bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of myeloid cells in the regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cell‐mediated allergic inflammation
Authors: Lei Aihua , He Yumei , Yang Qiong , Li Xiaofang , Li Ranhui
Published: July 2020

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are an important component of the innate immune system that execute important effector functions at barrier surfaces, such as lung and skin. Like T helper type 2 cells, ILC2s are able to release high amounts of type 2 cytokines that are essential in inducing allergic inflammation and eliminating helminth infections. The past few years have contributed to our better understanding of the interactions between ILC2s and other cells of the immune system via soluble factors or in a cell–cell contact manner. Myeloid cells, including mononuclear leukocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are excellent sensors of tissue damage and infection and can influence ILC2 responses in the process of allergic inflammation. In this review, we summarize recent insights on how myeloid cell subsets regulate ILC2 activation with focus on soluble factors in the context of allergic inflammation.
Re‐definition of blanking period in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in the contact force era
Authors: Uetake Shunsuke , Miyauchi Yasushi , Mitsuishi Tatsuya , Maruyama Mitsunori , Seino Yoshihiko , Shimizu Wataru
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Early recurrence (ER) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined as the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias within 3 months after AF ablation, however, this definition is based on data from the era of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), without contact force (CF) technology. We investigated the significance of ER as a risk factor for late recurrence (LR) in paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients treated with CF and non‐CF‐guided ablation.

Methods and Results

We studied 395 patients with PAF who underwent RFCA. Of these, 97 patients underwent RFCA without‐CF technology (non‐CF group) and 298 underwent with CF technology (CF group). Over a 2‐year postablation follow‐up period, LR occurred in 54 (55.7%) patients in the non‐CF group, and in 105 (35.2%) patients in the CF group. ER had a more significant relationship with LR in the CF group, and all patients in the CF group with ER in the third month developed LR.

Conclusion

PAF patients with ER who have undergone CF‐guided ablation have a greater risk of LR than those who have undergone non‐CF‐guided ablation. ER in the third month after CF‐guided ablation may indicate an absolute risk of LR. Blanking period could be defined as 2 months in the CF era.
Digital Workflow to Merge an Intraoral Scan and CBCT of Edentulous Maxilla: A Technical Report
Authors: Carosi Paolo , Ferrigno Nicola , De Renzi Giovanni , Laureti Mauro
Published: July 2020

Rehabilitation of edentulous maxilla is a challenging procedure. This technical report describes a new method to superimpose intraoral optical scanning of edentulous maxilla and the CBCT scan using a modified radiographic template. Digital data obtained can be exported and merged into 3D computer guided surgery software. The described technique can increase the predictability and the precision of complete‐arch rehabilitation planned by means of computer‐assisted implant surgery.
TOC1 in Nicotiana attenuata regulates efficient allocation of nitrogen to defense metabolites under herbivory stress
Authors: Valim Henrique , Dalton Heidi , Joo Youngsung , McGale Erica , Halitschke Rayko , Gaquerel Emmanuel , Baldwin Ian T. , Schuman Meredith C.
Published: July 2020

The circadian clock contextualizes plant responses to environmental signals. Plants use temporal information to respond to herbivory, but many of the functional roles of circadian clock components in these responses, and their contribution to fitness, remain unknown.

We investigate the role of the central clock regulator TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 (TOC1) in Nicotiana attenuata's defense responses to the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta under both field and glasshouse conditions. We utilize 15N pulse‐labeling to quantify nitrogen incorporation into pools of three defense compounds: caffeoylputrescine (CP), dicaffeoyl spermidine (DCS) and nicotine.

Nitrogen incorporation was decreased in CP and DCS and increased in nicotine pools in irTOC1 plants compared to empty vector (EV) under control conditions, but these differences were abolished after simulated herbivory. Differences between EV and irTOC1 plants in nicotine, but not phenolamide production, were abolished by treatment with the ethylene agonist 1‐methylcyclopropene. Using micrografting, TOC1's effect on nicotine was isolated to the root and did not affect the fitness of heterografts under field conditions.

These results suggest that the circadian clock contributes to plant fitness by balancing production of metabolically expensive nitrogen‐rich defense compounds and mediating the allocation of resources between vegetative biomass and reproduction.
Growth of foetal bones and metabolic profile during gestation in primiparous ewes and multiparous ewes
Authors: Damián Juan Pablo , Terrazas Angélica , Cabrera Elisa , Simonetti Sofía , Aragunde Rafael , Fila Danilo
Published: July 2020

Primiparous ewes and multiparous ewes show physiological differences during pregnancy, which can have an impact on the development of their offspring. The objective of this study was to compare the changes in the metabolic profile and in the size of some foetal bones throughout gestation between primiparous and multiparous ewes. Twelve primiparous (PM) ewes and 14 multiparous (MT) ewes were used. According to the dates of lambing, two groups of ewes were formed: Group 1 (G1, n = 6 PM and n = 7 MT) and Group 2 (G2, n = 6 PM and n = 7 MT). The body weight, body condition score, metabolic and foetal morphometric parameters were determined from before conception until the end of gestation. After lambing, the body weight and survival rate during the first 72 hr of life of lambs, as well as the maternal behaviour score were recorded. The PM ewes were lighter (p < .01) and had a greater mobilization of body reserves during gestation, mainly evidenced by a greater serum concentration of NEFAs and lower serum concentration of total proteins (p < .05) compared with the MT ewes. The parity did not affect the foetal morphometric variables. The lambs of MT ewes were heavier at parturition (p = .002) and tended to have a greater survival rate than those lambs of PM ewes (p = .09). In conclusion, PM ewes and MT ewes differ in their metabolic profile throughout the gestation. However, in the present study, we did not find parity differences in the dimensions of foetal bones during growth in gestation.
Does size matter? Quantifying the cumulative impact of small‐scale living shoreline and oyster reef restoration projects on shoreline erosion
Authors: McClenachan Giovanna M. , Donnelly Melinda J. , Shaffer Michelle N. , Sacks Paul E. , Walters Linda J.
Published: July 2020

Shoreline erosion is a common problem for coastal systems, especially in areas of high human use. Small‐scale living shoreline (LSL) and oyster reef restoration projects can potentially slow or reverse shoreline erosion in low‐energy coastal environments. These projects are often easier and cheaper to implement when compared to hard armoring. However, their small size can also lead to limited funds for long‐term monitoring and an underestimation of their impact on altering local erosion dynamics. Universal metrics are popular for monitoring the biological success of small‐scale restoration projects, but may lack an affordable, easy method to quantify shoreline change over large spatial and temporal scales, including understanding losses prior to project initiation. Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) is a viable method to quantify cumulative shoreline change for multiple small‐scale restoration projects in one ecosystem. For example, over the past 12 years, 89 oyster reef and 14 small‐scale LSL restoration projects have occurred in Mosquito Lagoon, FL, U.S.A. While each project has been individually monitored, there has yet to be a combined quantification of the cumulative impact to shoreline erosion. Using imagery from USGS's Earthexplorer and the DSAS tool in ArcGIS, we calculated cumulative shoreline change impacts of small‐scale restorations in one ecosystem. Both small‐scale LSL and oyster reef restoration reversed shoreline erosion to accretion. Cumulative net shoreline gain for the LSL and oyster restoration projects were 347.62 m2/year and 288.91 m2/year, respectively. Quantifying cumulative shoreline change of multiple small‐scale restoration projects is a beneficial addition to universal monitoring.
Biogeopolitics of COVID‐19: Asylum‐Related Migrants at the European Union Borderlands
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S.
Published: July 2020

In biogeopolitics, the key state stakeholders develop and aim to accomplish their geopolitical goals by (mis)management and biopolitical governance of vulnerable population. In this paper, this population refers to asylum‐related migrants who use or aim to use an asylum request as their entry mechanism to the European Union. This paper explores the emergence of biogeopolitics at the EU borderland between Turkey and Greece during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020. Statistics about irregular migration from Turkey to Greece, field observations in Lesvos (Greece) as well as media and social media discussions about COVID‐19 in Lesvos are analysed. In the biogeopolitics of COVID‐19, the governance and (mis)management of asylum‐related migrants include policies and practices to let these migrants to live or die, including regulating illegal border‐crossings, everyday living conditions at the reception centres, and actions regarding the pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic was used as an additional tool to foster biogeopolitics.
Mega Regions and Pandemics
Authors: Adler Patrick , Florida Richard , Hartt Maxwell
Published: July 2020

The ongoing COVID‐19 crisis has put the relationship between spatial structure and disease exposure into relief. Here, we propose that mega regions – clusters of metropolitan regions like the Acela Corridor in the United States are more exposed to diseases earlier in pandemics. We review standard accounts for the benefits and costs of locating in such regions before arguing that pandemic risk is higher there on average. We test this mega region exposure theory with a study of the US urban system. Our results indicate that American mega regions have born the early brunt of the disease, and that three mega regions are hotspots. From this standpoint, the extent more than the intensity of New York's urbanization may be implicated in its COVID‐19 experience. We conclude that early pandemic risk is a hitherto unrecognised diseconomy operating in mega regions.
Intracerebral abscess due to Cutibacterium acnes after lung transplantation
Authors: Bos Saskia , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Verleden Geert M. , Vos Robin
Published: July 2020

Cutibacterium (C) acnes, a Gram‐positive bacterium that is part of the commensal flora, is increasingly noticed as an opportunistic pathogen in serious infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The indolent character and often difficult identification because of its slow growth contribute to delayed diagnosis or underdiagnosis. This report highlights a unique case of a lung transplant recipient with a C acnes intracerebral abscess, and we recommend including this organism in such differential diagnosis. A 66‐year‐old woman, 2 years after bilateral lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presented with frontal headache, without other complaints, and with normal neurological examination. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive lesion in the right frontal lobe with extensive perilesional edema. Given the broad differential diagnosis, stereotactic brain biopsy was performed and culture became positive for C acnes. She was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for 8 weeks and per oral clindamycin for 6 months, as well as corticosteroids in tapered dose. There was a rapid favorable clinical and radiographic evolution.
Willingness to use HIV self‐test kits and willingness to pay among urban antenatal clients in Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ashburn Kim , Antelman Gretchen , N'Goran Marc Kouadio , Jahanpour Ola , Yemaneberhan Aida , N'Guessan Kouakou Bernard , Kazemi Erin , Duffy Malia , Adama Pongathie , Kajoka Deborah , Coombs Alexandra , Tayag Josef , Sullivan David , Vrazo Alex
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To generate evidence on willingness to use HIV self‐test kits and willingness to pay among antenatal care clients in public and private facilities in Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data were collected from 414 clients recruited from 35 high‐volume facilities in Cote d’Ivoire and from 385 clients in 33 high‐volume facilities in Tanzania. Surveys covered willingness to use HIV self‐test kits, prices clients were willing to pay, advantages and disadvantages and views on specific qualities of HIV self‐tests. Market data on availability of proxy self‐testing products (e.g. pregnancy and malaria tests) and attitudes of pharmacists towards HIV self‐test kits were collected from 51 pharmacies in Cote d’Ivoire and 59 in Tanzania.

Results

Willingness to use HIV self‐test kits was 65% in Cote d’Ivoire and 69% in Tanzania. Median ideal prices women would pay ranged from USD 1.77 in Cote d’Ivoire to USD 0.87 in Tanzania. Proxy self‐test kits were available in pharmacies, and interest was high in stocking HIV self‐test kits.

Conclusions

Implications for national HIV self‐test policy and planning include keeping prices low, providing psychological and HIV counselling, and ensuring linkage to HIV care and treatment services. Private pharmacies will play a key role in providing access to HIV self‐test kits.
Cognitive Reading Strategies Employed by Form Three Malaysian English as Second Language (ESL) Students
Authors: Abisheganathan Jeevaratnam Jessica , Stapa Mahani
Published: July 2020

Previous studies reported that many low proficiency students have poor comprehension skills. Therefore, this research aims to study the cognitive reading strategies employed by ESL (English as Second Language) students and suggest appropriate cognitive strategies to be utilized by low proficiency students. This research was carried out in one of the secondary schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor. The purposive sample for this study consists of 60 Form 3 students (30 low proficiency and 30 high proficiency). Explanatory sequential mixed method design was used to carry out this research. The data collected via questionnaire, observation and interview for this research is analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse data gained from questionnaire and observation whereas for the interview data, extracts from the interviews were used to corroborate the findings. The findings reveal that the most common cognitive reading strategies employed by both group of students are skimming and translation. This research further highlights the most significant difference in reading strategies between both groups of students, which is, the high proficiency group outperformed the low proficiency group in overall strategy use, demonstrating the most frequent use of the strategies. Most prominently, in this research, the reading strategies that are deemed appropriate for the low proficiency students are highlighted. These strategies include four cognitive strategies; guessing, elaboration, summarizing and prediction.
G-jitter fully developed heat transfer by mixed convection flow in a vertical channel with constant heat flux
Authors: Amin Wan Nor Zaleha , Mohammad Ahmad Qushairi , Abdulhameed Mohammed , Shafie Sharidan
Published: July 2020

A theoretical study of mixed convection heat transfer was carried out in an infinite length of vertical channel with both open ends. One of the vertical plates was prescribed with constant heat flux. The effect of g-jitter was also taken into consideration. The Fourier method was utilized to solve the resulting governing equations. The behavior of the fluid temperature and velocity of the flow were studied and presented graphically in this paper. The graphical results were later on analyzed and discussed. The behavior of steady state flow was also investigated. Results confirmed that as wall temperature increased, the fluid temperature increased. The velocity increased due to increments in mixed convection and oscillation parameter, on the other hand, it decreased as a frequency of g-jitter increased.
Review on Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) approach in spatial analysis
Authors: Sulekan Ayuna , Syed Jamaludin Shariffah Suhaila
Published: July 2020

In spatial analysis, it is important to identify the nature of the relationship that exists between variables. Normally, it is done by estimating parameters with observations which taken from different spatial units that across a study area where parameters are assumed to be constant across space. However, this is not so as the spatial non-stationarity is a condition in which a simple model cannot explain the relationship between some sets of variables. The nature of the model must alter over space to reflect the structure within the data. Non-stationarity means that the relationship between variables under study varies from one location to another depending on physical factors of the environment that are spatially autocorrelated. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is a technique in which it applied to capture the variation by calibrating a multiple regression model, which allows different relationships to exist at different points in space. A robust algorithm has been successfully used in spatial analysis. GWR can theoretically integrate geographical location, altitude, and other factors for spatial analysis estimations, and reflects the non-stationary spatial relationship between these variables. The main goal of this study is to review the potential of the GWR in modelling the spatial relationship between variables either dependent or independent and its used as the spatial prediction models. Based on the application of GWR such as house property indicates that GWR is the best model in estimating the parameters. Hence, from the GWR model, the significance of the variation can also be tested
Cultura académica y enseñanza-aprendizaje en educación superior. Revisión de literatura
Authors: Benítez-Restrepo Milena
Published: July 2020

La revisión de literatura realizada con 40 artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2016, sobre la cultura académica y su relación con el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje, en diferentes universidades y países, evidencia el interés y reconocimiento a su importancia en el quehacer universitario, en coyunturas políticas, sociales, culturales presentes en su devenir. En tal sentido, constituye un aporte al campo del conocimiento que se construye a partir de los vacíos identificados en la bibliografía y la falta de consenso evidenciada entre los autores revisados. Finalmente, se define la cultura académica con una visión más amplia y trascendental.
Microscopic Spray Characteristics of Biodiesels Derived From Karanja, Jatropha, and Waste Cooking Oils
Authors: Patel Chetankumar , Hwang Joonsik , Bae Choongsik , Agarwal Rashmi A. , Agarwal Avinash Kumar
Published: July 2020

This study aims to assess the microscopic characteristics of Jatropha, Karanja, and Waste cooking oil-based biodiesels vis-a-vis conventional diesel under different ambient conditions in order to understand the in-cylinder processes, while using biodiesels produced from different feedstocks in the compression ignition engines. All test-fuels were injected in ambient atmosphere using a common-rail direct injection (CRDI) fuel injection system at a fuel injection pressure (FIP) of 40 MPa. Microscopic spray characteristics were measured using phase Doppler interferometer (PDI) in the axial direction of the spray at a distance of 60–90 mm downstream of the nozzle and at 0 to 3-mm distance from the central axis in the radial direction. All biodiesels exhibited relatively larger Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of the spray droplets and higher droplet velocities compared to baseline mineral diesel, possibly due to relatively higher fuel viscosity and surface tension of biodiesels. It was also observed that SMD of the spray droplets decreased with increasing distance in the radial and axial directions and the same trend was observed for all test-fuels.
Solar Assisted Dehydrator for Decentralized Controlled and Homogeneous Multi-Product Drying
Authors: Amjad Waseem , Waseem Muhammad , Munir Anjum , Ghafoor Abdul , Asghar Furqan , Gilani Gohar Ali
Published: July 2020

Batch type food dryers are common for drying agricultural produce due to simple in design, but they are prone to nonuniform drying and significant heat cost exclusively if they fall in the medium to large size range. The current study illustrates a solar hybrid food dryer using a gas burner and solar collector (evacuated tube collector, ETC) as heating source along with an inline perforation inside the drying chamber to obtain spatial drying homogeneity. Air distribution was assessed through three-dimensional simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Performance trials were conducted under three heating options (ETC, gas, and dual) using green chilies at 60 °C. Throughout drying chamber, under all heating modes, the average difference in drying rates ranged from 0.61 to 1.30 kg water/kg dry matter, demonstrating homogeneous drying. Simulated and experimental results of air distribution were found to be in agreement with each other. Using three options for thermal heating (ETC, gas, and dual) and an overall 58% efficiency for evacuated tube collector, the specific energy for moisture evaporation was found to be 4.5–5.7 MJ/kg and specific product energy 19.2–24.9 MJ/kg. In case of dual heating option, the energy supplied by solar and gas sources for a 20 hours period was 50.64% (160.22 MJ) and 49.35% (156.13 MJ), respectively. Compared with dual heating option, energy cost can be reduced by 68% if only solar energy is used as a heating option but with a protracted drying time.
Multi-Fidelity Surrogate Model Based on Canonical Correlation Analysis and Least Squares
Authors: Lv Liye , Zong Chaoyong , Zhang Chao , Song Xueguan , Sun Wei
Published: July 2020

The multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS) model is designed to make use of a small amount of expensive but accurate high-fidelity (HF) information and a lot of inaccurate but cheap low-fidelity (LF) information. In this paper, a canonical correlation analysis (CCA)-based MFS model in which the least squares (LS) method is used to determine optimal parameters, named CCA-LS-MFS, is proposed. The CCA-LS-MFS model consists of three stages. The first stage is to construct two transition matrices of HF and LF samples using the CCA method. Then, the discrepancy function between HF and LF models is constructed. In the third stage, parameters are determined by using the LS method. The correlation between HF and LF models, the cost ratio of HF to LF models, and the combination of HF and LF samples are explored. It is observed that the increase of the correlation between HF and LF models can highly improve the performance of the CCA-LS-MFS model. CCA-LS-MFS is capable of providing more robust performance than the other two baseline MFS models, especially when the HF and LF models are highly or weakly correlated, and is promising for being applied into the engineering problems with unclear correlation between HF and LF models. In addition, it has been found that in case of given total budget and HF information, the cost ratio of HF to LF models plays an important role in prediction performance, which requires more research in the future work.
An Experimental Evaluation of High-Cycle Gear Tooth Bending Fatigue Lives Under Fully Reversed and Fully Released Loading Conditions With Application to Planetary Gear Sets
Authors: Hong Isaac J. , Kahraman Ahmet , Anderson Neil
Published: July 2020

High-cycle gear tooth bending fatigue lives of spur gears under fully reversed and fully released loading conditions are compared in this experimental study. The experimental methodology described in an earlier publication, (Hong et al. 2020, “A Rotating Gear Test Methodology for Evaluation of High-Cycle Tooth Bending Fatigue Lives Under Fully Reversed and Fully Released Loading Conditions,” Int. J. Fatigue, 133, p. 105432. 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2019.105432), is employed to perform two sets of rotating, gear tooth bending fatigue tests. Statistical analyses are performed to regress stress versus life (S–N) curves under both loading conditions. These curves indicate that a gear under fully reversed loads has a shorter bending life at the same maximum tooth root stress as a gear under fully released loads. Various planetary gear set kinematic conditions with different stationary members are considered to determine the equivalent number of tooth loading cycles per revolution of the sun gear. They are combined with established S–N curves under both loading conditions to determine the ratios of allowable maximum tooth root stresses amongst the gear components of a P-planet gear set such that each gear in the set has the same bending fatigue life. A “stress-balanced” gear set designed to these stress ratios is expected to have the same bending fatigue life for its sun, ring, and planet gears, ensuring that the planetary gear set life is the longest.
Evolutionary Algorithm Embedded With Bump-Hunting for Constrained Design Optimization
Authors: Rahi Kamrul Hasan , Singh Hemant Kumar , Ray Tapabrata
Published: July 2020

Real-world design optimization problems commonly entail constraints that must be satisfied for the design to be viable. Mathematically, the constraints divide the search space into feasible (where all constraints are satisfied) and infeasible (where at least one constraint is violated) regions. The presence of multiple constraints, constricted and/or disconnected feasible regions, non-linearity and multi-modality of the underlying functions could significantly slow down the convergence of evolutionary algorithms (EA). Since each design evaluation incurs some time/computational cost, it is of significant interest to improve the rate of convergence to obtain competitive solutions with relatively fewer design evaluations. In this study, we propose to accomplish this using two mechanisms: (a) more intensified search by identifying promising regions through “bump-hunting,” and (b) use of infeasibility-driven ranking to exploit the fact that optimal solutions are likely to be located on constraint boundaries. Numerical experiments are conducted on a range of mathematical benchmarks and empirically formulated engineering problems, as well as a simulation-based wind turbine design optimization problem. The proposed approach shows up to 53.48% improvement in median objective values and up to 69.23% reduction in cost of identifying a feasible solution compared with a baseline EA.
Hierarchical Control Co-Design Using a Model Fidelity-Based Decomposition Framework
Authors: Nash Austin L. , Jain Neera
Published: July 2020

Increasing performance demands and constraints are necessitating the design of highly complex, integrated systems across multiple sectors, including transportation and energy. However, conventional design approaches for such systems are largely siloed and focused on steady-state operation. To accommodate tightening operating envelopes, new design paradigms are needed that explicitly consider system-component interactions and their implications on transient performance at the system design stage. In this work, we present a model fidelity-based decomposition (MFBD) hierarchical control co-design (HCCD) algorithm designed to optimize system performance characteristics, with an emphasis on robustness to transient disturbances during real-time operation. Our framework integrates system level control co-design (CCD) with high-fidelity component design optimization in a computationally efficient manner for classes of highly coupled systems in which the coupling between subproblems cannot be fully captured using existing analytical relationships. Our algorithm permits scalable decomposition of computationally intensive component models and addresses coupling issues between subproblems in part by introducing an intermediate optimization procedure to solve for reduced-order model parameters that maximize the accuracy of the lumped-parameter control model required in the CCD algorithm. We demonstrate the merits of the MFBD HCCD algorithm, in comparison to an all-at-once (AAO) CCD approach, through a case study on aircraft dynamic thermal management. Our results show that our decomposition-based solution matches the AAO optimal cost to within 2.5% with a 54% reduction in computation time.
On New Analytic Free Vibration Solutions of Doubly Curved Shallow Shells by the Symplectic Superposition Method Within the Hamiltonian-System Framework
Authors: Li Rui , Zhou Chao , Zheng Xinran
Published: July 2020

This study presents a first attempt to explore new analytic free vibration solutions of doubly curved shallow shells by the symplectic superposition method, with focus on non-Lévy-type shells that are hard to tackle by classical analytic methods due to the intractable boundary-value problems of high-order partial differential equations. Compared with the conventional Lagrangian-system-based expression to be solved in the Euclidean space, the present description of the problems is within the Hamiltonian system, with the solution procedure implemented in the symplectic space, incorporating formulation of a symplectic eigenvalue problem and symplectic eigen expansion. Specifically, an original problem is first converted into two subproblems, which are solved by the above strategy to yield the symplectic solutions. The analytic frequency and mode shape solutions are then obtained by the requirement of the equivalence between the original problem and the superposition of subproblems. Comprehensive results for representative non-Lévy-type shells are tabulated or plotted, all of which are well validated by satisfactory agreement with the numerical finite element method. Due to the strictness of mathematical derivation and accuracy of solution, the developed method provides a solid approach for seeking more analytic solutions.
Patterning nickel for extreme ultraviolet lithography mask application. II. Hybrid reactive ion etch and atomic layer etch processing
Authors: Sang Xia , Chang Jane P.
Published: July 2020

A two-step plasma-thermal atomic layer etching (ALE) process that is capable of etching Ni with high selectivity with respect to the SiO2 hard mask and high anisotropy is evaluated in this work with a reactive ion etching (RIE) process to highlight the contrast between these two processes and the advantages of combining these two processes to tailor the sidewall profile with greater processing efficiency. The RIE chemistry leveraged the enhanced volatility of chlorinated nickel in the presence of hydrogen atoms. The hybrid RIE and ALE process achieved the desired sidewall profile, with no measurable residual halogen.
VRK-1 extends life span by activation of AMPK via phosphorylation
Authors: Park Sangsoon , Artan Murat , Han Seung Hyun , Park Hae-Eun H. , Jung Yoonji , Hwang Ara B. , Shin Won Sik , Kim Kyong-Tai , Lee Seung-Jae V.
Published: July 2020

A conserved protein kinase VRK-1 increases life span by activating a key energy sensor AMPK in the roundworm
C. elegans
.
Coupling chromatin structure and dynamics by live super-resolution imaging
Authors: Barth R. , Bystricky K. , Shaban H. A.
Published: July 2020

Deep-PALM, a time-resolved super-resolution microscopy, enables the simultaneous analysis of chromatin structure and dynamics.
Matching cell lines with cancer type and subtype of origin via mutational, epigenomic, and transcriptomic patterns
Authors: Salvadores Marina , Fuster-Tormo Francisco , Supek Fran
Published: July 2020

Some cell lines exhibit transcriptomic, epigenomic, and mutational signatures of a different cancer type than originally annotated.
The fungal collaboration gradient dominates the root economics space in plants
Authors: Bergmann Joana , Weigelt Alexandra , van der Plas Fons , Laughlin Daniel C. , Kuyper Thom W. , Guerrero-Ramirez Nathaly , Valverde-Barrantes Oscar J. , Bruelheide Helge , Freschet Grégoire T. , Iversen Colleen M. , Kattge Jens , McCormack M. Luke , Meier Ina C. , Rillig Matthias C. , Roumet Catherine , Semchenko Marina , Sweeney Christopher J. , van Ruijven Jasper , York Larry M. , Mommer Liesje
Published: July 2020

Collaboration broadens the “root economics space” ranging from “do-it-yourself” to “outsourcing” to mycorrhizal partners.
Identification of human CD4
+
T cell populations with distinct antitumor activity
Authors: Nelson Michelle H. , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Bailey Stefanie R. , Huff Logan W. , Bowers Jacob S. , Majchrzak-Kuligowska Kinga , Wyatt Megan M. , Rubinstein Mark P. , Mehrotra Shikhar , Nishimura Michael I. , Armeson Kent E. , Giresi Paul G. , Zilliox Michael J. , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Paulos Chrystal M.
Published: July 2020

Human CD4
+
T cell subsets elicit differential immunity against solid tumors when redirected with antigen specificity.
Coupling and confinement of current in thermoacoustic phased arrays
Authors: Tatnell David M. , Heath Mark S. , Hepplestone Steven P. , Hibbins Alastair P. , Hornett Samuel M. , Horsley Simon A. R. , Horsell David W.
Published: July 2020

The interaction of currents in arrays of acoustic elements based on joule heating creates a unique, controllable sound source.
Acceptorless dehydrogenation and hydrogenation of N- and O-containing compounds on Pd
3
Au
1
(111) facets
Authors: Cui Xinjiang , Huang Zhangjun , van Muyden Antoine P. , Fei Zhaofu , Wang Tao , Dyson Paul J.
Published: July 2020

A highly efficient catalyst for the additive-free dehydrogenation and hydrogenation of amines and alcohols is described.
Circulating transcripts in maternal blood reflect a molecular signature of early-onset preeclampsia
Authors: Munchel Sarah , Rohrback Suzanne , Randise-Hinchliff Carlo , Kinnings Sarah , Deshmukh Shweta , Alla Nagesh , Tan Catherine , Kia Amirali , Greene Grainger , Leety Linda , Rhoa Matthew , Yeats Scott , Saul Matthew , Chou Julia , Bianco Kimberley , O’Shea Kevin , Bujold Emmanuel , Norwitz Errol , Wapner Ronald , Saade George , Kaper Fiona
Published: July 2020

Circulating transcripts reflect biologically relevant changes in early-onset severe preeclampsia and can accurately classify patient status.
The Presence of the Hairy-Root-Disease-Inducing (Ri) Plasmid in Wheat Endophytic Rhizobia Explains a Pathogen Reservoir Function of Healthy Resistant Plants
Authors: Kang Byoungwoo , Maeshige Taichi , Okamoto Aya , Kataoka Yui , Yamamoto Shinji , Rikiishi Kazuhide , Tani Akio , Sawada Hiroyuki , Suzuki Katsunori
Published: July 2020

Crown gall and hairy root diseases exhibit very wide host-plant ranges that cover gymnosperm and dicot plants. The
Rhizobium radiobacter
species complex harbors causative agents of the two diseases. Recently, endophyte isolates from many plant species have been assigned to this species complex. We isolated seven endophyte strains belonging to the species complex from wheat plants and revealed their genomovar affiliations and plasmid profile. The significance of this study is the finding of the genomovar correlation between the endophytes and the known pathogens, the presence of a virulence ability in two of the seven endophyte strains, and the high ratio of the pathogenic strains in the endophyte strains. This study therefore provides convincing evidence that could unravel the mechanism that maintains pathogenic agents of this species and sporadically delivers them to susceptible plants.
Draft Genome Sequence of Simplicillium aogashimaense 72-15.1, a Putative Endophyte of Brachiaria brizantha
Authors: Jauregui Ruy , Johnson Linda J. , Teasdale Suliana E.
Published: July 2020

Here, we report a 29-Mb draft genome sequence of strain 72-15.1 of
Simplicillium aogashimaense
(Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales). Strain 72-15.1 was a unique fungal isolate obtained from asymptomatic tillers of the tropical grass
Brachiaria brizantha
.
Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Symbionts Inhibit Marine Bacteria via Production of Specialized Metabolites, Including New Bromoalterochromides BAC-D/D′
Authors: Suria Andrea M. , Tan Karen C. , Kerwin Allison H. , Gitzel Lucas , Abini-Agbomson Lydia , Bertenshaw Jessica M. , Sewell Jaydeen , Nyholm Spencer V. , Balunas Marcy J.
Published: July 2020

Animals that deposit eggs must protect their embryos from fouling and disease by microorganisms to ensure successful development. Although beneficial bacteria are hypothesized to contribute to egg defense in many organisms, the mechanisms of this protection are only recently being elucidated. Our previous studies of the Hawaiian bobtail squid focused on fungal inhibition by beneficial bacterial symbionts of a female reproductive gland and eggs. Herein, using genomic and chemical analyses, we demonstrate that symbiotic bacteria from this gland can also inhibit other marine bacteria
in vitro
. One bacterial strain in particular,
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. JC28, had broad-spectrum abilities to inhibit potential fouling bacteria, in part via production of novel bromoalterochromide metabolites, confirmed via genomic annotation of the associated biosynthetic gene cluster. Our results suggest that these bacterial metabolites may contribute to antimicrobial activity in this association and that such defensive symbioses are underutilized sources for discovering novel antimicrobial compounds.
Risk-based screening to identify reproductive tract infection among HIV-infected women desiring use of intrauterine contraceptives
Authors: Langwenya Nontokozo , Todd Catherine S. , Jones Heidi E. , Hoover Donald R. , Hu Nai-Chung , Ronan Agnes , Myer Landon
Published: July 2020

Background

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, yet RTI testing remains limited in resource-constrained settings. We assessed performance of an existing RTI risk assessment screening tool among women living with HIV (WLHIV) considering intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) use.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among WLHIV screened for participation in an IUC trial in Cape Town, South Africa (NCT01721798). RTI testing includedNeisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis,Trichomonas vaginalisand bacterial vaginosis. Tool scoring was based on five separately scored criteria: (1) age under 25 years, (2) cohabitation with a partner, (3) secondary education, (4) self-reported intermenstrual bleeding and (5) number of current sexual partners and condom use frequency (score 0–5). We assessed tool performance in detecting RTI at 0 vs 1–5, 0–1 vs 2–5 and 0–2 vs 3–5 score thresholds.

Results

Of 303 women, 52% (n=157) reported antiretroviral therapy use and median age was 31 years. The prevalence of any RTI was 38% (gonorrhoea=7%, chlamydia=11%, trichomoniasis=12% and bacterial vaginosis=18%) and 8% of women had multiple RTIs. Overall, 4%, 27% and 69% of women had screening tool scores of 0, 1 or 2+, respectively. At a threshold of at least one scored criterion, the tool demonstrated high sensitivities (95%–97%) but low specificities (3%–4%) for detecting any RTI. Increasing the score threshold and/or inclusion of abnormal vaginal discharge marginally improved specificity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RTIs observed in this population was high, and the screening tool had no discriminatory power to detect prevalent RTIs.
Improving equivalence in fibrinogen evaluation between the prothrombin time-derived fibrinogen assay and Clauss method using a pooled plasma calibrator
Authors: Wang Sheng , Duan Xiaoyong , Liu Xingtai , Wu Liuchun , Zhang Yan , Jin Xin
Published: July 2020

Aims

Both the Clauss and prothrombin time-derived fibrinogen (PT-Fib) methods have widely been used in fibrinogen (Fib) evaluation. We aimed to improve the interchangeability between these two methods.

Methods

Thirty fresh plasmas of low, normal and high Fib concentration were mixed to prepare the pooled human plasma. The Fib concentration was assessed by the Clauss method. The PT-Fib values were further recalibrated by the assigned plasma pools and the precision, linearity and reference intervals were verified according to the guidelines of American Society for Clinical and Laboratory Standards (CLSI) EP15-A and EP6-A documents. Finally, the recalibrated PT-Fib method was compared with Clauss method by the simultaneous Fib test of total 5259 coagulation samples.

Results

The results indicated that the recalibrated PT-Fib method can detect the Fib concentration with clinically acceptable third-order linearity in the range of 1.27–8.00 g/L. Only one result out of 39 healthy people tested using the recalibrated PT-Fib method did not fall within the reference range defined by the manufacturer. We also found more than 99% of results between these two methods were interchangeable in the range of 1.51–8.00 g/L. The disagreement between these two methods was found only in patients with certain underlying conditions.

Conclusions

After recalibration, the consistency between the PT-Fib and Clauss methods was enhanced and the interchangeability was improved. The application of the recalibrated PT-Fib method provided accurate and reliable results with the manufacturer-provided reagents and improved detection speed and cost-effectiveness.
Establishment of a remote diagnostic histopathology service using whole slide imaging (digital pathology)
Authors: Evans Andrew John , Vajpeyi Rajkumar , Henry Michele , Chetty Runjan
Published: July 2020

Background

Whole slide imaging (WSI) has diverse applications in modern pathology practice, including providing histopathology services to remote locations.

Materials and methods

Utilising an existing contractual partnership with a Northern Ontario group of hospitals, the feasibility of using WSI for primary diagnostic services from Toronto was explored by the dedicated working group. All aspects explored from information technology (IT), laboratory information system (LIS) integration, scanning needs, laboratory workflow and pathologist needs and training, were taken into account in the developing the rationale and business case.

Results

The financial outlay for a scanner was $CA180K (approximately £105.6 k) after discounts. There were no human resource requirements as staff were reorganised to cater for slide scanning. Additional IT/LIS costs were not incurred as existing connectivity was adapted to allow two site groups (gastrointestinal and skin) to pilot this study. Scanned slides were available for pathologist review 24–96 hours sooner than glass slides; there was a 2-day improvement for final authorised cases, and per annum savings were: $CA26 000 (£15.2 k) in courier costs, $CA60 000 (£35.2 k) travel and $CA45 000 (£26.4 k) in accommodation, meals and car rental expense.

Conclusion

WSI is a viable solution to provide timely, high-quality and cost efficient histopathology services to underserviced, remote areas.
Bupropion in the Treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Pots): A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Vyas Rohit , Nesheiwat Zeid , Ruzieh Mohammed , Ammari Zaid , Al-Sarie Mohammad , Grubb Blair
Published: July 2020

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is estimated to impact millions of people each year. However, there is no established gold standard for its treatment. Bupropion is a norepinephrine and a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and has been implicated as a potential treatment for POTS. We performed a non-randomized retrospective chart review on 47 patients with POTS with statistical analysis evaluating for significant findings including reduced orthostasis and improvement of symptoms with the use of bupropion. Bupropion was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in orthostatic vitals but there was an overall reduction in reported syncope. While the use of bupropion does not show a statistically significant impact on orthostatic vitals in patients with POTS, it did show a degree of improvement in syncope and as such might be useful in patients with syncope-predominant POTS.
Pituitary dysfunction induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with better overall survival in both malignant melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma: a prospective study
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoko , Iwama Shintaro , Yasuda Yoshinori , Okada Norio , Okuji Takayuki , Ito Masaaki , Onoue Takeshi , Goto Motomitsu , Sugiyama Mariko , Tsunekawa Taku , Takagi Hiroshi , Hagiwara Daisuke , Ito Yoshihiro , Suga Hidetaka , Banno Ryoichi , Yokota Kenji , Hase Tetsunari , Morise Masahiro , Hashimoto Naozumi , Ando Masahiko , Fujimoto Yasushi , Hibi Hideharu , Sone Michihiko , Ando Yuichi , Akiyama Masashi , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Arima Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

Background

Several immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are reported to be associated with therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, yet whether pituitary dysfunction, a life-threatening irAE, affects overall survival (OS) in patients with malignancies is unclear. This prospective study examined the association of pituitary dysfunction (pituitary-irAE) with OS of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) or malignant melanoma (MM).

Methods

A total of 174 patients (NSCLC, 108; MM, 66) treated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab at Nagoya University Hospital were evaluated for OS and the development of pituitary-irAE. Kaplan-Meier curves of OS as a function of the development of pituitary-irAE were produced with the log-rank test as a primary endpoint.

Results

Pituitary-irAE was observed in 16 patients (4 (3.7%) with NSCLC, 12 (18.2%) with MM) having two different disease types: hypophysitis with deficiency of multiple anterior pituitary hormones accompanied by pituitary enlargement, and isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency without pituitary enlargement. Among these patients, 6 developed pituitary-irAE while being treated with ipilimumab (6/25 patients (24.0%) treated with ipilimumab) and 10 developed pituitary-irAE during treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab (10/167 (6.0%)). All 16 patients had ACTH deficiency and were treated with physiological doses of hydrocortisone. The development of pituitary-irAE was associated with better OS in patients with NSCLC (not reached vs 441 (95% CI not calculated) days, p<0.05) and MM (885 (95% CI 434 to 1336) vs 298 (95% CI 84 to 512) days, p<0.05).

Conclusions

In our study cohort, the incidence of pituitary-irAE was higher than previously reported and the development of pituitary-irAE predicted better prognosis for both NSCLC and MM when patients were treated with physiological doses of hydrocortisone.

Clinical trials registration

UMIN000019024.
Element-Free Galerkin method for dynamic boundary flow problems
Authors: Meng Jun-Nan , Pan Guang , Cao Yong-Hui
Published: July 2020

This paper focuses on the study of dynamic boundary flow problems based on the Element-Free Galerkin method. First, Navier–Stokes equation is discretized with the Galerkin method. The inertial term in the equation is discretized with the method of the speed term and direct deduction, respectively. The penalty function method is used to deal with the pressure and the essential boundary condition in the equation, and the discretization of two-dimensional N–S equation based on the EFG method is established. However, irregular changes in boundary conditions are often encountered in practical fluid problems. For example, the motion of flapping-foil is not uniform relative to the flow. In this paper, numerical experiments are carried out for the flow problems with non-uniform boundary motions. The problem which a plate with non-uniform drag movement above a rectangular tank filled with water is studied with the EFG method. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified by comparison with the FEM method. Then, the procession of the water in the tank is stimulated. In the end, the influence of different calculation time steps on the accuracy of the solution is discussed.