bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Numerical Analysis of the Thermal Behavior and Pyrolysis Gas Flow Inside an Orthotropic Porous Material
Authors: Tahmasbi Vahid , Noori Sahar
Published: April 2020

This article describes a finite-volume fully implicit solver that simulates the transient thermal response and pyrolysis gas transport inside orthotropic charring ablators. Due to surface recession of ablators in the aeroheating environments, an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation of the problem is presented. The governing equations (which consist of solid phase continuity, gas phase continuity, unsteady form of Darcy's law as gas momentum, and gas–solid mixture energy) are solved with an unstructured moving grid system. The boundary condition at the ablated surface is characterized by integrating the equilibrium thermochemical tables into the surface energy balance under assumption of a unity Lewis number. The developed computational scheme is verified using both analytical solution and code-to-code comparison. The simulations are performed on both cylindrical and iso-q shaped samples. The results show that the pyrolysis gas movement significantly influences the thermal response of the ablator. As the hot pyrolysis gas travels inside the porous ablator, it carries a great deal of energy, which enhances the solid temperature in the downstream region. Also, blowing the gas into the freestream has reduced the net convective heat flux, resulted in a decrease in the heat penetration area inside the ablator and char depth in the vicinity of permeable boundaries.
Bayesian statistical models for community annoyance survey data
Authors: Lee Jasme , Rathsam Jonathan , Wilson Alyson
Published: April 2020

This paper demonstrates the use of two Bayesian statistical models to analyze single-event sonic boom exposure and human annoyance data from community response surveys. Each model is fit to data from a NASA pilot study. Unlike many community noise surveys, this study used a panel sample to collect multiple observations per participant instead of a single observation. Thus, a multilevel (also known as hierarchical or mixed-effects) model is used to account for the within-subject correlation in the panel sample data. This paper describes a multilevel logistic regression model and a multilevel ordinal regression model. The paper also proposes a method for calculating a summary dose-response curve from the multilevel models that represents the population. The two models' summary dose-response curves are visually similar. However, their estimates differ when calculating the noise dose at a fixed percent highly annoyed.
Pacing and Performance in Swimming: Differences Between Individual and Relay Events
Authors: McGibbon Katie E. , Shephard Megan E. , Osborne Mark A. , Thompson Kevin G. , Pyne David B.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Although pacing is considered crucial for success in individual swimming events, there is a lack of research examining pacing in relays. The authors investigated the impact of start lap and pacing strategy on swimming performance and whether these strategies differ between relays and the corresponding individual event. Methods: Race data for 716 relay (4 × 200-m freestyle) finals from 14 international competitions between 2010 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Each swimmer’s individual 200-m freestyle season’s best time for the same year was used for comparison. Races were classified as a fast, average, or slow start lap strategy (lap 1) and as an even, negative, or positive pacing strategy (laps 2–4) to give an overall race strategy, for example, average start lap even pacing. Results: A fast start lap strategy was associated with slower 200-m times (range 0.5–0.9 s, P ≤ .04) irrespective of gender, and positive pacing led to slower 200-m (0.4–0.5 s, P ≤ .03) times in females. A fast start lap strategy led to positive pacing in 71% of swimmers. Half of the swimmers changed pacing strategy, with 13% and 7% more female and male swimmers, respectively, displaying positive pacing in relays compared with individual events. In relays, a fast start lap and positive pacing was utilized more frequently by swimmers positioned on second to fourth relay legs (+13%) compared with lead-off leg swimmers (+3%). Conclusion: To maximize performance, swimmers should be more conservative in the first lap and avoid unnecessary alterations in race strategy in relay events.
Engaging Multiple Medical Epistemologies: Medical Professionals’ Distance Running Advice and Treatment
Authors: Walton-Fisette Jennifer L. , Walton-Fisette Theresa A.
Published: April 2020

Distance running is a popular form of physical activity within the United States and the world. Many distance runners experience some form of injury, causing them to seek treatment and advice from a variety of medical professionals. The authors explored how a small group of medical professionals advised and treated patients in regard to engaging in distance running. The authors found that with diverse personal experiences in running, medical professionals are clearly impacted by their own embodied experiences of, and personal beliefs about, distance running in how they treat and advise patients. Therefore, they draw from diverse medical epistemologies in their clinical judgments, including their own embodied experiences, clinical observations, evidenced-based research, narrative medicine, and intersectionality.
Food Workers as a Reservoir of Extended-Spectrum-Cephalosporin-Resistant
Salmonella
Strains in Japan
Authors: Shigemura Hiroaki , Sakatsume Eri , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Yokoyama Hiroshi , Hamada Kunihiko , Etoh Yoshiki , Carle Yuki , Mizumoto Shiro , Hirai Shinichiro , Matsui Mari , Kimura Hirokazu , Suzuki Motoi , Onozuka Daisuke , Kuroda Makoto , Inoshima Yasuo , Murakami Koichi
Published: April 2020

Antimicrobial-resistant
Salmonella
bacteria arise in farm environments through imprudent use of antimicrobials. Subsequently, these antimicrobial-resistant strains, such as extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Salmonella
, may be transmitted to humans via food animal-derived products. Here, we examined
Salmonella
carriage among food handlers in Japan. Overall, 164 of 145,220 fecal samples (0.113%) were positive for
Salmonella
. Among the 158 tested isolates, four were identified as ESBL-producing isolates carrying ESBL determinants
bla
CTX-M-15
or
bla
CTX-M-14
. In all cases, the genes coexisted with IS
Ecp1
, regardless of whether they were located on the chromosome or on a plasmid. Our findings suggest that food workers may be a reservoir of ESBL-producing strains and could contribute to the spread of resistance genes from farm-derived
Salmonella
to other bacterial species present in the human gut.
A CpxR-Regulated
zapD
Gene Involved in Biofilm Formation of Uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Chen Hong-Han , Chang Chien-Che , Yuan Yu-Han , Liaw Shwu-Jen
Published: April 2020

Proteus mirabilis
, a frequent uropathogen, forms extensive biofilms on catheters that are infamously difficult to treat. To explore the mechanisms of biofilm formation by
P. mirabilis
, we performed
in vivo
transposon mutagenesis. A mutant with impaired biofilm formation was isolated. The mutant was found to have Tn
5
inserted in the
zapD
gene, encoding an outer membrane protein of the putative type 1 secretion system ZapBCD.
gp96 Is Critical for both Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) and HHV-6B Infections
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Jia Junli , Jiang Xuefeng , Xu Mengyuan , Guo Jinfeng , Tang Tian , Xu Xianyi , Wu Zhisheng , Hu Benshun , Yao Kun , Li Lingyun , Tang Huamin
Published: April 2020

Although new clinical importance has been revealed for human herpesviruses 6A (HHV-6A) and 6B, much is still unknown about the life cycles of these viruses in target cells. We identified a novel cellular factor, gp96, that is critical for both HHV-6A and -6B entry into host cells. As gp96 can function as an adjuvant in vaccine development for both infectious agents and cancers, it can be a potential therapeutic target for infection by these two viruses.
Deletion of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 MicroRNAs miR-H1 and miR-H6 Impairs Reactivation
Authors: Barrozo Enrico R. , Nakayama Sanae , Singh Pankaj , Vanni Emilia A. H. , Arvin Ann M. , Neumann Donna M. , Bloom David C.
Published: April 2020

While HSV antivirals reduce the severity and duration of clinical disease in some individuals, there is no vaccine or cure. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms regulating latency and reactivation as a potential to elucidate targets for better therapeutics is important. There are at least 20 confirmed HSV-1 miRNAs, yet the roles of individual miRNAs in the context of viral infection remain largely uncharacterized. The present study focuses on two of the miRNAs (miR-H1/H6) that are encoded within the latency-associated transcript (LAT) region, a portion of the genome that has been associated with efficient reactivation. Here, we demonstrate that the deletion of the seed sequences of these miRNAs results in a severe reduction in reactivation of HSV-1 in the mouse and rabbit models. These results suggest a linkage between these miRNAs and reactivation.
Processing, Export, and Identification of Novel Linear Peptides from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schilcher Katrin , Caesar Lindsay K. , Cech Nadja B. , Horswill Alexander R.
Published: April 2020

Here, we provide evidence indicating that
S. aureus
secretes small linear peptides into the environment via a novel processing and secretion pathway. The discovery of a specialized pathway for the production of small linear peptides and the identification of these peptides leads to several important questions regarding their role in
S. aureus
biology, most interestingly, their potential to act as signaling molecules. The observations in this study provide a foundation for further in-depth studies into the biological activity of small linear peptides in
S. aureus
.
Burkholderia ubonensis Meropenem Resistance: Insights into Distinct Properties of Class A β-Lactamases in Burkholderia cepacia Complex and Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex Bacteria
Authors: Somprasong Nawarat , Hall Carina M. , Webb Jessica R. , Sahl Jason W. , Wagner David M. , Keim Paul , Currie Bart J. , Schweizer Herbert P.
Published: April 2020

Burkholderia pseudomallei
causes melioidosis, a tropical disease that is highly fatal if not properly treated. Our data show that, in contrast to
B. pseudomallei
,
B. ubonensis
β-lactam resistance is fundamentally different because intrinsic resistance is mediated by an inducible class A β-lactamase. This includes resistance to carbapenems. Our work demonstrates that studies with near-neighbor species are informative about the diversity of antimicrobial resistance in
Burkholderia
and can also provide clues about the potential of resistance transfer between bacteria inhabiting the same environment. Knowledge about potential adverse challenges resulting from the horizontal transfer of resistance genes between members of the two complexes enables the design of effective countermeasures.
Human Neutrophils Produce Antifungal Extracellular Vesicles against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Shopova Iordana A. , Belyaev Ivan , Dasari Prasad , Jahreis Susanne , Stroe Maria C. , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Zimmermann Ann-Kathrin , Medyukhina Anna , Svensson Carl-Magnus , Krüger Thomas , Szeifert Viktòria , Nietzsche Sandor , Conrad Theresia , Blango Matthew G. , Kniemeyer Olaf , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Zipfel Peter F. , Ligeti Erzsébet , Figge Marc Thilo , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: April 2020

Invasive fungal infections caused by the moldAspergillus fumigatusare a growing concern in the clinic due to the increasing use of immunosuppressive therapies and increasing antifungal drug resistance. These infections result in high rates of mortality, as treatment and diagnostic options remain limited. In healthy individuals, neutrophilic granulocytes are critical for elimination ofA. fumigatusfrom the host; however, the exact extracellular mechanism of neutrophil-mediated antifungal activity remains unresolved. Here, we present a mode of antifungal defense employed by human neutrophils againstA. fumigatusnot previously described. We found that extracellular vesicles produced by neutrophils in response toA. fumigatusinfection are able to associate with the fungus, limit growth, and elicit cell damage by delivering antifungal cargo. In the end, antifungal extracellular vesicle biology provides a significant step forward in our understanding ofA. fumigatushost pathogenesis and opens up novel diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.
EspFu-Mediated Actin Assembly Enhances Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Adherence and Activates Host Cell Inflammatory Signaling Pathways
Authors: Martins Fernando H. , Kumar Ashwani , Abe Cecilia M. , Carvalho Eneas , Nishiyama-Jr Milton , Xing Chao , Sperandio Vanessa , Elias Waldir P.
Published: April 2020

EPEC is among the leading causes of diarrheal disease worldwide. The colonization of the gut mucosa by EPEC results in actin pedestal formation at the site of bacterial attachment. These pedestals are referred to as attaching and effacing (AE) lesions. Here, we exploit the different molecular mechanisms used by EPEC to induce AE lesions on epithelial cells, showing that the effector EspFu is associated with increased bacterial attachment and enhanced epithelial colonization compared to the Tir-Nck pathway. Moreover, we also showed that actin pedestal formation can counterbalance the anti-inflammatory activity induced by EPEC, especially when driven by EspFu. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into virulence mechanisms employed by EPEC to colonize epithelial cells, as well as the host response to this enteric pathogen.
The WblC/WhiB7 Transcription Factor Controls Intrinsic Resistance to Translation-Targeting Antibiotics by Altering Ribosome Composition
Authors: Lee Ju-Hyung , Yoo Ji-Sun , Kim Yeonbum , Kim Jong-Seo , Lee Eun-Jin , Roe Jung-Hye
Published: April 2020

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the top threats in human health. Therefore, we need to understand how bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics and continue growth even in the presence of antibiotics.
Streptomyces coelicolor
, an antibiotic-producing soil bacterium, intrinsically develops resistance to translation-targeting antibiotics. Intrinsic resistance is controlled by the WblC/WhiB7 transcription factor that is highly conserved within
Actinobacteria
, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Here, identification of the WblC/WhiB7 regulon revealed that WblC/WhiB7 controls ribosome maintenance genes and promotes translation in the presence of antibiotics by altering the composition of ribosome-associated proteins. Also, the WblC-mediated ribosomal alteration is indeed required for resistance to translation-targeting antibiotics. This suggests that inactivation of the WblC/WhiB7 regulon could be a potential target to treat antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria.
Exoenzymes as a Signature of Microbial Response to Marine Environmental Conditions
Authors: Kamalanathan Manoj , Doyle Shawn M. , Xu Chen , Achberger Amanda M. , Wade Terry L. , Schwehr Kathy , Santschi Peter H. , Sylvan Jason B. , Quigg Antonietta
Published: April 2020

Microbes release exoenzymes into the environment to break down complex organic matter and nutrients into simpler forms that can be assimilated and utilized, thereby addressing their cellular carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus requirements. Despite its importance, the factors associated with the synthesis of exoenzymes are not clearly defined, especially for the marine environment. Here, we found that exoenzymes associated with nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition were strongly correlated with inorganic nutrient levels, while those associated with carbon acquisition depended on the type of organic carbon available. We also show a linear relationship between carbon- and nitrogen-acquiring exoenzymes and a strong correlation between microbial biomass and exoenzymes, highlighting their significance to microbial productivity. Last, we show that changes in microbial community composition are not strongly associated with changes in exoenzyme activity profiles, a finding which reveals a redundancy of exoenzyme activity functions among microbial community. These findings advance our understanding of previously unknown factors associated with exoenzyme production in the marine environment.
Melt-present shear zones enable intracontinental orogenesis
Authors: Piazolo Sandra , Daczko Nathan R. , Silva David , Raimondo Tom
Published: April 2020

Localized rheological weakening is required to initiate and sustain intracontinental orogenesis, but the reasons for weakening remain debated. The intracontinental Alice Springs orogen dominates the lithospheric architecture of central Australia and involved prolonged (450–300 Ma) but episodic mountain building. The mid-crustal core of the orogen is exposed at its eastern margin, where field relationships and microstructures demonstrate that deformation was accommodated in biotite-rich shear zones. Rheological weakening was caused by localized melt-present deformation coupled with melt-induced reaction softening. This interpretation is supported by the coeval and episodic nature of melt-present deformation, igneous activity, and sediment shed from the developing orogen. This study identifies localized melt availability as an important ingredient enabling intracontinental orogenesis.
U-Pb and Re-Os geochronology tracks stratigraphic condensation in the Sturtian snowball Earth aftermath
Authors: Rooney Alan D. , Yang Chuan , Condon Daniel J. , Zhu Maoyan , Macdonald Francis A.
Published: April 2020

The snowball Earth hypothesis predicts a strong hysteresis resulting in discrete multi-million-year glaciations followed by globally synchronous deglaciation. Here we present new U-Pb zircon and Re-Os sedimentary rock geochronology and Os isotope chemostratigraphy from post-Sturtian sequences in south China to test the synchroneity of deglaciation. High-precision chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS) U-Pb zircon dates refine the minimum age of deglaciation to 660.98 ± 0.74 Ma, which is ∼2 m.y. older than previously reported. We also provide a new maximum age constraint on the onset of the Marinoan glaciation of 657.17 ± 0.78 Ma. A global compilation of new Os isotope chemostratigraphy reveals a large and systematic trend to unradiogenic values over <1 m of stratigraphy. Together, these data indicate that the Mn-carbonates in south China are not cap carbonates that formed as a response to post-snowball alkalinity, but are authigenic carbonates that formed millions of years after deglaciation. Sturtian cap carbonates tend to be absent or more condensed than their younger Marinoan counterparts. We suggest that this reflects a combination of enhanced accommodation space in early Cryogenian underfilled rift basins, stronger hysteresis, larger ice volume, and/or higher CO2 levels needed for deglaciation of the longer Sturtian glaciation. Further, our findings indicate that the apparent diachroneity of deglaciation can be explained readily as a consequence of stratigraphic condensation, itself due to the large post-Sturtian glacioeustatic transgressive sequence that outpaced shallow-water carbonate deposition.
Impact of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and intentions towards nutritional counselling in Dutch medical students: an intervention study
Authors: Coppoolse Hester L , Seidell Jaap C , Dijkstra S Coosje
Published: April 2020

Objective

Management of diet-related chronic diseases may benefit from improved nutrition education of medical students. This study aims to investigate the effects of a nutrition education course on nutritional knowledge and intentions towards nutritional counselling in Dutch medical students.

Design

This is a pre–post intervention study with a comparison group. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on nutritional knowledge and intentions towards nutritional counselling.

Participants

In total, 118 medical students (64.4% undergraduate, 73.2% women) were recruited from two medical schools in the Netherlands (n=66 intervention group, n=52 comparison group).

Intervention

The intervention group completed a 25-hour course in nutritional counselling (the Students Experienced in Lifestyle and Food (SELF) course) in addition to the standard medical curriculum. The comparison group followed the standard medical curriculum.

Outcome measures

Self-reported nutritional knowledge and intentions towards nutritional counselling, including attitude, self-efficacy and social support.

Results

Nutritional knowledge (B: 2.42, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.02), attitude in men (B: 0.50, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.87) and self-efficacy (B: 0.78, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.95) significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the comparison group. No significant differences were found for social support (B: 0.20, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.43) and attitude in women (B: 0.08, 95% CI −0.24 to 0.31) between the two groups.

Conclusions

The SELF course increased medical students’ nutritional knowledge and stimulated their intentions towards nutritional counselling. Future research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of nutrition education interventions on physician practice patterns and patient outcomes.
Evaluation of non-invasive continuous physiological monitoring devices for neonates in Nairobi, Kenya: a research protocol
Authors: Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Nkwopara Evangelyn , Macharia William , Ochieng Roseline , Waiyego Mary , Zhou Guohai , Karasik Roman , Xu Shuai , Ansermino J Mark
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Continuous physiological monitoring devices are often not available for monitoring high-risk neonates in low-resource settings. Easy-to-use, non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring devices could be instrumental in providing appropriate care and improving outcomes for high-risk neonates in these low-resource settings.

Methods and analysis

The purpose of this prospective, observational, facility-based evaluation is to provide evidence to establish whether two existing non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring devices developed by device developers, EarlySense and Sibel, can accurately and reliably measure vital signs in neonates (when compared with verified reference devices). We will also assess the feasibility, usability and acceptability of these devices for use in neonates in low-resource settings in Africa. Up to 500 neonates are enrolled in two phases: (1) a verification and accuracy evaluation phase at Aga Khan University—Nairobi and (2) a clinical feasibility evaluation phase at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analysed. Agreement between the investigational and reference devices is determined using a priori-defined accuracy thresholds.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Aga Khan University Nairobi Research Ethics Committee and the Western Institutional Review Board. We plan to disseminate research results in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03920761.
Identifying novel oncogenicRETmutations and characterising their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Fu Tao , Gao Jiyue , Xu Yang , Wu Xue , Chen Wenjuan , Li Xuesong , Yu Ruoying , Shao Yang Washington , Li Man , Yao Yu
Published: April 2020

Background

Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a well-known proto-oncogene. MultipleREToncogenic alterations have been identified, including fusions and mutations. AlthoughRETfusions have been reported in multiple cancers,RETmutations were mainly found in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and medullary thyroid carcinoma.RETmutations in other cancers were underinvestigated and their functional annotation was less well studied.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed next-generation sequencing data from 37 056 patients with cancer to search forRETmutations. We excluded patients with other co-occurring known driver mutations to enrich potential activatingRETmutations for further analysis. Moreover, we performed in vitro functional validation of the oncogenic property of several high frequent and novelRETmutants and their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors LOXO-292 and BLU-667.

Results

Within 560 (1.5%) patients with cancer who harbourRETmutations, we identified 380 distinctRETmutation sites, including 252 sites without co-occurring driver mutations.RETmutations were more frequently found in thyroid cancer, mediastinal tumour and several other cancers. The mutation sites spread out through the whole protein with a few hotspots within the kinase domain. In addition, we functionally validated that 898-901del, T930P and T930K were novelRET-activating mutations and they were all sensitive to RET inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the frequency ofRETmutations across different cancers. We reported and/or validated several previously uncharacterisedREToncogenic mutations and demonstrated their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors. Our results help to stratify patients with cancer based on theirRETmutation status and potentially provide more targeted treatment options.
Éléments structurant les programmes d’activité physique dans la lutte contre le surpoids et l’obésité : état des lieux et suggestions
Authors: Dumoulin Coralie , Reynes Eric , Berthouze Sophie E.
Published: April 2020

À ce jour, les programmes d’activité physique (AP) visant les personnes atteintes de surpoids et d’obésité s’organisent autour des recommandations érigées pour la population générale. Toutefois, ces personnes présentent des caractéristiques particulières qui nécessitent un accompagnement adapté. Afin de pouvoir amorcer un travail de recommandation, l’objectif de cet article était de répertorier les critères utilisés pour décrire et étudier les programmes d’AP à destination des personnes atteintes de surpoids et d’obésité et les suivis post-programmes. Une revue systématique des méta-analyses et revues systématiques portant sur la prise en charge du surpoids et de l’obésité adulte a permis, notamment, de mettre en évidence que peu d’éléments descriptifs des programmes sont rapportés de manière systématique, et que les programmes sont rarement suffisamment détaillés pour pouvoir calculer une dose d’AP ou permettre leur comparaison. Ces convergences, disparités ou manques dans la description des programmes d’AP, ont permis d’engager une réflexion sur l’intérêt des différents critères ainsi que sur l’intérêt de leur systématisation dans les dispositifs de prise en charge de la gestion du poids incluant l’AP, pour ce que nous espérons être une première étape vers l’élaboration de recommandations en matière de prise en charge du surpoids et de l’obésité par l’AP.

Les nouveautés Objectif : répertorier les critères de description des programmes d’AP dans la prise en charge du surpoids et de l’obésité. Critères à systématiser : calcul dose d’AP, individualisation programme. Critères à développer : taux d’abandon comme indicateur d’adaptation du programme, stratégie de gestion de la fatigue.
Long-term nivation rates, Cathedral Massif, northwestern British Columbia
Authors: Nyland Kelsey E. , Nelson Frederick E.
Published: April 2020

Cryoplanation terraces (CTs) are large (3000–800 000 m2) erosional landforms found in upland periglacial environments. Two hypotheses for the formation of CTs are supported in contemporary literature: (1) CT formation is controlled primarily by geologic structure; and (2) CTs are climatically controlled through nivation, a suite of erosional processes associated with late-lying snowbanks. A persistent question in periglacial geomorphology is whether nivation can produce CT-scale landforms. This paper examines the unusual deglaciation history of “Frost Ridge” on the Cathedral Massif, northwestern British Columbia, to estimate long-term denudation attributable to nivation processes active since the last glacial maximum. Frost Ridge forms one flank of an east–west-oriented glacial valley. During deglaciation, marginal drainage created V-shaped erosional notches on both valley walls. Minimization of solar radiation on the steep north-facing wall (Frost Ridge) allowed snowbanks to accumulate and persist in the marginal drainage features and nivation processes to erode the slope. Today, several large nivation hollows (incipient CTs) are present near the summit of Frost Ridge, while the V-shaped marginal drainage features are preserved at lower elevations and on the opposite, south-facing valley wall. A high-resolution survey using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) allowed volumes of marginal drainage and incipient terrace features to be compared. Based on this volumetric comparison, denudation rates are estimated to range from 4.2 to 125.8 mm/kyr, which are comparable with relatively short-term nivation rates reported from Antarctica and mid-latitude alpine periglacial areas.
The Road River Group of northern Yukon, Canada: early Paleozoic deep-water sedimentation within the Great American Carbonate Bank
Authors: Strauss Justin V. , Fraser Tiffani , Melchin Michael J. , Allen Tyler J. , Malinowski Joseph , Feng Xiahong , Taylor John F. , Day James , Gill Benjamin C. , Sperling Erik A.
Published: April 2020

Cambrian–Devonian sedimentary rocks of the northern Canadian Cordillera record both the establishment and demise of the Great American Carbonate Bank, a widespread carbonate platform system that fringed the ancestral continental margins of North America (Laurentia). Here, we present a new examination of the deep-water Road River Group of the Richardson Mountains, Yukon, Canada, which was deposited in an intra-platformal embayment or seaway within the Great American Carbonate Bank called the Richardson trough. Eleven detailed stratigraphic sections through the Road River Group along the upper canyon of the Peel River are compiled and integrated with geological mapping, facies analysis, carbonate and organic carbon isotope chemostratigraphy, and new biostratigraphic results to formalize four new formations within the type area of the Richardson Mountains (Cronin, Mount Hare, Tetlit, and Vittrekwa). We recognize nine mixed carbonate and siliciclastic deep-water facies associations in the Road River Group and propose these strata were deposited in basin-floor to slope environments. New biostratigraphic data suggest the Road River Group spans the late Cambrian (Furongian) – Middle Devonian (Eifelian), and new chemostratigraphic data record multiple global carbon isotopic events, including the late Cambrian Steptoean positive carbon isotope excursion, the Late Ordovician Guttenberg excursion, the Silurian Aeronian, Valgu, Mulde (mid-Homerian), Ireviken (early Sheinwoodian), and Lau excursions, and the Early Devonian Klonk excursion. Together, these new data not only help clarify nomenclatural debate centered around the Road River Group, but also provide critical new sedimentological, biostratigraphic, and isotopic data for these widely distributed rocks of the northern Canadian Cordillera.
A comprehensive analysis of weak transition form factors for doubly heavy baryons in the light front approach
Authors: Hu Xiao-Hui , Li Run-Hui , Xing Zhi-Peng
Published: April 2020

The transition form factors for doubly heavy baryons into a spin-1/2 or spin-3/2 ground-state baryon induced by both the charged current and the flavor changing neutral current are systematically studied within the light-front quark model. In the transition the two spectator quarks have two spin configurations and both are considered in this calculation. We use an updated vertex functions, and inspired by the flavor SU(3) symmetry, we also provide a new approach to derive the flavor-spin factors. With the obtained transition form factors, we perform a phenomenological study of the corresponding semi-leptonic decays of doubly heavy baryons induced by the $$c\rightarrow d/s \ell ^+\nu $$c→d/sℓ+ν, $$b\rightarrow c/u\ell ^-\bar{\nu }$$b→c/uℓ-ν¯ and $$b\rightarrow d/s\ell ^+\ell ^-$$b→d/sℓ+ℓ-. Results for partial decay widths, branching ratios and the polarization ratios $$\Gamma _{L}/\Gamma _{T}$$ΓL/ΓTs are given. We find that most branching ratios for the semi-leptonic decays induced by the $$c\rightarrow d,s$$c→d,s transitions are at the order of $$10^{-3}\sim 10^{-2}$$10-3∼10-2, which might be useful for the search of other doubly-heavy baryons. Uncertainties in form factors, the flavor SU(3) symmetry and sources of symmetry breaking effects are discussed. We find that the SU(3) symmetry breaking effects could be sizable in charmed baryon decays while in the bottomed case, the SU(3) symmetry breaking effects are less significant. Our results can be examined at the experimental facilities in the future.
Special issue: Dynamics of systems on the nanoscale (2018). Editorial
Authors: Bald Ilko , Solov’yov Ilia A. , Mason Nigel , Solov’yov Andrey V.
Published: April 2020

The structure, formation and dynamics of both animate and inanimate matter on the nanoscale are a highly interdisciplinary field of rapidly emerging research engaging a broad community encompassing experimentalists, theorists, and technologists. It is relevant for a large variety of molecular and nanosystems of different origin and composition and concerns numerous phenomena originating from physics, chemistry, biology, or materials science. This Topical Issue presents a collection of original research papers devoted to different aspects of structure and dynamics on the nanoscale. Some of the contributions discuss specific applications of the research results in several modern technologies and in next generation medicine. Most of the works of this topical issue were reported at the Fifth International Conference on Dynamics of Systems on the Nanoscale (DySoN) – the premier forum for the presentation of cutting-edge research in this field that was held in Potsdam, Germany in October of 2018.
TCR+CD4−CD8− (double negative) T cells protect from cisplatin-induced renal epithelial cell apoptosis and acute kidney injury
Authors: Gong Jing , Noel Sanjeev , Hsu Joshua , Bush Errol L. , Arend Lois J. , Sadasivam Mohanraj , Lee Sul A , Kurzhagen Johanna T. , Hamad Abdel Rahim A. , Rabb Hamid
Published: April 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to cisplatin is a significant problem that limits its use as an effective chemotherapeutic agent. T cell receptor+CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) T cells constitute the major T cell population in the human and mouse kidney, express programmed cell death protein (PD)-1, and protect from ischemic AKI. However, the pathophysiological roles of DN T cells in cisplatin-induced AKI is unknown. In this study, wild-type mice were treated with cisplatin (30 mg/kg) or vehicle, and the effects on kidney DN T cell numbers and function were measured. In vitro experiments evaluated effects of kidney DN T cells on cisplatin-induced apoptosis and PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) in renal epithelial cells. Adoptive transfer experiments assessed the therapeutic potential of DN T cells during cisplatin-induced AKI. Our results show that kidney DN T cell population increased at 24 h and declined by 72 h after cisplatin treatment. Cisplatin treatment increased kidney DN T cell proliferation, apoptosis, CD69, and IL-10 expression, whereas CD62L, CD44, IL-17A, interferon-γ, and TNF-α were downregulated. Cisplatin treatment decreased both PD-1 and natural killer 1.1 subsets of kidney DN T cells with a pronounced effect on the PD-1 subset. In vitro kidney DN T cell coculture decreased cisplatin-induced apoptosis in kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells, increased Bcl-2, and decreased cleaved caspase 3 expression. Cisplatin-induced expression of PD ligand 1 was reduced in proximal tubular epithelial cells cocultured with DN T cells. Adoptive transfer of DN T cells attenuated kidney dysfunction and structural damage from cisplatin-induced AKI. These results demonstrate that kidney DN T cells respond rapidly and play a protective role during cisplatin-induced AKI.
Glycogenic Hepatopathy: A Rare Hepatic Complication of Poorly Controlled Type 1 DM
Authors: Alenazy Leila A. , Javed Muhammad , Elsiesy Hussien , Raddaoui Emad , Al-Hamoudi Waleed K.
Published: April 2020

Glycogen hepatopathy (GH) is a rare complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that leads to an abnormal accumulation of glycogen in the hepatocytes. The exact mechanism of GH remains unknown, but fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels play important roles in promoting glycogen accumulation. We report a case of a 16-year-old female diagnosed with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus with hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes. The patient experienced multiple admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis, and she also had celiac disease diagnosed 2 years previously based on serology and a duodenal biopsy. The laboratory analyses results were compatible with acute hepatitis, and the celiac serology was positive. Other investigations ruled out viral hepatitis and autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases. Ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen revealed liver enlargement with diffuse fatty infiltration. A liver biopsy revealed the presence of abundant glycogen in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. PAS staining was strongly positive, which confirmed the diagnosis of GH. There were no features of autoimmune hepatitis or significant fibrosis. Duodenal biopsy results were consistent with celiac disease. Despite our efforts, which are supported by a multidisciplinary team approach that included a hepatologist, a diabetic educator, a dietitian, and an endocrinologist, we have encountered difficulties in controlling the patient’s diabetes, and she persistently maintains symptomatic hepatomegaly and abnormal liver biochemistry. Given the patient’s age, we assumed that these abnormalities were related to patient noncompliance. In conclusion, GH remains an under-recognized complication of type 1 DM that is potentially reversible with adequate glycemic control. The awareness of GH should prevent diagnostic delay and its implications for management and the outcome.
An Integrated Production-Distribution Planning Problem under Demand and Production Capacity Uncertainties: New Formulation and Case Study
Authors: Ben Abid Taycir , Ayadi Omar , Masmoudi Faouzi
Published: April 2020

In this study, we propose to solve a biobjective tactical integrated production-distribution planning problem for a multisite, multiperiod, multiproduct, sea-air intermodal supply chain network under uncertainties. Two random parameters are considered simultaneously: product replenishment orders and production capacity, which are modelled via a finite set of scenarios, using a two-stage stochastic approach. A corresponding mathematical model is developed, coded, and solved using the LINGO 18.0 software optimisation tool. This model aims to simultaneously minimise the total costs of production in both regular and overtime, inventory, distribution, and backordering activities and maximise the customer satisfaction level over the tactical planning horizon. The AUGMECON technique is applied to handle with the multiobjective optimisation. The applicability and the performance of the proposed model are tested through a real-life case study inspired from a medium-sized Tunisian textile and apparel company. Sensitivity analysis on stochastic parameters and managerial insights for the studied supply chain network are argued based on the empirical findings.
Synovial Macrophages in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Tu Jiajie , Wang Xinming , Gong Xun , Hong Wenming , Han Dafei , Fang Yilong , Guo Yawei , Wei Wei
Published: April 2020

The ontogeny of macrophages in most organs has already been established. Owing to the limited number and inaccessibility of synovial macrophages (SMs), the origin of SMs has not been fully elucidated. Previous studies suggested that SMs have two major origins, namely, tissue-resident and monocyte-derived SMs. However, no systematic analysis to identify SM ontology in either physiological or pathological conditions has been available to date. In this review, we summarize relevant studies on the two main origins of SMs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and forecast the future research directions for this field. Furthermore, we discuss the current state of RA therapy that is based on targeting different SM subsets.
PART1 and hsa‐miR‐429‐Mediated SHCBP1 Expression Is an Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Glioma Patients
Authors: Xuan Chengmin , Jin Mingwei , Wang Lei , Xue Shengbai , An Qi , Sun Qingzeng , Wang Lei , Gao Yong
Published: April 2020

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Because of their high degree of malignancy, patient survival rates are unsatisfactory. Therefore, exploring glioma biomarkers will play a key role in early diagnosis, guiding treatment, and monitoring the prognosis of gliomas. We found two lncRNAs, six miRNAs, and nine mRNAs that were differentially expressed by analyzing genomic data of glioma patients. The diagnostic value of mRNA expression levels in gliomas was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Among the nine mRNAs, the area under the ROC curve values of only CEP55 and SHCBP1 were >0.7, specifically 0.834 and 0.816, respectively. Additionally, CEP55 and SHCBP1 were highly expressed in glioma specimens and showed increased expression according to the glioma grade, and outcomes of high expression patients were poor. CEP55 was enriched in the cell cycle, DNA replication, mismatch repair, and P53 signaling pathway. SHCBP1 was enriched in the cell cycle, DNA replication, ECM receptor interaction, and P53 signaling pathway. Age, grade, IDH status, chromosome 19/20 cogain, and SHCBP1 were independent factors for prognosis. Our findings suggest the PART1‐hsa‐miR‐429‐SHCBP1 regulatory network plays an important role in gliomas.
Identification and Quality Evaluation of Raw and Processed Asarum Species Using Microscopy, DNA Barcoding, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yao Guangzhe , Ma Wenjuan , Huang Xuhua , Jia Qi , Shen Jiayuan , Chang Yanxu , Ouyang Huizi , He Jun
Published: April 2020

Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) is one of the common herbs used to relieve exterior syndromes. Some volatile components of Asarum which have toxic effect may cause adverse reactions such as headache, general tension, unconsciousness, and respiratory paralysis. Therefore, Asarum is normally processed to reduce such toxicity and adverse effects. The bioactive ingredients contained in different Asarum herbs vary significantly; this variation may be attributed to their differences in species, origins, or processing methods. In this study, 16 batches of Asarum herbs were collected, and their species were identified using DNA barcoding, which is a method for distinguishing plant species, coupled with microscopy. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for simultaneous determination of 10 compounds was established to evaluate the contents of raw and processed Asarum herbs. Multivariate analysis was then applied to compare different batches of herbs based on the GC-MS data. DNA barcoding identified the herbs as being derived from four sources, and herbs from different origins showed different microscopic features. The results demonstrated that most of the samples were clearly clustered into distinct groups that corresponded to species types. All raw and processed samples were classified by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on the 10 analyzed compounds. The findings suggested that safrole and methyleugenol with a variable importance in the project (VIP) > 1 are unique compounds that can be used to differentiate between Asarum species. Safrole, methyleugenol, and 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohepta-2,4-dien-1-one were identified as significant constituents, the presence of which can be used to differentiate between raw and processed Asarum samples. These results indicate that species and processing methods show important effects on the composition of Asarum herbs.
3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole Induces Quick and Strong Fat Loss in Mice with High Fat-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Nunes-Souza Valéria , Dias-Júnior Nelson Miguel , Eleutério-Silva Marcos Antônio , Ferreira-Neves Vanessa P. , Moura Fabiana Andréa , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Rabelo Luíza A.
Published: April 2020

Background. Obesity is a growing epidemic with limited effective treatments and an important risk factor for several diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ), an inhibitor of catalase and heme synthesis, in a murine model for MetS. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet-induced MetS received ATZ (500 mg·kg-1·24 h-1) for 12 weeks. Results. The HFD group showed increased blood pressure and body weight, enhanced fat deposition accompanied by an increase in adipocyte diameter, and decreased lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT). The expression of genes related to inflammation was increased in WAT of the HFD group. Concurrently, these mice exhibited an increase in leptin, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), insulin, and glucose in plasma, coupled with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Strikingly, ATZ prevented the increase in blood pressure and the HFD-induced obesity as observed by lower body weight, WAT index, triglycerides, NEFA, and leptin in plasma. ATZ treatment also prevented the HFD-induced increase in adipocyte diameter and even induced marked atrophy and the accumulation of macrophages in this tissue. ATZ treatment also improved glucose metabolism by increasing glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, GLUT4 mRNA expression in WAT in parallel to decreased insulin levels. Conclusions. In the context of HFD-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, the fat loss induced by ATZ is probably due to heme synthesis inhibition, which blocks adipogenesis by probably decreased RevErbα activity, leading to apoptosis of adipocytes and the recruitment of macrophages. As a consequence of fat loss, ATZ elicits a beneficial systemic antiobesity effect and improves the metabolic status.
Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Dynamics in Transient Ischemic Attacks Patients with Fast Cine Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Wang Yuzhao , Gao Duo , Liu Huaijun
Published: April 2020

Fast cine phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PC-MRA) has the potential to provide a quantitative measurement method for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. To evaluation the changes of cerebral blood flow and the characteristics of artery lesion distribution in the patients of transient ischemic attacks (TIA). In all, 98 normal subjects and 106 TIA patients who underwent MRI examination within 72 h after the last symptom onset including the DWI sequence to exclude acute cerebral infarction were enrolled. The blood flow of the cranial total, the area of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery, the average velocity, and the average blood flow were obtained and compared in normal subjects and TIA group. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical assessments. The total cerebral blood flow of the TIA group and normal control group was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05). The total blood flow decreased with increasing age, and the TIA group was much lower than the control group. The blood flow of the right internal carotid artery in the TIA group had a significant difference compared with controls (P<0.05). However, the same situation did not happen in both of the left internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to evaluate the change of cerebral blood flow in TIA patients. The decrease in the total blood flow and the symptom onset of TIA is consistent. Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging could provide guidance to the diagnosis of TIA.