bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assimilating Visible and Infrared Radiances in Idealized Simulations of Deep Convection
Authors: Schröttle Josef , Weissmann Martin , Scheck Leonhard , Hutt Axel
Published: August 2020

Cloud-affected radiances from geostationary satellite sensors provide the first area-wide observable signal of convection with high spatial resolution in the range of kilometers and high temporal resolution in the range of minutes. However, these observations are not yet assimilated in operational convection-resolving weather prediction models as the rapid, nonlinear evolution of clouds makes the assimilation of related observations very challenging. To address these challenges, we investigate the assimilation of satellite radiances from visible and infrared channels in idealized observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) for a day with summertime deep convection in central Europe. This constitutes the first study assimilating a combination of all-sky observations from infrared and visible satellite channels, and the experiments provide the opportunity to test various assimilation settings in an environment where the observation forward operator and the numerical model exhibit no systematic errors. The experiments provide insights into appropriate settings for the assimilation of cloud-affected satellite radiances in an ensemble data assimilation system and demonstrate the potential of these observations for convective-scale weather prediction. Both infrared and visible radiances individually lead to an overall forecast improvement, but best results are achieved with a combination of both observation types that provide complementary information on atmospheric clouds. This combination strongly improves the forecast of precipitation and other quantities throughout the whole range of 8-h lead time.
Using Analysis Corrections to Address Model Error in Atmospheric Forecasts
Authors: Crawford William , Frolov Sergey , McLay Justin , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Barton Neil , Ruston Benjamin , Bishop Craig H.
Published: August 2020

This paper illustrates that analysis corrections, when applied as a model tendency term, can be used to improve nonlinear model forecasts and are consistent with the hypothesis that they represent an additive 6-h accumulation of model error. Comparison of mean analysis corrections with observational estimates of bias further illustrates the fidelity with which mean analysis corrections capture the model bias. While most previous implementations have explored the use of analysis corrections to correct forecast biases in short-range forecasts, this is the first implementation of the correction method using both a seasonal mean and random analysis correction for medium-range forecasts (out to 10 days). Overall, the analysis correction–based perturbations are able to improve forecast skill in ensemble and deterministic systems, especially in the first 5 days of the forecast where bias and RMSE in both lower-tropospheric temperature and 500 hPa geopotential height are significantly improved across all experiments. However, while the method does provide some significant improvement to forecast skill, some degradation in bias can occur at later lead times when the average bias at analysis time trends toward zero over the length of the forecast, leading to an overcorrection by the analysis correction–based additive inflation (ACAI) method. Additionally, it is shown that both the mean and random component of the ACAI perturbations play a role in adjusting the model bias, and that the two components can have a complicated and sometimes nonlinear interaction.
Impacts of Predicting the Liquid Fraction of Mixed-Phase Particles on the Simulation of an Extreme Freezing Rain Event: The 1998 North American Ice Storm
Authors: Cholette Mélissa , Thériault Julie M. , Milbrandt Jason A. , Morrison Hugh
Published: August 2020

A prognostic equation for the liquid fraction of mixed-phase particles has been recently added to the Predicted Particle Properties (P3) bulk microphysics scheme. Mixed-phase particles are necessary to simulate key microphysical processes leading to various winter precipitation types, such as ice pellets and freezing rain. To illustrate the impacts of predicting the bulk liquid fraction, the 1998 North American Ice Storm is simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with the modified P3 scheme. It is found that simulating partial melting by predicting the bulk liquid fraction produces higher mass and number mixing ratios of rain. This leads to smaller rain sizes reaching the refreezing layer as well as a decrease in the freezing rain accumulation at the surface by up to 30% in some locations compared to when no liquid fraction is predicted. The increase in fall speed and density and decrease of particle diameter during partial melting combined with an improved representation of the refreezing process in the modified P3 leads to generally higher total solid surface precipitation rates than using the original P3 scheme. There is also an increase of solid precipitation in regions of ice pellet accumulation. Overall, the simulation of mixed-phase particles notably impacts the vertical and spatial distributions of precipitation properties.
An Implicit–Explicit Vertical Transport Scheme for Convection-Allowing Models
Authors: Wicker Louis J. , Skamarock William C.
Published: August 2020

An adaptive implicit–explicit vertical transport method is implemented in the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-ARW), and improved integration efficiency is demonstrated for configurations employing convective-allowing horizontal and vertical resolutions. During the warm season over the continental United States, stable forecasts at convective-allowing resolutions are more challenging because localized regions of extreme thermodynamic instability generate large vertical velocities within thunderstorms that cause the integrations to become unstable because of violations of the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition for the explicit advection scheme used in WRF-ARW. The implicit–explicit vertical transport scheme removes the CFL instability but maintains accuracy for typical vertical velocities. Tests using this scheme show that the new scheme permits a time step that is 20%–25% percent larger, and it reduces the wall clock time by 10%–13% percent relative to a configuration similar to a current operational convection-allowing model while also producing more realistic updraft intensities within the most intense storms. Other approaches to maintain stability are either less efficient (e.g., reducing the time step) or significantly impact the solution accuracy (e.g., increasing the damping and/or reducing the latent heating, which severely limits the updraft magnitudes during the forecasts).
SWRL Net: A Spectral, Residual Deep Learning Model for Improving Short-Term Wave Forecasts
Authors: Mooneyham Jonny , Crosby Sean C. , Kumar Nirnimesh , Hutchinson Brian
Published: August 2020

Skillful nearshore wave forecasts are critical for providing timely alerts of hazardous wave events that impact navigation or recreational beach use. While typical forecasts provide bulk wave parameters (wave height and period), spectral details are needed to correctly predict wave and associated circulation dynamics in the nearshore region. Currently, global wave models, such as WAVEWATCH III (WW3), make spectral predictions, but do not assimilate regional buoy observations. Here, Spectral Wave Residual Learning Network (SWRL Net), a fully convolutional neural network, is trained to take recent WW3 forecasts and buoy observations, and produce corrections to frequency-directional WW3 spectra, transformed into directional buoy moments, for up to 24 h in the future. SWRL Net is trained with 10 years of collocated NOAA’s WW3 CFSR reanalysis predictions and buoy observations at three locations offshore of the U.S. western coast. At buoy locations SWRL Net residual corrections result in wave height root-mean-square error (RMSE) reductions of 23%–50% in the first 6 h and 10%–20% thereafter. Sea frequencies (5–10 s) show the most improvement compared to swell (12–20 s). SWRL Net reduces mean direction RMSE by 28%–54% and mean period RMSE by 20%–56% over 24 forecast hours. While each model is trained and tested at independent locations, SWRL Net exhibits generalization when introduced to data from other locations, suggesting future development may be composed of training sets from multiple locations.
Predicting the tensile strength of single wool fibers using artificial neural network and multiple linear regression models based on acoustic emission
Authors: Lu Di , Yu Weidong
Published: August 2020

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is widely used at the present time for almost any kind of material characterization. The main aim of the present study was to predict the tensile strength of wool by using artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression analysis based on AE detection. With this aim, a number of single wool fibers were stretched to fracture and the signals at break were recorded by the AE technique. The energy, amplitude, duration, number of hits, average rectified value and root mean square value were used as input parameters to predict the strength of the wool. A feed-forward neural network with a backpropagation (BP) algorithm was successfully trained and tested using the measured data. The same input parameters were used by multiple stepwise regression models for the estimation of wool strength. The coefficients of determination of the BP neural network and stepwise regression indicate that there is a strong correlation between the measured and predicted strength of wool with an acceptable error value. The comparative analysis of the two modeling techniques shows that the neural network performs better than the stepwise regression models. Meanwhile, the relative importance of the input parameters was determined by using rank analysis. The prediction models established in the present work can be applied to AE studies of fiber bundles or fiber-reinforced composite materials.
An Integrated Care Strategy for the Follow‐up of Patients With COVID‐19–Associated Chemosensory Dysfunction
Authors: Locatello Luca Giovanni , Maggiore Giandomenico , Bruno Chiara , Trotta Michele , Gallo Oreste
Published: August 2020

The proportion of patients with residual olfactory and gustatory dysfunction after COVID‐19 is increasing, and practical health care strategies need to be developed to manage this novel situation in otolaryngology services worldwide. Starting from our experience in a large Italian hospital, we estimated that >1500 people will complain of some form of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in the future months in our region. We want to share our logistical and clinical integrated pathway that is aimed to screen and refer each patient to the most appropriate level of care in order to optimize resources and avoid overwhelming the available clinics.
Droplet Exposure Risk to Providers From In‐Office Flexible Laryngoscopy: A COVID‐19 Simulation
Authors: Ye Michael J. , Sharma Dhruv , Rubel Kolin E. , Lebo Nicole L. , Burgin Sarah J. , Illing Elisa A. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Moore Michael G. , Yesensky Jessica A. , Mantravadi Avinash V. , Sim Michael W.
Published: August 2020

To provide data on risk of respiratory droplets from common otolaryngologic procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic, a novel simulation of droplet exposure from flexible laryngoscopy was performed. After completion of a nasal symptom questionnaire, topical fluorescein spray was administered into the nasal and oropharynx of 10 healthy volunteers, who then underwent flexible laryngoscopy under 2 conditions: routine without provoked response and with prompted sneeze/cough. After each, droplets on the proceduralist and participant were counted under ultraviolet A light. Droplets were observed on 1 of 10 volunteers after routine laryngoscopy and 4 of 10 during laryngoscopy with sneeze/cough. A nasal symptom score based on congestion and rhinorrhea was significantly elevated among droplet producers after sneeze/cough (P =. 0164). No droplets were observed on the provider. Overall, with adequate personal protective equipment, flexible laryngoscopy poses minimal droplet risk to providers. Nasal symptoms can identify patients more likely to produce droplets after sneeze/cough.
In and against the neoliberal state? The precarious siting of work integration social enterprises (WISEs) as counter-movement in Montreal, Quebec
Authors: Rantisi Norma M , Leslie Deborah
Published: August 2020

In an era of workfare, characterized by the rise of ‘work first’ policies, new actors are emerging in the field of labour market integration. This paper explores the role of one labour market intermediary- Petites-Mains. Petites-Mains is a Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE), which emerged to promote the social and economic inclusion of immigrant women in Montreal. We discuss the challenges the organization confronts in balancing its hybrid economic/social mandate and countering the negative effects of the market. While WISEs in Quebec have their origins in community or religious associations and their emergence can be traced to the decline of the welfare state, over time they have become increasingly dependent on state funding (especially support from the provincial government). The increasingly neoliberal orientation of provincial governments threatens the social mandates of the WISEs. These changes are affecting the potential of WISEs to assist marginalized immigrant women. We discuss some of the ways WISEs respond to the challenges they confront, leveraging networks at a variety of scales, and in doing so, we challenge conventional accounts of the role of civil society organizations.
Evaluation of Alternative Methods for Dynamic I-95 Express Lane Pricing
Authors: Mitrovic Djurdjija , Stevanovic Aleksandar , Glavic Drazenko
Published: August 2020

Developing dynamic toll algorithms is a major task for express lanes (EL) policy makers. The majority of pricing methods applied in the field utilize traffic data collected at several points along an EL segment to estimate traffic conditions (mainly traffic density) and calculate tolls. While travel time (TT) data can directly capture field conditions and users’ delay on a segment, such data are rarely utilized to calculate tolls for EL users. The literature suggests minor utilization of TTs in EL toll calculations, but not as the main target performance measure. More importantly, there is a need to look at performance of EL tolls from a multi-criteria perspective where the goal is not only to maintain certain level of service on the ELs. To address these topics, this study tests alternative toll calculation methods that rely mainly on TT data and compare their performance with the currently utilized toll calculation algorithm on I-95 EL in South Florida, U.S. In addition, this study proposes an evaluation framework which includes five different criteria to select the best-performing algorithms: 1. policy, 2. efficiency, 3. capacity utilization, 4. cost recovery, and 5. reliability. Results of the study show that a TT-based algorithm, which is less sensitive than conventional methods, performs similarly to a density-based algorithm, and that a travel time savings (TTS)-based algorithm maintains speeds on the ELs more efficiently than the alternative methods. Future research should apply and validate similar methods on other EL cases around the country.
Health Impact Assessment of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in San Francisco, Bay Area
Authors: Pourrahmani Elham , Jaller Miguel , Maizlish Neil , Rodier Caroline
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the potential human health impacts from connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in the San Francisco, Bay Area, U.S. The study concentrates on impacts derived from CAVs’ outcomes on travel demand, safety, and environmental emissions. The paper combines travel modeling practices, critical literature review, and the authors’ expert inference, to quantify the human health impacts using the Integrated Transport and Health Impacts Model (ITHIM). Specifically, ITHIM estimates impact considering changes in travel demand, level of physical activity, emissions, and safety features. This study estimates a 10% increase in car travel mileage and an 11% decrease in walk/bike trip mode share at the presence of CAVs; a 70%–90% crash reduction because of safer CAVs; and significant emission reduction by several CAV-enabled mechanisms such as eco-driving (over 30% CO2 emission reduction) and engine performance adjustment (over 20% CO2 emission reduction). The health impact assessments show significant opportunities for road traffic injury reductions (annual saving of more than 300 deaths and 14,000 life years). However, reduced physical activity because of the mode shift to the car could cause negative health outcomes (increased annual deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by more than 30–60 and 700–900, respectively). A set of (active transport [AT] and vehicle electrification) scenarios were developed that could mitigate the potential health-related risks and evaluated their effectiveness. The results show enormous benefits from 50% increased travel-related physical activity which offset the CAV health drawbacks and generates additional benefits by preventing premature deaths and saving life years.
Cell attachment effects of collagen nanoparticles on crosslinked electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Ziaei Amiri Fereshteh , Pashandi Zaiddodine , Lotfibakhshaiesh Nasrin , Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad , Ghanbari Hossein , Faridi-Majidi Reza
Published: August 2020

Since collagen is naturally a main extracellular matrix protein, it has been applied widely in skin’s tissue engineering scaffolds to mimics the characteristics of extracellular matrix for proper transplantation of living cells. However, there are challenges that come with application of this natural polymer such as high solubility in aqueous environments which requires further consideration such as chemically cross-linking in order to stabilization. But these treatments also affect its functionality and finally cellular behaviors on scaffold. In this research we evaluated the suitability of collagen nanofibers versus collagen nanoparticles for cell adhesion and viability on glutaraldehyde cross-linked scaffolds. Appling a dual-pump electrospining machine a blend PCL-Gelatin from one side and collagen nanofibers or collagen nanoparticles from the other side were collected on the collector. The fabricated scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and mechanical analysis. The cell viability, adhesion and morphology were studied respectively using MTT assay, hoechst staining and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated significantly improvement of cell viability, adhesion and better spreading on scaffolds with collagen nanoparticles than collagen nanofibers. It seems changes in surface morphology, viscoelastic moduli and swelling ability following cross-linking with glutaraldehyde in scaffold with collagen nanoparticles are still favorable for cellular proliferation. Based on these results, in the case of glutaraldehyde cross-linking, application of collagen nanoparticles rather than collagen nanofibers in tissue regeneration scaffolds will better mimic the extracellular matrix characteristics; and preserve the viability and adhesion of seeded cells.
Placed for Success: Which Teachers Benefit from High-Quality Student Teaching Placements?
Authors: Bastian Kevin C. , Patterson Kristina M. , Carpenter Dale
Published: August 2020

In the present study we consider whether certain pre-service teachers (PSTs) particularly benefit from high-quality student teaching experiences. To conduct these analyses, we connect student teaching and K-12 workforce data for six educator preparation programs (EPPs) and assess whether placement school and cooperating teacher characteristics predict the effectiveness of early-career teachers. Results show that high-quality student teaching placements especially benefit PSTs with lower GPAs and narrow effectiveness gaps between teachers with lower versus higher GPAs. These findings call for closer partnerships between EPPs and school districts and suggest that EPPs may wish to prioritize placements for PSTs with lower GPAs.
Experimental investigations on flexural behaviour of delaminated carbon/epoxy composite using three dimensional digital image correlation
Authors: Kopparthi Phaneendra Kumar , Gemaraju Srikar , Pathakokila Bhaskara Rao , Gamini Suresh
Published: August 2020

In semi automated manufacturing processes of multilayered carbon fiber reinforced composites, defects are induced. These defects cause reduction in service life of the products and lead to decrease in structural performance. In the present work, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminate with a stacking sequence of [0/0//45/−45/90/45/−45/90/90/−45/45/90/−45/45/0/0] was fabricated by hand lay-up method using vacuum bagging technique. An artificial defect to create pre-delamination was located in this composite between 0° and 45° plies at the centre of laminate. Experiments were conducted in four-point bending to determine the stiffness behavior of composite laminate and study other damage patterns occurred due to the existence of pre-delamination. The probable reasons for occurrence of other damage forms are explained in detail. Three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technique was employed to determine displacements and strains of the specimen. The out of plane displacement due to local buckling against the bending load was also quantified.
The effect of minimum wages on consumption in Canada
Authors: Jung Young Cheol , McFarlane Adian , Das Anupam
Published: August 2020

We use Canadian data over the period of 1991Q1 to 2019Q2 to examine the effect of higher minimum wages on consumption, measured as the real retail trade sales per adult population. Such an examination is rare in the extant literature and it is timely given the increasing debate concerning the stimulus versus inflationary effects arising from wage polices because of COVID-19 global pandemic. We apply the autoregressive distributed lag model to determine the causal relationship between these variables. We find one long-run cointegrating relationship that runs from the real minimum wage to the real retail trade sales. In addition, we find that a 1% increase in the minimum wage is associated with almost a 0.5% increase in real retail trade sales in the long run. While our findings rest on several statistical assumptions, there is strong evidence in support of the position that minimum wage strengthens aggregate consumer spending, and thereby the standard of living, economic growth and stability. This is a position that differs from the conclusions drawn from mainstream academic and policy debates on the economic usefulness and efficacy of minimum wage increases.

JEL Codes: C30, E21, E24
Healthy Intimate Relationships and the Adult With Autism
Authors: Girardi Amanda , Curran Mary Sharon , Snyder Briana L.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

An adult faces many challenges; however, one experience that is often taken for granted by neurotypical individuals is building intimate relationships. The purpose of this article is to discuss the barriers for healthy intimate relationships for an individual with autism, strategies to overcome these barriers, recommendations for future practice and research, and resources to improve knowledge of this important yet overlooked topic.

Method:

Data collection was done using research journals and databases such as EBSCO, SAGE Knowledge, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. The reviewed articles were published from 2015 to the present time. During the search process, the following key phrases were used: autism spectrum disorder, intimate relationships, sexuality education, and social skills. In total, 1,400 articles were found with an additional 52 sources found through other sources, of which 31 met inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed.

Results:

Although those with autism have many strengths and talents, deficits in communication and social interaction can affect the formation of healthy adult relationships, including friendships and romantic relationships. In addition to social challenges, a lack of education regarding safe and healthy relationships can put an individual with autism at risk.

Conclusions:

It is imperative that that individuals with autism, their families, and health care professionals are educated about the barriers and able to access educational resources and specialized curricula on this topic.
Developing young people’s mental health awareness through education and sport: Insights from the Tackling the Blues programme
Authors: Haycock David , Jones Jon , Smith Andy
Published: August 2020

There is growing national and international concern about the mental health of children and young people, and in countries such as England there is now a political and policy commitment to developing whole-school approaches to mental health. This paper presents new evidence on how pupils’ mental health is being addressed in schools using learning activities associated with physical education, sport and physical activity, as part of a school-based sport- and mental health-themed programme (‘Tackling the Blues’) for pupils aged 6–16 years old in north-west England. In particular, we examine how pupil-centred learning activities have been used in weekly multi-sport activity sessions and related classroom-based workshops, and draw upon insight from 29 focus groups to explore pupils’ ( n = 116) mental health awareness and associated socio-emotional learning (SEL). The learning activities led pupils to focus on the impact personal relationships with family and friends, feelings and emotions, and experiences of stress, anger and entrapment can have on mental health. It is argued that embedding socially relevant learning activities into the content, organisation and delivery of school curricula may help improve pupils’ sense of enjoyment, participation and achievement which are important for enhancing their knowledge and awareness of mental health, and developing SEL. However, we conclude that the effectiveness of whole-school approaches also depends, perhaps to a greater degree, on the wider educational systems in which schools are located and especially the widening social, economic and health inequalities which have profound impacts on child development, educational and other outcomes, and mental health.
SOM’s Computer Group: Narratives of women in early architectural computing
Authors: Doyle Shelby Elizabeth , Senske Nick S
Published: August 2020

Cultural narratives of digital technology in architecture rely heavily upon stories of unique, almost always male, genius and often deny the collective intellectual labor of technology’s construction. These narratives are perpetuated by a historical record which does not fully address the contributions of women to the history of digital technology. Because this history is not well-documented, there is an opportunity to represent these events in a manner which is more inclusive and equitable. Toward that end, this article focuses on narratives from the SOM Computing Group (1964–1990), as a means of correcting the historical record and addressing gender equity in the profession. The interviews collected here highlight several women who helped to integrate technologies into architecture through professional experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. While it is not a comprehensive history, this work represents the beginning of an agenda to produce a history of technology in architecture which better reflects the contributions of women to the digital designs of today.
A mathematical model for objective hand evaluation of automotive seat fabrics
Authors: Ahirwar Meenakshi , Behera BK
Published: August 2020

A mathematical model for objective evaluation of hand value of car seat fabrics was developed using a step-wise block regression method. The subjective assessment of fabrics was conducted by a panel of judges to identify the primary hand attributes and the related mechanical parameters playing an important role in the fabric hand evaluation. The primary attributes selected by judges were conformability, smoothness, softness and stretchability. The coefficient of concordance was determined to find out the agreement among the judges. From consumer point of view, conformability got the highest weightage in the survey. There is an excellent correlation between the subjective and objective primary hand values. The correlation between the subjective and the objective total hand values found to be very high (R > 0.9) both with and without stretchability parameter.
Edward D. Churchill (1895-1972): An Innovative Surgeon, His Work, and His Contribution to Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios D. , Kouriannidi Elli , Athanasiadis Dimitrios I. , Chrysikos Dimosthenis T. , Makay Özer , Troupis Theodore
Published: August 2020

Edward Delos Churchill, one of the most notorious American surgeons of the 20th century, influenced countless surgeons and set medical practices that were used for decades. His scope of interests included surgery of the lungs, heart, thyroid, parathyroid glands, and military surgery among others. Churchill was one of the first to expand the field of the newly found parathyroid bodies by performing several experimental excisions of the glands and publishing numerous guidelines based on his innovative work. Additionally, he aspired to address many of the literature gaps that led him to conclusions that would benefit both the surgeons and patients throughout the country. Most importantly, his deep interest in endocrinology and his aggregate approach of medicine led him to discoveries that paved the way to the modern endocrine surgery practices.
Correction to: GSDB: a database of 3D chromosome and genome structures reconstructed from Hi-C data
Authors: Oluwadare Oluwatosin , Highsmith Max , Turner Douglass , Lieberman Aiden Erez , Cheng Jianlin
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Spider phylosymbiosis: divergence of widow spider species and their tissues’ microbiomes
Authors: Dunaj Sara J. , Bettencourt Brian R. , Garb Jessica E. , Brucker Robert M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Microbiomes can have profound impacts on host biology and evolution, but to date, remain vastly understudied in spiders despite their unique and diverse predatory adaptations. This study evaluates closely related species of spiders and their host-microbe relationships in the context of phylosymbiosis, an eco-evolutionary pattern where the microbial community profile parallels the phylogeny of closely related host species. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we characterized the microbiomes of five species with known phylogenetic relationships from the family Theridiidae, including multiple closely related widow spiders (L. hesperus, L. mactans, L. geometricus, S. grossa, and P. tepidariorum).

Results

We compared whole animal and tissue-specific microbiomes (cephalothorax, fat bodies, venom glands, silk glands, and ovary) in the five species to better understand the relationship between spiders and their microbial symbionts. This showed a strong congruence of the microbiome beta-diversity of the whole spiders, cephalothorax, venom glands, and silk glands when compared to their host phylogeny. Our results support phylosymbiosis in these species and across their specialized tissues. The ovary tissue microbial dendrograms also parallel the widow phylogeny, suggesting vertical transfer of species-specific bacterial symbionts. By cross-validating with RNA sequencing data obtained from the venom glands, silk glands and ovaries of L. hesperus, L. geometricus, S. grossa, and P. tepidariorum we confirmed that several microbial symbionts of interest are viably active in the host.

Conclusion

Together these results provide evidence that supports the importance of host-microbe interactions and the significant role microbial communities may play in the evolution and adaptation of their hosts.
The aceE involves in mycolic acid synthesis and biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Chen Suting , Teng Tianlu , Wen Shuan , Zhang Tingting , Huang Hairong
Published: August 2020

Background

The integrity of cell wall structure is highly significant for the in vivo survival of mycobacteria. We hypothesized that changes in morphology may indicate changes in cell wall metabolism and identified an aceE gene mutant (aceE-mut) which presented a deficient colony morphology on 7H10 agar by screening transposon mutagenesis in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis, basonym Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis). This study aimed to identify the functional role of aceE gene in cell wall biosynthesis in M. smegmatis.

Results

We observed that the colony morphology of aceE-mut was quite different, smaller and smoother on the solid culture medium than the wild-type (WT) strain during the transposon library screening of M. smegmatis. Notably, in contrast with the WT, which aggregates and forms biofilm, the aceE-mut lost its ability of growing aggregately and biofilm formation, which are two very important features of mycobacteria. The morphological changes in the aceE-mut strain were further confirmed by electron microscopy which indicated smoother and thinner cell envelope images in contrast with the rough morphology of WT strains. Additionally, the aceE-mut was more fragile to acidic stress and exhibited a pronounced defects in entering the macrophages as compared to the WT. The analysis of mycolic acid (MA) using LC-MS indicated deficiency of alpha-MA and epoxy-MA in aceE-mut strain whereas complementation of the aceE-mut with a wild-type aceE gene restored the composition of MA.

Conclusions

Over all, this study indicates that aceE gene plays a significant role in the mycolic acid synthesis and affects the colony morphology, biofilm formation of M. smegmatis and bacteria invasion of macrophage.
AtPIG-S, a predicted Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Transamidase subunit, is critical for pollen tube growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Desnoyer Nicholas , Howard Gregory , Jong Emma , Palanivelu Ravishankar
Published: August 2020

Background

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) addition is one of the several post-translational modifications to proteins that increase their affinity for membranes. In eukaryotes, the GPI transamidase complex (GPI-T) catalyzes the attachment of pre-assembled GPI anchors to GPI-anchored proteins (GAPs) through a transamidation reaction. A mutation in AtGPI8 (gpi8–2), the putative catalytic subunit of GPI-T in Arabidopsis, is transmitted normally through the female gametophyte (FG), indicating the FG tolerates loss of GPI transamidation. In contrast, gpi8–2 almost completely abolishes male gametophyte (MG) function. Still, the unexpected finding that gpi8–2 FGs function normally requires further investigation. Additionally, specific developmental defects in the MG caused by loss of GPI transamidation remain poorly characterized.

Results

Here we investigated the effect of loss of AtPIG-S, another GPI-T subunit, in both gametophytes. Like gpi8–2, we showed that a mutation in AtPIG-S (pigs-1) disrupted synergid localization of LORELEI (LRE), a putative GAP critical for pollen tube reception by the FG. Still, pigs-1 is transmitted normally through the FG. Conversely, pigs-1 severely impaired male gametophyte (MG) function during pollen tube emergence and growth in the pistil. A pPIGS:GFP-PIGS transgene complemented these MG defects and enabled generation of pigs-1/pigs-1 seedlings. However, the pPIGS:GFP-PIGS transgene seemingly failed to rescue the function of AtPIG-S in the sporophyte, as pigs-1/pigs-1, pPIGS:GFP-PIGS seedlings died soon after germination.

Conclusions

Characterization of pigs-1 provided further evidence that the FG tolerates loss of GPI transamidation more than the MG and that the MG compared to the FG may be a better haploid system to study the role of GPI-anchoring. Pigs-1 pollen develops normally and thus represent a tool in which GPI anchor biosynthesis and transamidation of GAPs have been uncoupled, offering a potential way to study free GPI in plant development. While previously reported male fertility defects of GPI biosynthesis mutants could have been due either to loss of GPI or GAPs lacking the GPI anchor, our results clarified that the loss of mature GAPs underlie male fertility defects of GPI-deficient pollen grains, as pigs-1 is defective only in the downstream transamidation step.
Safety of intraoperative hypothermia for patients: meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and observational studies
Authors: Xu He , Wang Zijing , Guan Xin , Lu Yijuan , Malone Daniel Charles , Salmon Jack Warren , Ma Aixia , Tang Wenxi
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that intraoperative hypothermia was associated with higher risks of clinical adverse events, but we found otherwise from recent evidences. This study aims to synthesize the existing evidence evaluating safety of intraoperative hypothermia.

Methods

Articles, reviews, ongoing trials and grey literatures were retrieved from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Clinical Trails and CNKI (a Chinese national database) till February 2nd, 2019. Both randomized controlled trials and observational studies compared incidences of all sorts of intra- and post-operative consequences between hypothermia and normothermia were included. Researches comparing different warming systems were excluded. We also examined risks of hypothermia using lowered standards (35.5 °C and 35 °C) from a Chinese trial (ChiCTR-IPR-17011099).

Results

A total of 9 RCT studies and 11 observational studies were included. RCT-synthesized results showed that intraoperative hypothermia was associated with higher risks of bleeding (MD = 131.90, 95%CI: 117.42, 146.38), surgical site infection (RD = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.21) and shivering (RD = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.58) but with no significant differences in duration of surgery, hospital stay or mortality. Observational study-synthesized evidences showed that intraoperative hypothermia did not result in higher risks in any of these adverse events. Results didn’t change even if the standard of hypothermia was lowered by 0.5–1.0 °C.

Conclusions

The study indicates that the synthesized risks resulted by intra-operative hypothermia might be overestimated and the eligibility of 36 °C to define hypothermia is not sensitive enough. Given body-temperature protection has not been popularized in China, it is still critical to normalize the hypothermia prevention at this stage.
The relationship between preoperative T helper cytokines in the ileal mucosa and the pathogenesis of pouchitis
Authors: Kitajima Takahito , Okita Yoshiki , Kawamura Mikio , Kondo Satoru , Toiyama Yuji , Uchida Keiichi , Kusunoki Masato
Published: August 2020

Background

Although the etiology of pouchitis remains unknown, inflammatory cytokines are significantly associated with the pathogenesis of pouchitis. The cytokine responses that characterize inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are key pathogenic components of the disease. Although cytokine profiles in the colonic mucosa have been investigated in experimental colitis models or IBD patients, cytokine profiles in the ileal mucosa at colectomy have been rarely assessed.

Aim

To assess the relationship between pouchitis and T helper (Th) cytokines in the ileal mucosa collected at the time of colectomy and pouch construction.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 68 consecutive patients from January 2004 to May 2011 who underwent ileal pouch–anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. Samples were obtained from the terminal ileum of resected specimens at time of total colectomy or subtotal colectomy. mRNA expression levels of Th cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-23A, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A) were determined.

Results

Forty of 68 patients (58.8%) developed pouchitis. There was no association between IL-23A expression levels and incidence of pouchitis (p = 0.301). Patients with elevated IFN-γ had a significantly higher incidence of pouchitis compared with low IFN-γ patients (p = 0.043). Univariate analysis demonstrated a total dose of prednisolone > 7000 mg administered before colectomy (p = 0.04) and high IFN-γ expression (p = 0.02) were significant risk factors for pouchitis onset. In multivariate analysis, elevated IFN-γ messenger(m)RNA levels were significantly associated with pouchitis onset (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

IFN-γ expression in the normal ileal mucosa at the time of colectomy may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of pouchitis.
Rhino-orbital mucormycosis due to Apophysomyces ossiformis in a patient with diabetes mellitus: a case report
Authors: Martínez-Herrera Erick , Frías-De-León María Guadalupe , Julián-Castrejón Angélica , Cruz-Benítez Luis , Xicohtencatl-Cortes Juan , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto
Published: August 2020

Background

The most common aetiological agents of mucormycosis are Rhizopus, Mucor, Apophysomyces and Lichtheimia. Apophysomyces is comparatively rare, as it has been reported in less than 3% of mucormycosis cases. The genus Apophysomyces includes six species, and only A. elegans, A. mexicanus, A. variabilis and A. ossiformis have been reported to cause infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 46-year-old male patient with bilateral blepharoedema, corneal opacity in the left eye and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The patient was subjected to total maxillectomy, exenteration of the left orbit and treatment with liposomal amphotericin B. Direct mycological analysis with KOH 10% revealed hyaline, coenocytic, long and wide hyphae. Apophysomyces ossiformis was identified from maxillary biopsy using 18S-ITS1–5.8S-ITS2-28S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. The patient requested to be transferred to another hospital to continue treatment, where he died on the ninth day after admittance.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis due to A. ossiformis with a fatal outcome. This case reveals the need to identify the fungus causing mucormycosis with molecular methods to identify adequate treatment therapies for patients with this infection.
Association of PNPLA3 rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Shan , Zhang Jing , Mei Ting Ting , Guo Hai Qing , Wei Xin Huan , Zhang Wen Yan , Liu Ya Li , Liang Shan , Fan Zuo Peng , Ma Li Xia , Lin Wei , Liu Yi Rong , Qiu Li Xia , Yu Hai Bin
Published: August 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Current studies have shown that PNPLA3 (Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3) rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism is associated with adult nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [1, 2].But there is no consensus on the relationship between PNPLA3 rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism and children NAFLD due to differences in population samples. To this end, a meta-analysis of published research is conducted to comprehensively assess the relationship between PNPLA3 gene polymorphism and NAFLD in children.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases from inception to May 2019. Case-control studies assessing the relationship between PNPLA3 rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Random effects model was used to quantify the association between the PNPLA3 rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of children’s NAFLD. Fixed effects model was used to quantify the relationship between the PNPLA3 rs738409 G/C gene polymorphism and the severity of NAFLD in children. The Stata 12.0 software was employed for data analysis.

Results

A total of nine case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis containing data of 1173 children with NAFLD and 1792 healthy controls. Five studies compared NAFLD children and non-NAFLD healthy populations. Statistical analysis showed that PNPLA3 gene polymorphism was significantly associated with children’s NAFLD in the allele contrast, dominant, recessive and over dominant models (G vs C,OR = 3.343, 95% CI = 1.524–7.334; GG + GC vs CC,OR = 3.157, 95% CI = 1.446–6.892;GG vs GC + CC,OR = 5.692, 95% CI = 1.941–16.689; GG + CC vs GC,OR = 2.756, 95% CI = 1.729–4.392). Four case-control studies compared Children with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and children with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The results showed that the PNPLA3 gene polymorphism was also significantly associated with the severity of NAFLD in children in recessive gene model (GG vs GC + CC,OR = 14.43, 95% CI = 5.985–34.997); The Egger’s test revealed no significant publication bias.

Conclusions

Meta-analysis showed that PNPLA3 gene polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility and severity of NAFLD in children.
Is combined peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis redundant? A nationwide study from Taiwan
Authors: Chung Mu-Chi , Yu Tung-Min , Wu Ming-Ju , Chuang Ya-Wen , Muo Chih-Hsin , Chen Cheng-Hsu , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Shieh Jeng-Jer , Hung Peir-Haur , Chen Jein-Wen , Chung Chi-Jung
Published: August 2020

Background

Combined peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) therapy (combined therapy) has numerous clinical benefits and should be emphasized for PD patients encountering technique failure.

Methods

This 12-year nationwide retrospective study was conducted to compare long-term outcomes (including admission and mortality risks) between combined therapy patients (combined group) and patients directly transferred from PD to HD (transfer group).

Results

All 12,407 incidental PD patients from 2000 to 2010 were enrolled and followed up until the end of 2011. A total of 688 patients in the combined group and 688 patients in the transfer group were selected after 1:1 frequency matching based on age, sex, and PD duration. The overall admission and mortality risks of the two groups were comparable in a Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.19] and 1.02 [95% CI = 0.80–1.30]), respectively). Compared with the transfer group, combined group patients with recent peritonitis or frequent hemodialysis (four HD sessions per month) had significantly higher risk of admission while combined group patients without peritonitis had significantly lower risk. The number of incidents in the combined group increased over time. On average, patients stayed on combined therapy for 2 years.

Conclusions

Combined therapy (two HD sessions per month) is not redundant but a rational and cost-effective treatment, particularly for patients without recent peritonitis. Dialysis staff should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of combined therapy and consider it an essential part of integrated dialysis care.