bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The carbon catabolite repressor CcpA mediates optimal competence development in Streptococcus oligofermentans through post‐transcriptional regulation
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Cai Jun , Shang Nan , Zhu Lin , Shao Nana , Dong Xiuzhu , Tong Huichun
Published: May 2019

Natural transformation increases the genetic diversity of bacteria, but is costly and must be strictly controlled. We previously found that deletion of ccpA, a key regulator of carbon catabolite repression (CCR), reduced transformation efficiency of Streptococcus oligofermentans, the current work further investigated the regulatory mechanisms of CcpA. The competence operon comCDE is subjected to basal and autoregulatory transcription. A luciferase reporter detected a transcriptional readthrough (TRT) from the upstream tRNAArg into the comCDE operon, which was induced by L‐arginine. Insertion of the Escherichia coli T1T2 terminator downstream of tRNAArg abolished TRT, and reduced the basal comCDE transcription by 77% and also the transformation efficiency. Deletion of ccpA increased tRNAArg TRT and tRNAArg‐comCDE polycistronic transcript by twofold. An in vitro transcription assay determined that CcpA promoted the transcription termination of tRNAArg TRT, and RNA EMSA and SPR assays detected equal binding affinity of CcpA to both the RNA and DNA of tRNAArg. These results indicate that CcpA controls the basal comCDE transcription by post‐transcriptional actions. Overexpression of comDE or its phospho‐mimicking mutant comDED58E reduced transformation efficiency, indicating that excessive ComE impairs competence development. CCR‐regulated competence was further confirmed by higher tRNAArg TRT but lower transformation efficiency in galactose than in glucose.
Toward understanding the causes of blood pH irregularities and the roles of newly described binuclear neurons of carotid bodies on blood pH regulation during subarachnoid hemorrhage: Experimental study
Authors: Ozmen Sevilay , Altinkaynak Konca , Aydin Mehmet D. , Ahiskalioglu Ali , Demirci Tuba , Özlü Can , Kanat Ayhan , Aydin Nazan
Published: May 2019

Acidosis is the most dangerous complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although the carotid bodies (CBs) network is essential for pH regulation, neither binuclear neurons (BNN) nor their functions have been mentioned so far in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the crucial roles of mononuclear (MNN) or BNN in CBs on acidosis following SAH. Twenty‐five hybrid rabbits were used. Five rabbits were used as a control group, six for sham, and the remaining 14 rabbits were used as the study group by injection of 1 mL of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna to produce SAH. Normal and degenerated MNN/BNN densities of CBs were counted by stereological methods. The mean blood pH values were: 7.362 ± 0.041 in the control group; 7.324 ± 0.064 in sham, 7.272 ± 0.062 in the SAH group. The degenerated MNN and BNN values were 5 ± 1/mm3 and 9 ± 3/mm3 in the control group; 15 ± 5/mm3 and 22 ± 6/mm3 in sham, 965 ± 113/mm3 and 1532 ± 176/mm3 in the SAH group. Mean pH values were under 7.212 ± 0.130 in animals with prominent degenerated BNN. The differences between MNN/pH changes were significant between the SAH and control groups (P < 0.005); whereas BNN/pH values were significant between the SAH and sham groups (pH < 0.005), SAH and control (P < 0.0001). BNN degeneration could result in more severe acidosis than MNN following SAH which has not been described so far.
Effect of pore size in bone regeneration using polydopamine‐laced hydroxyapatite collagen calcium silicate scaffolds fabricated by 3D mould printing technology
Authors: Lee Dong Joon , Kwon Jane , Kim Yong‐Il , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Te‐Ju , Lee Yan‐Ting , Kim Steven , Miguez Patricia , Ko Ching‐Chang
Published: May 2019

Structured Abstract

Objective

The pore size of the scaffold is a critical factor in repairing large bone defect. Here, we investigated the potential of bone regeneration using novel nanocomposite polydopamine‐laced hydroxyapatite collagen calcium silicate (HCCS‐PDA) scaffolds with two different pore sizes, 250 and 500 μm.

Samples/Setting

A total of 12 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were implanted with HCCS‐PDA scaffold with pore size of either 250 or 500 μm into surgically created critical‐sized defect (CSD).

Methods

HCCS‐PDA scaffolds were fabricated using mould printing technique. The effect of pore size on mechanical strength of the scaffolds was assessed by compression testing. After seeding with rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs), the scaffolds were implanted, and new bone formation was evaluated using microCT and histomorphometric analysis after 8 weeks.

Results

MicroCT and histology analysis demonstrated restricted peripheral new bone formation in either dural or periosteal side and limited new bone formation in the 250 μm pore scaffold. Conversely, the 500‐μm pore scaffold showed more penetration of new bone into the scaffold and greater bone regeneration in the rat CSD.

Conclusion

Based on our results, which demonstrated improved new bone formation in 500 μm pores scaffold, we can conclude that effective scaffold pore size that induces osteointegration and bone regeneration is around 500 μm for HCCS‐PDA nanocomposite scaffold.
Comparison of condylar position in orthognathic surgery cases treated with virtual surgical planning vs. conventional model planning
Authors: Wan Ying , Jackson Tate , Chung Chooryung , Gao Fei , Blakey George , Nguyen Tung
Published: May 2019

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To assess the effect of virtual surgical planning (VSP) on the accuracy of condylar seating in surgical cases involving Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO). An additional aim was to quantify differences between actual surgical outcome and planned virtual outcome.

Setting and sample population

A private practice in Charlotte North Carolina. Twenty‐five consecutively operated subjects prepared with VSP and twenty consecutively subjects operated with conventional surgery planning were enrolled.

Material and Methods

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained before surgery (T1) and post‐surgery after splint removal (T2). The T1 and T2 CBCTs were superimposed on the anterior cranial base using voxel‐based registration. Three dimensional (3D) models were built and oriented to a 3D Frankfurt horizontal. Displacement of corresponding condylar landmarks was measured.

Results

No significant difference was found between the VSP and conventional group in the magnitude of translation or rotation of the condyles following surgery. VSP surgical outcomes differed significantly from predicted positions at all landmarks. Virtual surgical planning does not prevent changes to condylar position as a result of surgery. Actual surgical results differed significantly from VSP‐predicted outcomes.

Conclusions

Virtual surgical planning did not reduce the changes to condylar position and angulation that resulted from conventionally planned orthognathic surgery.
Smile dimensions in adult African American and Caucasian females and males
Authors: Souccar Nada M. , Bowen David W. , Syed Zehra , Swain Thomas A. , Kau Chung How , Sarver David M.
Published: May 2019

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To test smile dimension variations in adult African American and Caucasian females and males.

Setting and Sample Population

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and Hospital. Three hundred and ninety‐four participants were recruited; African American females and males distributed over five age groups: 20‐30, 30‐40, 40‐50, 50‐60 and older than 60.

Material & Methods

Three‐dimensional surface imaging was used to acquire two images of each participant, one at rest and one upon smile. Landmarks were plotted on the lips and linear distances measured to assess the length of the upper and lower lips, mouth width at rest and upon smile, gingival and dental display upon smile.

Results

Linear dimensions are larger in males than in females, and in African Americans than in Caucasians, except for the length of the upper lip that does not differ between male African American and Caucasian males, in any given age group. Gingival display and dental display decrease with age in all groups.

Conclusion

Norms should reflect race, age and sex in order to optimize treatment goals.
Craniofacial characterization of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Johnson Christian M. , Spruiell Brittany , Wiesen Chris , Pimenta Luiz A. , Vann William , Frazier‐Bowers Sylvia A.
Published: May 2019

Structured Abstract

Objective

The morbidity and mortality associated with the Marfan Syndrome (MFS) warrant timely diagnosis and intervention that can improve long‐term prognosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a distinct craniofacial morphology exists for patients with MFS that can be described quantitatively and qualitatively.

Methods

Subjects with a positive diagnosis of MFS were recruited for this study (N = 36). Craniofacial anthropometric measurements were made on each subject and compared to established norms of age‐ and sex‐matched controls using z‐scores calculated for measurements of MFS patients. Lateral and frontal photographs were obtained to make qualitative assessments and describe facial features of subjects, and a clinical examination was completed to document occlusal relationships.

Results

The subjects were primarily female (58%) ranging in age between 4 and 57 years (mean age 10.7 ± 6.0 years). Comparison of craniofacial measurements revealed that for 10 of the 12 measurements, ≥65% of the study population had a z‐score of ± 2 and fell within the normal range for facial dimension. For 2 of the 12 measurements, over half of the subjects fell outside of the normal range (z‐score < −2 or > 2) for facial dimension. Specifically, the majority of participants resided in the supernormal category for biocular width and the subnormal category for width of the face. Photographic assessment revealed retrognathia (54%) and down‐slanting palpebral fissures (62%) were most prevalent in MFS patients.

Conclusion

Our data suggest there are quantitative differences in the facial morphology of patients with MFS when compared to a control population.
Antiphotoaging and Antimelanogenesis Properties of Ginsenoside C‐Y, a Ginsenoside Rb2 Metabolite from American Ginseng PDD‐ginsenoside
Authors: Liu Xiao‐yi , Xiao Yong‐Kun , Hwang Eunson , Haeng Jeong Jee , Yi Tae‐Hoo
Published: May 2019

Ginsenosides are compounds responsible for the primary pharmacological effects of American ginseng. Compound‐Y (C‐Y) is a minor ginsenoside and a metabolite of Panax ginseng. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of ginsenoside UVB‐irradiated NHDFs and its potential for use as an antihyperpigmentation agent through ginsenoside C‐Y as a functional food and cosmetic ingredient. Ginsenoside C‐Y is a natural antioxidant isolated from the American ginseng PDD‐ginsenoside. Our data showed that ginsenoside C‐Y block UVB‐exposed ROS, restrict MMP‐1 production and promote procollagen type I synthesis. Interestingly, ginsenoside C‐Y suppresses UVB‐exposed VEGF, and TNF‐α secretion, could be related with NFAT signal path. Ginsenoside C‐Y has exhibited photoaging effects by increasing TGF‐β1 level, fortifying Nrf2 nuclear translocation and restricting AP‐1 and MAPK phosphorylation. Assessment of the melanogenic response indicated that ginsenoside C‐Y inhibited melanin secretion and tyrosinase activity and decreased melanin content in Melan‐a and zebrafish embryos. These results suggest that ginsenoside C‐Y can be used as a potential botanical agent to protect premature skin from UVB‐induced photodamage and prevent skin hyperpigmentation.
MASTER: A multiple aspect view on trajectories
Authors: Mello Ronaldo dos Santos , Bogorny Vania , Alvares Luis Otavio , Santana Luiz Henrique Zambom , Ferrero Carlos Andres , Frozza Angelo Augusto , Schreiner Geomar Andre , Renso Chiara
Published: May 2019

For many years trajectory data have been treated as sequences of space‐time points or stops and moves. However, with the explosion of the Internet of Things and the flood of big data generated on the Internet, such as weather channels and social network interactions, which can be used to enrich mobility data, trajectories become more and more complex, with multiple and heterogeneous data dimensions. The main challenge is how to integrate all this information with trajectories. In this article we introduce a new concept of trajectory, called multiple aspect trajectory, propose a robust conceptual and logical data model that supports a vast range of applications, and, differently from state‐of‐the‐art methods, we propose a storage solution for efficient multiple aspect trajectory queries. The main strength of our data model is the combination of simplicity and expressive power to represent heterogeneous aspects, ranging from simple labels to complex objects. We evaluate the proposed model in a tourism scenario and compare its query performance against the state‐of‐the‐art spatio‐temporal database SECONDO extension for symbolic trajectories.
Differential Learning as an Important Factor in Training of Football Technical Skills
Authors: Ozuak Ali , Çağlayan Atakan
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of differential learning activities on young football players’ skills. Athletes who had played active football for at least 2 years in the youth teams participating in competitions in Amateur Leagues in Istanbul, Turkey took part in the study, as the Experimental Group (EG; n=26, age=12.03±0.44) and Control Group (CG, n=26, age=12.05±0.46). In the study, differential learning exercises integrated into their training programme for a period of 8 weeks, 3 days per week, were applied to the players in the EG immediately following warm-up, while the players in the CG continued with their traditional training programmes. The Illinois Test with Ball (ILL), Creative Speed Test (CST), Ball-Dribbling Test (DT), Ball-Juggling Test (JT) and Passing Test (PT) were carried out with all players participating in the study as a pretest prior to commencement of the programme and as a posttest following the implementation of the programme, and the gathered data were analyzed statistically. The findings obtained revealed that in the within-group pretest and posttest, players in the EG showed a statistically significant improvement in all parameters (p<0.05), while players in the CG showed a statistically significant improvement in ILL, CST, JT and PT (p<0.05). When the differences in development of the groups were compared, a statistically significant difference in the ILL, CST and DT parameters was determined in favor of the players in the EG (p<0.05). Consequently, although regularly-performed classic football training develops skills, it is seen that differential learning exercises integrated into training programmes are more effective for dribbling skills. It is considered that differential learning exercises, in which the non-dominant leg is frequently used, can make it easier for players to apply the necessary skills by allowing them to give more effective responses to the tricky positions encountered in football, and that these exercises can support the development of players’ performances.
Minimizing Response Time with Optimal Fire Station Allocation
Authors: Oh Joon-Yeoul , Hessami Amir , Yang Hee Joong
Published: May 2019

Quick response time in emergency situation is critical to protect human lives. In the fast-growing cities, fire departments can fall behind the standard response time due to cities’ expansion. This research focuses on ways to improve the response time of a city’s emergency situation. A Non-linear Programming model is used to determine the locations of fire stations, so that they can cover the maximum number of residents, in terms of the geographical area and population. The model is applied to the city of Kingsville, Texas to check the practicability. The results of the research indicate that optimized locations make population coverage increment up to 15% and geographic coverage increment up to 21% with two fire stations. With three fire stations including a newly added fire station, the population coverage goes up to 48% increment and the geographic coverage increased up to 71%, which covers 88% of total city population.
Role of the afferent renal nerves in sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation in rats
Authors: Frame Alissa A. , Carmichael Casey Y. , Kuwabara Jill T. , Cunningham J. Thomas , Wainford Richard D.
Published: May 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the differential roles of the mechanosensitive and chemosensitive afferent renal nerves in the reno‐renal reflex that promotes natriuresis, sympathoinhibition and normotension during acute and chronic challenges to sodium homeostasis?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The mechanosensitive afferent renal nerves contribute to an acute natriuretic sympathoinhibitory reno‐renal reflex that may be integrated within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Critically, the afferent renal nerves are required for the maintenance of salt resistance in Sprague–Dawley and Dahl salt‐resistant rats and attenuate the development of Dahl salt‐sensitive hypertension.

These studies tested the hypothesis that in normotensive salt‐resistant rat phenotypes the mechanosensitive afferent renal nerve (ARN) reno‐renal reflex promotes natriuresis, sympathoinhibition and normotension during acute and chronic challenges to fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Selective ARN ablation was conducted prior to (1) an acute isotonic volume expansion (VE) or 1 m NaCl infusion in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and (2) chronic high salt intake in SD, Dahl salt‐resistant (DSR), and Dahl salt‐sensitive (DSS) rats. ARN responsiveness following high salt intake was assessed ex vivo in response to noradrenaline and sodium concentration (SD, DSR and DSS) and via in vivo manipulation of renal pelvic pressure and sodium concentration (SD and DSS). ARN ablation attenuated the natriuretic and sympathoinhibitory responses to an acute VE [peak natriuresis (µeq min−1) sham 52 ± 5 vs. ARN ablation 28 ± 3, P < 0.05], but not a hypertonic saline infusion in SD rats. High salt (HS) intake enhanced ARN reno‐renal reflex‐mediated natriuresis in response to direct increases in renal pelvic pressure (mechanoreceptor stimulus) in vivo and ARN responsiveness to noradrenaline ex vivo in SD, but not DSS, rats. In vivo and ex vivo ARN responsiveness to increased renal pelvic sodium concentration (chemoreceptor stimulus) was unaltered during HS intake. ARN ablation evoked sympathetically mediated salt‐sensitive hypertension in SD rats [MAP (mmHg): sham normal salt 102 ± 2 vs. sham HS 104 ± 2 vs. ARN ablation normal salt 103 ± 2 vs. ARN ablation HS 121 ± 2, P < 0.05] and DSR rats and exacerbated DSS hypertension. The mechanosensitive ARNs mediate an acute sympathoinhibitory natriuretic reflex and counter the development of salt‐sensitive hypertension.
Intact single muscle fibres from SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice display preserved specific force, fatigue resistance and training‐like adaptations
Authors: Cheng Arthur J. , Allodi Ilary , Chaillou Thomas , Schlittler Maja , Ivarsson Niklas , Lanner Johanna T. , Thams Sebastian , Hedlund Eva , Andersson Daniel C.
Published: May 2019

Key points

How defects in muscle contractile function contribute to weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were systematically investigated.

Weakness in whole muscles from late stage SOD1G93A mice was explained by muscle atrophy as seen by reduced mass and maximal force.

On the other hand, surviving single muscle fibres in late stage SOD1G93A have preserved intracellular Ca2+ handling, normal force‐generating capacity and increased fatigue resistance.

These intriguing findings provide a substrate for therapeutic interventions to potentiate muscular capacity and delay the progression of the ALS phenotype.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease characterized by degeneration and loss of motor neurons, leading to severe muscle weakness and paralysis. The SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS displays motor neuron degeneration and a phenotype consistent with human ALS. The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle weakness in ALS can be attributed to impaired intrinsic force generation in skeletal muscles. In the current study, motor neuron loss and decreased force were evident in whole flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles of mice in the late stage of disease (125–150 days of age). However, in intact single muscle fibres, specific force, tetanic myoplasmic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i), and resting [Ca2+]i remained unchanged with disease. Fibre‐type distribution was maintained in late‐stage SOD1G93A FDB muscles, but remaining muscle fibres displayed greater fatigue resistance compared to control and showed increased expression of myoglobin and mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins that are important determinants of fatigue resistance. Expression of genes central to both mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle atrophy where increased, suggesting that atrophic and compensatory adaptive signalling occurs simultaneously within the muscle tissue. These results support the hypothesis that muscle weakness in SOD1G93A is primarily attributed to neuromuscular degeneration and not intrinsic muscle fibre defects. In fact, surviving muscle fibres displayed maintained adaptive capacity with an exercise training‐like phenotype, which suggests that compensatory mechanisms are activated that can function to delay disease progression.
Toward Intelligent Manufacturing Workshop Modeling and Validation of a Resource-Driven Mechanism-Based Info-Interconnect Model
Authors: Song Kai Yu , Wang Min , Liu Li Ming , Zhu Ge Long , Zhang Yun Feng
Published: May 2019

The interconnection and interworking, a process of data interaction among different levels in manufacturing enterprises, are the core of realizing intelligent manufacturing. This paper focuses on the modeling of the interconnection-related information in product manufacturing and develops an info-interconnect model (IIM) in product manufacturing based on a widespread research of various informational aspects in the business logic of the digital workshop of manufacturing enterprises. The developed IIM, which describes the product data structure and the organizational logic of the production process, follows a layered modeling methodology in which IIM is subdivided into layers with the main purpose to separate entities, rules, workflow, and application into different levels. Then, based on resource-driven mechanism, business processes are modeled by directed acyclic graphs (i.e., PR-AOV network and PR-AOE network), incidence matrix of resources, and set of resources availability in order to improve the management and control of workflow, and to provide basis for dynamic scheduling of workshop. Finally, workshop layer application and control layer application have been incorporated to validate the usability and applicability of the developed IIM. This new info-interconnect model paves the way for the assurance of data consistency, the development of fully integrated manufacturing workflow, and the rapid deployment of efficient business logic in a manufacturing workshop.
Thermal Performance of a Corrugated Wall With Artificial Roughness
Authors: Ferhat Rabia , Dellil Ahmed Zineddine , Boualem Khadidja , Hamidou M-Kamal
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to determine the flow characteristics and thermal performance of plate heat exchangers. The study is divided into two parts. In the first part, four different shapes of corrugated boundaries have been recommended, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, and sinusoidal shapes. In addition, an artificial roughness has been introduced to improve heat transfer within corrugated channel. In the second part, a corrugated wall was used at the inlet channel. Numerical results are presented as Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (Cf) using the commercial software ansys-fluent where the Reynolds number is ranged between 3000 and 12,000. The results of this investigation reveal that the overall thermal performance improves greatly by 50% due to the use of the sinusoidal artificial roughness and added undulations in the inlet channel. It is also observed that the latter case with the ratio A″/λ″ = 0.05 is the optimal design for the plate heat exchanger.
Eddy Current-Based Vibration Suppression for Finish Machining of Assembly Interfaces of Large Aircraft Vertical Tail
Authors: Fan Wei , Zheng Lianyu , Ji Wei , Zhao Xiong , Wang Lihui , Yang Yiqing
Published: May 2019

Assembly interface of aircraft vertical tail is a large thin-wall structure and made from titanium alloys, which causes easily machining vibration, deformation and undercutting in finish machining due to its low stiffness, low thermal conductivity, and high chemical activity. To address these problems, a novel eddy current damper for assembly interfaces machining (ECD-AIM) is proposed to suppress multimodal vibration in the machining of the assembly interfaces. Within the context, the mathematical model of damping performance of the damper is established based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, based on which a novel design of the damper is proposed, and optimized by considering the relationship between damping performance and the key components of the damper. Then, the dynamics model of the suppression system of the assembly interface machining is established, where the relationship between vibration velocity and damping performance of the damper is obtained by using numerical analysis and finite element simulation. Finally, the damping performance of the damper is validated in terms of the three configurations (no applied ECD-AIM, a single ECD-AIM, and dual ECD-AIMs) via a set of dynamic tests (impact tests and harmonic tests) and cutting tests. The test results demonstrate that the configuration of dual ECD-AIMs can guarantee stability and reliability of assembly interface machining. The proposed damper can provide a feasible solution for vibration suppression in a limited workspace.
Performance Improvement of a Domestic Condenser Tumble Clothes Dryer by Using a Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger
Authors: Jian Qifei , Luo Lizhong , Huang Bi
Published: May 2019

An air-to-air heat pipe heat exchanger was built and tested for a domestic condenser tumble clothes dryer in this study, which can achieve better drying performance than a water-cooled type condenser tumble clothes dryer. The heat pipe heat exchanger was made asymmetrical, which can make full use of the irregular internal space without changing the original structure of the dryer. Under the same test conditions, the condenser tumble clothes dryer with the asymmetric heat pipe heat exchanger had lower final moisture content and a faster average drying rate than the water-cooled type condenser tumble clothes dryer. The average drying rate increased by 10.032% compared with the water-cooled type dryer. At the same time, it can achieve the objective of drying clothes without using water. This can save 2600–13,000 L of water for one year and reduce the cost of drying clothes. Besides, the energy consumption was investigated. More energy consumption and drying time can reach better dry results. With the increase in the hot fluid flow rate, the energy efficiency of the dryer has a decreasing trend. As the drying process progresses, the average drying rate decreases. These conclusions are helpful in optimizing domestic condenser tumble clothes dryers.
Orthogonal superposition rheometry of model colloidal glasses with short-ranged attractions
Authors: Moghimi Esmaeel , Vermant Jan , Petekidis George
Published: May 2019

Attractive colloidal glasses are unique as their dynamical arrest is a combination of entropic crowding effects and energetic bonds formation. When such systems are subjected to flow, their dynamics are activated in a way which differs from hard-sphere glasses that melt through a “convective cage release mechanism.” Here, we investigate the microscopic dynamics by measuring the relaxation spectrum during flow using orthogonal superposition rheometry. A small amplitude oscillatory strain is imposed perpendicularly to a steady shear flow, and superposition moduli are measured. Brownian dynamic simulations are utilized complementary to extract the moduli from mean-squared displacements using the generalized Stokes–Einstein relation. At low Péclet number, a crossover frequency between elastic and viscous moduli is detected, representing the relaxation time associated with shear-induced particles escape from their frustration (localization) under flow. For the repulsive glass, this is related to shear-induced cage renewal of particles. For attractive glasses, however, when particles escape their localized length (bonds), they move with no further hindrance with the escape time, which is independent of attraction strength and interestingly faster than that in the repulsive glass. This is attributed to particle localization at shorter length scales due to bonding. At high Péclet, a second low frequency crossover is observed and a low frequency elastic dominated response emerges. This elastic response may originate from slow relaxation of hydroclusters or be a consequence of more intricate nature of superposition moduli. At high frequencies, both orthogonal moduli increase relative to quiescent state due to shear-induced cage deformation, which slows down in-cage dynamics.
High-K dielectric sulfur-selenium alloys
Authors: Susarla Sandhya , Tsafack Thierry , Owuor Peter Samora , Puthirath Anand B. , Hachtel Jordan A. , Babu Ganguli , Apte Amey , Jawdat BenMaan I. , Hilario Martin S. , Lerma Albert , Calderon Hector A. , Robles Hernandez Francisco C. , Tam David W. , Li Tong , Lupini Andrew R. , Idrobo Juan Carlos , Lou Jun , Wei Bingqing , Dai Pengcheng , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of high-K flexible dielectric material is presented using two commonly used inorganic materials S and Se.
Label-free quantitation of glycated hemoglobin in single red blood cells by transient absorption microscopy and phasor analysis
Authors: Dong Pu-Ting , Lin Haonan , Huang Kai-Chih , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: May 2019

Transient absorption microscopy could detect HbA1c, which is a stable biomarker for diabetes, at single–red blood cell level.
Photon superbunching from a generic tunnel junction
Authors: Leon Christopher C. , Rosławska Anna , Grewal Abhishek , Gunnarsson Olle , Kuhnke Klaus , Kern Klaus
Published: May 2019

Photon pairs are generated in an electrically driven tunnel junction.
Two-dimensional ground-state mapping of a Mott-Hubbard system in a flexible field-effect device
Authors: Kawasugi Yoshitaka , Seki Kazuhiro , Tajima Satoshi , Pu Jiang , Takenobu Taishi , Yunoki Seiji , Yamamoto Hiroshi M. , Kato Reizo
Published: May 2019

Simultaneous control of bandfilling and bandwidth reveals the two-dimensional ground-state phase diagram of a Mott transistor.
U.S.-Based National Surveillance for Fidaxomicin Susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrheal Isolates from 2013 to 2016
Authors: Thorpe C. M. , McDermott L. A. , Tran M. K. , Chang J. , Jenkins S. G. , Goldstein E. J. C. , Patel R. , Forbes B. A. , Johnson S. , Gerding D. N. , Snydman D. R.
Published: May 2019

In 2011, we initiated a sentinel surveillance network to assess changes in
Clostridioides
(formerly
Clostridium
)
difficile
antimicrobial susceptibility to fidaxomicin from 6 geographically dispersed medical centers in the United States. This report summarizes data from 2013 to 2016.
C. difficile
isolates or toxin-positive stools from patients were referred to a central laboratory. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by agar dilution. CLSI, EUCAST, or FDA breakpoints were used, where applicable.
Storage of Sputum in Cetylpyridinium Chloride, OMNIgene.SPUTUM, and Ethanol Is Compatible with Molecular Tuberculosis Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Sanoussi C. N’Dira , de Jong Bouke C. , Affolabi Dissou , Meehan Conor J. , Odoun Mathieu , Rigouts Leen
Published: May 2019

We compared cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), ethanol (ETOH), and OMNIgene.SPUTUM (OMNI) for 28-day storage of sputum at ambient temperature before molecular tuberculosis diagnostics. Three sputum samples were collected from each of 133 smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients (399 sputum samples).
Surgical management of post-traumatic transvaginal herniation of small intestine in a third-world country
Authors: Kim Young , Morris Mackenzie C , Earnest Ryan E
Published: May 2019

We present a case of a 26-year-old woman with a small bowel herniating from her vagina following traumatic injury from a road traffic accident. The patient was taken immediately to operating theatre for repair of her uterine defect and small bowel resection. The patient required eventual return to theatre for subtotal hysterectomy and recovered well after her surgeries. She was discharged home without any further complications and in good condition.
Investigating the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention versus a waiting list control condition on pain interference and quality of life in adults with chronic pain and multimorbidity: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Slattery Brian W , O’Connor Laura L , Haugh Stephanie , Barrett Katie , Francis Kady , Dwyer Christopher P , O’Higgins Siobhan , Caes Line , Egan Jonathan , McGuire Brian E
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Multimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic health conditions within one person, where no one condition is primary. Research suggests that multimorbidity is highly correlated with chronic pain, which is pain lasting longer than 3 months. Psychotherapeutic interventions for people living with chronic illness have resulted in reduced symptom reporting and improved psychological well-being. There is a dearth of research, however, using online psychotherapy for people living with multimorbidity where chronic pain is a central condition. This study will compare the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention with a waiting list control condition in terms of improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reducing levels of pain interference in people with chronic pain and at least one other condition.

Methods and analysis

192 adult participants with non-malignant pain that persists for at least 3 months and at least one other medically diagnosed condition will be randomised to one of two study conditions. The experimental group will undergo an eight-session internet-delivered ACT programme over an 8-week period. A waiting list group will be offered the ACT intervention after the 3-month follow-up period. HRQoL and pain interference will act as the primary outcomes. Data will be analysed using a linear mixed model and adjusted to account for demographic and clinical variables as necessary. A Study Within a Trial will be incorporated to examine the effect on recruitment and retention of showing participants an animated educational video.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the National University of Ireland, Galway. Dissemination of results will be via peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN22343024.
Cohort profile: the Lanxi Cohort study on obesity and obesity-related non-communicable diseases in China
Authors: Wei Chen , Ye Sunyue , Ru Yuan , Gan Da , Zheng Weifang , Huang Chao , Chen Lijin , Gao Peng , Li Jiayu , Yang Min , Yang Fei , Zhao Xueyin , Zhu Shankuan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The Lanxi Cohort was established to systematically investigate the aetiology and interplay of body fat distribution and multiple factors with obesity and obesity-related non-communicable diseases in China.

Participants

The baseline investigation of the Lanxi Cohort study took place between June 2015 and August 2017 in Lanxi, Zhejiang Province, China. Permanent residents from one urban community and four rural villages were involved in this study. The baseline investigation included questionnaire survey, physical examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, blood samples collection and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) inquiry.

Findings to data

A total of 5132 participants, aged 18 to 80 years, were recruited at baseline; among them, 38.7% were men and 64.8% were from the urban area. The mean age was 53.04±12.77 years. The completion rates of physical examination, DXA scan, blood collection and TCM inquiry were 99.9%, 98.5%, 99.9% and 96.5%, respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.42±3.20 kg/m2with 8.1% of the study population being obese (BMI ≥28 kg/m2). The crude prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome were 34.9%, 10.0% and 30.4%, respectively.

Future plans

All participants will be monitored annually for cause-specific mortality and morbidity and hospital admission and will be followed up by in-person survey every 4 years. The baseline population is considered to expand in the future depending on the availability of funding support.

Ethics approval

This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the School of Public Health, Zhejiang University.
TEST (Trial of Eczema allergy Screening Tests): protocol for feasibility randomised controlled trial of allergy tests in children with eczema, including economic scoping and nested qualitative study
Authors: Ridd Matthew J , Edwards Louisa , Santer Miriam , Chalmers Joanne R , Waddell Lisa , Marriage Deborah , Muller Ingrid , Roberts Kirsty , Garfield Kirsty , Coast Joanna , Selman Lucy , Clement Clare , Shaw Alison R G , Angier Elizabeth , Blair Peter S , Turner Nicholas L , Taylor Jodi , Kai Joe , Boyle Robert J
Published: May 2019

Background

Early onset eczema is associated with food allergy, and allergic reactions to foods can cause acute exacerbations of eczema. Parents often pursue dietary restrictions as a way of managing eczema and seek allergy testing for their children to guide dietary management. However, it is unclear whether test-guided dietary management improves eczema symptoms, and whether the practice causes harm through reduced use of conventional eczema treatment or unnecessary dietary restrictions. The aim of the Trial of Eczema allergy Screening Tests Study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a trial comparing food allergy testing and dietary advice versus usual care, for the management of eczema in children.

Methods and analysis

Design: A single centre, two-group, individually randomised, feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) with economic scoping and a nested qualitative study. Setting: General Practioner (GP) surgeries in the west of England. Participants: children aged over 3 months and less than 5 years with mild to severe eczema. Interventions: allergy testing (structured allergy history and skin prick tests) or usual care. Sample size and outcome measures: we aim to recruit 80 participants and follow them up using 4-weekly questionnaires for 24 weeks. Nested qualitative study: We will conduct ~20 interviews with parents of participating children, 5–8 interviews with parents who decline or withdraw from the trial and ~10 interviews with participating GPs. Economic scoping: We will gather data on key costs and outcomes to assess the feasibility of carrying out a cost-effectiveness analysis in a future definitive trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed by the Health Research Authority and given a favourable opinion by the NHS REC (West Midlands – South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee, Reference Number 18/WM/0124). Findings will be submitted for presentation at conferences and written up for publication in peer-reviewed journals, which may include mixed-method triangulation and integration of the quantitative and qualitative findings.

Trial registration

ISRCTN15397185; Pre-results.
Transmission of tuberculosis and predictors of large clusters within three years in an urban setting in Tokyo, Japan: a population-based molecular epidemiological study
Authors: Izumi Kiyohiko , Murase Yoshiro , Uchimura Kazuhiro , Kaebeta Aya , Ishihara Keiko , Kaguraoka Sumi , Takii Takemasa , Ohkado Akihiro
Published: May 2019

Objective

Molecular epidemiology is a promising tool for understanding tuberculosis transmission dynamics but has not been sufficiently utilised in Asian countries including Japan. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of TB cases attributable to recent transmission and to identify risk factors of genotype clustering and the development of large clusters within 3 years in an urban setting in Japan.

Design and setting

Long-term cross-sectional observational study combining the characteristics of patients with culture-positive TB notified in Shinjuku City, Tokyo (2002–2013), with genotype data ofMycobacterium tuberculosis.

Primary outcome measure

Genotype clustering rate and association between genotype clustering status and explanatory variables.

Results

Among 1025 cases, 515 were localised within 113 genotype clusters. The overall clustering rate was 39.2%. Significantly higher rates were found in patients aged <40 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.73, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.44), native Japanese individuals (aOR=3.90, 95% CI 2.27 to 6.72), full-time workers (aOR=1.63, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.27), part-time/daily workers (aOR=2.20, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.58), individuals receiving public assistance (aOR=1.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.84) and homeless people (aOR=1.63, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.62). A significant predictor of large genotype clusters within 3 years was a registration interval ≤2 months between the first two cases in a cluster.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that a large proportion of patients with culture-positive TB were involved in the recent TB transmission chain. Foreign-born persons still have a limited impact on transmission in the Japanese urban setting. Intensified public health interventions, including the active case finding, need to focus on individuals with socioeconomic risk factors that are significantly associated with tuberculosis transmission and clusters with shorter registration intervals between the first two cases.
Functional microRNA screen uncovers O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase as a host factor modulating hepatitis C virus morphogenesis and infectivity
Authors: Herzog Katharina , Bandiera Simonetta , Pernot Sophie , Fauvelle Catherine , Jühling Frank , Weiss Amélie , Bull Anne , Durand Sarah C , Chane-Woon-Ming Béatrice , Pfeffer Sébastien , Mercey Marion , Lerat Hervé , Meunier Jean-Christophe , Raffelsberger Wolfgang , Brino Laurent , Baumert Thomas F , Zeisel Mirjam B
Published: May 2019

Objective

Infection of human hepatocytes by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a multistep process involving both viral and host factors. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Given that miRNAs were indicated to regulate between 30% and 75% of all human genes, we aimed to investigate the functional and regulatory role of miRNAs for the HCV life cycle.

Design

To systematically reveal human miRNAs affecting the HCV life cycle, we performed a two-step functional high-throughput miRNA mimic screen in Huh7.5.1 cells infected with recombinant cell culture-derived HCV. miRNA targeting was then assessed using a combination of computational and functional approaches.

Results

We uncovered miR-501-3p and miR-619-3p as novel modulators of HCV assembly/release. We discovered that these miRNAs regulate O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) protein expression and identified OGT and O-GlcNAcylation as regulators of HCV morphogenesis and infectivity. Furthermore, increased OGT expression in patient-derived liver tissue was associated with HCV-induced liver disease and cancer.

Conclusion

miR-501-3p and miR-619-3p and their target OGT are previously undiscovered regulatory host factors for HCV assembly and infectivity. In addition to its effect on HCV morphogenesis, OGT may play a role in HCV-induced liver disease and hepatocarcinogenesis.
Myeloid cells in liver and bone marrow acquire a functionally distinct inflammatory phenotype during obesity-related steatohepatitis
Authors: Krenkel Oliver , Hundertmark Jana , Abdallah Ali T , Kohlhepp Marlene , Puengel Tobias , Roth Tilmann , Branco Diogo Philippini Pontual , Mossanen Jana C , Luedde Tom , Trautwein Christian , Costa Ivan G , Tacke Frank
Published: May 2019

Objective

Bone marrow-derived myeloid cells accumulate in the liver as monocytes and macrophages during the progression of obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to steatohepatitis (NASH). Myeloid cells comprise heterogeneous subsets, and dietary overnutrition may affect macrophages in the liver and bone marrow. We therefore aimed at characterising in depth the functional adaptations of myeloid cells in fatty liver.

Design

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively assess the heterogeneity of myeloid cells in the liver and bone marrow during NAFLD, by analysing C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat, high-sugar, high-cholesterol ‘Western diet’ for 16 weeks. We also characterised NAFLD-driven functional adaptations of macrophages in vitro and their functional relevance during steatohepatitis in vivo.

Results

Single-cell RNA sequencing identified distinct myeloid cell clusters in the liver and bone marrow. In both compartments, monocyte-derived populations were largely expanded in NASH-affected mice. Importantly, the liver myeloid compartment adapted a unique inflammatory phenotype during NAFLD progression, exemplarily characterised by downregulated inflammatory calprotectin (S100A8/A9) in macrophage and dendritic cell subsets. This distinctive gene signature was also found in their bone marrow precursors. The NASH myeloid phenotype was principally recapitulated by in vitro exposure of bone marrow-derived macrophages with fatty acids, depended on toll-like receptor 4 signalling and defined a characteristic response pattern to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This imprinted and stable NASH myeloid immune phenotype functionally determined inflammatory responses following acute liver injury (acetaminophen poisoning) in vivo.

Conclusion

Liver myeloid leucocytes and their bone marrow precursors adapt a common and functionally relevant inflammatory signature during NAFLD progression.
Descriptive analysis of ovine mortality in sentinel sheep flocks in Ireland
Authors: Murray Gerard M , Fagan Seamus , Murphy Denise , Fagan John , Ó Muireagáin Colm , Froehlich‐Kelly Rebecca , Barrett Damien J , Sheehan Maresa , Wilson Margaret , Brady Colm Philip , Hynes Frank , Farrell Shauna , Moriarty John , O Neill Rónan , Casey Mícheál
Published: May 2019

Background

Studies of sheep mortality or cause‐specific mortality, in Ireland or internationally, are relatively scarce but are important in presenting baseline levels and changing trends of endemic disease. This study assessed sheep mortality and cause‐specific mortality in 33 sentinel sheep flocks in Ireland.

Methods

Sentinel flocks were requested to submit carcases of all sheep that died to the regional veterinary laboratories (RVLs) of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine during a calendar year (2016). Postmortem examinations were performed on 1247 submissions to Athlone, Kilkenny and Sligo RVLs.

Results

The median overall submission rate was 13.8 per cent (range 2.5 per cent–35.8 per cent) per adult female sheep in the flock in January 2016. The median fetal, perinatal, lamb and adult submissions per adult female sheep in the flock in January 2016 were 2.1 per cent (0.0 per cent–15.2 per cent), 3.5 per cent (0.0 per cent–20.0 per cent), 3.0 per cent (0.0 per cent–12.4 per cent) and 2.8 per cent (0.8 per cent–7.1 per cent), respectively. The frequency of detection of categories of postmortem diagnoses in fetuses, perinates, lambs and adults are presented.

Conclusions

Comparisons with existing passive surveillance findings reflect some differences in the relative frequency of detection of certain categories of disease suggesting that sentinel flock surveillance could usefully supplement existing passive animal disease surveillance activities for ovine disease.