bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilm Derived Oxylipin Mediated Autoimmune Response in Breast Implant Subjects
Authors: Khan Imran , Minto Robert E. , Kelley-Patteson Christine , Van Natta Bruce W. , Neumann Colby R. , Suh Lily J. , Singh Kanhaiya , Lester Mary , VonDerHaar R Jason , Gordillo Gayle M. , Hassanein Aladdin H. , Sen Chandan K. , Kadin Marshall E. , Sinha Mithun
Published: November 2020

Over 10 million women worldwide have breast implants for breast cancer/prophylactic reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation. In recent years, a number of patients have described a constellation of symptoms that are believed to be related to their breast implants. This constellation of symptoms has been named Breast Implant Illness (BII). The symptoms described include chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain and a host of other manifestations often associated with autoimmune illnesses. In this work, we report that bacterial biofilm is associated with BII. We postulate that the pathogenesis of BII is mediated via a host-pathogen interaction whereby the biofilm bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis interacts with breast lipids to form the oxylipin 10-HOME. The oxylipin 10-HOME was found to activate CD4+ T cells to Th1 subtype. An increased abundance of CD4+Th1 was observed in the breast tissue of BII subjects. The identification of a mechanism of immune activation associated with BII via a biofilm enabled pathway provides insight into the pathogenesis for implant-associated autoimmune symptoms.
Utilizing a unified structure model in (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace to identify a homologous phase (Ga1−αAlα)2O3(ZnO)min ZnO-based thermoelectric composites
Authors: Michiue Yuichi , Son Hyoung-Won , Mori Takao
Published: November 2020

A unified structure model in (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace proved suitable for identification of a homologous phase (Ga1−αAlα)2O3(ZnO)mby the profile fitting of powder X-ray diffraction intensities for thermoelectric composite materials in the pseudoternary system ZnO–Al2O3–Ga2O3. A homologous compound of the phase parameterm≃ 37 was found to coexist with (Al,Ga)-doped ZnO in samples sintered at 1723 K in air. The thermoelectric properties of the composite materials were closely related to the phase fractions. The higher the phase fraction of (Al,Ga)-doped ZnO with the wurtzite structure, the higher the electrical conductivity. On the other hand, the homologous compound with the long-period structure was effective in lowering the thermal conductivity of the materials.
Determination of hard X-ray polarization from two-dimensional images
Authors: Von Dreele Robert B. , Xu Wenqian
Published: November 2020

An estimate of synchrotron hard X-ray incident beam polarization is obtained by partial two-dimensional image masking followed by integration. With the correct polarization applied to each pixel in the image, the resulting one-dimensional pattern shows no discontinuities arising from the application of the mask. Minimization of the difference between the sums of the masked and unmasked powder patterns allows estimation of the polarization to ±0.001.
Fine details of crystal structure and atomic vibrations in YbB12with a metal–insulator transition
Authors: Bolotina Nadezhda , Khrykina Olga , Azarevich Andrey , Gavrilkin Sergey , Sluchanko Nikolay
Published: November 2020

The crystal structure of single-crystal Kondo insulator YbB12was studied at nine temperatures in the range 85–293 K based on X-ray diffraction data. Very weak Jahn–Teller distortions of the cubic lattice were detected at all temperatures, but did not require a revision of the structural model. Heat capacity and electrical conductivity of YbB12single crystals were studied in the temperature range 1.9–300 K. It is found that both the structural parameters and the indicated physical properties have some specific features in the temperature range 120–160 K. The unit cell of YbB12contracts when cooled below 160 K and expands at around 120 K. The temperature dependences of the equivalent atomic displacement parametersUeq(T) are no longer monotonic around 140 K and should be modeled by two Einstein curves for Yb and two Debye curves for boron atoms above and below this temperature. As follows from the temperature behavior of the specific heat, coupled oscillations of Yb ions in a double-well potential lead to the appearance of a charge gap in the density of states and gradual deterioration in conductive properties of the crystal below 150 K. This metal–insulator phase transition is accompanied by a kink in theUeq(T) curves and changes in the unit-cell values.
Two conformational polymorphs of 4-methylhippuric acid
Authors: Guillén Marilia , Mora Asiloé J. , Belandria Lusbely M. , Seijas Luis E. , Ramírez Jeans W. , Burgos José L. , Rincón Luis , Delgado Gerzon E.
Published: November 2020

4-Methylhippuric acid {systematic name: 2-[(4-methylbenzoyl)amino]ethanoic acid}, a p-xylene excreted metabolite with a backbone containing three rotatable bonds (R-bonds), is likely to produce more than one stable molecular structure in the solid state. In this work, we prepared polymorph I by slow solvent evaporation (plates with Z′ = 1) and polymorph II by mechanical grinding (plates with Z′ = 2). Potential energy surface (PES) analysis, rotating the molecule about the C—C—N—C torsion angle, shows four conformational energy basins. The second basin, with torsion angles near −73°, agree with the conformations adopted by polymorph I and molecules A of polymorph II, and the third basin at 57° matched molecules B of polymorph II. The energy barrier between these basins is 27.5 kJ mol−1. Superposition of the molecules of polymorphs I and II rendered a maximum r.m.s. deviation of 0.398 Å. Polymorphs I and II are therefore true conformational polymorphs. The crystal packing of polymorph I consists of C(5) chains linked by N—H...O interactions along the a axis and C(7) chains linked by O—H...O interactions along the b axis. In polymorph II, two molecules (A with A or B with B) are connected by two acid–amide O—H...O interactions rendering R
2
2(14) centrosymmetric dimers. These dimers alternate to pile up along the b axis linked by N—H...O interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis localized weaker noncovalent interactions, C—H...O and C—H...π, with contact distances close to the sum of the van der Waals radii. Electron density at a local level using the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and the Electron Localization Function (ELF), or a semi-local level using noncovalent interactions, was used to rank interactions. Strong closed shell interactions in classical O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds have electron density highly localized on bond critical points. Weaker delocalized electron density is seen around the p-methylphenyl rings associated with dispersive C—H...π and H...H interactions.
PSO-based group-oriented crow search algorithm (PGCSA)
Authors: Das Sudeepa , Sahu Tirath Prasad , Janghel Rekh Ram
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to modify the crow search algorithm (CSA) to enhance both exploration and exploitation capability by including two novel approaches. The positions of the crows are updated in two approaches based on awareness probability (AP). With AP, the position of a crow is updated by considering its velocity, calculated in a similar fashion to particle swarm optimization (PSO) to enhance the exploiting capability. Without AP, the crows are subdivided into groups by considering their weights, and the crows are updated by conceding leaders of the groups distributed over the search space to enhance the exploring capability. The performance of the proposed PSO-based group-oriented CSA (PGCSA) is realized by exploring the solution of benchmark equations. Further, the proposed PGCSA algorithm is validated over recently published algorithms by solving engineering problems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, two novel approaches are implemented in two phases of CSA (with and without AP), which have been entitled the PGCSA algorithm to solve engineering benchmark problems.

Findings

The proposed algorithm is applied with two types of problems such as eight benchmark equations without constraint and six engineering problems.

Originality/value

The PGCSA algorithm is proposed with superior competence to solve engineering problems. The proposed algorithm is substantiated hypothetically by using a paired t-test.
The just economic system: a model and its simulations
Authors: Saribas Hakan , Yumuşak İbrahim Güran
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Macro models are being developed in Islamic economics literature. These models, in general, follow the program of Islamization of knowledge and combine the genuine characteristics of Islamic economics with the tools of mainstream economics. The founding leader of Millî Görüs movement in Turkey, Necmettin Erbakan, and a group of Islamic intellectuals, had developed an economic program known as the just system. This paper aims to attempt to model the just economic system (the JES) with appropriate econometric techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper models the macroeconomics of the JES with linear equations and conducts a series of simulations to identify its outputs. Based on the closed economy assumption, this paper describes the production function with a government share, defines a charitable foundation sector, exclude the speculation motive in money demand. Savings are transferred into investments without interest. This paper also develops an econometric simultaneous-equation model of the JES.

Findings

According to the results obtained from the selected simulation scenarios, this paper concludes that the macroeconomic JES works well and produces desirable outputs as it was stated in the original program.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, the econometric estimations of the JES can be made. By adding more equations to the simple model, a medium or large scale JES macroeconomic model can be developed.

Practical implications

The JES can now be a source of economic policy designs.

Social implications

The model can be used to address socioeconomic objectives.

Originality/value

It is the only Islamic economic model that has been ever developed in Turkey. The notion of the JES has not been subjected to enough economic analysis and as far as it is known, it has not yet been modeled and simulated.
The exchange and use of cultural and social capital among community health workers in the United States
Authors: Saint Onge Jarron M. , Brooks Joanna Veazey
Published: November 2020

Community health care workers (CHWs), lay community members with basic health care training, have been charged with providing appropriate care for vulnerable populations, addressing social determinants and improving population health. Frequently, CHWs lack the economic or cultural capital to accomplish these goals. Through analysis of 17 semi‐structured interviews with CHWs and supervisors at a CHW programme in the United States, we draw on Bourdieu's theory of practice to examine how the exchange of cultural and social capital impact CHW effectiveness. We found that CHWs’ reliance on bonding capital was perceived to effectively build social networks and mutual trust among marginalised communities. But, over‐reliance on embodied cultural capital and bonding capital reduced integration into the health care field; limited access to bridging capital; and limited social standing. We highlight how the exchange of cultural to bonding and bridging capital presented structural limitations. Overall, the demonstrated tension demarcates and reinforces longstanding divisions between social issues and health care issues. Future efforts should focus on promoting the unique skills of CHWs within health care settings to avoid compromising CHWs’ ability to advance population health.
‘Handwriting is often the Index of the Mind’: Mapping Scientific Networks through the Collections of John Nichols and His Family of Printers, Antiquaries and Autograph Hunters
Authors: Pooley Julian
Published: November 2020

The Nichols family was at the centre of an international network of intellectual exchange. As editors of the Gentleman's Magazine and as printers for learned societies, their printing shop was a clearing‐house for the scientific and antiquarian news that fed this scholarly community. Their archive charts the relationship between John Nichols and the botanists who contributed to his county history of Leicestershire, but it also formed the core of collections of autograph letters formed by his descendants. Now catalogued for the first time, these collections provide an insight into the friendships between antiquaries and scientists throughout the Age of Enlightenment.
Bricks and Antiquarianism: Masonry and Historical Method in the Historical Sciences
Authors: Ksiazkiewicz Allison
Published: November 2020

The role of sentiment in narratives generated by antiquarians, dilettanti and geologists in late eighteenth‐century Britain features as a significant force in the development of the historical sciences. During the fieldwork for and subsequent publication of The Geography and Antiquities of Ithaca (1807), by Sir William Gell (1777‐1836), and A Description of the Principal Picturesque Beauties, Antiquities and Geological Phenomena of the Isle of Wight (1816), by his colleague Sir Henry Charles Englefield (c.1752‐1822), the role of association and sentiment makes visible the ruins of everyday‐type architectures and geological processes, and demonstrates tensions between human‐made and natural artefacts.
Trade associations and collusion among many agents: evidence from physicians
Authors: Alé‐Chilet Jorge , Atal Juan Pablo
Published: November 2020

We study a recent case where most gynecologists in one city formed a trade association to bargain for better rates with insurance companies. After unsuccessful negotiations, the physicians jointly terminated their insurer contracts and set a minimum price. We find that subsequent realized prices coincided with Nash‐Bertrand prices, and that the minimum price was barely binding. We show that these actions ensured the association's stability and increased profits. Our findings shed light on the role of trade association in collusion among a large number of heterogeneous agents, and provide insights for the antitrust analysis of trade associations.
Sexual educational needs of Jordanian women after giving birth
Authors: Alnuaimi Karimeh , Almalik Mona
Published: November 2020

Background

Pregnancy and birth entail many bodily changes, including changes in sexual activity. The postpartum period is a time of considerable recovery and adaptation for women, yet women do not always receive adequate information, especially in countries where such topics may be considered taboo. The purpose of this project was to explore the sexual educational needs of Jordanian women after giving birth.

Methods

A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 25 women were recruited from two health care centers. Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted in person in Arabic between August and November 2015. Transcripts were independently analyzed and coded by each researcher.

Results

Two major themes with six subthemes emerged. Theme 1, sexual education, included discussions about the women's needs for scientific information and the husband's involvement, and their psychological needs. Theme 2, professional approaches, involved discussions about the most appropriate person to deliver education, preferred place and time for education, and effective educational approaches to be used.

Discussion

Congruent with previous studies, findings indicated that issues related to sexuality are often ignored in this population.

Conclusions

Jordanian women have many unmet educational needs with respect to sexuality after giving birth. More efforts are needed from health care professionals and other stakeholders to help improve Jordanian women's sexual health education after giving birth. These should include greater access to classes, websites with scientific information, and informational handouts that target husbands, and postpartum women themselves.
Direct inhibitory effect on viral entry of influenza A and SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses by azithromycin
Authors: Du Xiaohong , Zuo Xiangyang , Meng Fang , Han Chenfeng , Ouyang Wei , Han Yu , Gu Yayun , Zhao Xin , Xu Feng , Qin Frank Xiaofeng
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Using strategy of drug repurposing, antiviral agents against influenza A virus (IAV) and newly emerging SARS‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2, also as 2019‐nCoV) could be quickly screened out.

Materials and Methods

A previously reported engineered replication‐competent PR8 strain carrying luciferase reporter gene (IAV‐luc) and multiple pseudotyped IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was used. To specifically evaluate the pH change of vesicles containing IAV, we constructed an A549 cell line with endosomal and lysosomal expression of pHluorin2.

Results

Here, we identified azithromycin (AZ) as an effective inhibitor against multiple IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. We found that AZ treatment could potently inhibit IAV infection in vitro. Moreover, using pseudotyped virus model, AZ could also markedly block the entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 in HEK293T‐ACE2 and Caco2 cells. Mechanistic studies further revealed that such effect was independent of interferon signalling. AZ treatment neither impaired the binding and internalization of IAV virions, nor the viral replication, but rather inhibited the fusion between viral and vacuolar membranes. Using a NPC1‐pHluorin2 reporter cell line, we confirmed that AZ treatment could alkalize the vesicles containing IAV virions, thereby preventing pH‐dependent membrane fusion.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings demonstrate that AZ can exert broad‐spectrum antiviral effects against IAV and SARS‐CoV‐2, and could be served as a potential clinical anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 drug in emergency as well as a promising lead compound for the development of next‐generation anti‐IAV drugs.
Evaluating potential effects of solar power facilities on wildlife from an animal behavior perspective
Authors: Chock Rachel Y. , Clucas Barbara , Peterson Elizabeth K. , Blackwell Bradley F. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Church Kathleen , Fernández‐Juricic Esteban , Francescoli Gabriel , Greggor Alison L. , Kemp Paul , Pinho Gabriela M. , Sanzenbacher Peter M. , Schulte Bruce A. , Toni Pauline
Published: November 2020

Solar power is a renewable energy source with great potential to help meet increasing global energy demands and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. However, research is scarce on how solar facilities affect wildlife. With input from professionals in ecology, conservation, and energy, we conducted a research‐prioritization process and identified key questions needed to better understand impacts of solar facilities on wildlife. We focused on animal behavior, which can be used to identify population responses before mortality or other fitness consequences are documented. Behavioral studies can also offer approaches to understand the mechanisms leading to negative interactions (e.g., collision, singeing, avoidance) and provide insight into mitigating effects. Here, we review how behavioral responses to solar facilities, including perception, movement, habitat use, and interspecific interactions are priority research areas. Addressing these themes will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of solar power on wildlife and guide future mitigation.
Determinants of LA reservoir strain: Independent effects of LA volume and LV global longitudinal strain
Authors: Gan Gary C.H. , Bhat Aditya , Chen Henry H.L. , Fernandez Fernando , Byth Karen , Eshoo Suzanne , Thomas Liza
Published: November 2020

Background

Left atrial (LA) deformation during the reservoir phase (LASr) has demonstrated strong prognostic value in different clinical settings. Although determinants of left atrial reservoir strain including left atrial relaxation, left atrial compliance, and left ventricular longitudinal systolic function are fairly well defined, there is incomplete information regarding the effect of left atrial volume on this relationship which is the focus of our study.

Method

Consecutive patients without prior cardiac disease referred for transthoracic echocardiography were prospectively recruited. All participants underwent clinical assessment, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and screening exercise stress test. Only patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or myocardial ischemia on stress testing were included.

Results

A total of 260 patients (57% male, mean age 59 ± 14 years) were included. 70% had hypertension, 33% had diabetes mellitus, and 31% had both HTN and DM. On multivariate analysis, age, e’, LAVI, and LV GLS (P < .01 for all) showed an independent association with LASr. Of interest, at lower tertiles of LAVI, a linear decrease in LASr was observed parallel to worsening LV GLS, whilst at higher tertiles of LAVI, the reduction in LASr was non‐linear implying that LA enlargement, consequent to LA remodeling, had an incremental effect on LASr.

Conclusion

Age, e’, LV GLS, and LAVI were independently associated with LASr. LA remodeling reflected by larger LAVI had an incremental negative association with LASr independent of LV GLS.
Artificial intelligence and algorithmic computational pathology: an introduction with renal allograft examples
Authors: Farris Alton B , Vizcarra Juan , Amgad Mohamed , Cooper Lee A D , Gutman David , Hogan Julien
Published: November 2020

Whole slide imaging, which is an important technique in the field of digital pathology, has recently been the subject of increased interest and avenues for utilisation, and with more widespread whole slide image (WSI) utilisation, there will also be increased interest in and implementation of image analysis (IA) techniques. IA includes artificial intelligence (AI) and targeted or hypothesis‐driven algorithms. In the overall pathology field, the number of citations related to these topics has increased in recent years. Renal pathology is one anatomical pathology subspecialty that has utilised WSIs and IA algorithms; it can be argued that renal transplant pathology could be particularly suited for whole slide imaging and IA, as renal transplant pathology is frequently classified by use of the semiquantitative Banff classification of renal allograft pathology. Hypothesis‐driven/targeted algorithms have been used in the past for the assessment of a variety of features in the kidney (e.g. interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, inflammation); in recent years, the amount of research has particularly increased in the area of AI/machine learning for the identification of glomeruli, for histological segmentation, and for other applications. Deep learning is the form of machine learning that is most often used for such AI approaches to the ‘big data’ of pathology WSIs, and deep learning methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs)/convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are utilised. Unsupervised and supervised AI algorithms can be employed to accomplish image or semantic classification. In this review, AI and other IA algorithms applied to WSIs are discussed, and examples from renal pathology are covered, with an emphasis on renal transplant pathology.
Light participates in the auxin‐dependent regulation of plant growth
Authors: Lv Bingsheng , Zhu Jiayong , Kong Xiangpei , Ding Zhaojun
Published: November 2020

Light is the energy source for plant photosynthesis and influences plant growth and development. Through multiple photoreceptors, plant interprets light signals through various downstream phytohormones such as auxin. Recently, Chen et al. (2020) uncover a new layer of regulation in IPyA pathway of auxin biosynthesis by light. Here we highlight recent studies about how light controls plant growth through regulating auxin biosynthesis and signaling.
Factors Affecting Implant Stability Quotients at Immediately and Conventionally Loaded Implants in the Posterior Maxilla: A Split‐Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Daher Fadi I. , Abi‐Aad Habib L. , Dimassi Hani I. , Baba Nadim Z. , Majzoub Zeina AK.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To assess primary and secondary stability of variable‐thread tapered implants in the posterior maxilla and analyze the impact of various factors on implant stability quotients (ISQs).

Materials and methods

Twenty‐six subjects received 3‐4 adjacent implants in the maxillary premolar‐molar sextants to replace bilateral tooth loss. The implants on one side were immediately loaded with a provisional fixed prosthesis regardless of their primary stability. The contralateral control implants were conventionally loaded. Bone quality was subjectively recorded and primary stability was assessed by means of insertion torque values (ITVs) and ISQs in 4 directions. Secondary stability was measured by ISQ at definitive prosthesis delivery (3‐3.5 months postoperatively), and 12 months after definitive loading. The impact of measurement direction, loading protocol, time, site‐related (bone quality, implant position, crestal buccal bone thickness, apical cortical anchorage), and implant‐related (implant dimensions, abutment height) variables on ISQs was assessed.

Results

For logistic reasons, ISQs were obtained for only 18 patients with 60 test and 60 control implants. Most of the implants (82%) at baseline had their lowest ISQ on the buccal aspect. There were no significant differences between ISQs measured in the buccal and palatal directions, or between ISQs in the mesial and distal directions. The mean of buccal and palatal ISQs was significantly lower than the mean of the 2 interproximal measurements at all evaluation periods. ISQs were not significantly different between the 2 loading groups at any time point. All implants showed a time‐dependent increase in ISQs. Baseline ISQ correlated weakly with bone quality and ITV. None of the variables had a significant impact on baseline ISQs, except for implants in second molar sites which showed poorer primary stability than first premolars.

Conclusion

Measurement direction and time are the most significant parameters affecting ISQs of variable‐thread tapered implants in the posterior maxilla.
Fabrication of a Mandibular Advancement Device Using a Fully Digital Workflow: A Clinical Report
Authors: Piskin Bulent , Uyar Alper , Yuceer Mine , Topal Sila Caglayan , Senturk Rahsan Atasoy , Sutcu Serdar , Karakoc Omer
Published: November 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder among adults with a potential to be life‐threatening. Continuous positive airway pressure is the gold‐standard for the treatment of OSA, but patient compliance may be reduced due to various reasons. Mild to moderate cases of OSA can be treated reliably and successfully using oral appliances, and the mandibular advancement device (MAD) is the most frequently used appliance. The aim of this clinical report is to present a fully digital workflow for fabrication of a custom non‐adjustable MAD using computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing and additive manufacturing for the treatment of a patient with moderate OSA.
Oil price uncertainty and macroeconomic variables in Turkey
Authors: Öge Güney Pelin
Published: November 2020

This study analyses the influence of uncertainty in oil prices on real economic activity, inflation and money supply in Turkey for the period 1986:1–2019:07. The uncertainty variable is measured by the generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model. To investigate the relationship between the uncertainty in oil prices and our variables, we used the non‐linear cointegrating autoregressive distributed lag (NARL) model, considering the fact that this relationship may not be linear. Thus, we were able to analyse the short‐ and long‐term non‐linear relationship between the variables. Our findings indicate that the impact of oil price uncertainty on real economic activity is asymmetric: that is, real economic activity responds more to decreases in oil price uncertainty than to long‐term increases. Similarly, we confirm the existence of both long‐ and short‐term asymmetric behaviour of inflation, and our findings show that positive shocks in oil price uncertainty are more intensively transmitted to inflation than negative ones. Moreover, we provide evidence that a decline in oil price uncertainty is related to higher money supply in the short term. These findings present useful implications for designing appropriate policies to achieve the goals related to Turkey’s economic activity and inflation level.
Meta‐analysis comparing outcomes of catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia in ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Basu‐Ray Indranill , Khanra Dibbendhu , Shah Sumit K. , Mukherjee Anindya , Char Sudhanva V. , Jain Bhavna , Bunch T. Jared , Gold Michael , Adeboye Adedayo A. , Saeed Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Background

Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). However, results in non‐ICM (NICM) patients are not satisfactory, and studies comparing differences between NICM and ICM are limited. We conducted a meta‐analysis of procedural characteristics and long‐term outcomes of catheter ablation for VA, comparing results between ICM and NICM.

Methods

Studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed. Four studies reporting comparison of catheter ablation of VA between ICM and NICM were examined. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to appraise study quality. A random‐effects model with inverse variance method was used for comparisons.

Results

Epicardial approach was significantly more undertaken for the NICM group than in the ICM group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09‐0.18; P < .00001). Mean ablation time (P = .54), fluoroscopy time (P = .55), and procedural time (P = .18) did not differ significantly between the ICM and NICM groups. Procedural failure rates (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24‐0.89; P = .02) and VA recurrence rates (risk ratio [RR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46‐1.01; P = .06) were significantly higher in the NICM group than in the ICM group. However, all‐cause mortality (RR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.75‐2.49; P = .31) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

Procedural failure and VA recurrence rates were significantly higher in the NICM group, despite significantly more frequent epicardial access. These highlight the limitations of catheter ablation for VA in NICM, given our current knowledge.
Leaf photosynthetic and anatomical insights into mechanisms of acclimation in rice in response to long‐term fluctuating light
Authors: Wei Ze , Duan Fengying , Sun Xuezhen , Song Xianliang , Zhou Wenbin
Published: November 2020

Long‐term fluctuating light (FL) conditions are very common in natural environments. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms for acclimation to FL differ between species. However, most of the current conclusions regarding acclimation to FL were made based on studies in algae or Arabidopsis thaliana. It is still unclear how rice (Oryza sativa L.) integrate multiple physiological changes to acclimate to long‐term FL. In this study, we found that rice growth was repressed under long‐term FL. By systematically measuring phenotypes and physiological parameters, we revealed that: (a) under short‐term FL, photosystem I (PSI) was inhibited, while after 1–7 days of long‐term FL, both PSI and PSII were inhibited. Higher acceptor‐side limitation in electron transport and higher overall nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) explained the lower efficiencies of PSI and PSII, respectively. (b) An increase in pH differences across the thylakoid membrane and a decrease in thylakoid proton conductivity revealed a reduction of ATP synthase activity. (c) Using electron microscopy, we showed a decrease in membrane stacking and stomatal opening after 7 days of FL treatment. Taken together, our results show that electron flow, ATP synthase activity and NPQ regulation are the major processes determining the growth performance of rice under long‐term FL conditions.
Moderate drought stress stabilizes the primary quinone acceptor QA and the secondary quinone acceptor QB in photosystem II
Authors: Leverne Lucas , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja
Published: November 2020

Drought induces stomata closure and lowers the CO2 concentration in the mesophyll, limiting CO2 assimilation and favoring photorespiration. The photosynthetic apparatus is protected under drought conditions by a number of downregulation mechanisms like photosynthetic control and activation of cyclic electron transport leading to the generation of a high proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane. Here, we studied photosynthetic electron transport by chlorophyll fluorescence, thermoluminescence (TL), and P700 absorption measurements in spinach exposed to moderate drought stress. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction and decay kinetics were slowed down. Under drought conditions, an increase of the TL AG‐band and a downshift of the maximum temperatures of both, the B‐band and the AG‐band, were observed when leaves were illuminated under conditions that maintained the proton gradient. When leaves were frozen prior to the TL measurements, the maximum temperature of the B‐band was upshifted in drought‐stressed leaves. This shows a stabilization of the QB/QB•− redox couple in accordance with the slower fluorescence decay kinetics. We propose that during drought stress, photorespiration exerts a feedback control on photosystem II via the binding of a photorespiratory metabolite at the non‐heme iron at the acceptor side of photosystem II. According to our hypothesis, an exchange of bicarbonate at the non‐heme iron by a photorespiratory metabolite such as glycolate would not only affect the midpoint potential of the QA/QA•− couple, as shown previously, but also that of the QB/QB•− couple.
Functional requirement of the Arabidopsis importin‐α nuclear transport receptor family in autoimmunity mediated by the NLR protein SNC1
Authors: Lüdke Daniel , Roth Charlotte , Kamrad Sieglinde A. , Messerschmidt Jana , Hartken Denise , Appel Jonas , Hörnich Bojan F. , Yan Qiqi , Kusch Stefan , Klenke Melanie , Gunkel Annette , Wirthmueller Lennart , Wiermer Marcel
Published: November 2020

IMPORTIN‐α3/MOS6 (MODIFIER OF SNC1, 6) is one of nine importin‐α isoforms in Arabidopsis that recruit nuclear localization signal‐containing cargo proteins to the nuclear import machinery. IMP‐α3/MOS6 is required genetically for full autoimmunity of the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat immune receptor mutant snc1 (suppressor of npr1‐1, constitutive 1) and MOS6 also contributes to basal disease resistance. Here, we investigated the contribution of the other importin‐α genes to both types of immune responses, and we analyzed potential interactions of all importin‐α isoforms with SNC1. By using reverse‐genetic analyses in Arabidopsis and protein−protein interaction assays in Nicotiana benthamiana, we provide evidence that among the nine α‐importins in Arabidopsis, IMP‐α3/MOS6 is the main nuclear transport receptor of SNC1, and that IMP‐α3/MOS6 is required selectively for autoimmunity of snc1 and basal resistance to mildly virulent Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis.
Voter Turnouts in Presidential Elections in Ghana: A Political Economy Analysis Using District-Level Data
Authors: Anaman Kwabena Asomanin , Bukari Gbensuglo Alidu
Published: November 2020

During the Fourth Republican electioneering era in Ghana, starting in November 1992, presidential elections are conducted every four years. The 2000 and 2012 elections closely coincided with the national population censuses of 2000 and 2010, respectively. We constructed meso-level models, based on the concept of “average district voter”, to analyse factors influencing voter turnout rates. The results of the analysis indicated that voting was a normal good based on the estimated inelastic price and income elasticities of demand for this good. As expected, the cost of voting incurred by an individual negatively influenced turnout. The other significant negative factors influencing turnout rates included increasing male/female sex ratio (gender), increasing age-based dependency ratio (poverty burden), and disability.
Consistencia interna y dimensionalidad del cuestionario breve para detectar intimidación escolar
Authors: Ceballos Ospino Guillermo Augusto , Campo-Arias Adalberto , Rodríguez-De Ávila Ubaldo
Published: November 2020

Objetivo. Corroborar el desempeño psicométrico, la consistencia interna y la dimensionalidad del Cuestionario Breve de Detección de Intimidación Escolar (CBDIE). Método. Se diseñó un estudio de validación en el que participaron 350 estudiantes, entre los 10 y los 17 años (M = 13.3; DE = 1.8), 53.7% de género femenino. Se calcularon indicadores de consistencia interna (Kuder-Richardson, K-R, y omega de McDonald) para las tres subescalas del CBDIE. Resultados. La subescala de intimidación percibida mostró K-R de 0.55 y omega de McDonald de 0.58; la subescala de síntomas emocionales, 0.80 y 0.81; y la subescala de intimidación perpetrada, 0.41 y 0.33. No fue posible demostrar la dimensionalidad del instrumento. Conclusión. Solo la subescala de síntomas emocionales de CBDIE presenta alta consistencia interna. Se necesitan más investigaciones de la dimensionalidad del CBDIE, para dar cuenta de su estructura interna.
Investigation of the current level instability of the multitip field emitters with computerized field emission projector
Authors: Kolosko Anatoly G. , Filippov Sergey V. , Popov Eugeni O. , Ponyaev Sergey A. , Shchegolkov Alexandr V.
Published: November 2020

This work represents a new approach for analyzing emission characteristics of multitip field cathodes. The approach is based on using a computerized field emission projector to investigate the behavior of the microscopic emission sites of the field cathode surface. Adsorption-desorption processes on the surface—which influence the emission current level—were investigated by tracking the individual emission sites under conditions of a sharp decrease and increase in the voltage level. An analysis of the transient process showed that emission sites with highest local currents almost do not participate in changing the overall level of emission current, but they became smaller with a decrease in the step voltage contribution of the dimmest sites. Similar dependences were obtained for rising voltage levels but with much faster transitions.
Artificial multimodal receptors based on ion relaxation dynamics
Authors: You Insang , Mackanic David G. , Matsuhisa Naoji , Kang Jiheong , Kwon Jimin , Beker Levent , Mun Jaewan , Suh Wonjeong , Kim Tae Yeong , Tok Jeffrey B.-H. , Bao Zhenan , Jeong Unyong
Published: November 2020

Feeling temperature and touch

The range of receptors in our skin make it possible to sense when we are touching an object and also gives us a general sense of the temperature of that object. Achieving this in an artificial skin-like material has been a challenge because most of the approaches for sensing touch are themselves temperature sensitive. You
et al.
studied the ion relaxation dynamics in a conductive elastomeric film (see the Perspective by Liu). They show that the ion relaxation time can be used as a strain-insensitive intrinsic variable for detecting temperature and the capacitance can be used as a temperature-insensitive extrinsic variable for sensing the strain, thus decoupling the two so that their signals do not interfere with each other.

Science
, this issue p.
961
; see also p.
910
The XPB Subunit of the TFIIH Complex Plays a Critical Role in HIV-1 Transcription, and XPB Inhibition by Spironolactone Prevents HIV-1 Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Mori Luisa , Jenike Katharine , Yeh Yang-Hui Jimmy , Lacombe Benoît , Li Chuan , Getzler Adam J. , Mediouni Sonia , Cameron Michael E. , Pipkin Matthew E. , Ho Ya-Chi , Ramirez Bertha Cecilia , Valente Susana T.
Published: November 2020

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively reduces an individual’s HIV loads to below the detection limit; nevertheless, rapid viral rebound immediately ensues upon treatment interruption. Furthermore, virally suppressed individuals experience chronic immune activation from ongoing low-level virus expression.
C Protein Is Essential for Canine Distemper Virus Virulence and Pathogenicity in Ferrets
Authors: Siering Oliver , Sawatsky Bevan , Pfaller Christian K.
Published: November 2020

The measles (MeV) and canine distemper (CDV) viruses express accessory proteins that regulate the host’s immune response and enhance replication. The MeV C protein is critical in preventing the generation of excess immunostimulatory double-stranded RNA.
Supplemental Material: Cumulate olivine: A novel host for heavy rare earth element mineralization
Authors: Brandt Sönke , al. et
Published: November 2020

Atom probe tomography 3-D videos, analytical data, and details on analytical procedures
A bullous rash
Authors: Migliarino Vanessa , Di Mascio Alberto , Berti Irene , Taddio Andrea , Barbi Egidio
Published: November 2020

A 3-year-old boy presented with a 5-day history of bullous skin lesions localised mainly in the upper and lower limbs and in the genital region (figure 1). Lesions were not pruritic nor painful and showed a central crust. There was no family history of skin disorders or autoimmune diseases. The child never had fever and his physical examination was otherwise unremarkable.

Figure 1

Bullous skin lesions forming around a central crust, localised in the upper and lower limbs.

Questions

What is the most likely diagnosis based on this clinical presentation?

Bullous impetigo.

Bullous pemphigoid.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis.

Dermatitis herpetiformis.

What would be the next step in the investigation to confirm your diagnosis?

Skin biopsy.

Swab test for bacterial culture with an antibiogram.

Anti-transglutaminase antibody detection.

What is the mainstay of management?

Dapsone.

Systemic steroids.

Topical steroids.

All of the above answers are correct, according to the severity of the disease.

Answers can be found on page 02.
What do patients with glaucoma see: a novel iPad app to improve glaucoma patient awareness of visual field loss
Authors: Gagrani Meghal , Ndulue Jideofor , Anderson David , Kedar Sachin , Gulati Vikas , Shepherd John , High Robin , Smith Lynette , Fowler Zachary , Khazanchi Deepak , Nawrot Mark , Ghate Deepta
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Glaucoma patients with peripheral vision loss have in the past subjectively described their field loss as ‘blurred’ or ‘no vision compromise’. We developed an iPad app for patients to self-characterise perception within areas of glaucomatous visual field loss.

Methods

Twelve glaucoma patients with visual acuity ≥20/40 in each eye, stable and reliable Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) over 2 years were enrolled. An iPad app (held at 33 cm) allowed subjects to modify ‘blur’ or ‘dimness’ to match their perception of a 2×2 m wall-mounted poster at 1 m distance. Subjects fixated at the centre of the poster (spanning 45° of field from centre). The output was degree of blur/dim: normal, mild and severe noted on the iPad image at the 54 retinal loci tested by the HVF 24-2 and was compared to threshold sensitivity values at these loci. Monocular (Right eye (OD), left eye (OS)) HVF responses were used to calculate an integrated binocular (OU) visual field index (VFI). All three data sets were analysed separately.

Results

36 HVF and iPad responses from 12 subjects (mean age 71±8.2y) were analysed. The mean VFI was 77% OD, 76% OS, 83% OU. The most common iPad response reported was normal followed by blur. No subject reported dim response. The mean HVF sensitivity threshold was significantly associated with the iPad response at the corresponding retinal loci (For OD, OS and OU, respectively (dB): normal: 23, 25, 27; mild blur: 18, 16, 22; severe blur: 9, 9, 11). On receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the HVF retinal sensitivity cut-off at which subjects reported blur was 23.4 OD, 23 OS and 23.3 OU (dB).

Conclusions

Glaucoma subjects self-pictorialised their field defects as blur; never dim or black. Our innovation allows translation of HVF data to quantitatively characterise visual perception in patients with glaucomatous field defects.
Randomised study evaluating the pharmacodynamics of emixustat hydrochloride in subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease
Authors: Kubota Ryo , Birch David G , Gregory Jeff K , Koester John M
Published: November 2020

Background/Aims

Stargardt disease is a rare, inherited, degenerative disease of the retina that is the most common type of hereditary macular dystrophy. Currently, no approved treatments for the disease exist. The purpose of this study was to characterise the pharmacodynamics of emixustat, an orally available small molecule that targets the retinal pigment epithelium–specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65), in subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease.

Methods

In this multicentre study conducted at six study sites in the USA, 23 subjects with macular atrophy secondary to Stargardt disease were randomised to one of three doses of daily emixustat (2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg) and treated for 1 month. The primary outcome was the suppression of the rod b-wave recovery rate on electroretinography after photobleaching, which is an indirect measure of RPE65 inhibition.

Results

Subjects who received 10 mg emixustat showed near-complete suppression of the rod b-wave amplitude recovery rate postphotobleaching (mean=91.86%, median=96.69%), whereas those who received 5 mg showed moderate suppression (mean=52.2%, median=68.0%). No effect was observed for subjects who received 2.5 mg emixustat (mean=−3.31%, median=−12.23%). The adverse event profile was consistent with prior studies in other patient populations and consisted primarily of ocular adverse events likely related to RPE65 inhibition.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated dose-dependent suppression of rod b-wave amplitude recovery postphotobleaching, confirming emixustat’s biological activity in patients with Stargardt disease. These findings informed dose selection for a 24-month phase 3 trial (SeaSTAR Study) that is now comparing emixustat to placebo in the treatment of Stargardt disease-associated macular atrophy.
Quantifying dermal microcirculatory changes of neuropathic and neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers using spatial frequency domain imaging: a shade of things to come?
Authors: Murphy Grant A , Singh-Moon Rajinder P , Mazhar Amaan , Cuccia David J , Rowe Vincent L , Armstrong David G
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The use of non-invasive vascular and perfusion diagnostics are an important part of assessing lower extremity ulceration and amputation risk in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods for detecting impaired microvascular vasodilatory function in patients with diabetes may have the potential to identify sites at risk of ulceration prior to clinically identifiable signs. Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) uses patterned near-infrared and visible light spectroscopy to determine tissue oxygen saturation and hemoglobin distribution within the superficial and deep dermis, showing distinct microcirculatory and oxygenation changes that occur prior to neuropathic and neuroischemic ulceration.

Research designs and methods

35 patients with diabetes mellitus and a history of diabetic foot ulceration were recruited for monthly imaging with SFDI. Two patients who ulcerated during the year-long longitudinal study were selected for presentation of their clinical course alongside the dermal microcirculation biomarkers from SFDI.

Results

Patient 1 developed a neuropathic ulcer portended by a focal increase in tissue oxygen saturation and decrease in superficial papillary hemoglobin concentration 3 months prior. Patient 2 developed bilateral neuroischemic ulcers showing decreased tissue oxygen saturation and increased superficial papillary and deep dermal reticular hemoglobin concentrations.

Conclusions

Wounds of different etiology show unique dermal microcirculatory changes prior to gross ulceration. Before predictive models can be developed from SFDI, biomarker data must be correlated with the clinical course of patients who ulcerate while being followed longitudinally.

Trial registration number

NCT03341559.