bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Electric Field Calculation for Mobile Communication Coverage in Buildings and Indoor Areas by Using the Method of Auxiliary Sources
Authors: Tabatadze Vasil , Karaçuha Kamil , Veliyev Eldar , Karaçuha Ertuğrul , Zaridze Revaz
Published: April 2020

In this article, the diffraction of the electromagnetic wave by the building with two rooms is considered. The rooms have doors and windows with lossy dielectric walls. The electromagnetic properties of the building as an opened coupled resonator system are investigated at different source locations and several frequencies including 5G band. The problem is solved by using the Method of Auxiliary Sources. The near electric field distributions are calculated and analyzed.
The Role of Forced and Voluntary Training on Accumulation of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule and Polysialic Acid in Muscle of Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Torabimehr Farzaneh , Kordi Mohammad Reza , Nouri Reza , Ai Jafar , Shirian Sadegh
Published: April 2020

It has been suggested that depletion of adhesion molecules is one of the factors associated with or possibly responsible for multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of forced and voluntary training before and after induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) on accumulation of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and polysialic acid (PSA) in neuromuscular junction denervation in plantaris and soleus muscles in C57BL/6 female mice. A total of 40 female C57BL/6 mice, 10‐week‐old, were randomly divided into four groups, including induced control groups without EAE induction, induced EAE without training, and forced and voluntary training groups. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55 (300 μg in saline; MOG 35–55; KJ Ross‐Petersen ApS, Denmark) was injected subcutaneously at the base of the tail of each mouse. Clinical assessment of EAE was performed daily using a 15‐point scoring system following immunization. Training groups performed the swimming program for 30 min/day, 5 times/week, for 4 weeks. Mice had access to a treadmill for one hour per day, 5times/week, for 4 weeks in individual cage. The mice were scarified, and the plantaris and soleus muscles were then isolated for investigation of proteins expression using IHC. An analysis of the preventive exercise (before) and recovery exercise (after) of the EAE was performed. Images of the stained sections were taken using a fluorescent microscope. Quantitative image analysis was performed using ImageJ software package. The obtained data from the mean percentage expression of PSA and NCAM in pre‐ and post‐soleus and plantaris muscles showed that the highest and lowest expression levels of PSA and NCAM belonged to control and swim EAE (SE) groups, respectively. The low expression levels of PSA and NCAM were detected in rat with MS without intervention. In conclusion, the relationship between increasing levels of NCAM and PSA protein expression and voluntary and compulsory activity were detectable both in pre and post‐soleus and plantaris. However, voluntary activity resulted in more expression levels of NCAM and PSA than that of compulsory. In conclusion, since it has been suggested that depletion of NCAM is one of the factors associated with or possibly responsible for MS progression, these findings show exercise MS progression may be reduced by increasing expression of exercise‐related adhesion molecule such as NCAM and PSA (a glycan modification of the NCAM).
Berberine Suppressed Tumor Growth through Regulating Fatty Acid Metabolism and Triggering Cell Apoptosis via Targeting FABPs
Authors: Li Lingli , Peng Ze , Hu Qian , Xu Lijun , Zou Xin , Yu Yan , Huang Dongmei , Yi Ping
Published: April 2020

Aim. To further investigate the mechanism behind the antitumor properties of berberine regarding lipid metabolism. Methods. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis assays were performed to determine the antigrowth effects of berberine in vitro. Ectopic xenograft models in Balb/c nude mice were established to determine the antitumor effects of berberine in vivo. Results. Berberine inhibited cell viability and proliferation of MGC803 human gastric cancer cell lines in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Berberine induced apoptosis of MGC803 and increased the apoptotic rate with higher doses. Berberine induced the accumulation of fatty acid of MGC803 and suppressed the protein expression of FABPs and PPARα. The FABP inhibitor BMS309403 recapitulated the effects of berberine on MGC803 cells. In the xenograft model, berberine significantly decreased the tumor volume and tumor weight and induced apoptosis in tumor tissues. Berberine significantly elevated the fatty acid content and inhibited the expression of FABPs and PPARα in the MGC803 xenograft models. Conclusion. Berberine exerted anticancer effects on human gastric cancer both in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis, which was due to the reduced protein expression of FABPs and the accumulation of fatty acid.
EIF3H Orchestrates Hippo Pathway–Mediated Oncogenesis via Catalytic Control of YAP Stability
Authors: Zhou Zhuan , Zhou Honghong , Ponzoni Luca , Luo Aiping , Zhu Rui , He Mingjing , Huang Yi , Guan Kun-Liang , Bahar Ivet , Liu Zhihua , Wan Yong
Published: April 2020

EIF3H is presumed to be a critical translational initiation factor. Here, our unbiased screening for tumor invasion factors has identified an unexpected role for EIF3H as a deubiquitylating enzyme that dictates breast tumor invasion and metastasis by modulating the Hippo–YAP pathway. EIF3H catalyzed YAP for deubiquitylation, resulting in its stabilization. Structure-based molecular modeling and simulations coupled with biochemical characterization unveiled a unique catalytic mechanism for EIF3H in dissociating polyubiquitin chains from YAP through a catalytic triad consisting of Asp90, Asp91, and Gln121. Trp119 and Tyr 140 on EIF3H directly interacted with the N-terminal region of YAP1, facilitating complex formation of EIF3H and YAP1 for YAP1 deubiquitylation. Stabilization of YAP via elevated EIF3H promoted tumor invasion and metastasis. Interference of EIF3H-mediated YAP deubiquitylation blocked YAP-induced tumor progression and metastasis in breast cancer models. These findings point to a critical role for YAP regulation by EIF3H in tumor invasion and metastasis.

Significance:

This work demonstrates that EIF3H is a novel bona fide deubiquitinase that counteracts YAP ubiquitylation and proteolysis, and stabilization of YAP by EIF3H promotes tumor invasion and metastasis.
Early Hepatic Lesions Display Immature Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Show Elevated Expression of Immune Inhibitory and Immunosuppressive Molecules
Authors: Meylan Maxime , Petitprez Florent , Lacroix Laetitia , Di Tommaso Luca , Roncalli Massimo , Bougoüin Antoine , Laurent Alexis , Amaddeo Giuliana , Sommacale Daniele , Regnault Hélène , Derman Jonathan , Charpy Cécile , Lafdil Fouad , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Fridman Wolf H. , Calderaro Julien
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

The impact of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is being extensively investigated. However, their presence during the early steps of human liver carcinogenesis remains unknown. We thus aimed to determine whether TLS are induced in preneoplastic/early hepatic lesions (EHL), and whether they are associated with a particular immune profile.

Experimental Design:

A series of 127 EHLs (low/high-grade dysplastic nodules, early HCC, and small and progressed HCC) was included in the study. TLSs were investigated by pathologic reviewing. Densities of immune cells were assessed using IHC. A subset of lesions was microdissected and gene expression profiling was performed with a custom NanoString panel.

Results:

Compared with surrounding cirrhotic nodules, EHL of all stages displayed increased densities of T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells. Immature TLSs were identified in 24% of EHL. Gene expression profiling identified a subset of EHL with elevated mRNA levels of various cytokines involved in immune cells' recruitment and TLS induction. This subgroup of EHL also showed overexpression of genes related to T- and B-cells' activation and antigen presentation, as well as those related to immunosuppression and immune exhaustion.

Conclusions:

Local immune activation occurs in the very early steps of liver carcinogenesis; however, it may not be fully efficient and paradoxically favor immune evasion and progression to full-blown HCC. These results have implications for the development of anti-HCC chemopreventive strategies in cirrhotic patients.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Durvalumab with or without Tremelimumab on CD8+ Tumor Lymphocyte Density, Safety, and Efficacy in Patients with Oropharynx Cancer: CIAO Trial Results
Authors: Ferrarotto Renata , Bell Diana , Rubin Maria L. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Johnson Jason M. , Goepfert Ryan P. , Phan Jack , Elamin Yasir Y. , Torman Danice K. , Warneke Carla L. , Hessel Amy C. , Garden Adam S. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Johnson Faye M. , Lee J. Jack , Sikora Andrew G. , Gillison Maura L. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Gross Neil D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

In oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC), high CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (CD8+TIL) density confers improved prognosis. We compared neoadjuvant durvalumab (PD-L1 inhibitor) with durvalumab + tremelimumab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) in terms of impact on CD8+TIL density, safety, and efficacy in patients with OPC.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with newly diagnosed stage II–IVA OPC or locoregionally recurrent OPC amenable to resection were included. Patients were randomized to two cycles of durvalumab or durvalumab + tremelimumab before surgery. The primary endpoint was change between baseline and resection specimen in CD8+TIL density between arms. Secondary endpoints included safety, response rate per RECIST, major pathologic response (MPR; ≤10% viable tumor cells) rate, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results:

Of 28 eligible patients (14/arm), 20 (71%) had newly diagnosed OPC, and 24 (86%) were p16-positive. The posttreatment to pretreatment median CD8+TIL density ratio was 1.31 for durvalumab and 1.15 for combination treatment (P = 0.97; 95% CI: −1.07–2.28). In each group, 6 patients (43%, 95% CI: 17.66–71.14) had a response. Eight patients (29%) had a MPR at the primary tumor and/or nodal metastases. Neither baseline CD8+TIL density nor PD-L1 expression level correlated with overall response, but a trend toward greater CD8+TIL change in patients with a MPR was seen (P = 0.059; 95% CI: −0.33–3.46). Four patients (14%) had grade ≥3 adverse events. At median follow-up time of 15.79 months, all patients were alive, and one had an additional recurrence.

Conclusions:

Durvalumab + tremelimumab did not increase CD8+TIL density more than durvalumab alone did. The observed safety and activity support further investigation of neoadjuvant checkpoint inhibitor for OPC.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Sinyshina V. M.
Published: April 2020

The article argues that the professional training of future practical psychologists involves taking into account different methodological approaches to the organization of the educational process in institutions of higher education, which enrich the methodological consciousness of the specialist by knowledge of professionally oriented sciences and contribute to its adaptation to the specifics of higher education. The justification of methodological approaches has allowed to establish causal relationships between pedagogical phenomena and processes and to determine the most important of them for effective solution of problems that take place in the training of practical psychologists.

The main methodological approaches, which are followed in the professional training of students-psychologists, include system-scientific, synergistic, thesaurus, complex, humanistic, competent, personally oriented, activity, praxeological, axiological, acmeological and others. It is proved that approaches, structured in this way, enabled the researcher-teacher to understand mentally in the organization of their own professional activity and to practically realize the educational actions and pedagogical actions in teaching the students; contributed to the definition of the professional training of practical psychologists and the most holistic acquisition of objectively impartial, professionally relevant knowledge, skills and competences by students. Within these approaches, the focuses are accented on the importance of reconstitution in the contest of the education of holistic image of human as biopsychological system and active-creative possibilities of student with his desire to realize himself on the principles of love to the person and in the public interests.
GAMES AS A MEANS OF LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BY MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Yelahina N. I. , Fedchyshyn N. O.
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the role of the educational game as a means of organizing the speech activity of medical students in English. The authors of the article emphasize the need to use active teaching methods in the educational process while learning English. It has been established that games in English classes can be divided into the following categories: games aimed at mastering new vocabulary; games aimed at grammatical material consolidation; communication games aimed at developing students’ monologs and dialogs. Methods, goals and tasks for forming a communicative model are highlighted. Examples of interaction between a teacher and a student are analyzed. It is noted that the conduct of professional games has a multi-faceted approach and is carried out according to a certain model. Systematic and purposeful use of games as a method of teaching English to medical students contributes to the effective learning in the educational process.
Three new species, four new records, and an updated species key for males of Trichomyia (Brachiotrichomyia) Bravo & Araújo, 2013 (Diptera, Psychodidae)
Authors: Araújo Maíra Xavier , Bravo Freddy , Santos-Silva Claudiney Biral dos
Published: April 2020

Three new species of Trichomyia (Brachiotrichoyia) (Trichomyiinae, Psychodidae), Trichomyia spatulata sp. nov., Trichomyia ciliata sp. nov., and Trichomyia recurva sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Additionally, we present new records of Trichomyia (Brachiotrichoyia) armata Barretto, 1954, Trichomyia (Brachiotrichoyia) quatei Bravo, 2001, Trichomyia (Brachiotrichoyia) inermis Barreto, 1954, and Trichomyia (Brachiotrichoyia) plumata Bravo & Araújo, 2013 in Brazil. An identification key for males of the subgenus was updated to include the three new species.
A new species of Asphondylia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and a key to separate species of the genus associated with Asteraceae from Neotropical region
Authors: Urso-Guimarães Maria Virginia
Published: April 2020

A new species, Asphondylia cipo sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) causing stem and petiole galls on Lessingianthus warmingianus (Baker) H. Rob. (Asteraceae) is described and illustrated from Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A key is provided to separate species of this genus associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family from the Neotropical region.
Públicos e “não públicos” da cultura e das artes
Authors: Santana Adriana Alves , Nussbaumer Gisele Marchiori
Published: April 2020

Este artigo discute os públicos da cultura e das artes considerando inicialmente as diferentes compreensões possíveis do termo “público” e sua relação com as políticas culturais. Em seguida, apresenta os principais resultados de pesquisas nacionais realizadas sobre o tema e destaca desafios referentes à questão dos públicos no atual contexto político-cultural.
Apontamentos sobre a escrita para a viola caipira
Authors: Moraes André Aparecido de Souza
Published: April 2020

A viola, assim como a maioria dos instrumentos de cordas dedilhadas, é um instrumento voltado para pessoas simples, muitas vezes sem o devido acesso ao aprendizado musical tradicional. Relevante notar que o estudo tradicional da viola se dava de forma oral sem que se precisasse usar algum modo de escrita, desenvolvendo-se um sistema de tablatura somente em tempos posteriores. O escopo deste trabalho é discorrer sobre a leitura e escrita para a viola brasileira, trazendo à luz o que era produzido e registrado para os instrumentos de cordas dedilhadas e seus desdobramentos, o que influenciou a escrita da viola brasileira, um instrumento da família dos cordofones.  Assim sendo, esse artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as possibilidades de escrita e produção composicional para esse instrumento. Devido ao seu enraizamento no Brasil, a viola passou a ser porta voz de um povo e este a encara como um instrumento onde ele possa transitar em qualquer gênero musical.
Reproducibility of Surface Wind and Tracer Transport Simulations over Complex Terrain Using 5-, 3-, and 1-km-Grid Models
Authors: Sekiyama Tsuyoshi Thomas , Kajino Mizuo
Published: April 2020

The reproducibility of surface wind and tracer transport simulations from high-resolution weather and transport models was studied over complex terrain in wintertime in Japan. The horizontal grid spacing was varied (5-, 3-, and 1-km grids), and radioactive cesium (Cs-137) from the Fukushima nuclear power plant was used as a tracer. Fukushima has complex terrain, such as mountains and valleys. The model results were validated by observations collected from the national networks of the automated meteorological data acquisition system and the hourly air pollution sampling system. The reproducibility depended on the model resolution, topographic complexity, and synoptic weather conditions. Higher model resolution led to higher reproducibility of surface winds, especially in mountainous areas when the Siberian winter monsoon was disturbed. In contrast, the model improvement was negligible or nonexistent over plain/coastal areas when the synoptic field was steady. The statistical scores of the tracer transport simulations often deteriorated as a result of small errors in the plume locations. However, the higher-resolution models advantageously performed better transport simulations in the mountainous areas because of the lower numerical diffusion and higher reproducibility of the mass flux. The reproducibility of the tracer distribution in the valley of the Fukushima mountainous region was dramatically improved with increasing model resolution. In the range of mesoscale model resolutions (commonly 1–10 km), it was concluded that a higher-resolution model is definitely recommended for tracer transport simulations over mountainous terrain.
Spectrally Resolved Fluxes from IASI Data: Retrieval Algorithm for Clear-Sky Measurements
Authors: Whitburn Simon , Clarisse Lieven , Bauduin Sophie , George Maya , Hurtmans Daniel , Safieddine Sarah , Coheur Pierre François , Clerbaux Cathy
Published: April 2020

Space-based measurements of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) are essential for the study of Earth’s climate system. While the CERES instrument provides accurate measurements of this quantity, its measurements are not spectrally resolved. Here we present a high-resolution OLR product (sampled at 0.25 cm−1), derived from measurements of the IASI satellite sounder. The applied methodology relies on precalculated angular distribution models (ADMs). These are usually calculated for tens to hundreds of different scene types (characterized by surface and atmosphere parameters). To guarantee accurate results in the range 645–2300 cm−1 covered by IASI, we constructed ADMs for over 140 000 scenes. These were selected from one year of CAMS reanalysis data. A dissimilarity-based selection algorithm was applied to choose scenes as different from each other as possible, thereby maximizing the performance on real data, while keeping the number of scenes manageable. A comparison of the IASI OLR integrated over the 645–2300 cm−1 range was performed with the longwave broadband OLR products from CERES and the AIRS instrument. The latter are systematically higher due to the contribution of the far infrared to the total IR spectral range, but as expected exhibit generally high spatial correlations with the IASI OLR, except for some areas in the tropical region. We also compared the IASI OLR against the spectrally resolved OLR derived from AIRS. A good agreement was found above 1200 cm−1 while AIRS OLR appeared to be systematically higher in the atmospheric window region, likely related to differences in overpass time or to the use of a different cloud detection algorithm.
Clay minerals in drilling fluids: functions and challenges
Authors: Zhang Jun Rui , Xu Meng Dan , Christidis Georgios E. , Zhou Chun Hui
Published: April 2020

The addition of clay minerals in drilling fluids modifies the dispersion's viscosity. In this article, scientific advances related to the use of clays and clay minerals (bentonite, palygorskite, sepiolite and mixtures of clay minerals) in drilling fluids are summarized and discussed based on their specific structure, rheological properties, applications, prevailing challenges and future directions. The rheological properties of drilling fluids are affected by the temperature, type of electrolytes, pH and concentration of clay minerals. Bentonites are smectite-rich clays often used in drilling fluids, and their composition varies from deposit to deposit. Such variations significantly affect the behaviour of bentonite-based drilling fluids. Palygorskite is suitable for use in oil-based drilling fluids, but the gelation and gel structures of palygorskite-added drilling fluids have not received much attention. Sepiolite is often used in water-based drilling fluids as a rheological additive. Dispersions containing mixtures of clays including bentonite, kaolin, palygorskite and sepiolite are used in drilling fluids requiring specific features such as high-density drilling fluids or those used in impermeable slurry walls. In these cases, the surface chemistry–microstructure–property relationships of mixed-clay dispersions need to be understood fully. The prevailing challenges and future directions in drilling fluids research include safety, ‘green’ processes and high-temperature and high-pressure-resistant clay minerals.
Poly(I:C) causes failure of immunoprophylaxis to red blood cells expressing the KEL glycoprotein in mice
Authors: Escamilla-Rivera Vicente , Liu Jingchun , Gibb David R. , Santhanakrishnan Manjula , Liu Dong , Forsmo James E. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Foxman Ellen F. , Stowell Sean R. , Luckey Chance John , Zimring James C. , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Hendrickson Jeanne E.
Published: April 2020

Polyclonal anti-D (Rh immune globulin [RhIg]) therapy has mitigated hemolytic disease of the newborn over the past half century, although breakthrough anti-D alloimmunization still occurs in some treated females. We hypothesized that antiviral responses may impact the efficacy of immunoprophylaxis therapy in a type 1 interferon (IFN)-dependent manner and tested this hypothesis in a murine model of KEL alloimmunization. Polyclonal anti-KEL immunoprophylaxis (KELIg) was administered to wild-type or knockout mice in the presence or absence of polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly[I:C]), followed by the transfusion of murine red blood cells (RBCs) expressing the human KEL glycoprotein. Anti-KEL alloimmunization, serum cytokines, and consumption of the transfused RBCs were evaluated longitudinally. In some experiments, recipients were treated with type 1 IFN (IFN-α/β). Recipient treatment with poly(I:C) led to breakthrough anti-KEL alloimmunization despite KELIg administration. Recipient CD4+ T cells were not required for immunoprophylaxis efficacy at baseline, and modulation of the KEL glycoprotein antigen occurred to the same extent in the presence or absence of recipient inflammation. Under conditions where breakthrough anti-KEL alloimmunization occurred, KEL RBC consumption by inflammatory monocytes and serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 were significantly increased. Poly(I:C) or type I IFN administration was sufficient to cause breakthrough alloimmunization, with poly(I:C) inducing alloimmunization even in the absence of recipient type I IFN receptors. A better understanding of how recipient antiviral responses lead to breakthrough alloimmunization despite immunoprophylaxis may have translational relevance to instances of RhIg failure that occur in humans.
Understanding heterogeneity of fetal hemoglobin induction through comparative analysis of F and A erythroblasts
Authors: Khandros Eugene , Huang Peng , Peslak Scott A. , Sharma Malini , Abdulmalik Osheiza , Giardine Belinda M. , Zhang Zhe , Keller Cheryl A. , Hardison Ross C. , Blobel Gerd A.
Published: April 2020

Reversing the developmental switch from fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) to adult hemoglobin (HbA, α2β2) is an important therapeutic approach in sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia. In healthy individuals, SCD patients, and patients treated with pharmacologic HbF inducers, HbF is present only in a subset of red blood cells known as F cells. Despite more than 50 years of observations, the cause for this heterocellular HbF expression pattern, even among genetically identical cells, remains unknown. Adult F cells might represent a reversion of a given cell to a fetal-like epigenetic and transcriptional state. Alternatively, isolated transcriptional or posttranscriptional events at the γ-globin genes might underlie heterocellularity. Here, we set out to understand the heterogeneity of HbF activation by developing techniques to purify and profile differentiation stage-matched late erythroblast F cells and non–F cells (A cells) from the human HUDEP2 erythroid cell line and primary human erythroid cultures. Transcriptional and proteomic profiling of these cells demonstrated very few differences between F and A cells at the RNA level either under baseline conditions or after treatment with HbF inducers hydroxyurea or pomalidomide. Surprisingly, we did not find differences in expression of any known HbF regulators, including BCL11A or LRF, that would account for HbF activation. Our analysis shows that F erythroblasts are not significantly different from non-HbF–expressing cells and that the primary differences likely occur at the transcriptional level at the β-globin locus.
Semiconductor-nanoantenna-assisted solar absorber for ultra-broadband light trapping
Authors: Li Yuyin , Liu Zhengqi , Pan Pingping , Liu Xiaoshan , Fu Guolan , Liu Zhongmin , Luo Haimei , Liu Guiqiang
Published: April 2020

Light trapping is an important performance of ultra-thin solar cells because it cannot only increase the optical absorption in the photoactive region but it also allows for the efficient absorption with very little materials. Semiconductor-nanoantenna has the ability to enhance light trapping and raise the transfer efficiency of solar energy. In this work, we present a solar absorber based on the gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanoantennas. Near-perfect light absorption (above 90%) is achieved in the wavelength which ranges from 468 to 2870 nm, showing an ultra-broadband and near-unity light trapping for the sun’s radiation. A high short-circuit current density up to 61.947 mA/cm2 is obtained. Moreover, the solar absorber is with good structural stability and high temperature tolerance. These offer new perspectives for achieving ultra-compact efficient photovoltaic cells and thermal emitters.
Overexpression of an apple LysM-containing protein gene, MdCERK1–2, confers improved resistance to the pathogenic fungus, Alternaria alternata, in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Chen Qiming , Dong Chaohua , Sun Xiaohong , Zhang Yugang , Dai Hongyi , Bai Suhua
Published: April 2020

Background

Lysin motif (LysM)-containing proteins are involved in the recognition of fungal and bacterial pathogens. However, few studies have reported on their roles in the defense responses of woody plants against pathogens. A previous study reported that the appleMdCERK1gene was induced by chitin andRhizoctonia solani, and its protein can bind to chitin. However, its effect on defense responses has not been investigated.

Results

In this study, a new appleCERKgene, designated asMdCERK1–2, was identified. It encodes a protein that shares high sequence identity with the previously reported MdCERK1 and AtCERK1. Its chitin binding ability and subcellular location are similar to MdCERK1 and AtCERK1, suggesting that MdCERK1–2 may play a role in apple immune defense responses as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR).MdCERK1–2expression in apple was induced by 2 fungal pathogens,Botryosphaeria dothideaandGlomerella cingulate,but not by the bacterial pathogen,Erwinia amylovora, indicating thatMdCERK1–2is involved in apple anti-fungal defense responses. Further functional analysis by heterologous overexpression (OE) inNicotiana benthamiana(Nb) demonstrated thatMdCERK1–2OE improvedNbresistance to the pathogenic fungus,Alternaria alternata. H2O2accumulation and callose deposition increased afterA. alternatainfection inMdCERK1–2OE plants compared to wild type (WT) and empty vector (EV)-transformed plants. The induced expression ofNbPAL4byA. alternatasignificantly (p < 0.01,n = 4) increased inMdCERK1–2OE plants. Other tested genes, includingNbNPR1,NbPR1a,NbERF1, andNbLOX1, did not exhibit significant changes afterA. alternatainfection in OE plants compared to EV or WT plants. OE plants also accumulated more polyphenols afterA. alternatainfection.

Conclusions

HeterologousMdCERK1–2OE affects multiple defense responses inNbplants and increased their resistance to fungal pathogens. This result also suggests thatMdCERK1–2is involved in apple defense responses against pathogenic fungi.
Novel PYGL mutations in Chinese children leading to glycogen storage disease type VI: two case reports
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , Hu Jiacheng , Gao Xueren , Fan Yanjie , Sun Yu , Gu Xuefan , Qiu Wenjuan
Published: April 2020

Background

PYGL mutations can cause liver phosphorylase deficiency, resulting in a glycogenolysis disorder, namely, glycogen storage disease (GSD) VI. The disease is rarely reported in the Chinese population. GSD VI is mainly characterized in untreated children by hepatomegaly, growth retardation and elevated liver transaminases.

Case presentation

In this study, we report two GSD VI patients with growth retardation and abnormal liver function. There was no obvious hepatomegaly for one of them. Whole exome sequencing (WES) combined with copy number variation analysis was performed. We found a novel homozygous gross deletion, c.1621-258_2178-23del, including exons 14–17 of PYGL in patient 1. The exons 14–17 deletion of PYGL resulted in an in-frame deletion of 186 amino acids. Compound heterozygous mutations of PYGL were identified in patient 2, including a novel missense mutation c.1832C > T/p.A611V and a recurrent nonsense mutation c.280C > T/p.R94X. After treatment with uncooked cornstarch (UCS) 8 months for patient 1 and 13 months for patient 2, the liver transaminases of both patients decreased to a normal range and their stature was improved. However, patient 1 still showed mild hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusions

We describe two GSD VI patients and expand the spectrum of PYGL mutations. Patient 1 in this study is the first GSD VI case that showed increased transaminases without obvious hepatomegaly due to a novel homozygous gross deletion of PYGL identified through WES.
Bridging the gap between complexity science and clinical practice by formalizing idiographic theories: a computational model of functional analysis
Authors: Burger Julian , van der Veen Date C. , Robinaugh Donald J. , Quax Rick , Riese Harriëtte , Schoevers Robert A. , Epskamp Sacha
Published: April 2020

Background

The past decades of research have seen an increase in statistical tools to explore the complex dynamics of mental health from patient data, yet the application of these tools in clinical practice remains uncommon. This is surprising, given that clinical reasoning, e.g., case conceptualizations, largely coincides with the dynamical system approach. We argue that the gap between statistical tools and clinical practice can partly be explained by the fact that current estimation techniques disregard theoretical and practical considerations relevant to psychotherapy. To address this issue, we propose that case conceptualizations should be formalized. We illustrate this approach by introducing a computational model of functional analysis, a framework commonly used by practitioners to formulate case conceptualizations and design patient-tailored treatment.

Methods

We outline the general approach of formalizing idiographic theories, drawing on the example of a functional analysis for a patient suffering from panic disorder. We specified the system using a series of differential equations and simulated different scenarios; first, we simulated data without intervening in the system to examine the effects of avoidant coping on the development of panic symptomatic. Second, we formalized two interventions commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; exposure and cognitive reappraisal) and subsequently simulated their effects on the system.

Results

The first simulation showed that the specified system could recover several aspects of the phenomenon (panic disorder), however, also showed some incongruency with the nature of panic attacks (e.g., rapid decreases were not observed). The second simulation study illustrated differential effects of CBT interventions for this patient. All tested interventions could decrease panic levels in the system.

Conclusions

Formalizing idiographic theories is promising in bridging the gap between complexity science and clinical practice and can help foster more rigorous scientific practices in psychotherapy, through enhancing theory development. More precise case conceptualizations could potentially improve intervention planning and treatment outcomes. We discuss applications in psychotherapy and future directions, amongst others barriers for systematic theory evaluation and extending the framework to incorporate interactions between individual systems, relevant for modeling social learning processes. With this report, we hope to stimulate future efforts in formalizing clinical frameworks.
Phenotype and functionality of follicular helper T cells in patients with acute dengue infection
Authors: Wijesinghe Ayesha , Gamage Jayani , Goonewardena Hemantha , Gomes Laksiri , Jayathilaka Deshni , Wijeratne Dulharie T. , de Alwis Ruklanthi , Jeewandara Chandima , Wijewickrama Ananda , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: April 2020

Background

The association of functionality and phenotype of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) with dengue virus (DENV) specific antibody responses and clinical disease severity has not been well studied.

Methods

We investigated the phenotype and functionality of Tfh cells and plasmablasts in adult patients (DF = 18, DHF = 22) with acute dengue (day 4 to 8 since onset of fever) of varying severity using multiparametric flowcytometry. The properties of Tfh cells were correlated with viraemia, disease severity, plasmablast responses and DENV-specific serum antibody responses. We further evaluated the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies (Neut50) throughout the course of illness in order to evaluate their association with clinical disease severity and viraemia.

Results

Tfh cells (especially those producing IL-21 and co-expressing PD-1 and ICOS) were found to be significantly expanded (p < 0.0001) and highly activated in patients with DHF compared to those with DF. The frequency of Tfh cells significantly correlated with DENV-specific IgG, NS1-specific antibodies and Neut50 antibody titres in patients with DHF but not in those with DF. Although the Neut50 titres increased during the course of acute secondary DENV infection, they showed differences based on serotype. For instance, the Neut50 titres were significantly higher during the latter part of illness in patients with DF compared to DHF in DENV1 infection, while in DENV2, patients with DHF had significantly higher titres. The viral loads during early illness did not correlate with the subsequent rise in the Neut50 antibody titres during any time point of illness.

Conclusions

The expansion of Tfh cells is associated with DHF and DENV-specific IgG, NS1-specific and neutralizing antibodies. Neut50 titres did not associate with disease severity or viraemia at the point of first presentation during the febrile phase, but later titres do show differential association with severity in patients with DENV1 compared to DENV2.
Evaluation of personal protection afforded by repellent-treated sandals against mosquito bites in south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Sangoro Onyango P. , Gavana Tegemeo , Finda Marceline , Mponzi Winfrida , Hape Emmanuel , Limwagu Alex , Govella Nicodem J. , Chaki Prosper , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: April 2020

Background

Outdoor and early evening mosquito biting needs to be addressed if malaria elimination is to be achieved. While indoor-targeted interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, remain essential, complementary approaches that tackle persisting outdoor transmission are urgently required to maximize the impact. Major malaria vectors principally bite human hosts around the feet and ankles. Consequently, this study investigated whether sandals treated with efficacious spatial repellents can protect against outdoor biting mosquitoes.

Methodology

Sandals affixed with hessian bands measuring 48 cm2 treated with 0.06 g, 0.10 g and 0.15 g of transfluthrin were tested in large cage semi-field and full field experiments. Sandals affixed with hessian bands measuring 240 cm2 and treated with 0.10 g and 0.15 g of transfluthrin were also tested semi field experiments. Human landing catches (HLC) were used to assess reduction in biting exposure by comparing proportions of mosquitoes landing on volunteers wearing treated and untreated sandals. Sandals were tested against insectary reared Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in semi-field experiments and against wild mosquito species in rural Tanzania.

Results

In semi-field tests, sandals fitted with hessian bands measuring 48 cm2 and treated with 0.15 g, 0.10 g and 0.06 g transfluthrin reduced mosquito landings by 45.9%, (95% confidence interval (C.I.) 28–59%), 61.1% (48–71%), and 25.9% (9–40%), respectively compared to untreated sandals. Sandals fitted with hessian bands measuring 240 cm2 and treated with 0.15 g and 0.10 g transfluthrin reduced mosquito landings by 59% (43–71%) and 64% (48–74%), respectively. In field experiments, sandals fitted with hessian bands measuring 48 cm2 and treated with 0.15 g transfluthrin reduced mosquito landings by 70% (60–76%) against Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, and 66.0% (59–71%) against all mosquito species combined.

Conclusion

Transfluthrin-treated sandals conferred significant protection against mosquito bites in semi-field and field settings. Further evaluation is recommended for this tool as a potential complementary intervention against malaria. This intervention could be particularly useful for protecting against outdoor exposure to mosquito bites. Additional studies are necessary to optimize treatment techniques and substrates, establish safety profiles and determine epidemiological impact in different settings.
Who’s afraid of DEET? Fearmongering in papers on botanical repellents
Authors: Shelomi Matan
Published: April 2020

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is considered the gold standard in mosquito repellents, not only for its effectiveness, but also for its safety. DEET has been more extensively studied for safety than any other repellent, and is accepted as completely safe when used correctly (i.e. not consumed or bathed in). Researchers studying botanical repellents, however, often paint DEET as far more toxic than it really is, falsely claiming it is a menace to the public health or even the environment. These claims are unfounded, and often the only evidence given by such publications are references to other publications also studying botanical repellents. Such publications are biased, and may be attacking DEET’s excellent safety record to justify their existence and the need for their research. The inconvenient yet undisputable fact is that no botanical repellent has been proven to be as safe as DEET, and the majority never had any safety testing whatsoever. The automatic assumption that botanical repellents are safer than DEET is the ‘appeal to nature fallacy,’ which also drives most of the market for “natural” repellents, yet natural repellents have side effects and even a body count. Finding a botanical repellent that works as well as DEET and is equally safe is a legitimate research goal on its own, and need not be justified by fear-mongering and irrational chemophobia. Researchers studying these alternatives should strive for integrity, raising the real issue of the lack of safety testing for botanical repellents rather than denying the proven safety of DEET.
Construction of new cubic Bézier-like triangular patches with application in scattered data interpolation
Authors: Karim Samsul Ariffin Abdul , Saaban Azizan , Skala Vaclav , Ghaffar Abdul , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses the functional scattered data interpolation to interpolate the general scattered data. Compared with the previous works, we construct a new cubic Bézier-like triangular basis function controlled by three shape parameters. This is an advantage compared with the existing schemes since it gives more flexibility for the shape design in geometric modeling. By choosing some suitable value of the parameters, this new triangular basis is reduced to the cubic Ball and cubic Bézier triangular patches, respectively. In order to apply the proposed bases to general scattered data, firstly the data is triangulated using Delaunay triangulation. Then the sufficient condition for $C^{1}$C1 continuity using cubic precision method on each adjacent triangle is implemented. Finally, the interpolation scheme is constructed based on a convex combination between three local schemes of the cubic Bézier-like triangular patches. The detail comparison in terms of maximum error and coefficient of determination $r^{2}$r2 with some existing meshfree methods i.e. radial basis function (RBF) such as linear, thin plate spline (TPS), Gaussian, and multiquadric are presented. From graphical results, the proposed scheme gives more visually pleasing interpolating surfaces compared with all RBF methods. Based on error analysis, for all four functions, the proposed scheme is better than RBFs except for data from the third function. Overall, the proposed scheme gives $r^{2}$r2 value between 0.99920443 and 0.99999994. This is very good for surface fitting for a large scattered data set.
A different approach to complex valued $G_{b}$-metric spaces
Authors: Ege Ozgur , Park Choonkil , Ansari Arslan Hojat
Published: April 2020

In this work, we introduce a generalized fixed point theorem using a complex C-class function as a new tool in complex valued $G_{b}$Gb-metric spaces. Moreover, we define $\alpha -(F,\psi ,\varphi )$α−(F,ψ,φ)-contractive type and α-admissible mapping. Then we prove a fixed point theorem using these notions and the complex C-class function. The obtained results generalize some facts in the literature.
Trade-offs between wood production and forest grouse habitats in two regions with distinctive landscapes
Authors: Haakana Helena , Huhta Esa , Hirvelä Hannu , Packalen Tuula
Published: April 2020

Background

Forest management affects the viability of forest grouse populations, causing alterations to habitat quality. At the regional level, common targets for wood harvesting and safeguarding of specific habitats are negotiated between various stakeholders. Analysing potential trade-offs between forest grouse habitats and wood production in the region could support resource-smart decision making.

Methods

In this paper, we compiled trade-off curves represented as production possibility frontiers demonstrating the relationship between forest grouse habitat area and wood removal, using a Finnish forestry dynamics model and the Finnish Multi-Source National Forest Inventory. For the modelling of forest grouse habitats, a landscape-level occurrence model based on nationwide wildlife triangle census data was used. Five alternative forest scenarios in terms of wood removal were compiled for two study areas in Finland representing two different landscape structures.

Results and conclusions

Results showed that impacts on forest grouse habitats were case-specific. In the southern study area, increasing the roundwood harvesting rate affected grouse habitats more strongly as forests were already fragmented for other land uses and became more spruce-dominated over time. If the maximum sustainable removal rate was implemented, predicted grouse habitat area was 55% less than in a no-removal scenario. In the eastern study area, a more heavily forested region, the decrease was far lower at 22%. Scenario results were also compared to levels of recorded (business as usual) wood removal and that envisaged by valid regional forestry programmes, and their sustainability in terms of grouse habitat area was discussed. The production possibility frontiers calculated in this study support the evaluation of the loss of suitable habitat caused by different wood harvesting rates, or vice versa, the economic cost of increasing habitat areas.
On the Directions of Increasing the Economic Efficiency of Aviation Production
Authors: Safargaliev M. , Nugumanova L.
Published: April 2020

The article suggests some directions for increasing the economic efficiency of aviation production, which include the rational consumption of energy resources, the development of digital technologies in production activities, and the formation of an ecosystem for the development of production personnel. Practical recommendations with evaluations of the results of their implementation have been developed for each area.
Features of Modern Socio-Economic Development and Management of Single Towns of the Russian Federation
Authors: Ugryumova A. , Garnov Andrey , Sedova N.
Published: April 2020

The article explores the criterion approaches that make it possible to identify municipalities as single towns and compares the categories of single-sector municipalities (single towns) depending on the magnitude of the risks of their socio-economic situation, employment and unemployment in the labour markets of single towns. The work used foreign and Russian studies on problems of state regulation of single towns, analyzed the experience of developed countries. Methodological tools of research: methods of analysis of statistical sources, logical justification, forecasting. According to the study, the largest concentration of single towns over a three-year period corresponds to two groups: monoprophilic municipal entities of the Russian Federation (monocities), with observed risks of deterioration of socio-economic situation and monoprophilic municipal entities of the Russian Federation (monocities) with crisis socioeconomic situation. The article presents conceptual approaches to regulation of social and economic development of single towns of the Russian Federation, which allowed to highlight three main approaches to development of single towns in the Russian Federation (inertial, scenario of rehabilitation of the cityforming enterprise and scenario of its closure). As a result of the presented forecast information — all categories of single towns show a decreasing trend in the number of employed population. However, most of all, this trend affected the category of cities with stable socio-economic situation, which indicates not only the deterioration of the situation in these territorial entities, but also the general negative trend of development at the level of the national economy. Practical results of the study can be used in developing assumptions to regional authorities to reduce unsustainable employment in single towns