bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemolymph cytology, hemocyte count, glucose, and electrolyte reference intervals in 93 Cameroon red tarantulas (Hysterocrates gigas)
Authors: B. Larouche Cédric , Beeler‐Marfisi Janet , Attard Lydia , Nemeth Nicole , Beaufrère Hugues
Published: September 2019

Background

Theraphosidae is a large family of tarantula spiders commonly kept as pets or display animals by zoological institutions. Interest and demand for arachnid medicine have grown over the last decade. While hemolymph analysis could be a fundamental tool for arachnid health assessment, RIs are generally lacking for arachnid species.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the appearance of hemocytes and establish RIs for total and differential hemocyte counts as well as hemolymph glucose and electrolyte concentrations in the Cameroon red tarantula (CRT) (Hysterocrates gigas).

Methods

Ninety‐three CRTs were anesthetized using isoflurane or sevoflurane, and hemolymph was collected from the heart. Hemocyte counts were performed using a hemocytometer and trypan blue stain, and differential cell counts were estimated using light microscopy and a Wright stain. Hemocytes were also characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hemolymph glucose and electrolyte concentrations were obtained using a blood gas analyzer. The American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines were used to calculate RIs.

Results

The most abundant hemocytes were plasmatocytes, followed by granulocytes, cyanocytes, and prohemocytes. Hemocytes were characterized by TEM except for cyanocytes. All RIs had a broad range, likely due to a combination of population heterogeneity, high biologic variability of the species, and the propensity of samples to clot.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to establish RIs for hemolymph cytologic parameters with a sample size of over 20 individuals in any theraphosid species. RIs for CRT hemolymph biochemical analytes are also reported.
An Innovative Yield Criterion Considering Strain Rates Based on Von Mises Stress
Authors: Yu Jingwei , Fei Qingguo , Zhang Peiwei , Li Yanbin , Zhang Dahai , Guo Fei
Published: September 2019

An innovative yield criterion based on von Mises stress is proposed to represent the strain rate-dependent behavior under dynamic load. Considering the strain rate in the constitutive model, the distortional strain energy density is derived and the yield criterion is established. A plot of yield strength for a range of strain rate reveals that despite the differences in material properties and test methods, the yield strength rise can be represented by a unified criterion. The overall yield behavior of the material under dynamic load can be explained by introducing the strain rate into the constitutive model and threshold distortional strain energy density. This criterion is in a simple form that may be widely applied.
Application of an Ecological Momentary Assessment Protocol in a Workplace Intervention: Assessing Compliance, Criterion Validity, and Reactivity
Authors: Weatherson Katie , Yun Lira , Wunderlich Kelly , Puterman Eli , Faulkner Guy
Published: September 2019

Background: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a method of collecting behavioral data in real time. The purpose of this study was to examine EMA compliance, identify factors predicting compliance, assess criterion validity of, and reactivity to, using EMA in a workplace intervention study.Methods: Forty-five adults (91.1% female, 39.7 [9.6] y) were recruited for a workplace standing desk intervention. Participants received 5 surveys each day for 5 workdays via smartphone application. EMA items assessed current position (sitting/standing/stepping). EMA responses were time matched to objectively measured time in each position before and after each prompt. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated factors influencing EMA response. Cohen kappa measured interrater agreement between EMA-reported and device-measured position. Reactivity was assessed by comparing objectively measured sitting/standing/stepping in the 15 minutes before and after each EMA prompt using multilevel repeated-measures models.Results: Participants answered 81.4% of EMA prompts. Differences in compliance differed by position. There was substantial agreement between EMA-reported and device-measured position (κ = .713;P < .001). Following the EMA prompt, participants sat 0.87 minutes more than before the prompt (P < .01).Conclusion: The use of EMA is a valid assessment of position when used in an intervention to reduce occupational sitting and did not appear to disrupt sitting in favor of the targeted outcome.
Under-expanded supersonic CO
2
freezing jets during champagne cork popping
Authors: Liger-Belair Gérard , Cordier Daniel , Georges Robert
Published: September 2019

During champagne cork popping, the gaseous jet expelled from the bottleneck behaves as a rocket plume exhaust.
Multimodal x-ray and electron microscopy of the Allende meteorite
Authors: Lo Yuan Hung , Liao Chen-Ting , Zhou Jihan , Rana Arjun , Bevis Charles S. , Gui Guan , Enders Bjoern , Cannon Kevin M. , Yu Young-Sang , Celestre Richard , Nowrouzi Kasra , Shapiro David , Kapteyn Henry , Falcone Roger , Bennett Chris , Murnane Margaret , Miao Jianwei
Published: September 2019

Multimodal x-ray and electron microscopy are developed to provide structural, elemental and chemical insights into heterogeneous systems.
Renal Glycosuria as a Novel Early Sign of Colistin-Induced Kidney Damage in Mice
Authors: Samodelov Sophia L. , Visentin Michele , Gai Zhibo , Häusler Stephanie , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A.
Published: September 2019

The polymyxin colistin represents a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant infections, but its use is limited by the frequent onset of acute drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI). It is essential to closely monitor kidney function prior to and during colistin treatment in order to pinpoint early signs of injury and minimize long-term renal dysfunction. To facilitate this, a mouse model of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was used to uncover novel early markers of colistin-induced DIKI.
Maternal Antibodies Provide Bank Voles with Strain-Specific Protection against Infection by the Lyme Disease Pathogen
Authors: Gomez-Chamorro Andrea , Heinrich Vanina , Sarr Anouk , Roethlisberger Owen , Genné Dolores , Bregnard Cindy , Jacquet Maxime , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: September 2019

Many microbial pathogen populations consist of multiple strains that induce strain-specific antibody responses in their vertebrate hosts. Females can transmit these antibodies to their offspring, thereby providing them with short-term strain-specific protection against microbial pathogens. We investigated this phenomenon using multiple strains of the tick-borne microbial pathogenBorrelia afzeliiand its natural rodent reservoir host, the bank vole, as a model system. We found that female bank voles infected withB. afzeliitransmitted to their offspring maternal antibodies that provided highly efficient but strain-specific protection against a natural tick bite challenge. The transgenerational transfer of antibodies could be a mechanism that maintains the high strain diversity of this tick-borne pathogen in nature.
An Inexpensive and Accurate Reverse Transcription-PCR–Melting Temperature Analysis Assay for Real-Time Influenza Virus B Lineage Discrimination
Authors: Motta Fernando Couto , Born Priscila Silva , Resende Paola Cristina , Brown David , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça
Published: September 2019

In this work, we describe a SYBR-Green one-step reverse transcription-PCR protocol coupled with a melting temperature analysis (RT-PCR-

T
m

), which allows the discrimination of influenza B lineages Yamagata and Victoria. The assay is performed using a regular real-time thermocycler and is based on differences in melting temperature (

T
m

) of a 131-bp amplicon, obtained from a conserved region of hemagglutinin gene.
Isolation and Characterization of Akhmeta Virus from Wild-Caught Rodents (
Apodemus
spp.) in Georgia
Authors: Doty Jeffrey B. , Maghlakelidze Giorgi , Sikharulidze Irakli , Tu Shin-Lin , Morgan Clint N. , Mauldin Matthew R. , Parkadze Otar , Kartskhia Natia , Turmanidze Maia , Matheny Audrey M. , Davidson Whitni , Tang Shiyuyun , Gao Jinxin , Li Yu , Upton Chris , Carroll Darin S. , Emerson Ginny L. , Nakazawa Yoshinori
Published: September 2019

Akhmeta virus is a unique
Orthopoxvirus
that was described in 2013 from the country of Georgia. This paper presents the first isolation of this virus from small mammal (Rodentia;
Apodemus
spp.) samples and the molecular characterization of those isolates. The identification of the virus in small mammals is an essential component to understanding the natural history of this virus and its transmission to human populations and could guide public health interventions in Georgia. Akhmeta virus genomes harbor evidence suggestive of recombination with a variety of other orthopoxviruses; this has implications for the evolution of orthopoxviruses, their ability to infect mammalian hosts, and their ability to adapt to novel host species.
The nsp2 Hypervariable Region of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain JXwn06 Is Associated with Viral Cellular Tropism to Primary Porcine Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Song Jiangwei , Gao Peng , Kong Can , Zhou Lei , Ge Xinna , Guo Xin , Han Jun , Yang Hanchun
Published: September 2019

The PRRSV nsp2 replicase protein undergoes rapid and broad genetic variations in its middle region in the field, but the underlying significance has remained enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that the nsp2 hypervariable region not only plays an important regulatory role in maintaining the balance of different viral mRNA species but also regulates PRRSV tropism to primary PAMs. Our results reveal novel functions for PRRSV nsp2 and have important implications for understanding the mechanisms of PRRSV RNA synthesis and cellular tropism.
Use of negative-pressure wound therapy and split-thickness skin autograft to cover an exposed renal transplant
Authors: McKinnon Victoria Elizabeth , Barkho Jouseph , McRae Mark H
Published: September 2019

Exposure of a renal transplant through the abdominal wall is a rare event. A search of the literature reveals only six documented cases which used skin autograft for coverage, with none reported since 1981, and none which used negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to prepare the recipient bed. This case report demonstrates that NPWT followed by split thickness skin graft is a reconstructive option which is feasible in patients who are at high risk for surgical complications in prolonged flap surgery.
Psychological Outcomes following a nurse-led Preventative Psychological Intervention for critically ill patients (POPPI): protocol for a cluster-randomised clinical trial of a complex intervention
Authors: Richards-Belle Alvin , Mouncey Paul R , Wade Dorothy , Brewin Chris R , Emerson Lydia M , Grieve Richard , Harrison David A , Harvey Sheila , Howell David , Mythen Monty , Sadique Zia , Smyth Deborah , Weinman John , Welch John , Rowan Kathryn M
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Acute psychological stress, as well as unusual experiences including hallucinations and delusions, are common in critical care unit patients and have been linked to post-critical care psychological morbidity such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Little high-quality research has been conducted to evaluate psychological interventions that could alleviate longer-term psychological morbidity in the critical care unit setting. Our research team developed and piloted a nurse-led psychological intervention, aimed at reducing patient-reported PTSD symptom severity and other adverse psychological outcomes at 6 months, for evaluation in the POPPI trial.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, parallel group, cluster-randomised clinical trial with a staggered roll-out of the intervention. The trial is being carried out at 24 (12 intervention, 12 control) NHS adult, general, critical care units in the UK and is evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a nurse-led preventative psychological intervention in reducing patient-reported PTSD symptom severity and other psychological morbidity at 6 months. All sites deliver usual care for 5 months (baseline period). Intervention group sites are then trained to carry out the POPPI intervention, and transition to delivering the intervention for the rest of the recruitment period. Control group sites deliver usual care for the duration of the recruitment period. The trial also includes a process evaluation conducted independently of the trial team.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was reviewed and approved by the National Research Ethics Service South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee (reference: 15/SC/0287). The first patient was recruited in September 2015 and results will be disseminated in 2018. The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer reviewed medical journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN53448131; Pre-results.
IDEA intervention to prevent depressive symptoms and promote well-being in early-stage dementia: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Tuijt Remco , Livingston Gill , Gould Rebecca L , Jones Rebecca , Verdaguer Elisabet Sole , Orgeta Vasiliki
Published: September 2019

Objective

Depressive symptoms are common among people with dementia, impacting quality of life and cognitive and functional decline. Currently, little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of psychological interventions for people with mild dementia, with recent reviews identifying the need for further evidence. Developing and evaluating psychological interventions to prevent and treat these symptoms is, therefore, an important clinical and research priority. This protocol describes a study testing the acceptability and feasibility of a manual-based behavioural activation (BA) intervention for preventing and treating depressive symptoms in people with mild dementia. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial of clinical effectiveness of an eight-session intervention. The Intervention to prevent Depressive symptoms and promote well-being in EArly-stage dementia (IDEA) programme supports people with dementia and their family carers in identifying and scheduling enjoyable and meaningful activities.

Methods and analysis

Sixty people who have received a diagnosis of dementia of any type in the last 6 months will be recruited via memory clinics. Further criteria are a Mini-Mental State Examination score of ≥20, and a family carer who can assist with the intervention. Consenting participants will be randomised in a ratio of 2:1 to BA or to treatment as usual. Analyses will estimate parameters such as rates of recruitment, retention and number of sessions completed. Questionnaires measuring depressive symptoms and quality of life for both the person with dementia and their carer will be completed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Qualitative interviews will explore acceptability of the intervention, study procedures and experiences of the sessions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received a favourable ethical opinion from the London Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee (16/LO/0540). We will disseminate findings at key conferences, the Alzheimer’s Society and University College London websites and local stakeholder events.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN75503960; Pre-results.
Antiplatelet therapy for prevention of thromboembolic complications in coiling-only procedures for unruptured brain aneurysms
Authors: Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Al Sultan Abdulaziz S , Kuczynski Andrea M , Brinjikji Waleed , Menon Bijoy K , Hill Michael D , Goyal Mayank
Published: September 2019

Background and purpose

Thromboembolic events are recognized complications of aneurysm coiling.

Objective

To identify any protective effects of antiplatelet therapy use before coiling of unruptured aneurysms.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of clinical studies published up to February 2019. We included studies reporting symptomatic thromboembolic events (defined as clinical stroke or transient ischemic attacks) in patients who received antiplatelet therapy before coiling of unruptured aneurysms using unassisted coiling, balloon assistance, or multiple microcatheters. We excluded ruptured aneurysms and those treated with stent coiling or flow diverters.

Results

We identified 14 studies (2486 patients). All were single-center studies and four were prospective. In three studies with a control (no treatment) arm, the pooled risk ratio for symptomatic thromboembolic events with versus without antiplatelet therapy was 0.33 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.92, p= 0.035). The cumulative risk of symptomatic thromboembolic events with single antiplatelet agents was 5.0% ‘56/1122’ (95% CI 1.6% to 8.4%, I283.63%), and with dual or multiple agents 2.7% ‘33/1237’ (95% CI 1.0% to 3.0%, I239.9%). The incidence of diffusion lesions was reported in seven studies. It was 50.5% ‘96/190’ (95% CI 7.3% to 93.9%, I294.4%) with single agents compared with 43.9% ‘196/446’ (95% CI 25.9% to 61.9%, I273.4%) with dual or multiple agents.

Conclusion

Periprocedural antiplatelet therapy was associated with a low symptomatic thromboembolic event after coiling-only for unruptured aneurysms. However, available evidence is of limited quality with significant heterogeneity, requiring evidence from randomized controlled trials.
Earth observation applications for coastal sustainability: potential and challenges for implementation
Authors: Politi Eirini , Paterson Shona K. , Scarrott Rory , Tuohy Eimear , O’Mahony Cathal , Cámaro-García Walther C. A.
Published: September 2019

The coast is home to unique ecosystems, where complex ecological processes take place through the interaction of terrestrial, aquatic, atmospheric, and human landscapes. However, there are considerable knowledge and data gaps in achieving effective and future change-proof sustainable management of coastal zones around the world due to both technical and social barriers, as well as governance challenges. Currently, the role of Earth observation (EO) in addressing many of the recognised information gaps is small and under-utilised. While EO can provide much of the spatiotemporal information required for historical analysis and current status mapping, and offers the advantage of global coverage; its uptake can be limited by technical and methodological challenges associated mostly with lack of capacity and infrastructure, product accuracy and accessibility, costs, and institutional acceptance. While new initiatives and recent technological progress in the EO and information technology arena aim to tackle some of these issues so that EO products can be more easily used by non-EO experts, uptake is still limited. This paper discusses how EO can potentially inform transformative practices of planning in the coastal water zone, by using examples to demonstrate the EO potential in providing information relevant to decisionmaking framed by international agreements, such as the United Nations Agenda 2030, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Sendai Framework for Risk Reduction. By presenting evidence for how EO can contribute to innovative opportunities and data synergies at scale, the paper discusses opportunities and challenges for a more solution-led approach to sustainable coastal management.
Aronia juice consumption prior to half-marathon race can acutely affect platelet activation in recreational runners
Authors: Stevanović Vuk , Pantović Ana , Krga Irena , Zeković Milica , Šarac Ivana , Glibetić Maria , Vidović Nevena
Published: September 2019

Long-distance running, especially in non-professional runners, can increase cardiac arrest risk by enhancing platelet activation and aggregation. Polyphenols can exert cardioprotective effects by positively influencing platelet function. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of polyphenol-rich aronia juice consumption, before simulation of a half-marathon race, on platelet activation and aggregation with leukocytes in recreational runners. In this acute crossover study,10 healthy male runners (age 30.8 ± 2.3 years) consumed breakfast with 200 mL of aronia juice or 200 mL of placebo. They warmed-up and ran a simulated half-marathon race (21.1 km). Blood was collected at baseline, and at 15 min, 1 h, and 24 h after the run. All variables were analyzed with 4 (time) × 2 (group) ANOVA with repeated measures on both factors. Results revealed a significant effect of group on platelet activation parameters: P-selectin and GPIIb-IIIa expressions significantly decreased in the aronia group compared with the placebo group (F[1,9] = 10.282, p = 0.011 and F[1,9] = 7.860, p = 0.021, respectively). The effect of time was significant on both platelet aggregation markers: platelet-monocyte and platelet-neutrophil aggregates were significantly lower after the race (F[3,7] = 4.227, p = 0.014 and F[3,7] = 70.065, p = 0.000, respectively), with changes more pronounced in the later. All effects remained when platelets were exposed to an agonist. These results suggest that aronia consumption could counteract the half-marathon race-induced changes in platelet function.

Novelty Aronia juice consumption significantly decreased the expression of platelet activation markers but did not affect platelet aggregation. The race itself did significantly reduce platelet-neutrophil aggregation. Aronia juice may serve as a supplement beverage for recreational runners to alleviate enhanced platelet reactivity caused by prolonged running.
Indoor climate loads for dwellings in different cold climates to assess hygrothermal performance of building envelopes
Authors: Ilomets Simo , Kalamees Targo , Tariku Fitsum
Published: September 2019

This study tests the performance of an EN ISO 13788 occupancy modified model for indoor temperature and humidity in dwellings by comparing the model with the measured indoor temperature and relative humidity in Canada. The performance of EN ISO 13788 occupancy modified model is tested in 13 outdoor climates and compared with the simplified approach given in the ASHRAE 160 standard. It was found that the Estonian model’s proposed indoor temperature profile works reasonably well in accordance with the measured indoor temperatures in Vancouver, Canada, which are dependent on the outdoor climate; on the other hand, the ASHRAE 160 indoor temperature profile might not be the best for cold climates. Drawbacks were noted concerning the humidity loads given as a simplified approach in the ASHRAE 160 with the suggestions for the possible future renewal. A new approach for selecting the indoor humidity load for dwellings in cold climates is proposed.
Evaluation of forest tree breeding strategies based on partial pedigree reconstruction through simulations:Pinus pinasterandEucalyptus nitensas case studies
Authors: Bouffier Laurent , Klápště Jaroslav , Suontama Mari , Dungey Heidi S. , Mullin Tim J.
Published: September 2019

Despite recent developments in molecular markers, most forest tree breeding programmes do not use them routinely. One way to integrate markers would be to use them for pedigree reconstruction after a simplified mating design through polymix or open-pollinated breeding. Thanks to the latest developments in the POPSIM simulator, various breeding strategies, including some based on paternity recovery, were evaluated with specified constraints on the level of diversity over breeding cycles. These simulations were carried out in two case studies: the French Pinus pinaster (Ait.) and the New Zealand Eucalyptus nitens (H. Dean & Maiden) Maiden breeding programmes. The Pinus pinaster case study produced lower genetic gain for the polymix breeding strategy with paternity recovery compared with double-pair mating or optimal-contribution strategies. However, the polymix breeding strategy could be of interest if the mating design is faster to complete. In the Eucalyptus nitens case study, pedigree recovery was shown to be a mandatory step to controlling the erosion of diversity over breeding cycles. In both cases, the strategies based on pedigree reconstruction were applicable with a limited level of genotyping. Finally, these simulations allow some general recommendations to be drawn to help breeders when designing a strategy for forest tree breeding.
Quasi-cosmological traversable wormholes in f(R) gravity
Authors: Golchin Hanif , Mehdizadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we study traversable wormholes in the context of f(R) gravity. Exact solutions of traversable wormholes are found by imposing the nonconstant Ricci scalar. These solutions asymptotically match spherical, flat and hyperbolic FRW metric. By choosing some static f(R) gravity models, we verify the standard energy conditions for the asymptotically spherical, flat and hyperbolic wormhole solutions. Unlike the Einstein gravity, we find that in the context of f(R) modified gravity, the asymptotically spherical, flat and hyperbolic wormhole solutions can respect the null energy condition (NEC) at the wormhole throat and near that. We find that in some static f(R) models, asymptotically flat and hyperbolic wormholes respect the weak energy condition (WEC) through the whole space.
Quantum vacuum torque on a bi-anisotropic absorbing magneto-dielectric cylindrical shell co-axis with a perfectly conductor cylindrical shell
Authors: Zadeh Marzieh Hossein , Amooshahi Majid
Published: September 2019

A fully canonical quantization of electromagnetic field in the presence of a bi-anisotropic absorbing magneto-dielectric cylindrical shell is provided. The mode expansions of the dynamical quantum fields, contained in the theory, is achieved and the ladder operators of the system are introduced. Using the Frobenius’s series technique, the Maxwell’s equations in the presence of the bi-anisotropic absorbing magneto-dielectric cylindrical shell are solved and the space–time dependence of the quantized electromagnetic field is obtained. Applying the conservation principle of the angular momentum, the net quantum vacuum torque exerted on the bi-anisotropic absorbing magneto-dielectric cylindrical shell is calculated. The net quantum vacuum torque exerted on the cylindrical shell is calculated in the vacuum state and the thermal state of the system. The quantum vacuum torque on the cylindrical shell identically vanishes when the bi-anisotropic absorbing magneto-dielectric cylindrical shell is converted to an isotropic one.
Strong gravity signatures in the polarization of gravitational waves
Authors: Shankaranarayanan S.
Published: September 2019

General Relativity is a hugely successful description of gravitation. However, both theory and observations suggest that General Relativity might have significant classical and quantum corrections in the Strong Gravity regime. Testing the strong field limit of gravity is one of the main objectives of the future gravitational wave detectors. One way to detect strong gravity is through the polarization of gravitational waves. For quasi-normal modes of black-holes in General Relativity, the two polarization states of gravitational waves have the same amplitude and frequency spectrum. Using the principle of energy conservation, we show that the polarizations differ for modified gravity theories. We obtain a diagnostic parameter for polarization mismatch that provides a unique way to distinguish General Relativity and modified gravity theories in gravitational wave detectors.
Temperature effects on structure: Six-coordinate [Fe(TPP)(1-MeIm)(CO)]
Authors: Silvernail Nathan J. , Scheidt W. Robert
Published: September 2019

We have examined the effects of changing the temperature on the structure of a six-coordinate (tetraphenylporphinato)iron(II) complex, [Fe(TPP)(1-MeIm)(CO)] C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]. In particular, we examined whether the coordination group parameters, [Formula: see text]. the Fe–C and C–O parameters showed any effects. The study, carried out between 100 and 330 K, revealed no effect on those coordination group parameters. The axial Fe–N(Im) bond distance showed a small effect. The peripheral phenyl groups show a somewhat larger bond distance effect with bond distance increases of 0.02 to 0.03 Å. The population of the disordered solvent molecule favors one site as the temperature is lowered.
The Evolution of Sexual Reproduction and the Mating-Type Locus: Links to Pathogenesis of Cryptococcus Human Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Sun Sheng , Coelho Marco A. , David-Palma Márcia , Priest Shelby J. , Heitman Joseph
Published: September 2019

Cryptococcus species utilize a variety of sexual reproduction mechanisms, which generate genetic diversity, purge deleterious mutations, and contribute to their ability to occupy myriad environmental niches and exhibit a range of pathogenic potential. The bisexual and unisexual cycles of pathogenic Cryptococcus species are stimulated by properties associated with their environmental niches and proceed through well-characterized signaling pathways and corresponding morphological changes. Genes governing mating are encoded by the mating-type ( MAT) loci and influence pathogenesis, population dynamics, and lineage divergence in Cryptococcus. MAT has undergone significant evolutionary changes within the Cryptococcus genus, including transition from the ancestral tetrapolar state in nonpathogenic species to a bipolar mating system in pathogenic species, as well as several internal reconfigurations. Owing to the variety of established sexual reproduction mechanisms and the robust characterization of the evolution of mating and MAT in this genus, Cryptococcus species provide key insights into the evolution of sexual reproduction.
Genetic Factors in Mammalian Prion Diseases
Authors: Mead Simon , Lloyd Sarah , Collinge John
Published: September 2019

Mammalian prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative conditions caused by infection of the central nervous system with proteinaceous agents called prions, including sporadic, variant, and iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; kuru; inherited prion disease; sheep scrapie; bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and chronic wasting disease. Prions are composed of misfolded and multimeric forms of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP). Prion diseases require host expression of the prion protein gene ( PRNP) and a range of other cellular functions to support their propagation and toxicity. Inherited forms of prion disease are caused by mutation of PRNP, whereas acquired and sporadically occurring mammalian prion diseases are controlled by powerful genetic risk and modifying factors. Whereas some PrP amino acid variants cause the disease, others confer protection, dramatically altered incubation times, or changes in the clinical phenotype. Multiple mechanisms, including interference with homotypic protein interactions and the selection of the permissible prion strains in a host, play a role. Several non- PRNP factors have now been uncovered that provide insights into pathways of disease susceptibility or neurotoxicity.
Structure and Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels
Authors: Catterall William A. , Lenaeus Michael J. , Gamal El-Din Tamer M.
Published: September 2019

Voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are evolutionarily related transmembrane signaling proteins that initiate action potentials, neurotransmission, excitation-contraction coupling, and other physiological processes. Genetic or acquired dysfunction of these proteins causes numerous diseases, termed channelopathies, and sodium and calcium channels are the molecular targets for several major classes of drugs. Recent advances in the structural biology of these proteins using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy have given new insights into the molecular basis for their function and pharmacology. Here we review this recent literature and integrate findings on sodium and calcium channels to reveal the structural basis for their voltage-dependent activation, fast and slow inactivation, ion conductance and selectivity, and complex pharmacology at the atomic level. We conclude with the theme that new understanding of the diseases and therapeutics of these channels will be derived from application of the emerging structural principles from these recent structural analyses.
Triple Therapy with MerTK and PD1 Inhibition Plus Radiotherapy Promotes Abscopal Antitumor Immune Responses
Authors: Caetano Mauricio S. , Younes Ahmed I. , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Quigley Michael , Menon Hari , Gao Chan , Spires Thomas , Reilly Timothy P. , Cadena Alexandra P. , Cushman Taylor R. , Schoenhals Jonathan E. , Li Ailin , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , Cortez Maria Angelica , Welsh James W.
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Radiotherapy (RT) traditionally has been used for local tumor control in the treatment of cancer. The recent discovery that radiotherapy can have anticancer effects on the immune system has led to recognition of its ability to sensitize the tumor microenvironment to immunotherapy. However, radiation can also prompt adverse immunosuppressive effects that block aspects of systemic response at other tumor sites. Our hypothesis was that inhibition of the MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) in combination with anti-programmed cell death-1 (α-PD1) checkpoint blockade will enhance immune-mediated responses to radiotherapy.

Experimental Design:

We tested the efficacy of this triple therapy (Radiation + α-PD1 + α-MerTK mAbs) in 129Sv/Ev mice with bilateral lung adenocarcinoma xenografts. Primary tumors were treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (36 Gy in 3 12-Gy fractions), and tumors were monitored for response.

Results:

The triple therapy significantly delayed abscopal tumor growth, improved survival rates, and reduced numbers of lung metastases. We further found that the triple therapy increased the activated CD8+ and NK cells populations measured by granzyme B expression with upregulation of CD8+CD103+ tissue-resident memory cells (TRM) within the abscopal tumor microenvironment relative to radiation only.

Conclusions:

The addition of α-PD1 + α-MerTK mAbs to radiotherapy could alter the cell death to be more immunogenic and generate adaptive immune response via increasing the retention of TRM cells in the tumor islets of the abscopal tumors which was proven to play a major role in survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Benjamin Franklin’s Influence on Mussar Thought and Practice: a Chronicle of Misapprehension
Authors: Afsai Shai
Published: September 2019

Benjamin Franklin’s ideas and writings may be said to have had an impact on Jewish thought and practice. This influence occurred posthumously, primarily through his Autobiography and by way of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Lefin’s Sefer Cheshbon ha-Nefesh (Book of Spiritual Accounting, 1808), which introduced Franklin’s method for moral perfection to a Hebrew-reading Jewish audience. This historical development has confused Judaic scholars, and Franklin specialists have been largely oblivious to it. Remedying the record on this matter illustrates how even within the presumably insular world of Eastern European rabbinic Judaism—far from the deism of the trans-Atlantic Enlightenment—pre-Reform, pre-Conservative Jewish religion was affected by broader currents of thought.
Waiting for the Smuggler: Tales Across the Border
Authors: Achilli Luigi
Published: September 2019

According to mainstream media and political discourse, human smugglers are among the cruellest figures of our time, individuals who prey on migrants’ need for assistance. Motivated by the circulation of this pejorative view in media and political discourse, I carried out ethnographic research with Syrian refugees and smugglers in Turkey, Greece, Jordan, and Lebanon with the ultimate goal of documenting what being a smuggler entails for the very actors of this unfolding drama. Fieldwork showed me how human smuggling was rooted in patterns of cooperation and support. And yet, most if not all my interlocutors, including the “smugglers” themselves, spoke of smuggling in negative terms. What I argue in this paper is that the smuggler, a category functional to the security apparatus, is not only manufactured within law enforcement circles and mainstream media, but even by those very people who are discriminated or targeted by states’ migration policies.
Uncertainty in Net Surface Heat Flux due to Differences in Commonly Used Albedo Products
Authors: Hogikyan Allison , Cronin Meghan F. , Zhang Dongxiao , Kato Seiji
Published: September 2019

The ocean surface albedo is responsible for the distribution of solar (shortwave) radiant energy between the atmosphere and ocean and therefore is a key parameter in Earth’s surface energy budget. In situ ocean observations typically do not measure upward reflected solar radiation, which is necessary to compute net solar radiation into the ocean. Instead, the upward component is computed from the measured downward component using an albedo estimate. At two NOAA Ocean Climate Station buoy sites in the North Pacific, the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) monthly climatological albedo has been used, while for the NOAA Global Tropical Buoy Array a constant albedo is used. This constant albedo is also used in the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) bulk flux algorithm. This study considers the impacts of using the more recently available NASA Cloud and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) albedo product for these ocean surface heat flux products. Differences between albedo estimates in global satellite products like these imply uncertainty in the net surface solar radiation heat flux estimates that locally exceed the target uncertainty of 1.0 W m−2 for the global mean, set by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Albedo has large spatiotemporal variability on hourly, monthly, and interannual time scales. Biases in high-resolution SWnet (the difference between surface downwelling and upwelling shortwave radiation) can arise if the albedo diurnal cycle is unresolved. As a result, for periods when satellite albedo data are not available it is recommended that an hourly climatology be used when computing high-resolution net surface shortwave radiation.
Diurnal Effects of Regional Soil Moisture Anomalies on the Great Plains Low-Level Jet
Authors: Campbell Matthew A. , Ferguson Craig R. , Burrows D. Alex , Beauharnois Mark , Xia Geng , Bosart Lance F.
Published: September 2019

The Great Plains (GP) low-level jet (GPLLJ) contributes to GP warm season water resources (precipitation), wind resources, and severe weather outbreaks. Past research has shown that synoptic and local mesoscale physical mechanisms (Holton and Blackadar mechanisms) are required to explain GPLLJ variability. Although soil moisture–PBL interactions are central to local mechanistic theories, the diurnal effect of regional soil moisture anomalies on GPLLJ speed, northward penetration, and propensity for severe weather is not well known. In this study, two 31-member WRF-ARW stochastic kinetic energy backscatter scheme ensembles simulate a typical warm season GPLLJ case under CONUS-wide wet and dry soil moisture scenarios. In the GP (24°–48°N, 103°–90°W), ensemble mean differences in sensible heating and PBL height of 25–150 W m−2 and 100–700 m, respectively, at 2100 UTC (afternoon) culminate in GPLLJ 850-hPa wind speed differences of 1–4 m s−1 12 hours later (0900 UTC; early morning). Greater heat accumulation in the daytime PBL over dry soil impacts the east–west geopotential height gradient in the GP (synoptic conditions and Holton mechanism) resulting in a deeper thermal low in the northern GP, causing increases in the geostrophic wind. Enhanced daytime turbulent mixing over dry soil impacts the PBL structure (Blackadar mechanism), leading to increased ageostrophic wind. Overnight geostrophic and ageostrophic winds constructively interact, leading to a faster nocturnal GPLLJ over dry soil. Ensemble differences in CIN (~50–150 J kg−1) and CAPE (~500–1000 J kg−1) have implications for severe weather predictability.
Identification of molecular species of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides in native and copper-oxidized triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in humans
Authors: Shrestha Rojeet , Chen Zhen , Miura Yusuke , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sakurai Toshihiro , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping
Published: September 2019

Background

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are considered to be independent predictors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The molecular basis of its atherogenicity is uncertain. Here, we aim to identify molecular species of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides (PCOOH) in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. For comparison, copper-oxidized triglyceride-rich lipoproteins were investigated as well.

Methods

A fasting EDTA blood sample was collected from six healthy human volunteers to isolate two major triglyceride-rich lipoproteins fractions – very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL) using sequential ultracentrifugation. Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and plasma samples were studied for PCOOH by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Results

Twelve molecular species of PCOOH in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and/or plasma were identified using the following criteria: (1) high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) with mass accuracy within 5 ppm, (2) retention time in LC and (3) fragmentation pattern in MS2 and MS3. PC36:4-OOH was most often detected in VLDL, IDL and plasma. The ratio of total PCOOH to phosphatidylcholine progressively increased with the duration of oxidation in both VLDL and IDL.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the presence of 12 molecular species of PCOOH in native triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. The frequent detection of PCOOH in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins provides a molecular basis of the atherogenicity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. PCOOH in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins might serve as a molecular basis of the atherogenicity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
Prospective Memory Performance in Simulated Air Traffic Control
Authors: Wilson Micah K. , Strickland Luke , Farrell Simon , Visser Troy A. W. , Loft Shayne
Published: September 2019

Objective

To examine the effects of interruptions and retention interval on prospective memory for deferred tasks in simulated air traffic control.

Background

In many safety-critical environments, operators need to remember to perform a deferred task, which requires prospective memory. Laboratory experiments suggest that extended prospective memory retention intervals, and interruptions in those retention intervals, could impair prospective memory performance.

Method

Participants managed a simulated air traffic control sector. Participants were sometimes instructed to perform a deferred handoff task, requiring them to deviate from a routine procedure. We manipulated whether an interruption occurred during the prospective memory retention interval or not, the length of the retention interval (37–117 s), and the temporal proximity of the interruption to deferred task encoding and execution. We also measured performance on ongoing tasks.

Results

Increasing retention intervals (37–117 s) decreased the probability of remembering to perform the deferred task. Costs to ongoing conflict detection accuracy and routine handoff speed were observed when a prospective memory intention had to be maintained. Interruptions did not affect individuals’ speed or accuracy on the deferred task.

Conclusion

Longer retention intervals increase risk of prospective memory error and of ongoing task performance being impaired by cognitive load; however, prospective memory can be robust to effects of interruptions when the task environment provides cuing and offloading.

Application

To support operators in performing complex and dynamic tasks, prospective memory demands should be reduced, and the retention interval of deferred tasks should be kept as short as possible.
Afterword: Publishing an academic edition of From Man to Man or Perhaps Only — in South Africa
Authors: Nivesjö Sanja , Barends Heidi
Published: September 2019

This afterword to the written symposium “Between ‘the lights and shadows’: Reading the new edition of Olive Schreiner’s From Man to Man or Perhaps Only —” contains an interview with Sandy Shepherd, publisher at UCT Press, about Dorothy Driver’s 2015 edition of From Man to Man. Topics raised include the importance of local academic publishing in providing locally-specific knowledge, challenging knowledge distribution dominated from the global North, keeping local cultures alive, and establishing synergies between local and international research and local publishing. Difficulties with local academic publishing are addressed, such as high costs and a limited readership. The tensions between producing a thorough academic edition and appealing to a wider audience, and thus facilitating the spread of a novel important to South African cultural history, are discussed.
Homelessness and Mortality Among Persons With Tuberculosis in Texas, 2010-2017
Authors: Agarwal Saroochi , Nguyen Duc T. , Graviss Edward A.
Published: September 2019

Objective:

A disproportionate number of tuberculosis cases and tuberculosis deaths occur among persons experiencing homelessness in the United States. Our objective was to identify risks for homelessness and death during mycobacterial treatment among persons experiencing homelessness with tuberculosis in Texas.

Methods:

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s TB Genotyping Information Management System, we evaluated data on demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics of persons experiencing homelessness in Texas during the year before tuberculosis diagnosis, from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2017.

Results:

Of 10 130 new diagnoses of tuberculosis among persons living in Texas during the study period, 543 were reported as being homeless in the year before tuberculosis diagnosis. The odds of dying during treatment were 2.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.68-3.03) times higher among persons with tuberculosis experiencing homelessness than among persons with tuberculosis living in homes.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that persons experiencing homelessness bear an undue burden of tuberculosis mortality in Texas. The burden may be related to poorer health caused by poverty stressors, comorbidities, or lack of access to health care.