bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of microRNA associated with the elimination of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b by direct‐acting antiviral therapies
Authors: Yoneyama Hirohito , Morishita Asahiro , Iwama Hisakazu , Fujita Koji , Masaki Takahiro , Tani Joji , Tadokoro Tomoko , Nomura Takako , Sakamoto Teppei , Oura Kyoko , Takuma Kei , Nakahara Mai , Mimura Shima , Deguchi Akihiro , Oryu Makoto , Tsutsui Kunihiko , Himoto Takashi , Shimotohno Kunitada , Wakita Takaji , Kobara Hideki , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have been proven to be highly effective for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) without resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs). However, even in cases with no detected RASs, treatment sometimes fails, suggestive of the existence of some host‐related factors involved in HCV eradication by DAAs. To explore such factors, we analyzed the serum microRNAs (miRNAs) of patients who received DAA treatment.

Methods

The serum miRNA expression levels of 39 patients with chronic HCV infection without any detectable RASs, who achieved sustained virological response with asunaprevir/daclatasvir or grazoprevir/elbasvir therapy, were investigated cyclopedically, using oligonucleotide microarrays. The effects of specific miRNAs on the replication of HCV were measured in the HCV genomic replicon containing Huh‐7 hepatoma cells.

Results

Along with the disappearance of HCV, the expression quantiles of 16 miRNAs in the asunaprevir/daclatasvir group and 18 miRNAs in the grazoprevir/elbasvir group showed a tendency to increase or decrease. Among these molecules, adjustments for multiple testing yielded a significant differential expression at a false discovery rate of less than 5% for only one molecule, hsa‐miR‐762. Its expression quantile increased after HCV exclusion in all patients who had achieved sustained virological response. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis validated a significant increase in the serum hsa‐miR‐762 after disappearance of HCV. On the contrary, hsa‐miR‐762 was decreased in the relapse and breakthrough of HCV in DAA failures. Transfection of hsa‐miR‐762 into cultured HCV‐infected hepatocytes significantly decreased HCV‐RNA replication.

Conclusion

These data suggest that hsa‐miR‐762 is one of the host factors participating in HCV exclusion by DAA therapy.
Accessory bones of the elbow: Prevalence, localization and modified classification
Authors: Kunc Vojtěch , Kunc Vladimír , Černý Vojtěch , Polovinčák Michal , Kachlík David
Published: August 2020

Accessory bones in the region of the elbow are rare variants with high clinical significance as they may be confused with avulsion fractures. We investigated their prevalence and performed a statistical analysis to support their congenital origin. Their localization was mapped to show their exact site of occurrence. We evaluated anteroposterior and lateral X‐ray images of 2413 elbows in a Central European population from which a group of accessory bony structures was selected. Their character was evaluated, and accessory bones were identified. We used logistic regression to evaluate the potential relationship between the occurrence of accessory bones, the age of patients, and the occurrence of calcar olecrani. The prevalence of accessory bones of the elbow in the sample was 0.77%. Our results did not show a statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of calcar olecrani or with the age of patients. The most common type was os subepicondylare mediale (type V) in 0.46%, which was located distal to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, followed by os subepicondylare laterale (type III; 0.21%), situated laterally to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. In comparison with previous reports, os sesamoideum mediale (type IV) was located more distally. Our data suggest that congenital accessory bones are a rare entity. Knowledge of their exact localization should be considered during diagnosis of avulsion fractures and other unclear diagnoses including accessory bony structures in the elbow region.
Effect ofepigallocatechin‐3‐gallateon the status ofDNAmethylation of E‐cadherin promoter region on endometriosis mouse
Authors: Guan Qi‐Hui , Shi Wen‐Jing , Zhou Long‐Shu , Tao Ai‐Lin , Li Lu
Published: August 2020

Aim

To evaluate whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate acts on endometriosis mouse, and changes the status of DNA methylation of E‐cadherin promoter region.

Methods

According to our previous research, the tracing nude mouse model of endometriosis was built up and randomly divided into three groups: control group (group A), epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate group (group B) and decitabine group (group C). Normal saline, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and decitabine were isometrically intraperitoneally injected into each group once in 2 days. In this period, the growth situations of lesions were monitored by living image system. After 16 days, the lesions were taken out and the distribution of E‐cadherin and its methylated situation of promoter region were analyzed.

Results

The region of interest of ectopic lesion increased from 4th to 16th day in group A (P < 0.01); in group B and C, the region of interest of ectopic lesion increased in the 0–8th day (P < 0.01), and decreased in the 8–16th day (P < 0.01). The positive expression rate of E‐cadherin in group C was higher than group B, and group B was higher than group A (P < 0.01). The DNA methylation status of E‐cadherin promoter region in group A was higher than group B, and group B was higher than group C (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate may inhibit the growth of endometrial lesion, affect the expression of E‐cadherin on the cell membrane and reduce the status of DNA methylation of E‐cadherin promoter region.
Establishment and evaluation of a risk‐scoring system for lymph node metastasis in early‐stage endometrial carcinoma: Achieving preoperative risk stratification
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhao Weidong , Chen Zhengzheng , Zhao Xuxu , Ren Pingping , Zhu Meiling
Published: August 2020

Aim

To establish a risk‐scoring system for lymph node metastasis (LNM) of early‐stage endometrial carcinoma (EC), and to stratify the preoperative risk of LNM.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 507 patients diagnosed with the early‐stage EC (i.e., confined to the uterine corpus). We determined the risk factors for LNM by logistic regression analysis; then constructed a simple logistic scoring system, and an additive scoring system based on the regression coefficient (β), and odds ratio, of each variable, respectively.

Results

The overall rate of LNM was 9.1% (46/507). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) ≥35 U/mL, histopathology of grade 3 and/or type II, depth of myometrial invasion ≥1/2 and positive immunostaining for Ki‐67 ≥50%, were independent risk factors for LNM (P < 0.05). The simple logistic and additive scoring systems exhibited good predictive ability (area under the curve [AUC] >0.8). Based on the additive scoring system, the risk of LNM in patients with early‐stage EC was classified into three groups: a low‐risk group (total score: <5), an intermediate‐risk group (total score: 5–10) and a high‐risk group (total score: >10). The incidence of LNM differed significantly across these three groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The risk‐scoring system constructed in this study can effectively predict the risk of LNM in patients with early‐stage EC, achieve preoperative risk stratification and provide a reference guideline for the use of lymphadenectomy.
Randomized controlled trial of oral bicarbonate treatment for labor stagnation
Authors: Seyedi Mitra , Ghorashi Zohreh , Sedighi Darijani Tayebeh
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral sodium bicarbonate solution on delivery outcome of primiparous women with labor stagnation.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 142 primiparous pregnant women referred to Jiroft University hospitals who had stagnation during labor. In the intervention group, in addition to oxytocin, 4.26 g of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in 200 mL of water were given orally. The control group received only oxytocin. Data were analyzed by t‐test and chi‐square test.

Results

The mean interval of dilatation stopping to delivery in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (202.34 vs 304.08 min, P = 0.001). The mean duration of the first and second stages of labor in the intervention group was lower than the control group (280.44 vs 397.16 and 35.00 vs 51.72 min respectively, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the rate of cesarean section and Apgar score. In the intervention group, the rate of spontaneous delivery was significantly higher (65 vs 56 cases, P = 0.03) than the control group.

Conclusion

The results of the present study could suggest the use of oral bicarbonate in stagnation as a cheap and no‐cost method to facilitate normal vaginal delivery.
RNA in situ hybridization for human papillomavirus testing in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma on a routine clinical diagnostic platform
Authors: Henley‐Smith Rhonda , Santambrogio Alice , Andoniadou Cynthia L. , Odell Edward , Thavaraj Selvam
Published: August 2020

Background

The current diagnostic standard for detection of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is via a two‐stage algorithm, namely p16 immunohistochemistry followed by HPV DNA in situ hybridization in p16 positive cases. This study evaluated the feasibility of automated RNA in situ hybridization on a clinical platform as a single‐step alternative to the two‐stage algorithm within a routine diagnostic histopathology setting.

Methods

Thirty‐eight cases positive for both p16 and DNA in situ hybridization, 42 p16 negative cases and 20 cases positive for p16 but negative for DNA in situ hybridization were randomly selected. High‐risk HPV RNA in situ hybridization was undertaken on all cases on an automated clinical platform. Manufacturer‐recommended and on‐slide additional p16/HPV positive and negative controls were used. Test quality assurance and diagnostic RNA in situ hybridization were independently assessed by two observers. A consensus diagnosis was reached in the presence of a third observer on discordant cases. All RNA in situ hybridization results were then correlated against p16 and DNA ISH status.

Results

Inter‐slide RNA in situ hybridization staining variation was observed in control sections. RNA in situ hybridization demonstrated a high inter‐observer agreement rate (κ = .897, P < .001). Following consensus review, there was full concordance between RNA in situ hybridization and the current standard.

Conclusion

Human papillomavirus testing by standalone automated RNA in situ hybridization on a clinical diagnostic platform currently available in routine diagnostic histopathology laboratories is a feasible alternative to the two‐step algorithm of p16 and DNA in situ hybridization. Control tissue staining procedures need to be adapted to achieve the most accurate results.
Low potassium diets with different levels of calcium in comparison with different anionic diets fed to prepartum dairy cows: Effects on sorting behaviour, total tract digestibility, energy metabolism, oxidative status and hormonal response
Authors: Rajaeerad Abbas , Ghorbani Gholam R. , Khorvash Mohammad , Sadeghi‐Sefidmazgi Ali , Mahdavi Amir H. , Wilkens Mirja R.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effects of low potassium diets with different levels of Ca compared to two diets low in dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) fed prepartum as a strategy to prevent hypocalcemia on sorting behaviour, total tract digestibility, oxidative status and energy and protein metabolism of transition cows. Forty‐eight pregnant dairy cows were assigned to 4 treatment groups: Low Ca, low K (LCLK), High Ca, low K (HCLK), Supplementation with anionic mineral mixture (AMS) supplementation with SoyChlor (CAS). After parturition, all animals were fed a standard postpartum diet. Data were collected until 21 DIM. Prepartum urinary pH was significantly reduced by the low DCAD diets, while postpartum Ca homeostasis was affected by the HCLK ration. Feeding AMS induced sorting against particles <1.18 mm in favour of particles >19 mm prepartum. In contrast, cows fed CAS showed an increase in selective consumption of fine particles and sorted against longer particles similar to the HCLK and LCLK groups. Postpartum sorting activity was not affected by the dietary treatments. After calving, apparent digestibility of NDF was significantly reduced in the HCLK group. Prepartum, we observed effects on serum concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids were higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the AMS group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was decreased in cows fed the CAS ration. Postpartum, we found serum protein to be decreased with the low DCAD diets while BUN was decreased in the CAS group. The low DCAD rations increased prepartum serum malondialdehyde concentrations, while postpartum total antioxidant capacity was lower in the HCLK and the AMS group. From these data, we conclude that AMS decreased prepartum intake due to compromised palatability. Intermediate protein metabolism was affected by the low DCAD diets, while parameters of oxidative stress were probably affected by acid–base balance and Ca homeostasis.
Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Family Impact Scale
Authors: Cetintas Ismail , Akgün Kostak Melahat
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Family Impact Scale (DFIS).

Methods and Design

The study was carried out methodologically with 121 parents who have 6–18 year‐old children with type 1 diabetes (n = 121). The collected data were analyzed by conducting confirmatory factor analysis, t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis and by computing Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

The linguistic validity of the scale was ensured by undertaking translation and back‐translation. Expert opinions were analyzed and all the content validity indices were found to be ≥0.80. The factor loadings of all the items ranged from 0.47 to 0.89, and the model fit indices were as follows: χ²/df = 1.21 and RMSEA = 0.04. Scores that were obtained across two temporally separated administrations were not significantly different (p > .05), and there was a strong correlation between the two sets of scores (ICC = 0.892; p < .001). The Cronbach's α of the scale was .881. The item‐total correlation coefficients of the scale items ranged from .34 to .72.

Conclusions

Similar to the original assessment, the Turkish version of the DFIS consists of 14 items and 4 subscales. It is a valid and reliable measure that is suitable for use with Turkish samples. Researchers can use this scale to assess the effect of type 1 diabetes mellitus on the family of an affected child.
Efficacy of various coated materials to prevent nutrient leaching for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei commercial diets
Authors: Guo Jingping , Davis Robert , Starkey Charles , Davis Donald Allen
Published: August 2020

The physical characteristics and leaching rates of water‐soluble compounds from shrimp feeds are major considerations in nutrient delivery. Yet, there is limited information on nutrient leaching from feeds or the mechanisms to minimize leaching. This study evaluated the efficacy of various coating agents on the physical characteristics and leaching of nutrients from commercial feeds for Litopenaeus vannamei. A series of diets were top coated with two lipid sources (fish or stearin oil) and two additives to the oil (5% wax or gelatin) at three levels (0, 1.5, and 3%). Physical characteristics and leaching of water‐soluble compounds were then characterized. The reduction of leaching was seen with the diets that were top coated with 1.5 or 3% oil, which significantly decreased the leaching of phenylalanine (Phe) after 30 min and 60 min of immersion. Adding 1.5 and 3% oil coating significantly decreased the pellet durability index. Adding gelatin as an additive to the oil significantly slowed sinking velocity and improved water stability and the pellet durability index of the diets. In all, results demonstrated that coating 1.5 or 3% fish or stearin oil decreases the leaching rate. Supplementing 5% gelatin in the coating material for diets can improve the performance of the diets.
Reducing malnutrition in Cambodia. A modeling exercise to prioritize multisectoral interventions
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Gauthier Ludovic , Wieringa Frank , Berger Jacques , Chea Samnang , Poirot Etienne
Published: August 2020

Undernutrition is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality and poses a large burden to the economy, in Cambodia. This study explored factors contributing to child stunting and wasting and their regional inequalities among 1,938 Cambodian children aged 6–23.9 months. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study (year 2017) conducted in six districts of two north‐eastern provinces and the capital and used as cross‐sectional. Socio‐demographic and household characteristics, children's feeding practices during the previous 24 hr, and children's length and weight measurements were collected. Gradient boosting models were used to calculate the contribution of determinants to child undernutrition whereas concentration index was used to assess the impact of those determinants on stunting and wasting inequalities among socioeconomic groups. It was found that low‐household wealth could predict 21% to 45% of child stunting and 23% to 36% of wasting across regions. After wealth, source and treatment of drinking water were found the second major predictor for stunting (15%) and wasting (21%). Combining child nutrition and household water, sanitation and hygiene indicators predicted around 30% of child undernutrition, either in the form of stunting or wasting. Mothers' education predicted >30% of stunting in the north‐eastern region. Results highlight that a complex interplay of factors contributes to child stunting and wasting. An integrated, intersectoral, equity‐focused approach that addresses children's dietary quality, household's water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, mother's education, and poverty is likely to yield the highest impact in achieving further gains in nutritional status among Cambodian children.
Triple trouble: Understanding the burden of child undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight in East Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Blankenship Jessica L. , Rudert Christiane , Aguayo Victor M.
Published: August 2020

Young children in the East Asia and the Pacific region1are failing to thrive, in large numbers, as indicated by stagnation in the decline of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies and the fastest growing rates of overweight in the world. Eliminating the triple burden of malnutrition is essential to ensure that, as a matter of right, all children reach their full physical growth and development potential and actively contribute to equitable prosperity and the sustainable development of their communities and nations. Ending all forms of malnutrition will only be achieved through the implementation of effective policies and programmes soundly based on an understanding of the leading contextual drivers of child malnutrition. To address the lack of data on these drivers in the region, the UNICEF regional office for East Asia and the Pacific commissioned a series of papers in 2017–2019 to fill gaps in the current body of evidence on the triple burden of maternal and child malnutrition. This series includes analyses of the determinants of child malnutrition including maternal nutrition status, dietary quality of children, inequity, and poverty. Additionally, policy and programmatic actions associated with improved coverage and quality of nutrition interventions are reviewed. This overview paper summarizes the findings of these analyses and presents recommendations for the direction of future advocacy, policy, and programmatic actions to address the triple burden of malnutrition in East Asia and the Pacific.
Culicoides biting midges and mosquito fauna at three dog and cat shelters in rural and periurban areas in Northern Spain
Authors: González M. A. , Goiri F. , Barandika J. F. , García‐Pérez A. L.
Published: August 2020

The diversity and abundance of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were studied in three animal protection centres (APCs) in Northern Spain between 1 July and 31 October 2018. Four miniature suction CDC light traps (two UV and two standard incandescent bulb traps, both types baited and non‐baited with CO2) were placed in each APC to compare their efficiency in the collection of these Diptera groups. A total of 1176 biting midges (14 species), 224 mosquitoes (8 species) and 1 black fly were collected and identified by both morphological and molecular approaches. The Culicoides obsoletus complex (C. obsoletus/C. scoticus) accounted for 58.2% of the total collection within the Ceratopogonidae family, whereas Culex pipiens/Cx. torrentium comprised 76.8% of the Culicidae. The input of CO2 in light traps proved largely ineffective in improving the collections of both Diptera groups. UV‐light traps were 7.8 and 2.2 times more effective than incandescent light traps in trapping Culicoides and mosquitoes, respectively. Seasonal dynamics differed between both Diptera taxa but captures of both taxa were significantly larger at the beginning of the summer. The epidemiological relevance of the most prevalent species is also discussed.
Relationship between sufficiency and usefulness of patient education: A cross‐sectional study of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Inkeroinen Saija , Virtanen Heli , Kilpi Taina , Laulaja Johanna , Puukka Pauli , Tuominen Riitta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: August 2020

The aim of this descriptive study was to analyze the relationship between the sufficiency and usefulness of patient education from the perspective of people with chronic kidney disease. The goal was to discover whether both sufficiency and usefulness need to be analyzed in the quality evaluation of patient education. Patients undergoing predialysis or home dialysis care in Finland (N = 162) evaluated both the sufficiency and usefulness of patient education provided by nephrology nurses by using parallel structured questionnaires. A strong relationship was found between the sufficiency and usefulness of patient education. The relationship was significant across all dimensions of empowering knowledge, but no systematic association was found between the sufficiency‐usefulness relationship and background variables. Depending on the purpose of evaluating patient education, either aspect, that is, sufficiency or usefulness, can be used, but it is not necessary to use both due to their strong inter‐correlation. In terms of implications for practice, consideration of both sufficiency and usefulness is important when providing empowering patient education for people undergoing pre‐ or home dialysis, but only one aspect needs to be evaluated.
A public health approach for prevention of periodontal disease
Authors: Janakiram Chandrashekar , Dye Bruce A.
Published: August 2020

Upwards of 1 in 10 adults worldwide may be affected by severe periodontitis, making the disease more prevalent than cardiovascular disease. Despite its global scope, its impact on pain, oral function, and the wellbeing of individuals, and the disproportionate burden of disease and the socioeconomic impact on communities, the perception that periodontal disease is a public health problem remains low. Although there have been substantial improvements in our understanding of the etiology of periodontal disease and how we can prevent and control it, these advances have been primarily focused on individual, patient‐focused approaches. The prevention of periodontal disease depends on improving currently available individual interventions and on determining what public health interventions can be effective and sustainable under real‐life conditions. Currently, public health approaches for periodontal disease prevention and control are lacking. This review traces the historical strategies for prevention of periodontal disease in an epidemiologic transition context, using a modified model developed for cardiovascular disease, and presents a possible public health approach. Improving periodontal disease prevention and control will need to take into consideration the core activities of a public health approach: assessment, policy development, and assurance.
Prevention and management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in the older adults
Authors: Al‐Nasser Lubna , Lamster Ira B.
Published: August 2020

As a result of aging populations, in the future, dental practitioners will be caring for more older adults than ever before. These older adults, especially in developed countries, will demand a greater number of dental services, driven by increased tooth retention and an expectation of excellent oral healthcare throughout the life course. Further, the global rise in the prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases will increase the risk and/or severity of oral diseases and add a layer of complexity to the management of oral diseases in older adults. More older adults will be at a higher risk of periodontal disease and root caries as a result of reduced tooth loss and edentulism. This article reviews information on periodontitis and root caries, oral diseases which reflect the cumulative risk of the individual, and which are best addressed through prevention. Oral healthcare providers must embrace the concept of lifelong emphasis on prevention, as well as participation as active members of a healthcare team which provides healthcare for older adults in various settings (eg, hospital/clinic‐based care, community‐based settings, and long‐term care facilities). National guidelines that address oral health are being considered by some countries, and if these are implemented they will increase the accessibility to oral health for older adults. In parallel to this, revisions of existing older adult insurance schemes (eg, the inclusion of routine oral healthcare in the US Medicare program) would promote the maintenance of a functional dentition that is pain‐free and conducive to general health. The opportunity exists to implement a holistic approach to oral health that will align oral health with general health and emphasize that true health can only be achieved with the inclusion of oral health.
Depressive symptoms are associated with worse cognitive prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic Parkinson disease
Authors: Park Jeong Hoon , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Yeshin , Park Sang‐Won , Byeon Gi Hwan , Jang Jae‐Won ,   the Parkinsons's Progression Marker Initiative
Published: August 2020

Background

Although depression is very common in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), only a few studies have investigated the longitudinal effects of initial depression on cognitive decline in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of depression on cognitive functions in patients with PD.

Methods

We used data from the Parkinson Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) to investigate the relationship between depression and PD. Depressive symptoms were measured in patients with PD based on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) or Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) scores obtained at baseline. We evaluated cognitive decline as whether a patient with PD progressed to PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) during a 4‐year follow‐up period. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was done to know whether depression can predict the conversion to MCI. In addition, a voxel‐based morphometric analysis using volumetric brain magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare structural changes related to future cognitive decline as well as to reveal longitudinal effect of baseline depression on cortical atrophy.

Results

Data from 263 patients with cognitively normal de novo PD who were available for longitudinal cognitive testing were analysed. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the depressive symptoms were independent risk factors for conversion to MCI in patients with de novo PD after adjusting for covariates (hazards ratio (95% CI)) of depression defined by the GDS (1.753 (1.084–2.835)) and the NPI (1.815 (1.083–3.042)) scores, respectively. The significant structural changes in PD with MCI as well as longitudinal effect of baseline depression on subsequent cortical atrophy were found in multiple areas on the voxel‐based morphometric analysis (P < 0.001, family‐wise error rate corrected).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the presence of depressive symptoms in patients with early PD is associated with a higher risk of progression to MCI and early depression may reflect subsequent cortical atrophy.
The sedimentary record of Quaternary glacial to interglacial sea‐level change on a subtropical carbonate ramp: Southwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Deik Hanaa , Reuning Lars , Courtillat Margot , Petrick Benjamin , Bassetti Maria‐Angela
Published: August 2020

In the last decades, the understanding of temperate carbonate systems has improved considerably, but their development over glacial–interglacial timescales is still understudied in comparison to their tropical counterparts. A key question is how do temperate carbonate platforms respond to high‐amplitude, glacial–interglacial sea‐level changes? Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1460 was drilled at the uppermost slope of the Southwest Shelf of Australia at the transition between the subtropical Carnarvon Ramp and the warm–temperate Rottnest Shelf. The origin and composition of the sediments in the upper 25 m below seafloor at Site U1460 were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron, and light microscopy. The Middle Pleistocene to Holocene sequence at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1460 contains a record of sea‐level controlled sedimentary cycles. Carbonate sediments deposited during interglacial sea‐level highstands (Marine Isotope Stages 1, 5, most of 7, 9 and 11) are mainly fine‐grained (<63 µm) and dominated by low‐Mg calcite from pelagic bioclasts such as planktic foraminifera. The glacial lowstand intervals (Marine Isotope Stages 2 to 4, 6, 8, 7d, 10 and 12), instead are coarser‐grained and relatively rich in aragonite and high‐Mg calcite from neritic bioclasts, such as bryozoans. These changes in texture, mineralogy and composition are best explained by the deposition of neritic bioclasts closer to the shelf edge during glacial sea‐level lowstands. During early transgression, reworking of bioclast‐rich coastal dune deposits likely leads to transport and redeposition of neritic clasts on the upper slope. In contrast, dominantly pelagic sediments characterize deposition at the platform edge during interglacial highstands. These results highlight regional differences in the response of temperate carbonate systems to sea‐level change: A previously published model developed for early Pleistocene temperate carbonates from the Great Australian Bight indicates that shelfal material was exported to the upper slope during sea‐level highstands. It is argued that this difference is related to the change in duration and amplitude of glacial–interglacial sea‐level cycles before and after the Mid‐Pleistocene transition.
Estimation of change‐point for a class of count time series models
Authors: Cui Yunwei , Wu Rongning , Zheng Qi
Published: August 2020

We apply a three‐step sequential procedure to estimate the change‐point of count time series. Under certain regularity conditions, the estimator of change‐point converges in distribution to the location of the maxima of a two‐sided random walk. We derive a closed‐form approximating distribution for the maxima of the two‐sided random walk based on the invariance principle for the strong mixing processes, so that the statistical inference for the true change‐point can be carried out. It is for the first time that such properties are provided for integer‐valued time series models. Moreover, we show that the proposed procedure is applicable for the integer‐valued autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (INARCH) models with Poisson or negative binomial conditional distribution. In simulation studies, the proposed procedure is shown to perform well in locating the change‐point of INARCH models. And, the procedure is further illustrated with empirical data of weekly robbery counts in two neighborhoods of Baltimore City.
Teología y liberación en el arte de Eduardo Kingman
Authors: Chong Vicente
Published: August 2020

El presente estudio plantea que el arte puede ayudar en el proceso de salvación en su dimensión histórica. Para sostener este argumento, empieza definiendo el campo y la importancia de la estética teológica. Después, hace un análisis trascendental de la experiencia estética, con base en la obra del artista ecuatoriano Eduardo Kingman. Esta experiencia trascendental por medio del arte es interpretada luego en clave de liberación, para proponer que el arte es una praxis que puede ayudar en el proceso de liberación de los pobres y excluidos de la sociedad. Teológicamente hablando, el autor sugiere que es Dios quien actúa en el proceso de liberación por medio del arte.
High-Frequency Guided Waves for Corrosion Thickness Loss Monitoring
Authors: Chew Daniel , Masserey Bernard , Fromme Paul
Published: August 2020

Adverse environmental conditions result in corrosion during the life cycle of marine structures such as pipelines, offshore oil platforms, and ships. Generalized corrosion leading to the loss of wall thickness can cause the degradation of the integrity, strength, and load bearing capacity of the structure. Nondestructive detection and monitoring of corrosion damage in difficult to access areas can be achieved using high-frequency guided waves propagating along the structure. Using standard ultrasonic wedge transducers with single-sided access to the structure, specific high-frequency guided wave modes (overlap of both fundamental Lamb wave modes) were generated that penetrate through the complete thickness of the structure. The wave propagation and interference of the guided wave modes depend on the thickness of the structure and were measured using a noncontact laser interferometer. Numerical simulations using a two-dimensional finite element model were performed to visualize and predict the guided wave propagation and energy transfer across the plate thickness. During laboratory experiments, the wall thickness was reduced uniformly by milling of one steel plate specimen. In a second step, wall thickness reduction was induced using accelerated corrosion for two mild steel plates. The corrosion damage was monitored based on the effect on the wave propagation and interference (beating effect) of the Lamb wave modes in the frequency domain. Good agreement of the measured beatlengths with theoretical predictions was achieved, and the sensitivity of the methodology was ascertained, showing that high-frequency guided waves have the potential for corrosion damage monitoring at critical and difficult to access locations.
A Novel Multi-Stage Impingement Cooling Scheme—Part II: Design Optimization
Authors: Liu Kexin , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2020

Cross flow and coolant maldistribution are the common design challenges for impingement cooling in modern gas turbine. This paper reports a novel multi-stage impingement cooling scheme for combustor liner. The design concept and general working mechanism are introduced in the Part I paper. This Part II paper presents the design flexibilities and optimization strategies. Conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis was conducted at a range of Reynolds numbers to assess the thermal performance, loss penalty, and the working mechanism behind. The results show that varying the jet hole diameter in each cooling stage can be an effective design optimization strategy in balancing the cooling requirement and loss penalty. Inter-stage bypass design is also another design flexibility offered by the multi-stage scheme to regulate the cooling air consumption at different stages. With these optimization strategies, the target surface temperature and local gradient can be effectively reduced with reasonable pressure loss with 50% reduction in the cooling air consumption compared to conventional single-stage impingement design. This multi-stage impingement concept can be practically applied to gas turbine combustor liner and turbine blade cooling.
The Organizational Structure, Roles, and Responsibilities of an Elite-Level Basketball Coaching Staff
Authors: McCullick Bryan A. , Dooley Ashton , Schempp Paul , Isaac Tiffany
Published: August 2020

The Coaching Model theorized that coaching consists of three primary components: (a) training, (b) competition, and (c) organization. Unfortunately, researchers’ attention to the organization component has been scant compared with the keen focus given to training and competition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organizational: (a) structure and (b) roles and responsibilities of an elite-level basketball coaching staff. The study employed a case study approach, utilizing interviews, observations, and artifacts as data sources. Data analysis identified the organizational structure as bureaucratic, or functional, in nature as (a) there was a clear chain of command, (b) roles and responsibilities were assigned based on staff member expertise, and (c) staff members had similar skill sets that allowed for easy communication and role overlap. Organizational roles were “Delegator,” “Recruiter,” and “Promoter.” Results provide insights into the manifestation of the organizational component among a staff, an exemplar of a staff managing the complexity of coaching, and support for the contention that coaching involves more than being the traditional teacher/psychologist.
Effect of Vastus Medialis Loss on Rabbit Patellofemoral Joint Contact Pressure Distribution
Authors: Han Seong-won , Sawatsky Andrew , Jinha Azim , Herzog Walter
Published: August 2020

Vastus medialis (VM) weakness is thought to alter patellar tracking, thereby changing the loading of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ), resulting in patellofemoral pain. However, it is challenging to measure VM force and weakness in human studies, nor is it possible to measure the associated mechanical changes in the PFJ. To obtain fundamental insight into VM weakness and its effects on PFJ mechanics, the authors determined PFJ loading in the presence of experimentally simulated VM weakness. Skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were used (n = 6), and the vastus lateralis, VM, and rectus femoris were stimulated individually through 3 custom-built nerve cuff electrodes. Muscle torque and PFJ pressure distribution were measured while activating all muscles simultaneously, or when the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were activated, while VM was not, to simulate a quadriceps muscle strength imbalance. For a given muscular joint torque, peak pressures were greater and joint contact areas were smaller when simulating VM weakness compared with the condition where all muscles were activated simultaneously. The results in the rabbit model support that VM weakness results in altered PFJ loading, which may cause patellofemoral pain, often associated with a strength imbalance of the knee extensor muscle group.
“The Club Management Ignores Us”: Gender-Power Relations in Women’s Football in Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Pınar , Koca Canan
Published: August 2020

This research aims to explore the gender–power relations and gendered experiences of the players in a women’s football team in Turkey. An ethnographic method and a feminist perspective were used to allow a deeper understanding of their experiences. Based on participant observation and interviews conducted with 14 players, three coaches, and one staff member, the data were analyzed via thematic analysis. The identified themes are (a) institutionalized gender discrimination and (b) compulsory femininity: being ladylike. The findings indicate that unequal gender relations in the club, influenced by institutionalized gender discrimination, determine the position of the women’s team within the club. Accordingly, compulsory femininity is continuously generated in the field. Consequently, the women’s football team remained at the periphery (and finally outside) of the men’s club.
Sustained release of a GLP-1 and FGF21 dual agonist from an injectable depot protects mice from obesity and hyperglycemia
Authors: Gilroy C. A. , Capozzi M. E. , Varanko A. K. , Tong J. , D'Alessio D. A. , Campbell J. E. , Chilkoti A.
Published: August 2020

A type 2 diabetes therapeutic merges two complementary drugs with a depot-forming linker to enable once-weekly dosing.
Highly active dry methane reforming catalysts with boosted in situ grown Ni-Fe nanoparticles on perovskite via atomic layer deposition
Authors: Joo Sangwook , Seong Arim , Kwon Ohhun , Kim Kyeounghak , Lee Jong Hoon , Gorte Raymond J. , Vohs John M. , Han Jeong Woo , Kim Guntae
Published: August 2020

Topotactic exsolution with ALD enables abundant alloy nanocatalysts as a new driving force applicable to perovskite systems.
Structural and Functional Insights into Iturin W, a Novel Lipopeptide Produced by the Deep-Sea Bacterium
Bacillus
sp. Strain wsm-1
Authors: Zhou Shengnan , Liu Ge , Zheng Rikuan , Sun Chaomin , Wu Shimei
Published: August 2020

Plant disease caused by pathogenic fungi is one of the most devastating diseases, which affects the food safety of the whole world to a great extent. Biological control of plant diseases by microbial natural products is more desirable than traditional chemical control. In this study, we discovered a novel lipopeptide, iturin W, with promising prospects in biological control of plant diseases. Moreover, the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources and amino acids on production of C
14
iturin W and C
15
iturin W would provide a reasonable basis for the optimization of the fermentation process of lipopeptides. Notably, the structure of iturin W was different from that of any previously reported lipopeptide, suggesting that deep-sea microorganisms might produce many novel natural products and have significant potential in the development of biological products in the future.
Short, Rich, and Powerful: a New Family of Arginine-Rich Small Proteins Have Outsized Impact in Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Alakavuklar Melene A. , Fuqua Clay
Published: August 2020

Due to minute size and limited sequence complexity, small proteins can be challenging to identify but are emerging as important regulators of diverse processes in bacteria. In this issue of the Journal of Bacteriology, Kraus and coworkers (A. Kraus, M. Weskamp, J. Zierles, M. Balzer, et al., J Bacteriol 202:e00309-20, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00309-20) report a comprehensive analysis of a fascinating subfamily of arginine-rich small proteins in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, conserved among Alphaproteobacteria. Their findings reveal that these small proteins are under complex regulation and have a disproportionately large impact on metabolism and behavior.
Evaluation of High-Throughput Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Loeffelholz Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Serologic methods are an important part of a clinical laboratory’s portfolio of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) tests and are essential to the broader response to coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), including epidemiological studies and vaccine development. There are currently a number of commercial SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests with emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this issue of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, H.
The H-NS Regulator Plays a Role in the Stress Induced by Carbapenemase Expression in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Huang Fanny , Fitchett Noelle , Razo-Gutierrez Chelsea , Le Casin , Martinez Jasmine , Ra Grace , Lopez Carolina , Gonzalez Lisandro J. , Sieira Rodrigo , Vila Alejandro J. , Bonomo Robert A. , Ramirez Maria Soledad
Published: August 2020

Carbapenem-resistant
A. baumannii
(CRAB) is recognized as one of the most threatening Gram-negative bacilli. H-NS is known to play a role in controlling the transcription of a variety of different genes, including those associated with the stress response, persistence, and virulence. In the present work, we uncovered a link between the role of H-NS in the
A. baumannii
stress response and its relationship with the envelope stress response and resistance to DNA-damaging agents. Overall, we posit a new role of H-NS, showing that H-NS serves to endure envelope stress and could also be a mechanism that alleviates the stress induced by MBL expression in
A. baumannii
. This could be an evolutionary advantage to further resist the action of carbapenems.
Methanogen microfossils and methanogenesis in Permian lake deposits
Authors: Sun Funing , Hu Wenxuan , Wang Xiaolin , Cao Jian , Fu Bin , Wu Haiguang , Yang Shengchao
Published: August 2020

Methanogens are methane-producing archaea (some of the most primitive organisms on Earth), which possess great phylogenetic and ecological diversity in modern ecosystems. However, cellular fossil evidence of methanogens remains extremely scarce throughout the geological record. Here, we report a new population of spheroidal microstructures composed of dolomite observed in Permian lake deposits in northwestern China. The microspheres exhibit indicators of biological affinity and are well preserved in authigenic dolomite with cellular fidelity. Based on morphological and geochemical evidence, these microspheres are interpreted as fossilized cells of methanogenic archaea, which can be divided into three size-based taxa. These microfossils are the first fossil record of spheroidal methanogens. The microfossil-bearing dolomite exhibits extremely positive δ13C values (up to +20‰ relative to Vienna Peedee belemnite) that are attributed to microbial methanogenesis. The results suggest that methanogens were a significant component of this Permian lake biosphere. As a consequence of the metabolic activity of the methanogens, a large amount of biogenic methane was produced through methanogenesis in the anoxic lake sediments. This study not only fills a gap in the fossil record of methanogenic archaea, but it also provides new insights into methane emissions from ancient lakes.