bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How technology is driving the landscape of epilepsy surgery
Authors: Dorfer Christian , Rydenhag Bertil , Baltuch Gordon , Buch Vivek , Blount Jeffrey , Bollo Robert , Gerrard Jason , Nilsson Daniel , Roessler Karl , Rutka James , Sharan Ashwini , Spencer Dennis , Cukiert Arthur
Published: March 2020

This article emphasizes the role of the technological progress in changing the landscape of epilepsy surgery and provides a critical appraisal of robotic applications, laser interstitial thermal therapy, intraoperative imaging, wireless recording, new neuromodulation techniques, and high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Specifically, (a) it relativizes the current hype in using robots for stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) to increase the accuracy of depth electrode placement and save operating time; (b) discusses the drawback of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) when it comes to the need for adequate histopathologic specimen and the fact that the concept of stereotactic disconnection is not new; (c) addresses the ratio between the benefits and expenditure of using intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that is, the high technical and personnel expertise needed that might restrict its use to centers with a high case load, including those unrelated to epilepsy; (d) soberly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, and future potentials of neuromodulation techniques with special emphasis on the differences between closed and open‐loop systems; and (e) provides a critical outlook on the clinical implications of focused ultrasound, wireless recording, and multipurpose electrodes that are already on the horizon. This outlook shows that although current ultrasonic systems do have some limitations in delivering the acoustic energy, further advance of this technique may lead to novel treatment paradigms. Furthermore, it highlights that new data streams from multipurpose electrodes and wireless transmission of intracranial recordings will become available soon once some critical developments will be achieved such as electrode fidelity, data processing and storage, heat conduction as well as rechargeable technology. A better understanding of modern epilepsy surgery will help to demystify epilepsy surgery for the patients and the treating physicians and thereby reduce the surgical treatment gap.
Seasonal habitat use indicates that depth may mediate the potential for invasive round goby impacts in inland lakes
Authors: Andres Kara J. , Sethi Suresh Andrew , Duskey Elizabeth , Lepak Jesse M. , Rice Aaron N. , Estabrook Bobbi J. , Fitzpatrick Kimberly B. , George Ellen , Marcy‐Quay Benjamin , Paufve Matthew R. , Perkins Kelly , Scofield Anne E.
Published: March 2020

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is among the fastest‐spreading introduced aquatic species in North America and is radiating inland from the Great Lakes into freshwater ecosystems across the landscape. Predicting and managing the impacts of round gobies requires information on the factors influencing their distribution in habitats along the invasion front, yet this information is not available for many recently invaded ecosystems. We evaluated the seasonal habitat use and biomass of round gobies in an inland temperate lake to define the spatiotemporal scope of biological interactions at the leading edge of the round goby invasion.

Using novel statistical approaches, we combined hierarchical models that control for imperfect species detection with flexible smooth terms to describe non‐linear relationships between round goby abundance and environmental gradients. Subsequently, we generated accurate detection‐corrected estimates of the standing stock biomass of round gobies.

Our results show seasonally differentiated habitat niches, where suitable round goby habitat in summer months is restricted to shallow depths (<18.4 m) with a mixture of vegetative and mussel cover. We found high round goby biomass of 122 kg/ha in occupied habitats during the summer, with a total lake‐wide biomass of 766,000 kg. In winter, round gobies migrate to deep offshore habitats and disperse, dramatically altering their scope for biological interactions with resident aquatic species across summer and winter seasons.

The results of this study indicate that the scope of biological interactions in inland lakes may be seasonally variable, with potential for high round goby biomass in shallow lakes or at the periphery of deep lakes in the summer months. Such shallow‐water habitats may therefore present higher risk of ecological impacts from round gobies in invaded lentic ecosystems. As round gobies expand inland, consideration of seasonal habitat use will be an important factor in predicting the impacts of this pervasive invader.
Oral health and cognitive status in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project: A cross‐sectional study in community‐dwelling older Australian men
Authors: Takehara Sachiko , Wright Fredrick A. Clive , Waite Louise M. , Naganathan Vasi , Hirani Vasant , Blyth Fiona M. , Le Couteur David G. , Seibel Markus J. , Handelsman David J. , Cumming Robert G.
Published: March 2020

Background

Several studies have examined the relationship between cognition and oral health in older populations. To further understand this relationship, we examined the associations between cognitive function, chewing capacity and the number of teeth present in community‐dwelling older males in Australia.

Methods

Data were obtained from cross‐sectional analysis of fourth wave of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP). Participants were 369 community‐dwelling males aged 78 years or over. Cognitive function was measured utilising the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Chewing capacity was determined on ability to chew food items of different textures, and oral health data were collected. Ordinal regression was used to analyse associations between MMSE (four categories) and chewing capacity and number of natural teeth present.

Results

Overall, 67.5% of participants reported that they could chew all 11 listed food items. Participants with fewer than 20 teeth were statistically significantly more likely to have cognitive impairment (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25‐2.79, adjusted OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.07‐2.43). Participants with limited chewing capacity were also more likely to have cognitive impairment (unadjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.25‐2.94, adjusted OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.03‐2.49).

Conclusions

This study suggests either that older men with fewer than 20 natural teeth and those with limited chewing capacity are more likely to have an associated cognitive impairment or that those with cognitive impairment are more likely to have fewer teeth and limited chewing capacity. Further longitudinal studies should clarify these relationships.
Two‐Hour CGRP Infusion Causes Gastrointestinal Hyperactivity: Possible Relevance for CGRP Antibody Treatment
Authors: Falkenberg Katrine , Bjerg Helene Rønde , Olesen Jes
Published: March 2020

Objective

The monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor are new antimigraine drugs from which many patients already benefit. Very few side effects have been reported from the antibody trials, including very few gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. The current data derive from a double‐blind cross‐over study of CGRP infusion for 2 hours. We present the GI side effects of the infusion and raise the question if underreporting of GI symptoms in CGRP antibody trials has occurred. We also discuss why constipation may be more likely with CGRP receptor blockade than with CGRP neutralizing antibodies.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited to receive a 2‐hour infusion of CGRP 1.5 µg/minutes on 2 different days. The participants were pretreated with sumatriptan tablets (2 × 50 mg) 1 day and with placebo the other day. During the infusion, the participants were asked about side effects including a detailed description about their GI symptoms. Clinical observations like flatulence, rumbling, and use of bedpan were also noted. After the infusion, the participants filled out a questionnaire about side effects at home until 12‐hour after the infusion start. The study was conducted at the Danish Headache Center at Rigshospitalet Glostrup in the period February 2018 to July 2018.

Results

On both study days 93% (27/29 participants) experienced symptoms from the GI system during the infusion. Rumbling, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and an urge to defecate were the most commonly experienced GI side effects. There was no difference in symptoms between placebo and sumatriptan pretreatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that a 2‐hour infusion of CGRP causes frequent and sometimes severe symptoms from the GI system. The symptoms are not antagonized by sumatriptan. More attention should be paid to constipation as a possible side effect of CGRP receptor antagonists.
Staff and patient perceptions of a community urinary catheter service
Authors: Oswald Freya C. , Young Ellen , Denison Fiona C. , Allen Rosalind J. , Perry Meghan
Published: March 2020

Urinary catheters are used extensively throughout healthcare for various reasons including management of urinary tract dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously explore both catheter user experience and staff perception of catheter services within community urinary catheter care. A questionnaire was conducted to investigate the views of community nursing staff. During the same time period, patients were interviewed about (a) catheter‐care standards and adherence to guidelines, (b) patients' feelings towards their catheter and (c) potential improvements to catheter practices and design. Sixty‐nine staff were surveyed. Although 97% of staff indicated they used local guidelines, in up to 62% of cases findings suggested practices in sending urine samples for culture did not comply with guidelines. Then, 75% of staff were satisfied with catheter care, but weaknesses were identified in handover processes, communication between staff and patients, and excessive documentation. Staff results were compared with the findings from interviews of 29 long‐term urinary catheter users, demonstrating a higher level of satisfaction with catheter care among patients (86%). Patients and staff agreed that generally the impacts of their catheter on personal hygiene, sense of independence, sense of dignity and of patient happiness, were neutral (neither positive nor negative). However, regarding improvements to catheter practices and catheter design, 73% of staff but only 45% of patients suggested improvements in service, while 76% of patients but only 49% of staff suggested improvement in design. The study reveals general satisfaction with community catheter care, but indicates areas of potential improvements regarding communication, documentation and catheter design. When compared to patient responses, staff overall had a less positive view of patients perception of their relationship with their catheter.
Retour vers le futur: le fil rouge du débat sur le travail et la technologie au sein de l'OIT
Authors: CHERRY Miriam A.
Published: March 2020

Les inquiétudes suscitées par le chômage technologique ne datent pas d'aujourd'hui. Dans les années 1960, les débats sur l'automatisation reflétaient aussi bien l'optimisme que les préoccupations engendr..ées par le potentiel de destruction d'emplois du progrès technique. L'étude des documents d'archives, notamment des informations réunies par le Bureau de l'automatisation du BIT, montre que nombre des propositions avancées aujourd'hui étaient déjà évoquées à l'époque au sein de l'OIT, même si elles n'ont jamais été traduites en termes réglementaires. Revenir sur le débat de cette époque peut offrir des éclairages utiles pour relever les défis actuels et nous aider à construire l'avenir du travail que nous appelons de nos vœux.
Insurance and inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: policy thresholds
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: March 2020

In this study, we examine how insurance affects income inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa, using data from 42 countries during the period 2004–2014. Three inequality variables are used, namely: the Gini coefficient, the Atkinson index and the Palma ratio. Two insurance premiums are employed, namely: life insurance and non‐life insurance. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM). Life insurance increases the Gini coefficient and increasing life insurance has a net positive effect on the Gini coefficient and the Atkinson index. Non‐life insurance reduces the Gini coefficient and increasing non‐life insurance has a net positive effect on the Palma ratio. The analysis is extended to establish policy thresholds at which increasing insurance premiums completely dampen the net positive effects. From the extended analysis, 7.500 of life insurance premiums (percentage of GDP) is the critical mass required for life insurance to negatively affect inequality, while 0.855 of non‐life insurance premiums (percentage of GDP) is the threshold required for non‐life insurance to negatively affect inequality. Policy thresholds are provided at which insurance penetration decreases income inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Risk for undernutrition and development of pressure injury in hospitalised patients in Brazil: Multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Serpa Letícia F. , Oliveira Alcicléa S. , Nogueira Paula C. , de Gouveia Santos Vera L. C.
Published: March 2020

Although pressure injury (PI) is preventable, the number of patients developing this type of injury is still high. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess whether high risk for undernutrition was a risk factor for PI in 1937 patients aged ≥18 at six hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Patients' risk for undernutrition was assessed using three unique screening tools. Risk for PI was assessed using the Braden Scale. Data were analysed using Poisson regression with robust variance (95% CI, P ≤ .05). While 57.1% of patients were at risk for undernutrition in the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), only 36.8% and 2.6% were at risk in the Braden Scale Nutrition Subscale (BSNS) and Subjective Global Assessment of Nutritional Status (SGANS), respectively. The cumulative incidence rate was 5.9%. Of those who developed PI, 91.2%, 56.2%, and 18.4% were at risk for undernutrition in the NRS 2002, BSNS, and SGANS scales, respectively. We found a significantly higher risk for PI in patients who were at risk for undernutrition compared with those who were not at risk, supporting previous evidence about the role of undernutrition as a key risk factor for PI in hospitalised patients.
Community‐Based Art Education in China: Practices, Issues and Challenges
Authors: Luo Ning , Lau Chung‐Yim
Published: March 2020

Art educators have been promoting Community‐Based Art Education (CBAE) in schools in order to enhance students’ sense of socio‐cultural identity and contextual learning about local art and culture. It cannot only bridge the gap between the students’ daily lives and the communities and art, but can also enhance their inquiry, discovery and meaning‐making abilities. In China, the community‐based approach plays a significant role in the National Standards for Visual Arts, and Chinese art educators have been applying CBAE in school art education for decades. However, Western art educators are still unfamiliar with the issues, practices and challenges related to CBAE in China owing to language constraints. In light of the above, this article aims to initiate a dialogue between Western and Chinese CBAE researchers through discourse and discussions on the main issues related to CBAE in Chinese art education. It outlines current practices of, and issues related to, CBAE from the perspective of Chinese art education. It also discusses the three major challenges to the implementation of CBAE in China, namely the conflict between indigenous knowledge and official knowledge in the school art curriculum, lack of motivation among teachers, and neglect of context in the practice of local art in schools. It is hoped that this article it will enrich our overall knowledge of CBAE and contribute to the understanding of CBAE from a global perspective.
Population decline of a long‐distance migratory passerine at the edge of its range: nest predation, nest replacement and immigration
Authors: Murphy Michael T. , Redmond Lucas J. , Dolan Amy C. , Cooper Nathan W. , Chutter Christopher M. , Cancellieri Sarah
Published: March 2020

The relative importance of predators and resources (i.e. food) for the dynamics of migratory bird populations is poorly known. Resource availability may be more likely in resource poor environments, but given that nest failure in most systems is due mainly to predation, predator effects may predominate. We document a rapid decline of an isolated eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus population breeding in the Great Basin Desert of eastern Oregon, USA, and evaluate whether it was driven by limited food resources (water availability ~ food), nest predation, or first‐year or adult return rate (RRJ and RRA, respectively) that reflect nonbreeding season events. Most nests failed (~68% of nests) due mainly to nest predation (> 90% of failures); nestling starvation was rare. Bioyear precipitation (October–April), breeding season precipitation, and river flow all varied widely but none could account for annual variation in either nest success (NS) or fledging success of successful nest (FSSN). Neither RRJ nor RRA varied with year, any measure of water resources, or reproductive success. Annual population growth rate (ln[Nt+1/Nt]) was independent of year, all measures of water availability, RRJ and RRA, and NS of replacement nests, but was high following years of high NS of initial nests; FSSN was also higher in years of high NS. High rates of nest predation, due likely to the expansion of the local American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos population, appeared to drive the population decline. Empirical data and population simulations indicated that replacement nests contributed little to λ, while simulations revealed that, given site‐specific vital rates, the decline would have been even greater without immigration (λ = 0.812) than the observed (λ = 0.914). Long distance dispersal may thus be critical for persistence of kingbirds in the naturally highly fragmented habitat that it occupies in the Great Basin Desert.
Digital game‐based learning in a Shanghai primary‐school mathematics class: A case study
Authors: Deng Li , Wu Shaoyang , Chen Yumeng , Peng Zhengmei
Published: March 2020

This study examined the perceptions and experiences of a teacher and students in a Shanghai public primary school when digital games were used in a second‐grade math class. The participants included one teacher and 45 students. Data collection methods included classroom observation, focus‐group and individual interviews, and document analysis. Digital gameplay, when used once daily over a 6‐day period, was found to enhance student engagement and interest in learning; many students, however, were concerned about its effect on academic achievement and eyesight. The teacher employed a “making thinking visible” approach using pencil and paper and problem‐solving strategies to help students understand the game's mathematical principles and master mathematical knowledge. Obstacles included large class size, difficulty evaluating learning outcomes, balancing fun and learning, and effective game–classroom integration. This study found that exam‐oriented education and traditional teacher‐centred teaching in China influenced participants' perceptions and experiences of digital game‐based learning.
Anti‐psoriatic therapies and cardiovascular risk: is there a difference between different systemic agents?
Authors: Kridin K. , Cohen A.D.
Published: March 2020

Linked article: W. Rungapiromnan, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 769–778. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16018.
Involvement of orbit in maxillofacial fractures: “Evaluation of its spectrum, characteristics, and treatment in 200 patients”—Prospective study
Authors: Lin Quan , Hong Xingyu , Zhang Duo , Jin Hongjuan
Published: March 2020

Background

To evaluate the orbital involvement epidemiology in facial fractures, the clinical distribution and effects of orbital involvement in these patients, the frequency and nature of treatment procedures performed for these involvements, and the immediate‐ and intermediate‐term effects of these treatment procedures.

Methods

Two hundred patients with hard tissue maxillofacial injuries were included in this study. Clinical examination was performed in‐depth. Images were taken to determine and confirm clinical observations and to finalize treatment modality. Orbital involvement in patients was noted as present or absent. The clinical effects and features in postoperative imaging studies were noted until 3 months after trauma in each patient.

Results

Out of 200 patients, about one‐third patients (58;29%) had orbital involvement and out of which 49 were males. Regarding clinical‐radiological signs in orbit involved fractures, the incidences were variable, that is, periorbital ecchymosis (77.6%), periorbital edema (74.1%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (67.2%), palpable step/crepitus in orbital rim (62.1%), infraorbital nerve paresthesia (46.6%), restricted globe movement (5.2%), orbital rim discontinuity/step (72.4%), maxillary sinuses (51.7%), orbital wall/floor/roof rupture (55.2%), and infraorbital foramen involvement (36.2%). Palpable step/crepitus in orbital rim was recovered remarkably earlier in patients of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) group, and features of restricted globe movements, orbital rim discontinuity/step, orbital wall/floor/roof rupture, and infraorbital foramen involvement in patients were recovered immediately after open reduction and internal fixation treatment.

Conclusion

Early repair of the maxillofacial injuries with orbital involvement has better functional and esthetic outcome.
Our experiences in bipolar radiofrequency thermotherapy system as an alternative treatment in LUTS
Authors: Engin Özbay , Remzi Salar , Ferat Öncel Halil
Published: March 2020

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the bipolar radiofrequency thermotherapy system as a minimally invasive treatment method in lower urinary tract symptom treatment and its effect on the patients’ quality of life (QoL). The thermotherapy system was applied to 118 patients between May 2016 and September 2017 with the requirement of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, who either could not be operated upon due to their comorbidities or preferred to undergo this procedure as an alternative treatment method. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and QoL scores and maximal flow rate (Qmax) and post‐voiding residue (PVR) values were evaluated before and after treatment. For the 80 patients who completed the 2‐year follow‐up period, the Qmax values were observed to be increased at each follow‐up evaluation and PVR, QoL and IPSS were observed to be decreased. These changes were statistically significant from the baseline. In this study we found there was 48.8% increase in Qmax, 72.1% decrease in IPSS, 70.8% decrease in the QoL score, 51.1% decrease in PVR of 80 patients who underwent bipolar radiofrequency prostate ablation. The bipolar radiofrequency prostate thermotherapy system can be safely applied as an outpatient treatment in high‐risk cases or for those who are anxious about surgical interventions.
DksA plays an essential role in regulating the virulence of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Mason Charlotte , Thompson Christina , Ouyang Zhiming
Published: March 2020

The RNA polymerase‐binding protein DksA, together with the alarmone nucleotides (p)ppGpp, mediates the stringent response to nutrient starvation in Borrelia burgdorferi. To date, the contribution of DksA to B. burgdorferi infection remains unknown. We report here that DksA is essential for B. burgdorferi to infect a mammalian host. dksA expression was highly induced during infection. Moreover, a dksA‐deficient mutant was incapable of infecting mice. The mutant displayed growth defects when cultured in vitro and resistance to osmotic pressure was markedly reduced. These phenotypes were fully restored to those of the wild type when dksA mutation was complemented. We further showed that DksA controlled the expression of virulence‐associated lipoprotein OspC, likely via the central alternative sigma factor RpoS. Synthesis of RpoS was abolished in the dksA mutant, but rpoS transcription remained unaffected. Additionally, we found that the expression of clpX, clpA, clpP, and clpP2 was significantly increased in the mutant, suggesting that DksA may post‐transcriptionally regulate rpoS expression via its effect on ClpXP and/or ClpAP proteases. These combined data demonstrate that DksA regulates B. burgdorferi virulence at least partially through its influence on RpoS and OspC. This study thus elucidates that, in addition to function as a stringent response regulator, DksA promotes the transcription and/or translation of genes contributing to B. burgdorferi infectivity.
A FACE FROM THE BRITISH IRON AGE: A DECORATED IRON AGE WEAVING COMB FROM HARWELL, OXFORDSHIRE
Authors: Fitzpatrick A.P.
Published: March 2020

The handle of a decorated weaving comb of bone, found in an Iron Age settlement at Harwell, UK, has a naturalistic depiction of a human face rare for prehistoric Britain. Dated to the fifth to third centuries BC, the comb was probably used in the making of narrow pieces of patterned textile. It is suggested that the linear decoration on the comb represents the patterns on textiles, which are usually regarded as the products of a domestic craft, but the figural representation derives from the repertoire of metal workers.
Optical coherence tomography for the investigation of skin adaptation to mechanical stress
Authors: Swanson Eric C. , Friedly Janna L. , Wang Ruikang K. , Sanders Joan E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Skin breakdown due to limb‐socket interface stress is a significant problem for lower limb prosthesis users. While it is known that skin can adapt to stress to become more resistant to breakdown, little is understood about skin adaptation and few methods exist to noninvasively investigate it. In this study, we present novel, noninvasive imaging methods using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess key features of the cutaneous microvasculature that may be involved in skin adaptation.

Materials and Methods

Eight able‐bodied participants wore a modified below‐knee prosthetic socket for two weeks to stress the skin of their lower limb. Two OCT‐based imaging tests were used to assess the function and structure, respectively, of the cutaneous microvasculature at multiple time points throughout the socket wear protocol.

Results

A measurable reactive hyperemia response was reliably induced in the skin of study participants in the vascular function assessment test. The vascular structure assessment demonstrated excellent field‐of‐view repeatability, providing rich data sets of vessel structure. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the measurements when compared between time points of the adaptation protocol. The participants’ limbs were likely not stressed enough by the able‐bodied socket to induce measurable skin adaptation.

Conclusion

This study introduced new techniques to investigate skin adaptation to mechanical stress. If the key limitations are addressed, these methods have the potential to provide insight into the function and structure of the cutaneous microvasculature that previously could not be attained noninvasively.
Enhanced visualization of blood and pigment in multispectral skin dermoscopy
Authors: Janssen Laudine , Mylle Sofie , Van Kelst Sofie , De Smedt Julie , Diricx Bart , Kimpe Tom , Boone Marc , Verhaeghe Evelien , Brochez Lieve , Garmyn Marjan
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

Dermoscopy has proven its value in the diagnosis of skin cancer and, therefore, is well established in daily dermatology practice. Up until now, analogue white light dermoscopy is the standard. Multispectral dermoscopy is based on illumination of the skin with narrowband light sources with different wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths is differently absorbed by skin chromophores, such as pigment or (de)oxygenated blood. Multispectral dermoscopy could be a way to enhance the visualization of vasculature and pigment. We illustrate possible additional information by such “skin parameter maps” in some cases of basal cell carcinoma and Bowen's disease.

Methods

Using a new digital multispectral dermatoscope, skin images at multiple wavelengths are collected from different types of skin lesions. These particular images together with the knowledge on skin absorption properties, result in so called “skin parameter maps”.

Results

A “pigment contrast map,” which shows the relative concentration of primarily pigment, and a “blood contrast map” which shows the relative concentration of primarily blood were created. Especially, the latter is of importance in diagnosing keratinocyte skin cancer hence vascular structures are a characteristic feature, as further illustrated in the study.

Conclusions

Skin parameter maps based on multispectral images can give better insight in the inner structures of lesions, especially in lesions with characteristic blood vessels such as Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma. Skin parameter maps can be used complementary to regular dermoscopy and could potentially facilitate diagnosing skin lesions.
Single molecule real‐time DNA sequencing of the full HLA‐E gene for 212 reference cell lines
Authors: Lucas Jonathan A. M. , Hayhurst James D. , Turner Thomas R. , Gymer Arthur W. , Leen Gayle , Robinson James , Marsh Steven G. E. , Mayor Neema P.
Published: March 2020

We have developed a genotyping assay that produces fully phased, unambiguous HLA‐E genotyping using Pacific Biosciences' single molecule real‐time DNA sequencing. In total 212 cell lines were genotyped, including the panel of 107 established at the 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Our results matched the previously known HLA‐E genotype in 94 (44.3%) cell lines, in all cases either improving or equalling previous genotyping resolution. Three (1.4%) cells had discrepant HLA‐E genotyping data and 115 (54.2%) had no previous HLA‐E data. The HLA‐E genotypes for four (1.9%) cell lines resulted in a change of zygosity by identifying two distinct haplotypes. We discovered eight novel HLA‐E alleles, extended the known reference sequence of seven and confirmed the existence of a further 10.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*01 variant, HLA‐A*01:211, in a Singaporean Malay bone marrow donor
Authors: Kaur Ashminder , Cho Louise , Cereb Nezih , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: March 2020

One nucleotide substitution in codon 73 of HLA‐A*01:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*01:211.
Local motion simulation using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Xu Dong , Huang Xiao , Li Zhenlong , Li Xiang
Published: March 2020

Traditional local motion simulation focuses largely on avoiding collisions in the next frame. However, due to its lack of forward looking, the global trajectory of agents usually seems unreasonable. As a method of optimizing the overall reward, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) can better correct the problems that exist in the traditional local motion simulation method. In this article, we propose a local motion simulation method integrating optimal reciprocal collision avoidance (ORCA) and DRL, referred to as ORCA‐DRL. The main idea of ORCA‐DRL is to perform local collision avoidance detection via ORCA and smooth the trajectory at the same time via DRL. We use a deep neural network (DNN) as the state‐to‐action mapping function, where the state information is detected by virtual visual sensors and the action space includes two continuous spaces: speed and direction. To improve data utilization and speed up the training process, we use the proximal policy optimization based on the actor–critic (AC) framework to update the DNN parameters. Three scenes (circle, hallway, and crossing) are designed to evaluate the performance of ORCA‐DRL. The results reveal that, compared with the ORCA, our proposed ORCA‐DRL method can: (a) reduce the total number of frames, leading to less time for agents to reach their destination; and (b) effectively avoid local optima, evidenced by smoothed global trajectories.
South African English, social inclusion and identity integration in New Zealand
Authors: Barkhuizen Gary
Published: March 2020

A few months before immigrating to New Zealand, an Afrikaans‐English bilingual woman was interviewed in South Africa about her expectations of her sociolinguistic life in her new country. Fifteen years later she was interviewed again, in New Zealand. This article tells the story of her pre‐departure expectations and desires, and her retrospective meaning making of the experiences she had lived since her arrival in New Zealand. This longitudinal narrative study focuses on her use of South African English in the host country, particularly in the community and the workplace, and pays attention to its reception by others in these contexts. The study draws on a cognitive‐developmental model of identity integration to frame the analysis of interview data from a narrative perspective. It does so by using short story analysis (Barkhuizen, 2016). Short stories are extracts of interview data in story form and are analyzed for their content and varying scales of context. Three short stories are analyzed in this article. They show how the participant's English is used and received in New Zealand and what effect this has on her life and identity as an immigrant in the country over time.
South African Englishes: A contemporary bibliography
Authors: Botha Werner , van Rooy Bertus , Coetzee‐van Rooy Susan
Published: March 2020

The bibliography presented here is a list of contemporary research publications that provide the details of books, research articles, as well as other research outputs that were published between 1994 and 2020. The main aim of this bibliography is to provide scholars interested in researching South African Englishes with sources of major works published internationally as well as in core journals from South Africa. Despite the problems concerning representativeness of research bibliographies, we hope that this list of references will complement existing sources in the field. We also hope that this bibliography will serve as a useful guide for those researchers and graduate students interested in contemporary issues in the study of South African Englishes.
The Optical Properties of Dual-Wavelength InxGa1−xN/GaN Nanorods for Wide-Spectrum Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wei Xuecheng , Liang Dongdong , Hu Qiang , Yan Jianchang , Wang Junxi , Wei Tongbo
Published: March 2020

We fabricated the dual-wavelength InxGa1−xN/GaN nanorods for wide-spectrum light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by silica nanosphere lithography (SNL) technique. The emission properties of the dual-wavelength nanorods are characterized by micro-photoluminescence (micro-PL), cathodoluminescence (CL), and temperature-dependent PL (TDPL) measurements. Nanorod structure can effectively suppress quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE) compared with planar structure due to the strain relaxation. In addition, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the green quantum well (QW) within nanorod structure increases, but the IQE of the blue QW clearly decreases because blue QW has severely suffered from the nonradiative recombination by surface damage. Furthermore, the IQEs of the green QW and the blue QW within the nanorod structure can be effectively improved by wet etching treatment, with an increase in factor by 1.3 when compared with unetched nanorod structure. Evidently, the dual-wavelength InxGa1−xN/GaN nanorods are beneficial to improve the optical performance compared with planar structure, presenting a potential to realize monolithic, high-efficiency, and cost-effective white LEDs.
Evaluation of Friction-Factor Correlations at Supercritical Water Conditions in Support of the Canadian SCWR
Authors: Nava-Dominguez A.
Published: March 2020

Canada is participating in the Generation IV International Forum with the main focus on the pressure-tube-type supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) concept. The Canadian SCWR concept is a heavy-water moderated and light-water-cooled reactor. The R&D framework for the development of the Canadian SCWR fuel-assembly concept includes experiments and analyses, including subchannel code development and applications. This paper focuses on the modeling of the hydraulic resistance under supercritical conditions, with or without the wire-wrap spacers. More specifically, it presents an assessment of three friction factor correlations developed for supercritical conditions. A literature survey of wire-wrap hydraulic models is presented. The assessment of the supercritical friction factor correlations and wire-wrap hydraulic models is carried out using three pressure drop experimental datasets, using the subchannel code ASSERT-PV V3.2m2.
Synergistic Effects of a Chalkophore, Methanobactin, on Microbial Methylation of Mercury
Authors: Yin Xixiang , Wang Lihong , Zhang Lijie , Chen Hongmei , Liang Xujun , Lu Xia , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D. , Gu Baohua
Published: March 2020

Some anaerobic microorganisms convert inorganic mercury (Hg) into the neurotoxin methylmercury, which can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food web. While the genetic basis of microbial mercury methylation is known, factors that control net methylmercury production in the environment are still poorly understood. Here, it is shown that mercury methylation can be substantially enhanced by one form of an exogenous copper-binding compound (methanobactin) produced by some methanotrophs, but not by another. This novel finding illustrates that complex interactions exist between microbes and that these interactions can potentially affect the net production of methylmercury
in situ
.
An Aerobic Hybrid Phthalate Degradation Pathway via Phthaloyl-Coenzyme A in Denitrifying Bacteria
Authors: Ebenau-Jehle Christa , Soon Christina I. S. L. , Fuchs Jonathan , Geiger Robin , Boll Matthias
Published: March 2020

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are industrially produced on a million-ton scale per year and are predominantly used as plasticizers. They are classified as environmentally relevant xenobiotics with a number of adverse health effects, including endocrine-disrupting activity. Biodegradation by microorganisms is considered the most effective process to eliminate PAEs from the environment. It is usually initiated by the hydrolysis of PAEs to alcohols and
o
-phthalic acid. Degradation of
o
-phthalic acid fundamentally differs in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms; aerobic phthalate degradation heavily depends on dioxygenase-dependent reactions, whereas anaerobic degradation employs the oxygen-sensitive key enzyme phthaloyl-CoA decarboxylase. We demonstrate that aerobic phthalate degradation in facultatively anaerobic bacteria proceeds via a previously unknown hybrid degradation pathway involving oxygen-sensitive and oxygen-dependent key enzymes. Such a strategy is essential for facultatively anaerobic bacteria that frequently switch between oxic and anoxic environments.
Deciphering the Root Endosphere Microbiome of the Desert Plant
Alhagi sparsifolia
for Drought Resistance-Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Weipeng , Li Qiqi , Cui Rui , Wang Zhuo , Wang Yao , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Ding Wei , Shen Xihui
Published: March 2020

Understanding microbe-mediated plant resistance to drought is important for sustainable agriculture. We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and culture-dependent functional analyses of
Alhagi sparsifolia
rhizosphere and root endosphere microbiomes and identified key endophytic bacterial taxa and their genes facilitating drought resistance in wheat. This study improves our understanding of plant drought resistance and provides new avenues for drought resistance improvement in crop plants under field conditions.
Mice Lacking γδ T Cells Exhibit Impaired Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection and Excessive Production of Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Omar Toka , Ziltener Pascal , Chamberlain Erin , Cheng Zhenyu , Johnston Brent
Published: March 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic and life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A better understanding of the role that innate immunity plays in the control ofP. aeruginosainfection is crucial for therapeutic development. Specifically, the role of unconventional immune cells like γδ T cells in the clearance ofP. aeruginosalung infection is not yet well characterized.
NOD1 and NOD2 Activation by Diverse Stimuli: a Possible Role for Sensing Pathogen-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Kuss-Duerkop Sharon K. , Keestra-Gounder A. Marijke
Published: March 2020

Prompt recognition of microbes by cells is critical to eliminate invading pathogens. Some cell-associated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize and respond to microbial ligands. However, others can respond to cellular perturbations, such as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Nucleotide oligomerization domains 1 and 2 (NOD1/2) are PRRs that recognize and respond to multiple stimuli of microbial and cellular origin, such as bacterial peptidoglycan, viral infections, parasitic infections, activated Rho GTPases, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
Dps Protects Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli against Acid-Induced Antimicrobial Peptide Killing
Authors: Lackraj Tracy , Birstonas Sarah , Kacori Michele , Barnett Foster Debora
Published: March 2020

Dps, a DNA-binding protein from starved cells in Escherichia coli, is part of the bacterial defense system that protects DNA against various cellular stresses. Our lab previously demonstrated that a novel antimicrobial peptide, WRWYCR, enhances acid-induced killing of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and ameliorates infection in a Citrobacter rodentium mouse model of EHEC infection. WRWYCR has previously been shown to compromise DNA damage repair and to increase chelatable iron within the cell. These findings, combined with the effects of peptide and acid stress on DNA damage, suggest a key defense role for Dps in peptide-induced killing of EHEC. The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of Dps in peptide-induced killing of EHEC through survival assays and flow cytometric analyses of DNA damage and hydroxyl radical formation. Our results demonstrate that disruption of the dps gene in stationary-phase EHEC O157:H7 cells, but not in exponential-phase cells, enhances acid-, peptide-, and peptide-acid-induced killing relative to that of wild-type (WT) EHEC. Using flow cytometric analysis, we have also demonstrated increased levels of hydroxyl radicals in peptide-treated wild-type EHEC relative to those in the untreated control. Disruption of the dps gene further increases this. These findings indicate that peptide treatment of EHEC enhances the formation of hydroxyl radicals, likely through the Fenton reaction, thereby contributing to the killing action of the peptide, and that dps protects against peptide killing of EHEC. This study provides important insights into peptide WRWYCR-mediated killing of EHEC, which could be exploited in the development of more effective antimicrobials.

IMPORTANCE The research presented in this paper explores the role of the DNA-binding protein Dps as a key defense mechanism of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains in protecting against killing by the novel antimicrobial peptide WRWYCR. Our results demonstrate that Dps protects against peptide-induced killing of EHEC through direct protection against acid stress and hydroxyl radical formation, both of which are mechanisms targeted by the antimicrobial peptide. This study provides important insights into peptide WRWYCR-mediated killing of EHEC, which could be exploited in the development of more effective antimicrobials through specific targeting of Dps in order to allow a more potent response to the antimicrobial WRWYCR.
Avoiding Drug Resistance by Substrate Envelope-Guided Design: Toward Potent and Robust HCV NS3/4A Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Matthew Ashley N. , Zephyr Jacqueto , Nageswara Rao Desaboini , Henes Mina , Kamran Wasih , Kosovrasti Klajdi , Hedger Adam K. , Lockbaum Gordon J. , Timm Jennifer , Ali Akbar , Kurt Yilmaz Nese , Schiffer Celia A.
Published: March 2020

Despite significant progress, hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be a major health problem with millions of people infected worldwide and thousands dying annually due to resulting complications. Recent antiviral combinations can achieve >95% cure, but late diagnosis, low access to treatment, and treatment failure due to drug resistance continue to be roadblocks against eradication of the virus. We report the rational design of two series of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors with improved resistance profiles by exploiting evolutionarily constrained regions of the active site using the substrate envelope model. Optimally filling the S4 pocket is critical to avoid resistance and improve potency. Our results provide drug design strategies to avoid resistance that are applicable to other quickly evolving viral drug targets.
Minimalistic Cellulosome of the Butanologenic Bacterium Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum
Authors: Levi Hevroni Bosmat , Moraïs Sarah , Ben-David Yonit , Morag Ely , Bayer Edward A.
Published: March 2020

Cellulosome-producing bacteria are considered among the most important bacteria in both mesophilic and thermophilic environments, owing to their capacity to deconstruct recalcitrant plant-derived polysaccharides (and notably cellulose) into soluble saccharides for subsequent processing. In many ecosystems, the cellulosome-producing bacteria are particularly effective “first responders.” The massive amounts of sugars produced are potentially amenable in industrial settings to further fermentation by appropriate microbes to biofuels, notably ethanol and butanol. Among the solvent-producing bacteria,
Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum
has the smallest cellulosome system known thus far. The importance of investigating the building blocks of such a small, multifunctional nanomachine is crucial to understanding the fundamental activities of this efficient enzymatic complex.
Linking Light-Dependent Life History Traits with Population Dynamics for
Prochlorococcus
and Cyanophage
Authors: Demory David , Liu Riyue , Chen Yue , Zhao Fangxin , Coenen Ashley R. , Zeng Qinglu , Weitz Joshua S.
Published: March 2020

The cyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
is an essential member of global ocean ecosystems. Light rhythms drive
Prochlorococcus
photosynthesis, ecology, and interactions with potentially lethal viruses. At present, the impact of light on
Prochlorococcus
-virus interactions is not well understood. Here, we analyzed
Prochlorococcus
and virus population dynamics with a light-driven population model and compared our results with experimental data. Our approach revealed that light profoundly drives both cellular- and population-level dynamics for some host-virus systems. However, we also found that additional mechanisms, including lysis saturation, are required to explain observed host-virus dynamics at the population scale. This study provides the basis for future work to understand the intertwined fates of
Prochlorococcus
and associated viruses in the surface ocean.