bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the bearing and roll angle of a moving object using orthogonally elliptically polarized beacon signals received in a circular polarization basis
Authors: Gulko V L , Mescheryakov A A
Published: June 2020

The possibility of determining bearing and roll angle of a mobile object along orthogonally elliptically polarized beacon signals emitted simultaneously from two spatially separated points in a horizontal plane is investigated. The navigation elements are evaluated by a two-channel receiving system using amplitude-phase processing of the resulting vector signals received on board a mobile object in a circular polarization basis.
A model for tracking process of the integrated radar systems under working conditions with maneuvering targets
Authors: Pozdnyakov A A , Vorona S G , Smirnov E E , Pankov B B , Zhdanova A B
Published: June 2020

The article presents the organization of the process of simulation modeling of the functioning the integrated radar systems in the detection, measurement and tracking modes. The aim of the work is to develop a simulation model that allows to evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithms of radar tracking of targets. The description of analytical models and their interaction and simulation results are presented. The construction of the model is implemented in the software MathCad 15.0.
X-ray radiation from the Sun and geomagnetic disturbances as environmental factors affecting humans
Authors: Tuzhilkin D A , Borodin A S , Kaluzhin V V
Published: June 2020

The study of the influence of X-ray radiation from the Sun in the range from 1 to 8 Å on the components of the well-being function of a human population is carried out. X-ray radiation from the Sun, being absorbed in the upper layers of the ionosphere and not reaching the Earth’s surface, is nevertheless capable of acting indirectly (through a modification of the natural electromagnetic background in the ELF range). Variability in the frequency of emergency care is used as a component of the well-being function. A comparative analysis of the effect of X-ray radiation from the Sun with the influence of geomagnetic field perturbations on the time scales of a rare solar event is carried out.
Formation of two-dimensional photopolymer diffractive optical elements for converting light beams with two-beam interactions taken into account
Authors: Dolgirev V O , Sharangovich S N , Semkin A O
Published: June 2020

Bessel light beams are used in many fields, such as nonlinear optics, optical metrology, design of atmospheric wireless telecommunication lines, nanoscale objects manipulating, etc. Bessel beams do not diffract, they have restoration properties, they retain high intensity in the axial region at large distances. Thus, the search for an affordable method of forming such beams seems very relevant. In this paper, we study the process of two-dimensional diffractive optical elements (DOEs) holographic formation in photopolymer materials (PPM) with allowance for two-beam interactions. DOEs is intended for converting light beams with a Gaussian distribution into a Bessel-like ones.
The influence of the underlying terrain on the directional characteristics of the HF-range antennas
Authors: Krivaltsevich S V , Yashchenko A S , Maynenger K A , Kudrin O I , Zubkov M P
Published: June 2020

The results of modeling the antennas directional characteristics in the HF range are presented. In the process of modeling, the radiophysical characteristics of the underlying surface measured under laboratory conditions were taken into account. The simulation results are compared with the results of field measurements of the antennas radiation patterns.
A concept of microwave photonic sensor systems based on addressed fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Zh Sakhabutdinov A , Morozov O G , Morozov G A , Sh Misbakhov R , Kuznetsov A A , Nureev I I
Published: June 2020

The main drawback of the modern microwave photonic sensor systems is the absence of addressable fiber optic sensors, as a rule, based on fiber Bragg gratings, which leads to the need to build complex sensing systems and interrogators that are tuned to different wavelengths or combined into groups according to the common central wavelength. We proposed addressed fiber Bragg gratings, which structures can be realized in two variants: with two symmetrical phase π-shifts in one grating (2π-AFBG) or two serial gratings with different Bragg wavelengths (2λ-AFBG). Their common feature is difference frequency between two phase shifts or two gratings, which is lying in microwave range and defining its address, wherein addressed gratings have the same Bragg or central wavelength. So, their interrogation can be realized in microwave range by evaluation of envelope characteristics of beating signal on addressed frequency components. A new microwave photonic sensor systems class is called “MicroWave Photonic Sensor Systems based on Addressed Fiber Bragg Gratings”. The concept of new class sensor systems is presented. The sets of analysis and synthesis problems, measuring level design for point, few sensor and multi-sensor variants, and principle of joint field of multiplexed sensors construction for system are considered. When implemented, the interrogation speed can be increased to hundreds of MHz, the resolution is up to units of Hz, which is determined by the parameters of microwave (not optical) processing, cost of system, its exploitation and design complexity are drastically decreased.
Gyromagnetic source of high power wideband pulses
Authors: Romanchenko I V , Priputnev P V , Maltsev S N , Vykhodtsev P V
Published: June 2020

In this paper we present the results on simulation and experimental research of RF oscillations excitement in gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line. The oscillations were observed in the frequency range 1.5-1.7 GHz. The choice of the appropriate ferrite type and irradiating helix antenna was followed by the development of high power RF source. The irradiated RF pulses were characterized by 80 kV effective potential and close to circular polarization. The gyromagnetic RF source has shown stable operation at 400 Hz repetition rate.
Estimation of the correlation of radiation and the radar backscattering coefficient of soil cover in X-band based on experimental research
Authors: Ch Dorzhiev B , Ochirov O N
Published: June 2020

The article considers the problem of integrated processing of remote sensing data of radar and radiometric data. The angular dependences of the radio brightness temperature and the back reflection coefficient in the X-band of a homogeneous soil cover are obtained. The correlation between these values is determined.
Usage of the acoustic method for monitoring of the gaz pipelines stress
Authors: Khlybov A A , Kabaldin Yu G , Uglov A L , Anosov M S , Shatagin D A
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, Russian pipeline system is a unique and expanding facility. It is a chain of complex of technical facilities that carries gas under high pressure in difficult geological, geographical and climatic (arctic) conditions, both in the Russian Federation and beyond its borders. Ensuring safe operation is an important task.
Microstructure and corrosion behaviors of AZ63 magnesium alloy fabricated by accumulative roll bonding process
Authors: Pei Yanbo , Gui Yunwei , Huang Tao , Chen Fuxiao , Guo Junqing , Zhong Shiyu , Song Zhuo
Published: June 2020

AZ63 magnesium alloy sheets were fabricated by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process at 350 °C up to 5 cycles. The aim of this work is to study the effect of ARB process on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of AZ63 magnesium alloy. The ARBed sheets were investigated via microstructure observations, electrochemical tests, hydrogen evolution measurements and immersion tests. After ARB process, the average grain size decreased. The coarse Mg17Al12 phase was broken under the action of rolling force and it distributed more dispersed in the magnesium matrix. The corrosion resistance of samples increased significantly with increasing the number of ARB cycles. The influence of microstructure on the corrosion behaviors was discussed. Fine grain produced more passive oxide layers which acted as a corrosion barrier. The Mg17Al12 phase acted primarily as a micro-galvanic cathode during the corrosion process because of its low volume fraction and isolated distribution. The volume fraction of Mg17Al12 phase decreased after ARB process, which results in the reduction of the effect of galvanic corrosion.
Magnetocaloric effect and electrical properties of (0.95)La0.45Nd0.25Sr0.3MnO3/(0.05)CuO composites
Authors: Fkhar L , El Maalam K , Hamedoun M , El Kenz A , Benyoussef A , Lachkar P , Hlil E-K , Mahmoud A , Boschini F , Ait Ali M , Mounkachi O
Published: June 2020

In this work, the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of 0.95La0.45Nd0.25Sr0.3MnO3/0.05CuO composites materials were investigated. The samples have been synthesized by solid-state reaction route. The XRD patterns of composites powders show the presence of both perovskite La0.45Nd0.25Sr0.3MnO3 and monoclinic Tenorite CuO materials. The microstructural characterization performed using Scanning Electron Microscope shows that copper oxide nanostructure is located in the grains boundaries after pressing. According to the isothermal magnetization measurements around the Curie temperature, the maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change is calculated to be 4.128 J/(Kg.K) at 5 T for the pellet with an interesting enhancement compared to the powder sample 2.7 J/(Kg.K). The relative cooling power is about 212.8 J Kg−1. Resistivity measurements under different magnetic fields were performed in order to investigate the magnetoresistance properties. The obtained magnetocaloric properties show that 0.95La0.45Nd0.25Sr0.3MnO3/0.05CuO composite was an attractive candidate material for magnetic refrigeration application. About magnetoresistance properties the (% MR) is found to be 32.78% around 320 K under a magnetic field of 5 T.
FOXM1 nuclear transcription factor translocates into mitochondria and inhibits oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Black Markaisa , Arumugam Paritha , Shukla Samriddhi , Pradhan Arun , Ustiyan Vladimir , Milewski David , Kalinichenko Vladimir V. , Kalin Tanya V.
Published: June 2020

It was found that the transcription factor FOXM1 translocates into mitochondria and inhibits mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential, directly binds to mitochondrial PTCD1, and inhibits the electron transport chain by stabilizing PTCD1.
Monitoring global changes in chromatin compaction states upon localized DNA damage with tools of fluorescence anisotropy
Authors: Kesavan P. S. , Bohra Darshika , Roy Sitara , Mazumder Aprotim
Published: June 2020

Fluorescence anisotropy imaging is used to measure the changes in compaction of undamaged chromatin upon induction of clustered double-strand breaks. Live-cell dynamics is combined with subsequent immunofluorescence. PCNA is recruited immediately at the site of damage, while forming foci of repair away from the site at later time points in regions of open chromatin.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Epidemiology Workforce
Authors: Becerra Adan Z , Ekundayo Olugbemiga , Salahuddin Meliha , Onasanya Tosin , Li Shanshan ,   on behalf of the “Navigating Careers as a Person of Color” Society of Epidemiological Research Pilot Mentoring Group
Published: June 2020

Increasing participation by promoting diversity and inclusion in professional society membership has become an important topic for many scientific fields. In a recent issue of the Journal, DeVilbiss et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(10):998–1010) reported results from a survey conducted by the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Diversity and Inclusion Committee by which several aspects of participation by sociodemographic and cultural variables among its members were measured. Here, we summarize the major findings of the survey, put the authors’ results within the greater context of the epidemiology workforce, and provide suggestions on how the Committee could expand its influence by considering measuring variables related to career outcomes and trajectories. This suggestion is based on an attempt to link the interventions being facilitated by SER, the participation indices it is trying to improve, and the greater mission of SER to build sustainable career trajectories that produce the best science that will improve the health of human populations.
COVID-19 pandemic preparedness: A practical guide from clinical pharmacists’ perspective
Authors: Ahuja Tania , Merchan Cristian , Arnouk Serena , Cirrone Frank , Dabestani Arash , Papadopoulos John
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To describe our hospital pharmacy department’s preparation for an influx of critically ill patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and offer guidance on clinical pharmacy services preparedness for similar crisis situations.

Personnel within the department of pharmacy at a medical center at the US epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic proactively prepared a staffing and pharmacotherapeutic action plan in anticipation of an expected surge in admissions of critically ill patients with COVID-19 and expansion of acute care and intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. Guidance documents focusing on supportive care and pharmacotherapeutic treatment options were developed. Repurposing of non–ICU-trained clinical pharmacotherapy specialists to work collaboratively with clinician teams in ICUs was quickly implemented; staff were prepared for these duties through use of shared tools to facilitate education and practice standardization.

Conclusion

As challenges were encountered at the initial peak of the pandemic, interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork was crucial to ensure that all patients were proactively assessed and that their respective pharmacotherapeutic regimens were optimized.
Evaluation of the Completeness of Interventions Reported in Published Randomized Controlled Trials in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Evans Sheridan , Rauh Shelby , Jellison Samuel , Diener Brian , Agha Riaz , Vassar Matt
Published: June 2020

Background

With the increasing number of randomized control trials being conducted and published in plastic surgery, complete reporting of trial information is critical for readers to properly evaluate a trial’s methodology and arrive at appropriate conclusions about its merits and applicability to patients. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was introduced to address the limited guidance for reporting trial interventions.

Objectives

The authors applied the TIDieR checklist to evaluate the completeness of intervention reporting of randomized control trials in plastic surgery, compare the quality of intervention reporting before and after the guideline was published, and evaluate characteristics associated with TIDieR compliance.

Methods

A PubMed search identified 1 cohort published prior to the release of TIDieR and another published after its release. From the final sample, the TIDieR checklist was applied to intervention descriptions, and relevant study characteristics were extracted in a duplicate, blinded manner.

Results

In total, 130 trials were included for analysis. The mean TIDieR score was 6.4 of 12. Five items were reported 90% of the time, and 4 items were reported less than 10% of the time. We found that TIDieR publication did not affect intervention reporting (P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Our study identified areas in which intervention reporting could be improved. The extent of TIDieR adoption by trialists appears to be limited, and greater efforts are needed to disseminate this reporting guideline if widespread uptake is to be expected. Alternately, it may be beneficial to incorporate TIDieR into the more widely recognized Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement.
Sample Multiplexing: Increased Throughput for Quantification of Total Testosterone in Serum by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Colletti Julia D , Redor-Goldman Mildred M , Pomperada Agustin E , Ghoshal Amit K , Wu William W , McPhaul Michael J , Clarke Nigel J
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

For high-volume assays, optimizing throughput reduces test cost and turn-around time. One approach for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays is sample multiplexing, wherein the analyte of interest is derivatized in different specimens with reagents of different molecular weight (differential mass tagging). Specimens can then be combined and simultaneously analyzed within a single injection to improve throughput. Here we developed and validated a quantitative, sample-multiplexed LC-MS/MS assay for serum total testosterone (TT) based on this approach.

METHODS

For the sample-multiplexed assay, calibrators, controls, and patient specimens were first extracted separately. After mass tagging with either methoxyamine or hydroxylamine, they were combined and injected into the LC-MS/MS system. To evaluate assay performance, we determined limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, recovery, and imprecision. A method-comparison study was also performed, comparing the new assay with the standard LC-MS/MS assay in 1574 patient specimens.

RESULTS

The method was linear from 2.5 to 2000 ng/dL, with accuracies from 93% to 104% for both derivatives. An LOQ of 1.0 ng/dL was achieved. Intra-assay and total CVs across 4 quality control concentrations were less than 10%. The assay demonstrated good agreement (Deming regression, 1.03x + 6.07) with the standard LC-MS/MS assay for the patient specimens tested (TT, 3 to 4862 ng/dL).

CONCLUSION

Sample multiplexing by differential mass tagging of TT increases LC-MS/MS throughput 2-fold without compromising analytical accuracy and sensitivity.
Risk of infections in patients treated with ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hang Long , Feng Qi , Tsoi Man Fung , Fei Yue , Cheung Bernard M Y
Published: June 2020

Aims

Ticagrelor has been shown to reduce the risk of pneumonia and improve lung function, but the findings across studies were inconsistent. The objective is to investigate the relative safety of ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel on infection outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 15 October 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing ticagrelor and clopidogrel that reported infection outcomes were included. The primary outcome was pneumonia. Secondary outcomes were upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and sepsis. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by independent authors. Random-effects model was used for data synthesis. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Out of 5231 citations, 10 trials with altogether 37 514 patients were included. Ticagrelor was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.95) compared to clopidogrel. There were no statistically significant differences for URTI (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.34–1.48), UTI (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.73–1.64), or sepsis (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.50–1.26).

Conclusion

Compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor reduces the risk of pneumonia, but not URTI, UTI, or sepsis. Our study provides further evidence for recommending ticagrelor to patients with acute coronary syndrome at risk of pneumonia, although the mechanism by which ticagrelor reduces the risk of pneumonia merits further research.
Two-years of investigation revealed the inconsistency of seasonal dynamics of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community in Japanese cool-temperate forest across years
Authors: Sugiyama Yoriko , Matsuoka Shunsuke , Osono Takashi
Published: June 2020

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities show temporal dynamics. Such dynamics have been mainly assessed with 1 year of investigations and have been related to the seasonal changes in environment. Recent study in sub-tropical region has revealed that stochastic temporal-based process can affect ECM fungal community, making the community of the same season different between years. The different community structures across years have also been observed in the Arctic region with a grass host. Nevertheless, in temperate zones, the effect of temporal-based processes and the consistency of seasonal dynamics have never been investigated. We conducted a 2-year root sampling in a cool temperate Fagus crenata forest to test whether the temporal variation of ECM fungal community composition could be explained by season. The explanation powers of temporal distance and environmental factors for the temporal dynamics of ECM fungal community were simultaneously evaluated. The variation in community structure was significantly explained by year but not by season, indicating that seasonal community structure differed between years. This difference in the community structure across years was partly explained by temporal factors. Our study implies that the temporal dynamics of ECM fungal communities in temperate forests are affected by temporal-based factors and can vary across years.
Rhodosporidium toruloides - A potential red yeast chassis for lipids and beyond
Authors: Wen Zhiqiang , Zhang Sufang , Odoh Chuks Kenneth , Jin Mingjie , Zhao Zongbao K
Published: June 2020

The red yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides naturally produces microbial lipids and carotenoids. In the past decade or so, many studies demonstrated R. toruloides as a promising platform for lipid production owing to its diverse substrate appetites, robust stress resistance and other favorable features. Also, significant progresses have been made in genome sequencing, multi-omic analysis and genome-scale modeling, thus illuminating the molecular basis behind its physiology, metabolism and response to environmental stresses. At the same time, genetic parts and tools are continuously being developed to manipulate this distinctive organism. Engineered R. toruloides strains are emerging for enhanced production of conventional lipids, functional lipids as well as other interesting metabolites. This review updates those progresses and highlights future directions for advanced biotechnological applications.
The Reformed terreur panique of 1562: debating miracles and memory in seventeenth-century Le Mans
Authors: Bernstein Hilary J
Published: June 2020

In Le Mans in July 1562, the Protestant troops who had been occupying the town left abruptly, and the Catholic population soon developed the tradition that the Huguenots’ panic was due to a miracle performed by the town’s patron saint, St. Scholastique. In 1667, Claude Blondeau, a Catholic lawyer, disputed this local memory of the First War of Religion and ignited a published dispute over the nature of historical evidence and the status of Church tradition. Blondeau by no means supported the Reformed takeover of his city, but he also intensely criticized the Catholic retributory violence that followed. The argument over the miracle of St. Scholastique demonstrates that disagreements concerning the memory and meaning of the Wars of Religion endured in French towns into Louis XIV’s reign and had implications for religious toleration and political order at a time when the stipulations of the Edict of Nantes were subject to erosion.
The impact of gamma irradiation and storage on the physicochemical properties of tomato fruits in Ghana
Authors: Gyimah Linda A , Amoatey Harry M , Boatin Rose , Appiah Victoria , Odai Bernard T
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Tomato is a popular fruit that makes significant contributions to human nutrition for its content of sugars, acids, vitamins, minerals, lycopene, and other constituents. The fruit, however, has a short shelf life due to its climacteric nature. In view of this, an experiment was conducted to determine the effect of postharvest treatment on the physicochemical properties of fresh tomato fruits.

Materials and Methods

Freshly harvested tomato fruits were subjected to 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kGy gamma radiation and stored at 10 ± 1°C and 28 ± 1°C. Parameters analysed during the study include pH, total titratable acidity, weight loss, total solids, and moisture content of the sample.

Results

At both storage temperatures, results of the analyses were in the range of 2.80%–38.67% for weight loss, 0.23%–0.51% for total titratable acidity, 3.5%–5.0% for total soluble solids, 94.43%–96.53% for moisture content, and pH was generally low in the samples stored at 10 ± 1°C. Generally, gamma irradiation had an effect on the total soluble solids, total titratable acids, pH values, and moisture content and physiological weight loss at both storage temperatures.

Conclusion

From the study, storing Burkina variety at a low temperature preserves the tomato fruits better than storing them at ambient temperature.
Pinniped Ontogeny as a Window into the Comparative Physiology and Genomics of Hypoxia Tolerance
Authors: Weitzner Emma L , Fanter Cornelia E , Hindle Allyson G
Published: June 2020

Synopsis

Diving physiology has received considerable scientific attention as it is a central element of the extreme phenotype of marine mammals. Many scientific discoveries have illuminated physiological mechanisms supporting diving, such as massive, internally bound oxygen stores and dramatic cardiovascular regulation. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that support the diving phenotype remain mostly unexplored as logistic and legal restrictions limit the extent of scientific manipulation possible. With next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools becoming more widespread and cost-effective, there are new opportunities to explore the diving phenotype. Genomic investigations come with their own challenges, particularly those including cross-species comparisons. Studying the regulatory pathways that underlie diving mammal ontogeny could provide a window into the comparative physiology of hypoxia tolerance. Specifically, in pinnipeds, which shift from terrestrial pups to elite diving adults, there is potential to characterize the transcriptional, epigenetic, and posttranslational differences between contrasting phenotypes while leveraging a common genome. Here we review the current literature detailing the maturation of the diving phenotype in pinnipeds, which has primarily been explored via biomarkers of metabolic capability including antioxidants, muscle fiber typing, and key aerobic and anaerobic metabolic enzymes. We also discuss how NGS tools have been leveraged to study phenotypic shifts within species through ontogeny, and how this approach may be applied to investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms that develop as pups become elite diving adults. We conclude with a specific example of the Antarctic Weddell seal by overlapping protein biomarkers with gene regulatory microRNA datasets.
Separation and Enrichment of Sudan III Using Surface Modified Hollow Glass Microspheres and Colorimetric Detection
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Wu Shu , Zhang Cengceng , Chen Fang
Published: June 2020

Background

Sudan III has been shown to be carcinogenic to human beings due to the azo chemical structure. A simple, highly selective, and environmentally friendly pretreatment method is usually required before the analysis of Sudan III in complex practical samples due to low concentration and matrix interference.

Objective

The aim of this research was to prepare buoyant adsorbents, octyl trimethoxysilane caped hollow glass microspheres (HGMs), and establish a new pretreatment method for the detection of Sudan III in real samples.

Method

HGMs were activated and transferred to a flask containing 80 mL ethanol solution (9:1, v/v) and 0.9 mL ammonia. The octyl trimethoxysilane was added to the slurry and covalently coupled on the surface of the HGMs. The modified HGMs were used as adsorbents for the enrichment of Sudan III. After adsorption and desorption, the UV-Vis absorption spectrum was recorded under excitation at 506 nm.

Results

Under the optimum conditions, the linear range and detection limit were 0.10–4.0 mg/L and 0.048 mg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully employed to detect Sudan III in chili products with acceptable recoveries of spikes (90.7–102%).

Conclusions

The adsorbent, which could be separated by flotation, provided a new solid phase extraction method for the pretreatment of complex samples.

Highlights

A new solid phase extraction method was provided for the pretreatment of complex samples. In addition, the adsorbents with high enrichment efficiency can be easily separated by flotation and repeatedly used for separation and enrichment of Sudan III.
The effect of clitoral stimulation post artificial insemination on pregnancy rates of multiparous Bos indicus beef cows submitted to estradiol/progesterone-based estrus synchronization protocol
Authors: Oliveira Filho Ramiro V , Cooke Reinaldo F , de Mello Gustavo A , Pereira Victor M , Vasconcelos Jose Luiz M , Pohler Ky G
Published: June 2020

Clitoral stimulation after artificial insemination (AI) in beef cattle is a common practice utilized by AI technicians; however, the effect of clitoral stimulation during fixed-time AI (TAI) is still unknown. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of clitoral stimulation on temperament responses and pregnancy rates to TAI in Bos indicus beef cows. A total of 1,186 multiparous Nellore cows across three different locations were assigned to an estradiol/progesterone-based estrus synchronization + TAI protocol (day −11 to 0). Cows were randomly assigned to receive either 3 s of clitoral stimulation (n = 602) or no clitoral stimulation (n = 584) immediately after TAI (day 0). Cow body condition score (BCS) was recorded on day −11. Estrus expression was evaluated based on estrus detection visual aid patch activation on day 0 (estrus, ≥50% activated; no estrus, <50% activated). Temperament was assessed by individual chute score based on a 5-point scale before TAI, and individual exit velocity was measured after clitoral stimulation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 d after TAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Pregnancy rate to TAI was positively affected by BCS (P < 0.01) and estrus expression (P = 0.03). Pregnancy rates of cows receiving clitoral stimulation did not differ (P = 0.39) from cows non-stimulated (47.5 ± 4.6% vs. 44.3 ± 4.6%, respectively). No interaction of clitoral stimulation and estrus expression was observed (P = 0.26). Chute score was positively correlated to exit velocity (P < 0.01; r = 0.29); however, clitoral stimulation did not affect exit velocity (P = 0.86). In summary, pregnancy rates to TAI are influenced by various factors and multiple strategies have the potential to increase the fertility of beef cows submitted to TAI; however, clitoral stimulation of Bos indicus beef cows did not improve TAI pregnancy rate.
Spread of Coronavirus 2019 From Wuhan to Rural Villages in the Hubei Province
Authors: You Maolin , Wu Zijing , Yang Yong , Liu Jun , Liu Dehua
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to describe the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Wuhan to rural villages in the Hubei Province.

Methods

The analysis revealed the following: (1) COVID-19 spread from Wuhan to other cities and rural areas in Hubei, but the disease did not become widespread in rural villages because of strict prevention measures and urbanization; (2) according to the fluctuation in the number of confirmed cases reported in Hubei after January 23, 2020, we inferred that the infected patients on the same day will become ill during the next 20 days; (3) the advanced traffic system facilitates the direct spread of COVID-19 from Wuhan to counties, towns, and villages in the Hubei Province.

Results

There is a low possibility of COVID-19 spread from prefecture-level cities to rural areas.

Conclusions

The findings imply that the government should limit the travelers from the cities to the rural areas, pay more attention to the prevention and control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in cities, and appropriately prolong the isolated observation period of travelers.
A Cluster of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infections Indicating Person-to-Person Transmission Among Casual Contacts From Social Gatherings: An Outbreak Case-Contact Investigation
Authors: Shen Ye , Xu Wenjie , Li Changwei , Handel Andreas , Martinez Leonardo , Ling Feng , Ebell Mark , Fu Xiaofei , Pan Jinren , Ren Jiangping , Gu Weiling , Chen Enfu
Published: June 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the pathogen causing novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), efficiently spreads from person to person in close contact settings. Transmission among casual contacts in settings such as during social gatherings is not well understood.

Methods

We report several transmission events to both close and casual contacts from a cluster of 7 COVID-19 cases occurring from mid-January to early February 2020. A total of 539 social and family contacts of the index patient’s, including members of a 2-day wedding and a family party, were contacted and screened through epidemiologic surveys. The clinical progression of all cases is described.

Results

We estimate the secondary attack rate among close contacts to be 29% (2 of 7) and for the casual contacts to be 0.6% (3 of 473). The incubation period of our case cluster was 4–12 days (median, 7 days).

Conclusions

Transmission efficiency among close contacts was higher than among casual contacts; however, transmission from second-generation cases may help spread the virus during the incubation period.
Massive core/star formation triggered by cloud–cloud collision: Effect of magnetic field
Authors: Sakre Nirmit , Habe Asao , Pettitt Alex R , Okamoto Takashi
Published: June 2020

We study the effect of magnetic field on massive dense core formation in colliding unequal molecular clouds by performing magnetohydrodynamic simulations with sub-parsec resolution (0.015 pc) that can resolve the molecular cores. Initial clouds with the typical gas density of the molecular clouds are immersed in various uniform magnetic fields. The turbulent magnetic fields in the clouds consistent with the observation by Crutcher et al. (2010, ApJ, 725, 466) are generated by the internal turbulent gas motion before the collision, if the uniform magnetic field strength is 4.0 μG. The collision speed of 10 km s−1 is adopted, which is much larger than the sound speeds and the Alfvén speeds of the clouds. We identify gas clumps with gas densities greater than 5 × 10−20 g cm−3 as the dense cores and trace them throughout the simulations to investigate their mass evolution and gravitational boundness. We show that a greater number of massive, gravitationally bound cores are formed in the strong magnetic field (4.0 μG) models than the weak magnetic field (0.1 μG) models. This is partly because the strong magnetic field suppresses the spatial shifts of the shocked layer that should be caused by the nonlinear thin shell instability. The spatial shifts promote the formation of low-mass dense cores in the weak magnetic field models. The strong magnetic fields also support low-mass dense cores against gravitational collapse. We show that the numbers of massive, gravitationally bound cores formed in the strong magnetic field models are much larger than in the isolated, non-colliding cloud models, which are simulated for comparison. We discuss the implications of our numerical results on massive star formation.
Identifying Modern Macro Equations with Old Shocks*
Authors: Barnichon Regis , Mesters Geert
Published: June 2020

Despite decades of research, the consistent estimation of structural forward-looking macroeconomic equations remains a formidable empirical challenge because of pervasive endogeneity issues. Prominent cases—the estimation of Phillips curves, Euler equations, or monetary policy rules—have typically relied on using predetermined variables as instruments, with mixed success. In this work, we propose a new approach that consists in using sequences of independently identified structural shocks as instrumental variables. Our approach is robust to weak instruments and is valid regardless of the shocks’ variance contribution. We estimate a Phillips curve using monetary shocks as instruments and find that conventional methods substantially underestimate the slope of the Phillips curve.
Application of a Rat Liver Drug Bioactivation Transcriptional Response Assay Early in Drug Development That Informs Chemically Reactive Metabolite Formation and Potential for Drug-induced Liver Injury
Authors: Monroe James J , Tanis Keith Q , Podtelezhnikov Alexei A , Nguyen Truyen , Machotka Sam V , Lynch Donna , Evers Raymond , Palamanda Jairam , Miller Randy R , Pippert Todd , Cabalu Tamara D , Johnson Timothy E , Aslamkhan Amy G , Kang Wen , Tamburino Alex M , Mitra Kaushik , Agrawal Nancy G B , Sistare Frank D
Published: June 2020

Drug-induced liver injury is a major reason for drug candidate attrition from development, denied commercialization, market withdrawal, and restricted prescribing of pharmaceuticals. The metabolic bioactivation of drugs to chemically reactive metabolites (CRMs) contribute to liver-associated adverse drug reactions in humans that often goes undetected in conventional animal toxicology studies. A challenge for pharmaceutical drug discovery has been reliably selecting drug candidates with a low liability of forming CRM and reduced drug-induced liver injury potential, at projected therapeutic doses, without falsely restricting the development of safe drugs. We have developed an in vivo rat liver transcriptional signature biomarker reflecting the cellular response to drug bioactivation. Measurement of transcriptional activation of integrated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) electrophilic stress, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NRF1) proteasomal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses, is described for discerning estimated clinical doses of drugs with potential for bioactivation-mediated hepatotoxicity. The approach was established using well benchmarked CRM forming test agents from our company. This was subsequently tested using curated lists of commercial drugs and internal compounds, anchored in the clinical experience with human hepatotoxicity, while agnostic to mechanism. Based on results with 116 compounds in short-term rat studies, with consideration of the maximum recommended daily clinical dose, this CRM mechanism-based approach yielded 32% sensitivity and 92% specificity for discriminating safe from hepatotoxic drugs. The approach adds new information for guiding early candidate selection and informs structure activity relationships (SAR) thus enabling lead optimization and mechanistic problem solving. Additional refinement of the model is ongoing. Case examples are provided describing the strengths and limitations of the approach.
Radiological Findings of COVID-19 in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kumar Jogender , Meena Jitendra , Yadav Arushi , Yadav Jaivinder
Published: June 2020

Background

The majority of the children with SARS-CoV-2 infection present with respiratory symptoms, hence various chest imaging modalities have been used in the management. Knowledge about the radiological findings of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in children is limited. Hence, we systematically synthesized the available data that will help in better management of COVID-19 in children.

Methods

Four different electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL) were searched for articles reporting radiological findings in children with COVID-19. Studies reporting thoracic radiological findings of COVID-19 in patients aged <19 years were included. A random-effect meta-analysis (wherever feasible) was performed to provide pooled estimates of various findings.

Results

A total of 1984 records were screened of which forty-six studies (923 patients) fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan was the most frequently used imaging modality. While one-third of the patients had normal scans, a significant proportion (19%) of clinically asymptomatic children had radiological abnormalities too. Unilateral lung involvement (55%) was frequent when compared with bilateral and ground-glass opacities were the most frequent (40%) definitive radiological findings. Other common radiological findings were non-specific patchy shadows (44%), consolidation (23%), halo sign (26%), pulmonary nodules and prominent bronchovascular marking. Interstitial infiltration being the most frequent lung ultrasound finding.

Conclusion

CT scan is the most frequently used imaging modality for COVID-19 in children and can detect pneumonia before the appearance of clinical symptoms. Undefined patchy shadows, grand-glass opacities and consolidation are commonly observed imaging findings in COVID-19 pneumonia.
Near-complete phylogeny of extant Crocodylia (Reptilia) using mitogenome-based data
Authors: Pan Tao , Miao Jia-Shun , Zhang Hua-Bin , Yan Peng , Lee Ping-Shin , Jiang Xin-Yue , Ouyang Jia-Hui , Deng You-Peng , Zhang Bao-Wei , Wu Xiao-Bing
Published: June 2020

Species of the order Crocodylia are mostly large, predatory and semi-aquatic reptiles. Crocodylia, the closest living relatives of birds, first appeared in the Late Cretaceous period. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of 19 Crocodylia species, including two species (Melanosuchus niger and Caiman yacare) that have not been previously sequenced for mitogenomes, were processed through Illumina sequencing to offer genetic resources and compare with the mitogenomes of Crocodylia species reported previously. In addition, a high-resolution phylogenetic tree of nearly all current recognized species of Crocodylia is constructed based on mitogenomic data. Phylogenetic analyses support monophyly of three families: Alligatoridae (four genera: Alligator, Caiman, Melanosuchus and Paleosuchus), Crocodylidae (three genera: Crocodylus, Mecistops and Osteolaemus) and Gavialidae (two genera: Gavialis and Tomistoma). The tree topology is generally similar to previous studies. Molecular dating suggests that the first split within Crocodylia date back to the Upper Cretaceous (approx. 86.75 Mya). The estimated time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of Alligatoridae is 53.33 Mya and that of Crocodylidae and Gavialidae is 50.13 Mya, which might be closely linked to climate changes during the Late Palaeocene and Early Eocene. Additionally, this study proves that the diversification rate within Crocodylia began to increase from the Late Eocene (about 36 Mya) and two diversification peak periods of Crocodylia (0–10 Mya and 10–20 Mya) are disclosed, which is roughly consistent with the estimated crocodylian species richness through time. Combining all these clues, we can suggest that climate fluctuation may have played a decisive role in the speciation of Crocodylia.
Diagnosing Calciphylaxis: A Review With Emphasis on Histopathology
Authors: Bahrani Eman , Perkins Ifeoma U. , North Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2020

Calciphylaxis is a cutaneous vasculopathy with high morbidity and mortality characterized by vascular intimal fibrosis, calcification, stenosis, thrombosis, and eventual tissue death due to ischemia. Histopathologic diagnosis is often difficult, frequently necessitating multiple tissues samples due to lack of specific histopathologic features and subtle changes on biopsies of early lesions. In this study, we review the reported clinical and histopathologic features of calciphylaxis, correlating them with relevant imaging, ancillary studies, and pathophysiology. Although many histopathologic changes seen in calciphylaxis are also reported in other conditions (eg, Mönckeberg sclerosis, lupus panniculitis, pancreatic panniculitis, and peripheral artery disease), calcification of subcutaneous small vessels, thrombosis and/or ischemic changes, pseudoxanthoma elasticum–like changes in the subcutis, and perieccrine calcification may serve as helpful clues. von Kossa and Alizarin red stains can assist in the identification of subtle calcification. Netlike calcification of the affected blood vessels on imaging further supports the diagnosis. Studies into the pathophysiology of calciphylaxis are ongoing and will hopefully facilitate the development of additional diagnostic adjuncts to increase sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of this disease.
SURGICAL APPROACH FOR SUBFOVEAL DENSIRON 68 BUBBLE REMOVAL IN A CASE OF RECURRENT INFERIOR RETINAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Savastano Alfonso , Nicolosi Cristina , Vicini Giulio , Lenzetti Chiara , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To describe a surgical approach to remove a retained subfoveal Densiron 68 bubble in a case of recurrent inferior retinal detachment.

Methods:

A 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed to remove the subfoveal silicone oil bubble and to treat the retinal detachment. Through a midperipheral retinal tear, we reached the subfoveal space by extending the retinal detachment up to the macular region. We inserted in the subretinal space a Charles cannula protected with a silicone tip to catch and aspirate the bubble. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography successfully guided the surgical maneuvers.

Results:

We achieved the complete removal of the bubble from the subretinal space, and this led to the restoration of the retinal morphology with functional improvement, although the fovea developed atrophy.

Conclusion:

We reported a surgical approach for the removal of a retained subfoveal Densiron 68 bubble that combines a macular detachment together with the aspiration of the bubble using a protected Charles cannula. This technique may provide an alternative approach in the management of this challenging complication.
EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT INJECTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC RETINAL VASCULITIS, ANEURYSMS, AND NEURORETINITIS SYNDROME
Authors: Jones Anthony A. , Morgenstern Joshua L. , Mandair Divneet , Pedler Michelle G. , Olson Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To present a case of idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis syndrome that was successfully managed with serial intravitreal aflibercept injections.

Methods:

Ophthalmic imaging and visual acuity were used to monitor disease state and track treatment methods to determine the most valuable combination of treatment medication and treatment interval.

Results:

A 28-year-old woman with idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis syndrome status after panretinal photocoagulation of both eyes presented with bilateral cystoid macular edema. We demonstrate successful management of retinal cystoid macular edema associated with idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis syndrome using serial intravitreal aflibercept injections.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal aflibercept has a useful role in managing the potential retinal complications associated with idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis syndrome and provides further insights into treatment of the later stages of this rare disease.