism.
A pig in a poke management
Authors: Behrens Alfredo , Medeiros Inês
Published: January 2020

Latin America might not catch‐up with the United States because U.S.‐styled management, which expresses the North American mindset so well, fails to match the Latin American mindset. The mismatch between mindsets and managerial styles leads to lingering lower productivity among Latin Americans working under North American management regimes. Disregard for the difference in mindsets has to do with ignorance, as in not knowing the Other; as well as arrogance, as in not caring for the Other; and submission, as in failing to stand up. This article draws on literature, history, and anthropology to explain the origin of these differing mindsets, and how they shape the preferences for organizational practices. The article also suggests a blueprint for Latin American management going forward. It requires pursuing corporate alignment through high purposes (profit is a goal, not a purpose), building teams along high‐trust clan lines (non‐clan members are distrusted), blending management into the clan's survival expectations (as in a family), and allowing natural leaders to emerge with enough authority as to earn respect. The article also suggests that the renewed managerial scheme will help to improve the productivity of Latin Americans with joy, a fundamental element (as in pilgrimages) in the Latin American approach to life's endeavors.
The effects of Microcystis aeruginosa cells lysate containing microcystins on physiological and molecular responses in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sopezki Mauricio S. , Josende Marcelo E. , Cruz Litiele C. , Yunes João S. , Lima Juliane V. , Zanette Juliano
Published: January 2020

Microcystins (MCs) are potent toxins produced by environmental cyanobacterial blooms. The present study evaluated the effects of a Microcystis aeruginosa cyanobacterial lysate containing 0.1, 1, and 10 μg L−1 MC‐LR equivalent in the C. elegans Bristol N2 wild‐type and the effects caused by equivalent concentrations of a MC‐LR standard. The lysate was prepared from a culture of toxic strain (RST9501) originated from the Patos Lagoon Estuary (RS, Brazil). The minimal concentration necessary to cause significant effects in C. elegans under exposure to M. aeruginosa lysate or to MC‐LR standard were, respectively, 10 and 0.1 μg L−1 MC‐LR equivalent for growth and 10 and 1 μg L−1 MC‐LR equivalent for fertility. Reproduction (ie, brood size) was only affected by the exposure to 10 μg L−1 MC‐LR standard and was not affected by the lysate. The nematodes that were exposed to lysate containing 1 μg L−1 MC‐LR equivalent or MC‐LR were also analyzed for pharyngeal pumping and gene expression using RT‐qPCR. The worms’ rhythmic contractions of the pharynx were similarly affected by the lysate containing 1 μg L−1 of MC‐LR equivalent and the MC‐LR standard. The MC‐LR standard caused down‐regulation of genes related to growth (daf‐16), fertility (spe‐10), and biotransformation (gst‐2). This is the first study to evaluate the effects of a toxic cyanobacterial lysate using the C. elegans model. This study suggests the organism as a potential biotest to evaluate toxicity of natural waters containing M. aeruginosa cells and to environmental risk assessment associated to cyanobacterial bloom events.
Cantharidic acid induces apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through p38‐mediated upregulation of caspase activation
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ching , Chen Pei‐Ni , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Yang Wei‐En , Ho Yu‐Ting , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chuang Chun‐Yi
Published: January 2020

Cantharidic acid (CA) is the hydrolysis product of the acid anhydride cantharidin, which is a natural toxin secreted by several species of blister beetles. Several studies have indicated that as an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A), CA induces apoptosis in various human cancer cells. However, the effect of CA on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and the underlying pathways have not been addressed. In our current study, we tested the hypothesis that CA treatment reduces the viability of human NPC cells (HONE‐1, NPC‐39, and NPC‐BM) by inducing apoptosis. Results indicated that CA markedly reduced cell viability, which was revealed by the upregulation of caspase activation in extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways as well as the upregulation of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) pathways. Coadministration of a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) with CA abolished the activation of caspase proteins. These findings indicated that CA treatment leads to apoptosis in human NPC cells through the upregulation of caspase activation, mediated particularly by the p38 pathway. Hence, CA is a promising therapeutic agent for human NPC.
The estrogenic proliferative effects of two alkylphenols and a preliminary mechanism exploration in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Luo Nao , Xu Zhixiang , Zheng Xianyao , Huang Bin , Pan Xuejun
Published: January 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) and 4‐cumylphenol (4‐CP), as estrogen‐like chemicals, are ubiquitous in the environment media and associated with the occurrence and development of hormone‐dependent tumors. However, the combinatorial effects of these two structurally similar alkylphenols are not well informed. In the present study, the classic breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 was used as in vitro model to estimate the estrogenic proliferative effects of BPA and 4‐CP. MTT assay, reactive oxygen species, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and real‐time fluorescent quantitative Step One Plus Real‐time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, CA, USA) were applied to explore their proliferative mechanisms. MTT results showed that both BPA and 4‐CP ranging from 10−9 to 10−5 M stimulated cell proliferation in a nonmonotonic dose‐response manner. Along with the proliferative effects, cell cycle was progressed from G0/G1 to S and G2/M phase. Meanwhile, the expression levels of ERα, pS2, and Bcl‐2 mRNA were also upregulated. In contrast, 4‐CP and BPA at high dose (10−4 M) obviously displayed antiproliferative effects in MCF‐7 cells via inducing cell apoptosis and blocking cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. As expected, the relative expression levels of ERα, pS2, and Bcl‐2 mRNA were decreased, whereas Bax mRNA was increased. Interestingly, the proliferative or antiproliferative effects of 4‐CP were higher than that of BPA. Moreover, coexposure of lower concentrations BPA and 4‐CP significantly induced cell proliferation in a synergistic manner. These findings indicated that the potential environmental risks of coexposure of BPA and 4‐CP were greater than either of them.
Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HepG2 cells induced by the imidazole ionic liquid 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride
Authors: Wang Peijin , Wan Ruyan , Huo Weiran , Dong Hui , Chang Zhongjie , Xia Xiaohua
Published: January 2020

This study purposes to assess the cytotoxicity of 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([C12min]Cl) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. To this end, HepG2 cells were exposed to a range concentration of [C12min]Cl and evaluated cell viability, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, cell cycle, and apoptosis‐related gene expression to determine cytotoxicity. The outcomes showed that [C12min]Cl curbed HepG2 cell growth and reduced cell viability in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Moreover, our assay results also revealed that exposure to [C12min]Cl prompted DNA damage and apoptosis, reduced SOD and GSH content, enhanced MDA level, and changed the cell cycle of HepG2 cells. In addition, [C12min] Cl caused alters in the expression levels of p53, Bax, and Bcl‐2, indicating that p53 and Bcl‐2 family may be involved in the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by [C12min]C1. In summary, these results indicate that [C12min]Cl exerts genotoxicity, physiological toxicity and prompts apoptosis in HepG2 cells, and is not an alleged green solvent.
Snow cover variability in Great Britain during a changing climate
Authors: Brown Iain
Published: January 2020

Recent research on snow cover patterns over recent decades is reviewed for GB. Interpretation for upland areas is complicated by data availability issues. Nevertheless, two distinct features can be highlighted. Firstly, a general relationship of average yearly snow cover duration with mean temperature. This relationship is apparently non‐linear indicating that snow cover duration is especially sensitive to a defined mean temperature range. Secondly, that snow cover can be rather variable from year to year, or over multi‐year phases. This variability has been related to the frequency of synoptic‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns including the North Atlantic Oscillation. These two features are used to contextualise recent and likely future trends in snow cover. It is suggested that there may be different patterns of variability in some mountain areas compared to the adjacent lowlands. This is associated with combined effects of temperature and precipitation during exposure to different air masses. Suggestions are made for improving snow cover observations to further investigate these issues.
How personalized heart modeling can help treatment of lethal arrhythmias: A focus on ventricular tachycardia ablation strategies in post‐infarction patients
Authors: Trayanova Natalia A. , Doshi Ashish N. , Prakosa Adityo
Published: January 2020

Precision Cardiology is a targeted strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment that accounts for individual variability. Computational heart modeling is one of the novel approaches that have been developed under the umbrella of Precision Cardiology. Personalized computational modeling of patient hearts has made strides in the development of models that incorporate the individual geometry and structure of the heart as well as other patient‐specific information. Of these developments, one of the potentially most impactful is the research aimed at noninvasively predicting the targets of ablation of lethal arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia (VT), using patient‐specific models. The approach has been successfully applied to patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy in proof‐of‐concept studies. The goal of this paper is to review the strategies for computational VT ablation guidance in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, from model developments to the intricacies of the actual clinical application. To provide context in describing the road these computational modeling applications have undertaken, we first review the state of the art in VT ablation in the clinic, emphasizing the benefits that personalized computational prediction of ablation targets could bring to the clinical electrophysiology practice.

This article is characterized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Volatile Use of Persistent Memory
Authors: Scargall Steve
Published: January 2020

This chapter discusses how applications that require a large quantity of volatile memory can leverage high-capacity persistent memory as a complementary solution to dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).
Enabling Persistence Using a Real-World Application
Authors: Scargall Steve
Published: January 2020

This chapter turns the theory from Chapter 4 (and other chapters) into practice. We show how an application can take advantage of persistent memory by building a persistent memory-aware database storage engine. We use MariaDB (), a popular open source database, as it provides a pluggable storage end model.
Operating System Support for Persistent Memory
Authors: Scargall Steve
Published: January 2020

This chapter describes how operating systems manage persistent memory as a platform resource and describes the options they provide for applications to use persistent memory. We first compare memory and storage in popular computer architectures and then describe how operating systems have been extended for persistent memory.
libpmemobj-cpp: The Adaptable Language - C++ and Persistent Memory
Authors: Scargall Steve
Published: January 2020

The Persistent Memory Development Kit (PMDK) includes several separate libraries; each is designed with a specific use in mind. The most flexible and powerful one is . It complies with the persistent memory programming model without modifying the compiler. Intended for developers of low-level system software and language creators, the library provides allocators, transactions, and a way to automatically manipulate objects. Because it does not modify the compiler, its API is verbose and macro heavy.
A pragmatic and scalable strategy using mobile technology to promote sustained lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes in India and the UK: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nanditha Arun , Thomson Hazel , Susairaj Priscilla , Srivanichakorn Weerachai , Oliver Nick , Godsland Ian F. , Majeed Azeem , Darzi Ara , Satheesh Krishnamoorthy , Simon Mary , Raghavan Arun , Vinitha Ramachandran , Snehalatha Chamukuttan , Westgate Kate , Brage Soren , Sharp Stephen J. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Johnston Desmond G. , Ramachandran Ambady
Published: January 2020

Aims/hypothesis

This randomised controlled trial was performed in India and the UK in people with prediabetes to study whether mobile phone short message service (SMS) text messages can be used to motivate and educate people to follow lifestyle modifications, to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study was performed in people with prediabetes (n = 2062; control:n = 1031; intervention:n = 1031) defined by HbA1c≥42 and ≤47 mmol/mol (≥6.0% and ≤6.4%). Participants were recruited from public and private sector organisations in India (men and women aged 35–55 years) and by the National Health Service (NHS) Health Checks programme in the UK (aged 40–74 years without pre-existing diabetes, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease). Allocation to the study groups was performed using a computer-generated sequence (1:1) in India and by stratified randomisation in permuted blocks in the UK. Investigators in both countries remained blinded throughout the study period. All participants received advice on a healthy lifestyle at baseline. The intervention group in addition received supportive text messages using mobile phone SMS messages 2–3 times per week. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome was conversion to type 2 diabetes and secondary outcomes included anthropometry, biochemistry, dietary and physical activity changes, blood pressure and quality of life.

Results

At the 2 year follow-up (n = 2062; control:n = 1031; intervention:n = 1031), in the intention-to-treat population the HR for development of type 2 diabetes calculated using a discrete-time proportional hazards model was 0.89 (95% CI 0.74, 1.07;p = 0.22). There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions/interpretation

This trial in two countries with varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds showed no significant reduction in the progression to diabetes in 2 years by lifestyle modification using SMS messaging.

Trial registration

The primary study was registered onwww.ClinicalTrials.gov(India, NCT01570946; UK, NCT01795833).

Funding

The study was funded jointly by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the UK Medical Research Council.
Static and dynamic aeroelastic tailoring with composite blending and manoeuvre load alleviation
Authors: Bordogna Marco Tito , Lancelot Paul , Bettebghor Dimitri , De Breuker Roeland
Published: January 2020

In aircraft design, proper tailoring of composite anisotropic characteristics allows to achieve weight saving while maintaining good aeroelastic performance. To further improve the design, dynamic loads and manufacturing constraints should be integrated in the design process. The objective of this paper is to evaluate how the introduction of continuous blending constraints affects the optimum design and the retrieval of the final stacking sequence for a regional aircraft wing. The effect of the blending constraints on the optimum design (1) focuses on static and dynamic loading conditions and identifies the ones driving the optimization and (2) explores the potential weight saving due to the implementation of a manoeuvre load alleviation (MLA) strategy. Results show that while dynamic gust loads can be critical for wing design, in the case of a regional aircraft, their influence is minimal. Nevertheless, MLA strategies can reduce the impact of static loads on the final design in favour of gust loads, underlining the importance of considering such load-cases in the optimisation. In both cases, blending does not strongly affect the load criticality and retrieve a slightly heavier design. Finally, blending constraints confirmed their significant influence on the final discrete design and their capability to produce more manufacturable structures.
Return of the moth: rethinking the effect of climate on insect outbreaks
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Liebhold Andrew , Nievergelt Daniel , Wermelinger Beat , Roques Alain , Reinig Frederick , Krusic Paul J. , Piermattei Alma , Egli Simon , Cherubini Paolo , Esper Jan
Published: January 2020

The sudden interruption of recurring larch budmoth (LBM; Zeiraphera diniana or griseana Gn.) outbreaks across the European Alps after 1982 was surprising, because populations had regularly oscillated every 8–9 years for the past 1200 years or more. Although ecophysiological evidence was limited and underlying processes remained uncertain, climate change has been indicated as a possible driver of this disruption. An unexpected, recent return of LBM population peaks in 2017 and 2018 provides insight into this insect’s climate sensitivity. Here, we combine meteorological and dendrochronological data to explore the influence of temperature variation and atmospheric circulation on cyclic LBM outbreaks since the early 1950s. Anomalous cold European winters, associated with a persistent negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation, coincide with four consecutive epidemics between 1953 and 1982, and any of three warming-induced mechanisms could explain the system’s failure thereafter: (1) high egg mortality, (2) asynchrony between egg hatch and foliage growth, and (3) upward shifts of outbreak epicentres. In demonstrating that LBM populations continued to oscillate every 8–9 years at sub-outbreak levels, this study emphasizes the relevance of winter temperatures on trophic interactions between insects and their host trees, as well as the importance of separating natural from anthropogenic climate forcing on population behaviour.
Experimental evidence for the adaptive response of aquatic invertebrates to chronic predation risk
Authors: Jermacz Łukasz , Nowakowska Anna , Kletkiewicz Hanna , Kobak Jarosław
Published: January 2020

As acute stress induced by predation risk can generate significant oxidative damage, prey organisms are forced to balance their defence reaction and the cost of activating the cellular defence system. Stress tolerance differs significantly among species; therefore predator pressure indirectly shapes the community structure. To test adaptation abilities of amphipod crustaceans (Dikerogammarus villosus and Gammarus jazdzewskii) we exposed them to acute (35 min.) and chronic (1 or 7 days) predation risk (the Eurasian perch). We measured respiration (related to metabolic rate), cellular defence systems (antioxidant enzyme (catalase) activity and heat shock protein (Hsp70) concentration), and the level of oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration). Both amphipods increased their respiration rate in the presence of predation cues, irrespective of the duration of their pre-exposure to danger. This increase in D. villosus was initiated more quickly (immediately vs. after 10 min. of the test) and lasted for a longer time (20 vs. 10 min.) than in G. jazdzewskii. However, only G. jazdzewskii after a short exposure to predation risk exhibited an increase in its catalase activity, Hsp70 concentration and oxidative damage. No changes in these parameters were exhibited by D. villosus or after a chronic exposure of G. jazdzewskii to predation cues. Our results show that prey organisms are able to reconfigure their physiology to maintain increased metabolic rate under prolonged predator pressure and, at the same time, reduce oxidative damage as well as costs related to anti-oxidant defence.
Medikamentöse Therapie vaskulärer Anomalien
Authors: Benesch Martin , Lackner Herwig , Sorantin Erich , Haxhija Emir , Gasparella Paulo , Pfleger Andreas
Published: January 2020

Vaskuläre Anomalien werden nach der Klassifikation der International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies in vaskuläre Tumoren, die als häufigste Entitäten kaposiforme Hämangioendotheliome und Hämangiome umfassen, und vaskuläre Malformationen unterteilt. Die Behandlung vaskulärer Anomalien erfolgt interdisziplinär und basiert, abhängig von der Entität auf Resektion, Sklero‑/Kryotherapie, Embolisation und medikamentöser (antiangiogenetischer und/oder zytostatischer) Therapie. Eine komplette Entfernung ist aufgrund von Ausdehnung und meist diffus infiltrativem Wachstum nur in sehr wenigen Fällen möglich. Seit der Erstbeschreibung der Wirksamkeit in dieser Indikation 2008 gilt Propranolol als etablierte Erstlinienbehandlung für komplizierte infantile Hämangiome. Sirolimus ist ein in der Organtransplantation verbreitet eingesetztes Immunsuppressivum, das den Mammalian/mechanistic-target-of-rapamycin(mTOR)-Signalübertragungsweg inhibiert, auch antiangiogenetisch wirksam ist und daher zunehmend für die Behandlung von vaskulären Tumoren und Malformationen eingesetzt wird. Drei Säuglinge mit vaskulären Anomalien (kaposiformes Hämangioendotheliom, gemischt makro‑/mikrozystische lymphatische Malformation, diffuses infantiles Leberhämangiom) erhielten eine Propranolol‑/Sirolimus-basierte medikamentöse Therapie, ohne klinisch relevante Nebenwirkungen entwickelt zu haben. Obwohl die Verträglichkeit von Propranolol und Sirolimus meist ausgezeichnet ist, erfordern schwere, mitunter lebensbedrohliche Nebenwirkungen (Propranolol: kardiovaskulär; Sirolimus: infektiös), die in Einzelfällen berichtet sind, besondere Beachtung.
Recreational angling as a pathway for invasive non-native species spread: awareness of biosecurity and the risk of long distance movement into Great Britain
Authors: Smith E. R. C. , Bennion H. , Sayer C. D. , Aldridge D. C. , Owen M.
Published: January 2020

Identifying and establishing the relative importance of different anthropogenic pathways of invasive non-native species (INNS) introduction is critical for effective management of their establishment and spread in the long-term. Angling has been identified as one of these pathways. An online survey of 680 British anglers was conducted to establish patterns of movement by British anglers abroad, and to establish their awareness and use of biosecurity practices. The survey revealed that 44% of British anglers travelled abroad for fishing, visiting 72 different countries. France was the most frequently visited country, accounting for one-third of all trips abroad. The estimated time taken to travel from Western Europe into Great Britain (GB) is within the time frame that INNS have been shown to survive on damp angling equipment. Without biosecurity, it is therefore highly likely that INNS could be unintentionally transported into GB on damp angling gear. Since the launch of the Check, Clean Dry biosecurity campaign in GB in 2011, the number of anglers cleaning their equipment after every trip has increased by 15%, and 80% of anglers now undertake some form of biosecurity. However, a significant proportion of the angling population is still not implementing sufficient, or the correct biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of INNS dispersal on damp angling equipment. With the increase in movement of anglers abroad for fishing, further work is required to establish the potential for INNS introduction through this pathway.
Nonlinear Properties of Supercurrent-Carrying Single- and Multi-Layer Thin-Film Superconductors
Authors: Zhao Songyuan , Withington S. , Goldie D. J. , Thomas C. N.
Published: January 2020

Superconducting thin films are central to the operation of many kinds of quantum sensors and quantum computing devices: kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), travelling-wave parametric amplifiers (TWPAs), qubits, and spin-based quantum memory elements. In all cases, the nonlinearity resulting from the supercurrent is a critical aspect of behaviour, either because it is central to the operation of the device (TWPA), or because it results in nonideal second-order effects (KID). Here, we present an analysis of supercurrent-carrying superconducting thin films that is based on the generalized Usadel equations. Our analysis framework is suitable for both homogeneous and multi-layer thin films, and can be used to calculate the resulting density of states, superconducting transition temperature, superconducting critical current, complex conductivities, complex surface impedances, transmission line propagation constants, and nonlinear kinetic inductances in the presence of supercurrent. Our analysis gives the scale of kinetic inductance nonlinearity ($$I_*$$I∗) for a given material combination and geometry, and is important in optimizing the design of detectors and amplifiers in terms of materials, geometries, and dimensions. To investigate the validity of our analysis across a wide range of supercurrent, we have measured the transition temperatures of superconducting thin films as a function of DC supercurrent. These measurements show good agreement with our theoretical predictions in the experimentally relevant range of current values.
High-throughput retrotransposon-based genetic diversity of maize germplasm assessment and analysis
Authors: Ghonaim Marwa , Kalendar Ruslan , Barakat Hoda , Elsherif Nahla , Ashry Naglaa , Schulman Alan H.
Published: January 2020

Maize is one of the world’s most important crops and a model for grass genome research. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons comprise most of the maize genome; their ability to produce new copies makes them efficient high-throughput genetic markers. Inter-retrotransposon-amplified polymorphisms (IRAPs) were used to study the genetic diversity of maize germplasm. Five LTR retrotransposons (Huck, Tekay, Opie, Ji, and Grande) were chosen, based on their large number of copies in the maize genome, whereas polymerase chain reaction primers were designed based on consensus LTR sequences. The LTR primers showed high quality and reproducible DNA fingerprints, with a total of 677 bands including 392 polymorphic bands showing 58% polymorphism between maize hybrid lines. These markers were used to identify genetic similarities among all lines of maize. Analysis of genetic similarity was carried out based on polymorphic amplicon profiles and genetic similarity phylogeny analysis. This diversity was expected to display ecogeographical patterns of variation and local adaptation. The clustering method showed that the varieties were grouped into three clusters differing in ecogeographical origin. Each of these clusters comprised divergent hybrids with convergent characters. The clusters reflected the differences among maize hybrids and were in accordance with their pedigree. The IRAP technique is an efficient high-throughput genetic marker-generating method.
Exchange Rate Flexibility: How Should We Measure It?
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Tian Mo
Published: January 2020

This paper first examines some recent exchange rate classification schemes. There is little evidence of a trend towards greater agreement between schemes. There is a probability of between 16 and 28% that a peg in one classification scheme is coded as a float in a different scheme, or vice versa. This probability is much smaller for the tightest forms of peg and the most volatile floats. Continuous indices of exchange rate flexibility are analysed and shown to have significant potential, despite the lack of interest in them shown in previous research.
An experimental study of responses to armed police in Great Britain
Authors: Yesberg Julia A. , Bradford Ben , Dawson Paul
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study tested whether the presence of a firearm changed the way people reacted to police among a British sample.

Method

In an online study, participants were shown images of armed and unarmed police and rated them on a number of variables. Some participants were primed to think about terrorism, and some participants were exposed to more armed police than others.

Results

Participants had more negative responses to police when they were armed. We found no effect of the terrorism prime on people’s reactions to images of armed police and no effect of exposure. Yet, unexpectedly, we found a negative effect of the terrorism prime on trust and legitimacy.

Conclusions

In a country where police have never before been routinely armed, this research raises important questions about how armed police can retain the public’s support when they may no longer be considered ‘prototypical representatives’ of the British people.
Charity flea markets – an amalgamation of product philanthropy and volunteering
Authors: Stötzer Sandra , Andeßner René C. , Scheichl Sarah
Published: January 2020

This paper offers one of the first efforts at exploring the role of charity flea markets as a fundraising practice used by nonprofits to mobilize various resources like individual and corporate in-kind giving and volunteering in an unique event setting. With the support of volunteers, nonprofits generate cash by reselling product donations and by catering. As an innovative contribution to the so far limited research on flea markets and in-kind giving, our study uses an explorative case study approach based on guided interviews with Austrian flea market operators. The purpose of the case studies is to examine the specifics, benefits, challenges, and prospects of this underexplored funding instrument. Our findings contribute to an enhanced understanding of both charity flea markets and nonprofits̕ resource management and can assist charities in processing in-kind donations effectively and sustainably.
Research journey of respirasome
Authors: Wu Meng , Gu Jinke , Zong Shuai , Guo Runyu , Liu Tianya , Yang Maojun
Published: January 2020

Respirasome, as a vital part of the oxidative phosphorylation system, undertakes the task of transferring electrons from the electron donors to oxygen and produces a proton concentration gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane through the coupled translocation of protons. Copious research has been carried out on this lynchpin of respiration. From the discovery of individual respiratory complexes to the report of the high-resolution structure of mammalian respiratory supercomplex I1III2IV1, scientists have gradually uncovered the mysterious veil of the electron transport chain (ETC). With the discovery of the mammalian respiratory mega complex I2III2IV2, a new perspective emerges in the research field of the ETC. Behind these advances glitters the light of the revolution in both theory and technology. Here, we give a short review about how scientists ‘see’ the structure and the mechanism of respirasome from the macroscopic scale to the atomic scale during the past decades.
Review on texturization effects in thermoelectric oxides
Authors: Prasad Rishi , Bhame Shekhar D.
Published: January 2020

Sustainable energy sources and energy-harvesting technologies have been researched for decades. Thermoelectric conversion is currently one of the primary foci in this area. Thermoelectric research has been concentrated into two parts—(i) strategies to enhance the efficiency of existing thermoelectric materials and (ii) development of new materials with promising thermoelectric parameters. Although such strategies have led to the improvement of thermoelectric non-oxide-based materials, the limitations possessed by them does not allow to be used at high temperatures. Due to the same reason, oxide-based materials have gained much attention. Here, we discuss about the oxide thermoelectric materials in detail and the effect of texturization on their morphology and transport properties. There is a lot of scope available for such class of materials for high-temperature applications.
Highly Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Methanol by a p–n Heterojunction CeO2/CuO/Cu Catalyst
Authors: Pan Zhengbin , Han Ershuan , Zheng Jingui , Lu Jing , Wang Xiaolin , Yin Yanbin , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wang Xiuguo , Li Peiqiang
Published: January 2020

Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to fuels has great potential for reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions and also lessening our dependence on fossil fuel energy. Herein, we report the successful development of a novel photoelectrocatalytic catalyst for the selective reduction of CO2 to methanol, comprising a copper catalyst modified with flower-like cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) (a n-type semiconductor) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) (a p-type semiconductor). At an applied potential of − 1.0 V (vs SCE) under visible light irradiation, the CeO2 NPs/CuO NPs/Cu catalyst yielded methanol at a rate of 3.44 μmol cm−2 h−1, which was approximately five times higher than that of a CuO NPs/Cu catalyst (0.67 μmol cm−2 h−1). The carrier concentration increased by ~ 108 times when the flower-like CeO2 NPs were deposited on the CuO NPs/Cu catalyst, due to synergistic transfer of photoexcited electrons from the conduction band of CuO to that of CeO2, which enhanced both photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction on the CeO2 NPs. The facile migration of photoexcited electrons and holes across the p–n heterojunction that formed between the CeO2 and CuO components was thus critical to excellent light-induced CO2 reduction properties of the CeO2 NPs/CuO NPs/Cu catalyst. Results encourage the wider application of composite semiconductor electrodes in carbon dioxide reduction.