bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on configuration design and operation effect evaluation for ultra high voltage (UHV) vertical insulator cleaning robot
Authors: Yan Yu , Jiang Wei , Zhang An , Li Qiao Min , Li Hong Jun , Chen Wei , Lei YunFei
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to the three major problems of low cleaning efficiency, high labor intensity and difficult to evaluate the cleaning effect for manual insulators cleaning in ultra high voltage (UHV) converter station, the purpose of this paper is to propose a basic configuration of UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot with multi-freedom-degree mechanical arm system on mobile airborne platform and its innovation cleaning operation motion planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The main factors affecting the insulators cleaning effect in the operation process have been analyzed. Because of the complex coupling relationship between the influencing factors and the insulators cleaning effect, it is difficult to establish its analytical mathematical model. Combining the non-linear mapping and approximation characteristics of back propagation (BP) neural network, the insulator cleaning effect evaluation can be abstracted as a non-linear approximation process from actual cleaning effect to ideal cleaning effect. An evaluation method of robot insulator cleaning effect based on BP neural network has been proposed.

Findings

Through the BP neural network training, the robot cleaning control parameters can be obtained and used in the robot online operation control, so that the better cleaning effect can be also obtained. Finally, a physical prototype of UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot has been developed, and the effectiveness and engineering practicability of the proposed robot configuration, cleaning effect evaluation method are all verified by simulation experiments and field operation experiments. At the same time, this method has the remarkable characteristics of sound versatility, strong adaptability, easy expansion and popularization.

Originality/value

An UHV vertical insulator cleaning robot operation system platform with multi-arm system on airborne platform has been proposed. Through the coordinated movement of the manipulator each joint, the manipulator can be positioned to the insulator strings, and the insulator can be cleaned by two pairs high-pressure nozzles located at the double manipulator. The influence factors of robot insulator cleaning effect have been analyzed. The BP neural network model of insulator cleaning effect evaluation has been established. The evaluation method of robot insulator cleaning effect based on BP neural network has also been proposed, and the corresponding evaluation result can be obtained through the network training. Through the system integration design, the robot physical prototype has been developed. For the evaluation of other operation effects of power system, the validity and engineering practicability of the robot mechanism, motion planning and the method for evaluating the effect of robot insulator cleaning have been verified by simulation and field operation experiments.
Financial risks in Rwandan smallholder broiler production
Authors: Kenner Bartholemew , Lambert Dayton M. , Trejo-Pech Carlos Omar , Thompson Jada M. , Gill Thomas
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the stochastic net present value (NPV) of a model smallholder poultry operation in Rwanda under production and market uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A discounted cash flow calculator was used to determine the NPV of operator investments and operating cash flows, including time, materials and capital. Broiler production data, market prices and variable input costs were collected from 125 smallholder operations in the Musanze District, Rwanda. These data were combined with a historical price index tracking the inflation rate of Rwanda’s currency. Policies including overstocking, technical support repayment scheduling, selling broilers at a spot market price, using marketing contracts and selling poultry manure were compared using non-parametric paired comparisons and stochastic dominance.

Findings

Risk-neutral and risk-averse producers would prefer overstocking, delaying repayment of technical support services and selling manure to status quo operational policy. No differences were observed between the option to sell birds at spot market prices or through contracts.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis demonstrates how individual managerial or an intervention in smallholder broiler production affects financial performance.

Practical implications

To mitigate risk associated with this novel enterprise, producers should consider overstocking birds. If local markets for manure were developed, the risks faced by new or beginning poultry operators could be mitigated.

Originality/value

A stochastic, discounted cash flow model calculator was used to determine the NPV and discounted payback period of operator investments and operating cash flows, including time, materials and capital.
Shadow prices of non-performing loans and the global financial crisis
Authors: Tarchouna Ameni , Jarraya Bilel , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the opportunity cost borne by US commercial banks to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs) by one unit within the global financial crisis framework.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, the authors use the directional output distance function to estimate the technical efficiency while considering NPLs as undesirable output. Then, they estimate the shadow prices of NPLs by using the envelope theorem and solving the revenue function.

Findings

The results indicate that medium-sized banks are the most efficient, while small banks are the most inefficient ones. Moreover, the shadow prices of NPLs of large banks are higher than those of small and medium-sized banks. This implies a more elevated cost when lessening bad loans in large banks. This is more prominent during the crisis given that the shadow prices of NPLs of large banks have risen sharply over that period.

Practical implications

Shadow prices have important managerial implications given that they display the amounts of required reduced revenues to lessen NPLs. Accordingly, banks’ managers are called to reduce these loans by paying more attention when choosing their customers.

Originality/value

With the absence of an observable market price for bad loans in financial literature, the shadow price notion offers an adequate measure to evaluate them. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides an estimation of the shadow price of NPLs in the US banking sector.
Seismic‐impedance inversion with fuzzy clustering constraints: an example from the Carlin Gold District, Nevada, USA
Authors: Kieu Duy Thong , Kepic Anton
Published: October 2019

The seismic reflection method provides high‐resolution data that are especially useful for discovering mineral deposits under deep cover. A hindrance to the wider adoption of the seismic reflection method in mineral exploration is that the data are often interpreted differently and independently of other geophysical data unless common earth models are used to link the methods during geological interpretation. Model‐based inversion of post‐stack seismic data allows rock units with common petrophysical properties to be identified and permits increased bandwidth to enhance the spatial resolution of the acoustic‐impedance model. However, as seismic reflection data are naturally bandlimited, any inversion scheme depends upon an initial model, and must deal with non‐unique solutions for the inversion. Both issues can be largely overcome by using constraints and integrating prior information. We exploit the abilities of fuzzy c‐means clustering to constrain and to include prior information in the inversion. The use of a clustering constraint for petrophysical values pushes the inversion process to select models that are primarily composed of several discrete rock units and the fuzzy c‐means algorithm allows some properties to overlap by varying degrees. Imposing the fuzzy clustering techniques in the inversion process allows solutions that are similar to the natural geologic patterns that often have a few rock units represented by distinct combinations of petrophysical characteristics. Our tests on synthetic models, with clear and distinct boundaries, show that our methodology effectively recovers the true model. Accurate model recovery can be obtained even when the data are highly contaminated by random noise, where the initial model is homogeneous, or there is minimal prior petrophysical information available. We demonstrate the abilities of fuzzy c‐means clustering to constrain and to include prior information in the acoustic‐impedance inversion of a challenging magnetotelluric/seismic data set from the Carlin Gold District, USA. Using fuzzy c‐means guided inversion of magnetotelluric data to create a starting model for acoustic‐impedance proved important in obtaining the best result. Our inversion results correlate with borehole data and provided a better basis for geological interpretation than the seismic reflection images alone. Low values of the acoustic impedance in the basement rocks were shown to be prospective by geochemical analysis of rock cores, as would be predicted for later gold mineralization in weak, decalcified rocks.
The Coordination Role of Stress Tests in Bank Risk‐Taking
Authors: CORONA CARLOS , NAN LIN , ZHANG GAOQING
Published: October 2019

We examine whether stress tests distort banks' risk‐taking decisions. We study a model in which a regulator may choose to rescue banks in the event of concurrent bank failures. Our analysis reveals a novel coordination role of stress tests. Disclosure of stress‐test results informs banks of the failure likelihood of other banks, which can reduce welfare by facilitating banks' coordination in risk‐taking. However, conducting stress tests also enables the regulator to more effectively intervene banks, coordinating them preemptively into taking lower risks. We find that, if the regulator has a strong incentive to bail out, stress tests improve welfare, whereas if the regulator's incentive to bail out is weak, stress tests impair welfare.
Propofol for Treatment of Acute Migraine in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Authors: Piatka Corissa , Beckett Robert D.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Propofol has not been extensively studied as an acute migraine therapy; however, based on the limited evidence from outpatient and inpatient settings, propofol has been proposed as an option for patients who present to the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this review was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the safety and efficacy of propofol for acute migraine treatment in the ED.

Methods

A systematic review of clinical studies of propofol treatment for acute migraine in the ED was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Trials were identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, clinical trial registries, research registries, and key journals through May 2019. A modified Jadad scoring system was used to assess the methodologic quality of the included randomized controlled trials, and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for the retrospective cohort study.

Results

Nine studies, including five case reports or series, one retrospective cohort study, and three randomized controlled trials, consisting of 290 patients, were reviewed. All studies in adults reported propofol to be an effective therapy for migraine, but the strength of these results was limited by dosing variations, small sample sizes, and limited generalizability. Pediatric studies produced mixed results.

Conclusions

Propofol may be an effective rescue therapy for patients presenting to the ED for acute migraine, but its place in therapy based on the limited available evidence is unknown. The safety of propofol for migraine management in the ED has not been adequately examined.
Basic symptoms influence real‐life functioning and symptoms in individuals at high risk for psychosis
Authors: Glenthøj L.B. , Bailey B. , Kristensen T.D. , Wenneberg C. , Hjorthøj C. , Nordentoft M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate potential clinical differences in high‐risk profiles presenting with and without basic symptoms, and additionally investigate the association between basic symptoms and clinical symptoms, functioning, and cognition.

Methods

High‐risk individuals (n = 133) were stratified into individuals fulfilling ultra‐high‐risk (UHR) criteria (n = 59) and individuals fulfilling UHR+ basic symptoms criteria (BS) (n = 74). Group differences were assessed on clinical symptoms, real‐life functioning, and cognition. Regression analyses were conducted to elucidate on the relationship between BS and clinical symptoms, functioning, neurocognition, and social cognition.

Results

The group fulfilling both UHR+ BS criteria had significantly more symptoms and lower real‐life functioning and quality of life but not more cognitive deficits. BS influenced on attenuated psychotic, depressive, and general symptoms, but only modestly on negative symptoms. No relationship between BS and neuro‐ and social cognition was established except for an association with emotion recognition processing speed. BS influenced real‐life functioning, and this finding was sustained when controlling for the effect of negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that BS contribute highly to the distress and symptom load of clinical high‐risk individuals. Longitudinal findings are needed to establish the predictive validity of BS on high‐risk individuals’ clinical and functional prognosis.
Endodontic complications associated with orthodontic temporary anchorage devices: A systematic review of human studies
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , Franciscatto Gisele Jung , Marshall Georgina , Gomes Maximiliano Schünke , Doğramacı Esma J.
Published: October 2019

This review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018102582), assessed the effect of temporary anchorage device placement on endodontic complications. A search strategy was followed to identify studies where any temporary anchorage devices contacted or were in proximity to tooth roots in humans. Studies with low possibility of bias and published in English or Latin‐character languages were considered for inclusion. Ten studies were identified; five case reports, one clinical study and four studies with intentional injury, totalling 736 temporary anchorage devices in 327 patients. Complications may ensue following temporary anchorage device placement, whether or not root contact occurs. Chronic apical periodontitis developed when there was root injury involving the pulp; necrosis can also occur. When damage was limited to the periodontal ligament, cementum or dentine, repair occurred, normally within 12 weeks. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for endodontic complications during temporary anchorage device placement, as well as during orthodontic treatment.
Folliculitis decalvans‐like pustular plaques on the limbs sparing the scalp
Authors: Yang Anes , Hannaford Rodney , Kossard Steven
Published: October 2019

Folliculitis decalvans is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia characterised by progressive pustular folliculitis. Folliculitis decalvans is seen as a condition usually limited exclusively to the scalp and rarely affects the limbs. We present a case of a 63‐year‐old man with a 3‐year history of progressive pustular folliculitis with inflammatory patches and central scarring alopecia on both forearms and a circumscribed patch on his right lower leg. His presentation, clinical course and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus together with the histopathological findings all supported a folliculitis decalvans‐like pustular folliculitis limited to the limbs. Biopsies revealed follicular pustules, gross interfollicular fibrosis with plasma cells and concentric perifollicular fibrosis with lymphocytes, all features seen with folliculitis decalvans. The positive response to antibiotics combined with topical corticosteroids mirrored the response seen with scalp folliculitis decalvans. In contrast to the previously reported cases, the patient had no evidence of folliculitis decalvans on the scalp.
Parents experiences of feeding their extremely preterm children during the first 2‐3 years – A qualitative study
Authors: Grundvig Nylund Anna , Gonzalez Lindh Margareta , Ahlsson Fredrik , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva
Published: October 2019

Aim

To describe parents of extremely preterm children experiences regarding feeding of their children during the first 3 years of the child's life.

Methods

This is a qualitative study involving interviews conducted with 12 parents of nine children who had been cared for at one neonatal intensive care unit in Sweden. The interviews were conducted between May and September 2018; the data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

All parents experienced some difficulties with their child's eating development and described feeding their child as sometimes both difficult and frustrating. Variation in when these difficulties arose made it hard for the parents to obtain the individual support they wanted and needed. Parents experienced a need for more support – from both staff members and parents with similar experiences – during and after their child's stay at the NICU.

Conclusion

All parents participating in the study experienced difficulties during some phase of their child's feeding development. They expressed the need for more specialised support both during and after their child's time at the hospital.
Exploring the reservoir potential of Lower Cretaceous Clinoforms in the Fingerdjupet Subbasin, Norwegian Barents Sea
Authors: Bryn Bjørn K. L. , Ahokas Juha , Patruno Stafano , Schjelderup Stian , Hinna Camilla , Lowrey Caroline , Escalona Alejandro
Published: October 2019

Sandy clinothems are of interest as hydrocarbon reservoirs but there is no proven, economic, clinothem reservoir in the Norwegian Barents Sea. We used high‐resolution, 2D and 3D seismic, including proprietary data, to identify a previously untested, Barremian, clinoform wedge in the Fingerdjupet Subbasin (FSB). Data from recent well 7322/7‐1 plus seismic have been used to characterize this wedge and older Lower Cretaceous clinoforms in the FSB. In the latest Hauterivian – early Barremian, during post‐rift tectonic quiescence, shelf‐edge clinoforms (foreset height > 150 m) prograded into an under‐filled basin. Increased sediment input was related to regional uplift of the hinterland (northern Barents Shelf). Early Barremian erosion in the north‐western FSB and mass wasting towards the SE were followed by deposition of delta‐scale (<80 m high), high‐angle (c. 8°) clinoform sets seaward of older shelf‐edge clinoforms. This may be the local expression of a regional, early Barremian, regressive event. By the close of the Barremian, clinoforms had prograded, within a narrow, elongate basin, across the FSB and towards the uplifted Loppa High. A seismic wedge of high‐angle (10–12°), low‐relief, delta‐scale (25–80 m) clinoform sets occurs between shelf‐edge clinoforms to the NW and the uplifted area to the SE. Well 7322/7‐1, positioned on a direct hydrocarbon indicator, <1 km NNW of the high‐angle, low‐relief, delta‐scale clinoforms, found upward coarsening siltstone‐cycles linked to relative sea‐level fluctuations on a marine shelf. Sand may have accumulated, offshore from the well, in high‐angle, low‐relief foresets of the delta‐scale clinothems (which are typical geometries elsewhere interpreted as ‘delta‐scale, sand‐prone subaqueous clinoforms’). Deposition was controlled by the paleosurface, storms and longshore currents on an otherwise mud‐dominated shelf. The study highlights challenges associated with exploration for sandstone reservoirs in seismic wedges on an outer shelf.
Factors associated with oral health service utilization among adults and older adults in China, 2015‐2016
Authors: Xu Mengru , Cheng Menglin , Gao Xiaoli , Wu Huijing , Ding Min , Zhang Chunzi , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Xu Tao , Si Yan
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To explore the factors associated with utilization of oral health services among Chinese adults and older adults according to the Andersen Behavior Model.

Methods

Data from the 4th National Oral Health Survey (2015‐2016) in China were used. A total of 7206 people (3669 adults aged 35‐44 years and 3537 older adults aged 65‐74 years) were included in our analysis. Oral health service utilization in the past 12 months was the outcome variable. Explanatory variables were selected according to the Andersen Behavior Model. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations (chi‐square tests) were analysed, followed by hierarchical Poisson regression models, which were conducted to determine the factors associated with oral health service utilization.

Results

In total, 21.4% (95% CI: 19.4%‐23.7%) of adults (35‐44 years old) and 20.7% (95% CI: 18.6%‐22.9%) of older adults (65‐74 years old) utilized oral health services in the past 12 months. Nearly 80% of adults (78.7%, 95% CI: 74.0%‐82.7%) and more than 90% of older adults (93.7%, 95% CI: 91.0%‐95.6%) visited a dentist for treatment. Adults aged 35‐44 years old who were female (IRR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.33, P = .047), had good oral health knowledge and attitudes (IRR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.59, P = .011), perceived their oral health status as fair (IRR:1.51, 95% CI:1.24‐1.85, P < .001) or poor/very poor (IRR:2.52, 95% CI:2.01‐3.18, P < .001) and had a decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index >0 (IRR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.09, P = .009) were more likely to report dental visits in the past 12 months. Older adults who utilized oral health services tended to be female (IRR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.59, P = .004); to be covered by Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) (IRR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.18‐2.05, P = .002), Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) (IRR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.32‐2.16, P < .001) or government medical insurance (GMI) (IRR: 1.03, 95% CI:1.01‐2.16, P = .044); to have a high education level (IRR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.74, P = .010); to have an income level in the 2nd tertile (IRR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13‐1.84, P = .003) or 3rd tertile (IRR:1.52, 95% CI:1.18‐1.95, P = .001); and to perceive their oral health status as poor or very poor (IRR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.21‐1.95, P = .001).

Conclusions

Sex and self‐perceived oral health status were associated with oral health utilization among Chinese population. Additionally, for older adults, education level, household income and insurance coverage were determinants of dental service use. These findings can aid in creating more targeted policies to increase the use of dental services by Chinese adults.
Angiosperm symbioses with non‐mycorrhizal fungal partners enhance N acquisition from ancient organic matter in a warming maritime Antarctic
Authors: Hill Paul W. , Broughton Richard , Bougoure Jeremy , Havelange William , Newsham Kevin K. , Grant Helen , Murphy Daniel V. , Clode Peta , Ramayah Soshila , Marsden Karina A. , Quilliam Richard S. , Roberts Paula , Brown Caley , Read David J. , Deluca Thomas H. , Bardgett Richard D. , Hopkins David W. , Jones Davey L.
Published: October 2019

In contrast to the situation in plants inhabiting most of the world’s ecosystems, mycorrhizal fungi are usually absent from roots of the only two native vascular plant species of maritime Antarctica, Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. Instead, a range of ascomycete fungi, termed dark septate endophytes (DSEs), frequently colonise the roots of these plant species. We demonstrate that colonisation of Antarctic vascular plants by DSEs facilitates not only the acquisition of organic nitrogen as early protein breakdown products, but also as non‐proteinaceous d‐amino acids and their short peptides, accumulated in slowly‐decomposing organic matter, such as moss peat. Our findings suggest that, in a warming maritime Antarctic, this symbiosis has a key role in accelerating the replacement of formerly dominant moss communities by vascular plants, and in increasing the rate at which ancient carbon stores laid down as moss peat over centuries or millennia are returned to the atmosphere as CO2.
Guilt and Shame: Explaining Associations Between Emotion Socialization and Emerging Adult Well‐Being
Authors: O'Leary Jessica L. , McKee Laura G. , Faro Alyssa L.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To explore shame and guilt as potential pathways linking recalled emotion socialization (ES) parenting behaviors during childhood with emerging adult outcomes.

Background

Although ES has been associated with youth outcomes, more research is needed to uncover variables that may explain such associations. Additionally, the present study addresses limitations of extant literature by (a) exploring ES within the context of recalled discrete expressions of fear, anger, and sadness; (b) indexing both maternal and paternal ES responses; and (c) considering the possible moderating role of emerging adult gender.

Method

A sample of 206 undergraduate and graduate students completed questionnaires asking them to recall parental ES during childhood and to report on current shame‐ and guilt‐proneness, depressive symptomology, and compassion for others. Following preliminary analyses, path analysis and the Monte Carlo method for assessing indirect effects were used to evaluate the statistical significance of the indirect effects in the path models.

Results

Data suggest that shame and guilt help to explain the associations between certain parental ES practices and emerging adult outcomes. Associations between variables differed when taking into account discrete emotion expressed, parent gender, and participant gender.

Conclusion

Results highlight the complexity of ES processes and the importance of guilt and shame in understanding relations between ES and young adult outcomes. Important associations may be obscured in the ES literature by the common practice of collapsing discrete emotions into global indices and the tendency to primarily investigate mothers' ES practices.

Implications

A more nuanced understanding of ES processes can contribute to the development of targeted and effective ES prevention and intervention programs.
Intergenerational Affectual Solidarity in Biological and Step Relations: The Moderating Role of Religious Similarity
Authors: Hwang Woosang , Yoon Joonsik , Silverstein Merril , Brown Maria T.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine whether intergenerational religious concordance moderates the gap in affectual solidarity between adult children and their biological versus stepparents over an 11‐year period.

Background

Previous studies have examined the impact of religion on intergenerational relations in intact, nondivorced families. However, few researchers have explored similar questions regarding the impact of religion on intergenerational relations in stepfamilies.

Method

Using latent growth curve models, we assessed concordance–discordance in religious affiliation, religious attendance, and religious intensity. Data derived from four waves of the Longitudinal Study of Generations between 1994 and 2005 consisting of 238 mother–child dyads and 148 father–child dyads, each group consisting of both biological and step relations.

Results

Over the period studied, children had consistently lower affectual solidarity with their stepmothers and stepfathers than with their biological mothers and fathers. Tests of interactions revealed that parent–child concordance in religious affiliation, but not in religious attendance or religious intensity, was associated with a smaller difference in affectual solidarity at baseline and over time between children and their steppparents versus biological parents.

Conclusion

Parent–child religious affiliation concordance was more closely associated with an increasing intergenerational affectual solidarity in biological parent–child relations than in stepparent–child relations.

Implications

Differences in religious practice or beliefs need not be a major point of intervention for helping professionals working to avert or bridge cross‐generational rifts or insider–outsider challenges in stepfamilies.
Location, location! cellular relocalization primes specialized metabolic diversification
Authors: Schenck Craig A. , Last Robert L.
Published: October 2019

Specialized metabolites are structurally diverse and cell‐ or tissue‐specific molecules produced in restricted plant lineages. In contrast, primary metabolic pathways are highly conserved in plants and produce metabolites essential for all of life, such as amino acids and nucleotides. Substrate promiscuity – the capacity to accept non‐native substrates – is a common characteristic of enzymes, and its impact is especially apparent in generating specialized metabolite variation. However, promiscuity only leads to metabolic diversity when alternative substrates are available; thus, enzyme cellular and subcellular localization directly influence chemical phenotypes. We review a variety of mechanisms that modulate substrate availability for promiscuous plant enzymes. We focus on examples where evolution led to modification of the ‘cellular context’ through changes in cell‐type expression, subcellular relocalization, pathway sequestration, and cellular mixing via tissue damage. These varied mechanisms contributed to the emergence of structurally diverse plant specialized metabolites and inform future metabolic engineering approaches.
In situ crystallography as an emerging method for structure solution of membrane proteins: the case of CCR2A
Authors: Cheng Robert , Huang Chia‐Ying , Hennig Michael , Nar Herbert , Schnapp Gisela
Published: October 2019

The in meso in situ serial X‐ray crystallization method (Huang et al., (2015) Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 71, 1238) combines lipid cubic phase crystallization, direct freezing of the crystallization droplet without handling of the crystals, and data collection in situ. Recently, this method was used to overcome the mechanical fragility of crystals which enabled the X‐ray structure determination of chemokine receptor 2A (Apel et al., (2019) Structure 27, 427) at 2.7 Å resolution. The CCR2 structure provides the structural basis for ligand selectivity of CCR2 against chemokine receptor 5 and provides insights into the residence time of MK‐0812 analogs based on molecular dynamics simulations. These findings offer new opportunities for drug discovery targeting chemokine receptors.
Radiation effects on phosphate glasses: Review
Authors: Petit Laeticia
Published: October 2019

Glass and its properties are subject to a variety of changes under the influence of high energy radiation. Therefore, radiation‐induced defects in glasses requires high attention due to the wide application of glasses in optics on board space craft, in image guides for reactor inspection, in optical fiber waveguide and in mobilization of high level radioactive waste, for example . In this paper, we present a mini review on radiation effects on phosphate glasses. We review the influence of various irradiation sources on the response of phosphate glasses, focusing on the advances over the past decades.
High‐temperature mechanical and thermal properties of Ca1−xSrxZrO3solid solutions
Authors: Yang Lan , Liu Yuchen , Zhang Wei , Zhou Guohong , Jiang Danyu , Chen Hongfei , Yang Guang , Nian Hongqiang , Liu Bin
Published: October 2019

Perovskite oxides are promising thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) materials but their thermophysical properties still need to be further improved before commercial applications. In this work, mechanical/thermal properties of calcium‐strontium zirconate solid solutions (Ca1−xSrxZrO3) are investigated. Comparing to the end‐compounds CaZrO3and SrZrO3, the solid solutions achieve the enhanced thermal expansion coefficient, decreased thermal conductivity as well as good high‐temperature mechanical properties. The experimental thermal conductivities of Ca1−xSrxZrO3(x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) are in the range of 1.76‐1.94 W·(m·K)−1at 1073 K, being lower than that of the yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). At the same time, their thermal expansion coefficients (10.75 × 10−6‐11.23 × 10−6/K at 1473 K) are comparable to that of YSZ. Moreover, the Young's moduli of Ca0.8Sr0.2ZrO3, Ca0.6Sr0.4ZrO3, Ca0.4Sr0.6ZrO3, and Ca0.2Sr0.8ZrO3at 1473 K are 70.7%, 69.4%, 68.8%, and 71.1% of the corresponding values at room temperature, respectively. The good high‐temperature mechanical and thermal properties ensure the potential applications of Ca1−xSrxZrO3solid solutions as high‐temperature thermal insulation materials including TBCs.
When does habitat fragmentation matter? A biome‐wide analysis of small mammals in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Palmeirim Ana Filipa , Figueiredo Marcos S. L. , Grelle Carlos Eduardo Viveiros , Carbone Chris , Vieira Marcus Vinícius
Published: October 2019

Aim

While habitat loss is a primary driver of biodiversity declines worldwide, the role of habitat fragmentation per se is inconclusive, but likely depends on the amount of habitat left in a landscape. Here we aimed to tease apart the effects of habitat amount (percentage of native cover) and a fragmentation metric (number of fragments) on species richness and total abundance.

Taxon

Native small mammals.

Location

South American Atlantic Forest biome.

Methods

Small mammal species richness and abundance were obtained from a published database for 96 localities (groups of sampling sites). We then defined circular 100 km2 landscapes centred on each locality. For each landscape, percentage of habitat cover and number of fragments were measured on time frames close to the sampling periods. Effects of habitat amount, fragmentation and their interaction were modelled considering all landscapes, and also within four classes of habitat cover: 0%–10%, 10%–30%, 30%–50%, and 50%–100%.

Results

Species richness was mainly affected by percentage of habitat cover, with a three‐fold effect size compared to fragmentation. Yet, in landscapes with <10% or ≥50% of remaining cover, fragmentation positively affected species richness. Total species abundance also increased towards more fragmented landscapes. At the species level, three of the 20 species considered increased in abundance with fragmentation, while four species decreased.

Main conclusion

Percentage of habitat cover was the main driver of species richness when the entire cover range is considered, but the secondary effects of fragmentation were strong at the extreme ends of this range. Adding habitat patches in landscapes with low cover, or promoting habitat heterogeneity in landscapes with high cover, may boost species richness. However, further increases in species richness following fragmentation in high‐cover landscapes are likely to correspond to disturbance‐adapted species. In addition, such positive effects of fragmentation cannot be presumed to apply to all assemblages and species as some species are negatively affected.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in China
Authors: Guo Qian‐Hui , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Wang Ji‐Guang
Published: October 2019

Increasing life expectancy in the population means that the prevalence of hypertension in China will increase over the coming decades. Although awareness and control rates have improved, the absolute rates remain unacceptably low. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest killer in China, and sharp increases in the prevalence of CVD risk factors associated with rapid lifestyle changes will contribute to ongoing morbidity and mortality. This highlights the importance of effectively diagnosing and managing hypertension, where home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has an important role. Use of HBPM in China is increasing, particularly now that Asia‐specific guidance is available, and this out‐of‐office BP monitoring tool will become increasingly important over time. To implement these recommendations and guidelines, a Web‐based and WeChat‐linked nationwide BP measurement system is being established in China. Local guidelines state that both HBPM and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be implemented where available. In China, hypertension is managed most often using calcium channel blockers, followed by angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. Key barriers to hypertension control in China are low awareness and control rates.
The skull evolution of oviraptorosaurian dinosaurs: the role of niche partitioning in diversification
Authors: Ma Waisum , Brusatte Stephen L. , Lü Junchang , Sakamoto Manabu
Published: October 2019

Oviraptorosaurs are bird‐like theropod dinosaurs that thrived in the final pre‐extinction ecosystems during the latest Cretaceous, and the beaked, toothless skulls of derived species are regarded as some of the most peculiar among dinosaurs. Their aberrant morphologies are hypothesized to have been caused by rapid evolution triggered by an ecological/biological driver, but little is known about how their skull shapes and functional abilities diversified. Here, we use quantitative techniques to study oviraptorosaur skull form and mandibular function. We demonstrate that the snout is particularly variable, that mandibular form and upper/lower beak form are significantly correlated with phylogeny, and that there is a strong and significant correlation between mandibular function and mandible/lower beak shape, suggesting a form–function association. The form–function relationship and phylogenetic signals, along with a moderate allometric signal in lower beak form, indicate that similar mechanisms governed beak shape in oviraptorosaurs and extant birds. The two derived oviraptorosaur clades, oviraptorids and caenagnathids, are significantly separated in morphospace and functional space, indicating that they partitioned niches. Oviraptorids coexisting in the same ecosystem are also widely spread in morphological and functional space, suggesting that they finely partitioned feeding niches, whereas caenagnathids exhibit extreme disparity in beak size. The diversity of skull form and function was likely key to the diversification and evolutionary success of oviraptorosaurs in the latest Cretaceous.
Associations between chronotype, MTNR1B genotype and risk of type 2 diabetes in UK Biobank
Authors: Tan X. , Ciuculete D.‐M. , Schiöth H.B. , Benedict C.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine the association between the MTNR1B G risk allele, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronotype in the UK Biobank.

Methods

Data from the baseline investigation of the UK Biobank were utilized (n = 337 083 White British; mean age: 56.9 years; 54% women). MTNR1B rs10830963 was directly genotyped [CC (reference group), CG and GG]. Chronotype was divided into four categories: definitely morning (reference group); more morning than evening; more evening than morning; and definitely evening. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for T2D, controlling for age, sex and other confounders.

Results

Carriers of the rs10830963 risk allele had a higher risk of T2D [CG vs. CC: OR (95% CI) 1.10 (1.07, 1.15); GG vs. CC: 1.21 (1.14, 1.29)]. Compared with definitely morning chronotype, participants with definitely evening chronotype exhibited the highest risk of T2D [1.25 (1.17, 1.33)]. Despite a nonsignificant interaction between chronotype and the risk allele [0.98 (0.94, 1.01), P = 0.176 for interaction term], we found that definitely evening chronotype (vs. definitely morning) was linked with a higher risk of T2D amongst CC and CG but not GG carriers. Additionally, we saw that the GG genotype (vs. CC) was associated with a higher risk of T2D across all chronotype categories, except for definitely evening.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the MTNR1B G risk allele and late chronotype increase the risk of T2D. The association between late chronotype and higher risk of T2D appears to vary across MTNR1B rs10830963 genotypes.
Distribution and multiplication of Ralstonia solanacearum strain race 1 biovar 4 in vegetable sweet potato cuttings
Authors: Chen Yi‐Jeng , Lin Yi‐Sheng , Pan Hui‐Ru , Chung Wen‐Hsin
Published: October 2019

Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) race 1 biovar 4 (R1bv4), causal agent of bacterial wilt in vegetable sweet potato (VSP), is often latent in VSP vines and is important in introduction of the pathogen to newly planted fields. In this study, the effects of biological and environmental factors on the distribution and multiplication of R1bv4 in VSP tissues were examined. Based on stem‐injection inoculation, the R1bv4strain of NC01 could cause 49.0% and 33.0% wilting on VSP cultivars TN71 and WS, respectively. The populations of NC01 in diseased TN71 and WS were 108–109 cfu/g tissue at 28th day after inoculation. On the other hand, the R1bv4 could not cause symptom in cultivars of TN57 and VSPSL‐1 vine and the NC01 was confined to near the injection sites. Temperature tests indicated that NC01 could cause 28.0% and 14.0% wilting on cultivar TN71 at 28 and 20°C, respectively. Moreover, the populations of NC01in diseased plants were 1.6 × 109 and 7.9 × 108 cfu/g tissue at 28 and 20°C, respectively. The distribution of NC01 in VSP stem indicated that the isolation frequency of NC01 was lower than 31.0% in terminal shoots or erect stems and 45.0 to 100.0% in creeping stem after 8 wks planted in infested soil (106 cfu/g soil). The results demonstrated that terminal shoots or erect stems were not common carrier for transmitting R1bv4. Furthermore, two R1bv4 strains, NC01 and HsinT01, were examined the ability for latent infection on cv. TN71. The results revealed that NC01 and HsinT01 showed different ability of latent infection on cultivar TN71. NC01 had lower percentage (46.8% and 45.1%) than HsinT01 (93.4% and 75.3%) at 20 and 28°C.
Bottlenecks and predictors of coverage and adherence outcomes for a micronutrient powder program in Ethiopia
Authors: Tumilowicz Alison , Habicht Jean‐Pierre , Mbuya Mduduzi N.N. , Beal Ty , Ntozini Robert , Rohner Fabian , Pelto Gretel H. , Fisseha Tezera , Haidar Jemal , Assefa Nigussie , Wodajo Hana Yemane , Wolde Telahun Teka , Neufeld Lynnette M.
Published: October 2019

A theory‐driven evaluation was conducted to assess performance of a trial to deliver micronutrient powder (MNP) through the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. We adapted an approach to coverage assessment, originally developed to identify bottlenecks in health service delivery, to examine sequential program outcomes and their correlates using cross‐sectional survey data of caregivers of children 6–23 months (N = 1915). Separate multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios of conceptually relevant determinants of coverage and adherence. Caregivers of children >11 months were more likely to have received MNP than caregivers of younger infants, yet children 12–17 months were 32% (P < 0.001) and children 18–23 months 38% (P < 0.001) less likely to have been fed MNP in the 14 days preceding the survey than children 6–11 months. Among caregivers who initiated feeding MNP, the most frequently reported reasons for discontinuing use were not obtaining additional supply (36.1%) and perceived child rejection of food with MNP (22.9%). For each additional time a caregiver met with frontline workers in the 3 months preceding the survey, they were 13% more likely to have recently fed MNP (P < 0.001). Caregivers' perception that MNP produced positive changes in children was associated with a 14% increase in the likelihood of having recently fed it (P < 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of counselling for MNP and infant and young child feeding for initial use and the importance of multiple contacts with frontline workers for continued use.
Host‐induced gene silencing of BcTOR in Botrytis cinerea enhances plant resistance to grey mould
Authors: Xiong Fangjie , Liu Mei , Zhuo Fengping , Yin Huan , Deng Kexuan , Feng Shun , Liu Yudong , Luo Xiumei , Feng Li , Zhang Shumin , Li Zhengguo , Ren Maozhi
Published: October 2019

Botrytis cinerea is the causal agent of grey mould for more than 200 plant species, including economically important vegetables, fruits and crops, which leads to economic losses worldwide. Target of rapamycin (TOR) acts a master regulator to control cell growth and proliferation by integrating nutrient, energy and growth factors in eukaryotic species, but little is known about whether TOR can function as a practicable target in the control of plant fungal pathogens. Here, we characterize TOR signalling of B. cinerea in the regulation of growth and pathogenicity as well as its potential value in genetic engineering for crop protection by bioinformatics analysis, pharmacological assays, biochemistry and genetics approaches. The results show that conserved TOR signalling occurs, and a functional FK506‐binding protein 12 kD (FKBP12) mediates the interaction between rapamycin and B. cinerea TOR (BcTOR). RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) analysis revealed that BcTOR displayed conserved functions, particularly in controlling growth and metabolism. Furthermore, pathogenicity assay showed that BcTOR inhibition efficiently reduces the infection of B. cinerea in plant leaves of Arabidopsis and potato or tomato fruits. Additionally, transgenic plants expressing double‐stranded RNA of BcTOR through the host‐induced gene silencing method could produce abundant small RNAs targeting BcTOR, and significantly block the occurrence of grey mould in potato and tomato. Taken together, our results suggest that BcTOR is an efficient target for genetic engineering in control of grey mould, and also a potential and promising target applied in the biocontrol of plant fungal pathogens.
JMJ14 encoded H3K4 demethylase modulates immune responses by regulating defence gene expression and pipecolic acid levels
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Ruiying , Singh Deepjyoti , Yuan Xinyu , Kachroo Pradeep , Raina Ramesh
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic modifications have emerged as an important mechanism underlying plant defence against pathogens. We examined the role of JMJ14, a Jumonji (JMJ) domain‐containing H3K4 demethylase, in local and systemic plant immune responses in Arabidopsis.

The function of JMJ14 in local or systemic defence response was investigated by pathogen growth assays and by analysing expression and H3K4me3 enrichments of key defence genes using qPCR and ChIP‐qPCR. Salicylic acid (SA) and pipecolic acid (Pip) levels were quantified and function of JMJ14 in SA‐ and Pip‐mediated defences was analysed in Col‐0 and jmj14 plants.

jmj14 mutants were compromised in both local and systemic defences. JMJ14 positively regulates pathogen‐induced H3K4me3 enrichment and expression of defence genes involved in SA‐ and Pip‐mediated defence pathways. Consequently, loss of JMJ14 results in attenuated defence gene expression and reduced Pip accumulation during establishment of systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Exogenous Pip partially restored SAR in jmj14 plants, suggesting that JMJ14 regulated Pip biosynthesis and other downstream factors regulate SAR in jmj14 plants.

JMJ14 positively modulates defence gene expressions and Pip levels in Arabidopsis.