bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millet forage yield and silage quality as affected by water and nitrogen application at different sowing dates
Authors: Nematpour Afsaneh , Eshghizadeh Hamid Reza , Zahedi Morteza , Ghorbani Gholam Reza
Published: April 2020

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two irrigation regimes (control and water stress) and two nitrogen (N) levels (0 and 112.5 kg/ha) on forage yield and silage quality in millet. Bastan (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv) and Pishahang (Panicum miliaceum) were sown at two different dates during 2015 and 2016. Both cultivars exhibited reduced dry‐matter (DM) yields (45% and 51% in Bastan and Pishahang respectively) due to drought stress. Proline and phenolic contents increased as a result of drought and were significantly and negatively correlated with DM yield and digestibility. Moreover, Pishahang had a reduced acid detergent fibre (ADF) content but improved leaf/stem ratio, digestible dry matter (DDM), relative feed value (RFV), net energy for lactation (NEL), digestibility and silage quality as a result of drought stress, while no significant effects on these traits were observed in Bastan. Silage quality was greatly cultivar‐dependent. Both cultivars had higher levels of DDM, RFV and NEL at early sowing dates. Nitrogen supply had greater positive effects on increasing ash, crude protein (CP) content and DM yield under normal irrigation than under water‐stress conditions. In summary, given the importance of the energy received per unit of forage from an animal husbandry viewpoint and the significance of DM yield per unit area from an agricultural viewpoint, the obtained results might help farmers in choosing not only the best sowing dates but also proper irrigation and N management practices to achieve their quantitative and qualitative objectives in forage production.
Chemical individuality in T cells: A Garrodian view of immunometabolism
Authors: McGuire Peter J.
Published: April 2020

Metabolically quiescent T cells circulate throughout the body in search of antigen. Following engagement of their cognate receptors, T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support their activation, differentiation, and ultimately function. In the spirit of Sir Archibald Garrod, this metabolic reprogramming actually imparts a chemical individuality which confers advantage, while in others confers vulnerability, depending upon the milieu. Studying T cell immunometabolism in the context of inborn errors of metabolism allows one to define essential pathways of intermediary metabolism as well metabolic vulnerabilities and plasticity. Inborn errors of metabolism, a class of diseases first named by Garrod, have a long history of being informative for common physiologic and pathologic processes. This endeavor may be accomplished through the study of patients, animal models, and in vitro models of inborn errors of metabolism. In this review, the basics of intermediary metabolism and core metabolic pathways will be discussed, along with their relationship to T cell immunometabolism. Due to their pleiotropic nature, the reader will be specifically directed toward various inborn errors of metabolism which may be helpful for answering important questions about the role of metabolism in T cells.
Does pollarding trees improve the crop yield in a mature alley‐cropping agroforestry system?
Authors: Dufour Lydie , Gosme Marie , Le Bec Jimmy , Dupraz Christian
Published: April 2020

In agroforestry systems, the canopy of maturing trees progressively reduces the radiation available for the crop. Tree management practices such as pollarding can be used to restore the crop light availability. We monitored durum wheat, barley and pea yields during three consecutive years in an alley‐cropping agroforestry system with hybrid walnut trees in Southern France. Trees have been pruned regularly to 4 m since planting (in 1995), and a section of 50 trees was pollarded at 4 m height for the first time in 2013. We measured the yields and yields components in the two different tree management systems and in a sole crop control. The non‐pollarded trees reduced significantly the incident light (around 80% of the global radiation left in average) and both wheat (68% of the control) and pea (69% of the control), but not barley mean yields. In pollards inter‐row, the average incident light was 98% of the total radiation the first year and the wheat yield 89% of the control. But 3 years after pollarding, the incident light was 79% of the total radiation and the pea yield was only 67% of the control. Pollarding had a transient positive impact on crop yield; after 3 years, pollards were more competitive for light than control trees. Pollarding may also reduce the belowground trees competition, but slightly, as the crop vegetative growth occurs when the trees are leafless.
Are offspring begging levels exaggerated beyond the parental optimum? Evidence from a bidirectional selection experiment
Authors: Fresneau Nolwenn , Estramil Natalia , Müller Wendt
Published: April 2020

Parental care involves elaborate behavioural interactions between parents and their offspring, with offspring stimulating their parents via begging to provision resources. Thus, begging has direct fitness benefits as it enhances offspring growth and survival. It is nevertheless subject to a complex evolutionary trajectory, because begging may serve as a means for the offspring to manipulate parents in the context of evolutionary conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that begging is coadapted and potentially genetically correlated with parental care traits as a result of social selection. Further experiments on the causal processes that shape the evolution of begging are therefore essential. We applied bidirectional artificial selection on begging behaviour, using canaries (Serinus canaria) as a model species. We measured the response to selection, the consequences for offspring development, changes in parental care traits, here the rate of parental provisioning, as well as the effects on reproductive success. After three generations of selection, offspring differed in begging behaviour according to our artificial selection regime: nestlings of the high begging line begged significantly more than nestlings of the low begging line. Intriguingly, begging less benefitted the nestlings, as reflected by on average significantly higher growth rates, and increased reproductive success in terms of a higher number of fledglings in the low selected line. Begging could thus represent an exaggerated trait, possibly because parent–offspring conflict enhanced the selection on begging. We did not find evidence that we co‐selected on parental provisioning, which may be due to the lack of power, but may also suggest that the evolution of begging is probably not constrained by a genetic correlation between parental provisioning and offspring begging.
An inevitable response? A lived experienced perspective on emergency responses to mental health crises
Authors: White Christopher John
Published: April 2020

Accessible summary

What is known?

Mental health conditions are common, with recent estimates that around one in six people are diagnosed with anxiety or depression in any given year.

People who experience a mental health condition not only require support from health and social care services but, at times, require an emergency response from the front‐line services.

What this adds?

In this narrative, I explore the various emergency pathways I experienced when in psychiatric distress;

I detail the potential impact of these responses and whether there are opportunities to develop a more compassionate response.

Implications for mental health nursing?

Police intervention can escalate situations and intensify levels of distress resulting in unintended consequences including increasing public stigma and the criminalization of mental illness.

My experience suggests that often the response to psychiatric pain is different to when we are experiencing physical pain. This suggests the need for a different response.

Abstracts

Mental health conditions are common and around one in six people are diagnosed with a mental health condition. Such prevalence not only require support from health and social care services, at times it require an emergency response from front line services. The police are increasingly involved in responding to crisis and transporting people to emergency departments rather than paramedics. Such police intervention can escalate situations and intensify levels of distress resulting in unintended consequences including increasing public stigma and the criminalization of mental illness. My experience suggests that often the response to psychiatric pain is different to when we are experiencing physical pain. In this narrative I explore the various emergency pathways I experienced when in psychiatric distress including experiences with law enforcement services, emergency departments and psychiatric services. The potential impact of the responses and whether there are opportunities to develop better, more compassionate response.
LptB‐LptF coupling mediates the closure of the substrate‐binding cavity in the LptB2FGC transporter through a rigid‐body mechanism to extract LPS
Authors: Lundstedt Emily A. , Simpson Brent W. , Ruiz Natividad
Published: April 2020

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are essential envelope components in many Gram‐negative bacteria and provide intrinsic resistance to antibiotics. LPS molecules are synthesized in the inner membrane and then transported to the cell surface by the LPS transport (Lpt) machinery. In this system, the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter LptB2FGC extracts LPS from the inner membrane and places it onto a periplasmic protein bridge through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we show that residue E86 of LptB is essential for coupling the function of this ATPase to that of its partners LptFG, specifically at the step where ATP binding drives the closure of the LptB dimer and the collapse of the LPS‐binding cavity in LptFG that moves LPS to the Lpt periplasmic bridge. We also show that defects caused by changing residue E86 are suppressed by mutations altering either LPS structure or transmembrane helices in LptG. Furthermore, these suppressors also fix defects in the coupling helix of LptF, but not of LptG. Together, these results support a transport mechanism in which the ATP‐driven movements of LptB and those of the substrate‐binding cavity in LptFG are bi‐directionally coordinated through the rigid‐body coupling, with LptF’s coupling helix being important in coordinating cavity collapse with LptB dimerization.
Ecological outcomes of agroforests and restoration 15 years after planting
Authors: Giudice Badari Carolina , Bernardini Luis Eduardo , de Almeida Danilo R. A. , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , César Ricardo G. , Gutierrez Victoria , Chazdon Robin L. , Gomes Haroldo B. , Viani Ricardo A. G.
Published: April 2020

Large‐scale forest restoration relies on approaches that are cost‐effective and economically attractive to farmers, and in this context agroforestry systems may be a valuable option. Here, we compared ecological outcomes among (1) 12–15‐year‐old coffee agroforests established with several native shade trees, (2) 12–15‐year‐old high‐diversity restoration plantations, and (3) reference old‐growth forests, within a landscape restoration project in the Pontal do Paranapanema region, in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. We compared the aboveground biomass, canopy cover, and abundance, richness, and composition of trees, and the regenerating saplings in the three forest types. In addition, we investigated the landscape drivers of natural regeneration in the restoration plantations and coffee agroforests. Reference forests had a higher abundance of trees and regenerating saplings, but had similar levels of species richness compared to coffee agroforests. High‐diversity agroforests and restoration plantations did not differ in tree abundance. However, compared to restoration plantations, agroforests showed higher abundance and species richness of regenerating saplings, a higher proportion of animal‐dispersed species, and higher canopy cover. The abundance of regenerating saplings declined with increasing density of coffee plants, thus indicating a potential trade‐off between productivity and ecological benefits. High‐diversity coffee agroforests provide a cost‐effective and ecologically viable alternative to high‐diversity native tree plantations for large‐scale forest restoration within agricultural landscapes managed by local communities, and should be included as part of the portfolio of reforestation options used to promote the global agenda on forest and landscape restoration.
The Adolescent Data Hub: The Largest Catalog of Open Access Data on Adolescents Living in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: White Corinne , Misunas Christina , Chuang Erica , de Almada Midanna , Psaki Stephanie , Ngo Thoai D.
Published: April 2020

The Adolescent Data Hub (ADH) is the first and largest data catalog specifically developed to focus on open access data on adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Developed by the Population Council's Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center, and launched in August 2018, the ADH has grown to include more than 750 data sources that fit the inclusion criteria of (1) self‐reported data from females and/or males between ages 10 and 24 years; (2) one or more rounds of data collected in year 2000 or later; (3) data collected in one or more LMICs; (4) data are publicly available for download and use. A dynamic resource, the ADH is regularly updated to include new datasets that meet these criteria. The ADH facilitates access to available data on adolescents for researchers attempting to answer important questions related to the lives of adolescents and for donors and policymakers eager to identify gaps in existing data to inform their future investments.
The 2018 Global Research Expedition on Altitude Related Chronic Health (Global REACH) to Cerro de Pasco, Peru: an Experimental Overview
Authors: Tymko Michael M. , Hoiland Ryan L. , Tremblay Joshua C. , Stembridge Mike , Dawkins Tony G. , Coombs Geoff B. , Patrician Alexander , Howe Connor A. , Gibbons Travis D. , Moore Jonathan P. , Simpson Lydia L. , Steinback Craig D. , Meah Victoria L. , Stacey Benjamin S. , Bailey Damian M. , MacLeod David B. , Gasho Christopher , Anholm James D. , Bain Anthony R. , Lawley Justin S. , Villafuerte Francisco C. , Vizcardo‐Galindo Gustavo , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Herein, a methodological overview of our research team's (Global REACH) latest high altitude research expedition to Peru is provided.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The experimental objectives, expedition organization, measurements and key cohort data are discussed. The select data presented in this manuscript demonstrate the haematological differences between lowlanders and Andeans with and without excessive erythrocytosis. The data also demonstrate that exercise capacity was similar between study groups at high altitude. The forthcoming findings from our research expedition will contribute to our understanding of lowlander and indigenous highlander high altitude adaptation.

In 2016, the international research team Global Research Expedition on Altitude Related Chronic Health (Global REACH) was established and executed a high altitude research expedition to Nepal. The team consists of ∼45 students, principal investigators and physicians with the common objective of conducting experiments focused on high altitude adaptation in lowlanders and in highlanders with lifelong exposure to high altitude. In 2018, Global REACH travelled to Peru, where we performed a series of experiments in the Andean highlanders. The experimental objectives, organization and characteristics, and key cohort data from Global REACH's latest research expedition are outlined herein. Fifteen major studies are described that aimed to elucidate the physiological differences in high altitude acclimatization between lowlanders (n = 30) and Andean‐born highlanders with (n = 22) and without (n = 45) excessive erythrocytosis. After baseline testing in Kelowna, BC, Canada (344 m), Global REACH travelled to Lima, Peru (∼80 m) and then ascended by automobile to Cerro de Pasco, Peru (∼4300 m), where experiments were conducted over 25 days. The core studies focused on elucidating the mechanism(s) governing cerebral and peripheral vascular function, cardiopulmonary regulation, exercise performance and autonomic control. Despite encountering serious logistical challenges, each of the proposed studies was completed at both sea level and high altitude, amounting to ∼780 study sessions and >3000 h of experimental testing. Participant demographics and data relating to acid–base balance and exercise capacity are presented. The collective findings will contribute to our understanding of how lowlanders and Andean highlanders have adapted under high altitude stress.
Design of a specialized tractor to replace draft animals in small farms
Authors: Diaz Lankenau Guillermo F. , Winter V. Amos G.
Published: April 2020

This paper describes the motivation, design, and testing of a specialized farm tractor designed to replace draft animals in small farms, particularly in rural India. The proposed tractor matches the low capital cost of draft animals and has their unique ability to operate between growing crops in narrow inter-row spaces while retaining the major advantages of conventional tractors, such as low maintenance cost and reduced operator physical effort. The proposed tractor was conceived based on user needs and our implementation of a detailed terramechanics model. This tractor has a higher drawbar pull per unit mass compared to conventional tractors – a high drawbar force is needed to match the peak pull of animals, and a low mass is necessary to reduce material and vehicle costs. This quality is achieved by applying nearly the full vehicle's weight on the drive wheels, placing drive wheels in line, and locating the tillage tool between both axles. A proof-of-physics prototype of the design was instrumented to measure drawbar pull and tire slip to validate the terramechanics model and quantify traction performance. It was capable of pulling with more drawbar force per unit mass than conventional tractors and its performance can be accurately predicted by the model. During field tests on a working farm, the vehicle successfully operated in the narrow spaces between growing crops that would typically not be accessible to a low-cost, conventional small tractor. Initial farmer feedback on the design confirmed its high potential for performing farming operations.
Determination of Time-to-Failure for Automotive System Components Using Machine Learning
Authors: O’Donnell John , Yoon Hwan-Sik
Published: April 2020

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the connectivity of vehicles. This connectivity allows for the monitoring and analysis of large amount of sensor data from vehicles during their normal operations. In this paper, an approach is proposed for analyzing such data to determine a vehicle component’s remaining useful life named time-to-failure (TTF). The collected data is first used to determine the type of performance degradation and then to train a regression model to predict the health condition and performance degradation rate of the component using a machine learning algorithm. When new data is collected later for the same component in a different system, the trained model can be used to estimate the time-to-failure of the component based on the predicted health condition and performance degradation rate. To validate the proposed approach, a quarter-car model is simulated, and a machine learning algorithm is applied to determine the time-to-failure of a failing shock absorber. The results show that a tap-delayed nonlinear autoregressive network with exogenous input (NARX) can accurately predict the health condition and degradation rate of the shock absorber and can estimate the component’s time-to-failure. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt to determine a component’s time-to-failure using a machine learning algorithm.
Solitary Wave Dynamics Governed by the Modified FitzHugh–Nagumo Equation
Authors: Gawlik Aleksandra , Vladimirov Vsevolod , Skurativskyi Sergii
Published: April 2020

The paper deals with the studies of the nonlinear wave solutions supported by the modified FitzHugh–Nagumo (mFHN) system. It was proved in our previous work that the model, under certain conditions, possesses a set of soliton-like traveling wave (TW) solutions. In this paper, we show that the model has two solutions of the soliton type differing in propagation velocity. Their location in parametric space, and stability properties are considered in more details. Numerical results accompanied by the application of the Evans function technique prove the stability of fast solitary waves and instability of slow ones. A possible way of formation and annihilation of localized regimes in question is studied therein too.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in pancreatic masses with inconclusive radiologic workup – a case series and short review of the literature
Authors: Razpotnik Marcel , Bota Simona , Essler Gerolf , Weber-Eibel Jutta , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus
Published: April 2020

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a very sensitive examination to detect pancreatic masses and can provide useful information in cases where conventional radiologic workup remains inconclusive. We present three cases in which EUS was decisive in establishing the correct diagnosis. Case 1: A 74-year-old female was hospitalized because of acute pancreatitis. Medical history, CT and MRI gave no clue to etiology, but EUS diagnosed a small pancreatic tumor. Case 2: A female patient was admitted because of abdominal pain and weight loss. While MRI suspected a pancreatic tumor, EUS showed typical features of autoimmune pancreatitis. Case 3: A 50-year-old patient was hospitalized with cachexia, ascites and pulmonary embolism. At first, a pancreatic tumor was suspected, but EUS showed a cystic lesion with a solid component (pancreatic pseudocyst).
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and also using Google Patents.
Influence of Previous-Year Physical Activity on the Cognition of Older COPD Patients During Exacerbation
Authors: Torres-Sánchez Irene , Ortiz-Rubio Araceli , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Granados-Santiago María , López-Torres Isabel , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: April 2020

Background: Growing evidence demonstrates the negative health impact of physical inactivity. Our aim was to examine the influence of previous-year physical activity (PA) on the cognition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during exacerbation. Methods: Observational study. One hundred and fifty-one patients with COPD exacerbation were recruited over a period of 3 years and divided in 2 groups according to their previous activity level. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical variables were collected. Our main outcome measures were previous-year PA level, measured using the Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire and cognitive status measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: The cognitive variables that exhibited significant differences (P < .05) according to PA level were the visuoconstructional skills subscore, attention subscore, language subscore, orientation subscore, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score, with worse results in the sedentary group. Based on the relationships between total scores, the Baecke score was positively correlated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (r = .457). Conclusions: The cognitive status of COPD patients during an exacerbation is related to previous-year PA level. Previous-year PA level should be taken into consideration when patients with a COPD exacerbation are evaluated.
The Influence of Soccer Playing Surface on the Loading Response to Ankle (P)Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Jones Adam , Brogden Chris , Page Richard , Langley Ben , Greig Matt
Published: April 2020

Context: Contemporary synthetic playing surfaces have been associated with an increased risk of ankle injury in the various types of football. Triaxial accelerometers facilitate in vivo assessment of planar mechanical loading on the player. Objective: To quantify the influence of playing surface on the PlayerLoad elicited during footwork and plyometric drills focused on the mechanism of ankle injury. Design: Repeated-measures, field-based design. Setting: Regulation soccer pitches. Participants: A total of 15 amateur soccer players (22.1 [2.4] y), injury free with ≥6 years competitive experience. Interventions: Each player completed a test battery comprising 3 footwork drills (anterior, lateral, and diagonal) and 4 plyometric drills (anterior hop, inversion hop, eversion hop, and diagonal hop) on natural turf (NT), third-generation artificial turf (3G), and AstroTurf. Global positioning system sensors were located at C7 and the mid-tibia of each leg to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). Main Outcome Measures: PlayerLoad in each axial plane was calculated for each drill on each surface and at each global positioning system location. Results: Analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for sensor location in all drills, with PlayerLoad higher at mid-tibia than at C7 in all movement planes. AstroTurf elicited significantly higher PlayerLoad in the mediolateral and anteroposterior planes, with typically no difference between NT and 3G. In isolated inversion and eversion hopping trials, the 3G surface also elicited lower PlayerLoad than NT. Conclusions: PlayerLoad magnitude was sensitive to unit placement, advocating measurement with greater anatomical relevance when using microelectromechanical systems technology to monitor training or rehabilitation load. AstroTurf elicited higher PlayerLoad across all planes and drills and should be avoided for rehabilitative purposes, whereas 3G elicited a similar mechanical response to NT.
B cell Sirt1 deacetylates histone and non-histone proteins for epigenetic modulation of AID expression and the antibody response
Authors: Gan Huoqun , Shen Tian , Chupp Daniel P. , Taylor Julia R. , Sanchez Helia N. , Li Xin , Xu Zhenming , Zan Hong , Casali Paolo
Published: April 2020

Sirt1 mediates epigenetic modulation of B cell AID expression and antibody response by deacetylating histones, Dnmt1 and NF-κB p65.
ENL initiates multivalent phase separation of the super elongation complex (SEC) in controlling rapid transcriptional activation
Authors: Guo Chenghao , Che Zhuanzhuan , Yue Junjie , Xie Peng , Hao Shaohua , Xie Wei , Luo Zhuojuan , Lin Chengqi
Published: April 2020

SEC can compartmentalize P-TEFb via LLPS from the inactive soluble HEXIM1 complex to regulate rapid transcriptional events.
PBX1 expression in uterine natural killer cells drives fetal growth
Authors: Zhou Yonggang , Fu Binqing , Xu Xiuxiu , Zhang Jinghe , Tong Xianhong , Wang Yanshi , Dong Zhongjun , Zhang Xiaoren , Shen Nan , Zhai Yiwen , Kong Xiangdong , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: April 2020

A subset of uterine natural killer cells promotes fetal growth through regulation of growth-promoting factors by PBX1.
A durable protective immune response to wild-type measles virus infection of macaques is due to viral replication and spread in lymphoid tissues
Authors: Lin Wen-Hsuan W. , Moran Eileen , Adams Robert J. , Sievers Robert E. , Hauer Debra , Godin Steven , Griffin Diane E.
Published: April 2020

Wild-type measles virus replicates better in immune cells and induces more durable antibody responses in macaques than the live-attenuated measles virus vaccine.
Control of brain tumor growth by reactivating myeloid cells with niacin
Authors: Sarkar Susobhan , Yang Runze , Mirzaei Reza , Rawji Khalil , Poon Candice , Mishra Manoj K. , Zemp Franz J. , Bose Pinaki , Kelly John , Dunn Jeff F. , Yong V. Wee
Published: April 2020

By rejuvenating the deficient activity of myeloid cells in glioblastoma, niacin improves the treatment of otherwise incurable brain tumors.
Neoantigen responses, immune correlates, and favorable outcomes after ipilimumab treatment of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Subudhi Sumit K. , Vence Luis , Zhao Hao , Blando Jorge , Yadav Shalini S. , Xiong Qing , Reuben Alexandre , Aparicio Ana , Corn Paul G. , Chapin Brian F. , Pisters Louis L. , Troncoso Patricia , Tidwell Rebecca Slack , Thall Peter , Wu Chang-Jiun , Zhang Jianhua , Logothetis Christopher L. , Futreal Andrew , Allison James P. , Sharma Padmanee
Published: April 2020

Low–tumor mutational burden prostate tumors express neoantigens that elicit T cell responses associated with favorable clinical outcomes to ipilimumab.
The neural circuit model in psychiatry pays off
Authors: Stevens Jennifer Strafford
Published: April 2020

Noninvasive brain stimulation in depressed patients can be used to target different neural circuits, improving different symptoms.
Ferric Uptake Regulator Provides a New Strategy for Acidophile Adaptation to Acidic Ecosystems
Authors: Chen Xian-ke , Li Xiao-yan , Ha Yi-fan , Lin Jian-qiang , Liu Xiang-mei , Pang Xin , Lin Jian-qun , Chen Lin-xu
Published: April 2020

This study advances our understanding of the acid tolerance mechanism of
A. caldus
, identifies the key
fur
gene responsible for acid resistance, and elucidates the correlation between
fur
and acid resistance, thus contributing to an understanding of the ecological behavior of acidophilic bacteria. These findings provide new insights into the acid resistance process in
Acidithiobacillus
species, thereby promoting the study of the environmental adaptation of acidophilic bacteria and the design of engineered biological systems.
Identification of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes Containing Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Isolated from an Advanced Water Treatment Facility
Authors: Stamps Blake W. , Spear John R.
Published: April 2020

Here, we present 95 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) that harbor antimicrobial resistance genes, isolated from samples obtained in a large advanced wastewater reclamation facility prior to microfiltration. The MAGs were not in abundance after filtration at the facility and represent a useful resource to the water treatment community at large.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of a Newly Emerging Subgenotype of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus
Authors: Wang Xiaoru , Xie Yongsheng , He Dongsheng , Yan He
Published: April 2020

This study reports the near-complete genome sequence of GD-CT4, a strain of a newly emerging subgenotype of atypical porcine pestivirus detected in a newborn piglet with congenital tremors in Guangdong Province, China. This sequence will improve the understanding of the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of atypical porcine pestivirus.
Population-based screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with less need for insulin therapy after 10 years
Authors: Vos Rimke C , den Ouden Henk , Daamen Lois A , Bilo Henk J G , Denig Petra , Rutten Guy E H M
Published: April 2020

Introduction

With increased duration of type 2 diabetes, most people have a growing need of glucose-lowering medication and eventually might require insulin. Presumptive evidence is reported that early detection (eg, by population-based screening) and treatment of hyperglycemia will postpone the indication for insulin treatment. A treatment legacy effect of population-based screening for type 2 diabetes of about 3 years is estimated. Therefore, we aim to compare insulin prescription and glycemic control in people with screen-detected type 2 diabetes after 10 years with data from people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes seven (treatment legacy effect) and 10 years before during care-as-usual.

Research design and methods

Three cohorts were compared: one screen-detected cohort with 10 years diabetes duration (Anglo-Danish-Dutch study of Intensive Treatment in People with Screen-Detected Diabetes in Primary care (ADDITION-NL): n=391) and two care-as-usual cohorts, one with 7-year diabetes duration (Groningen Initiative to Analyze Type 2 Diabetes Treatment (GIANTT) and Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC): n=4473) and one with 10-year diabetes duration (GIANTT and ZODIAC: n=2660). Insulin prescription (primary outcome) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of people with a known diabetes duration of 7 years or 10 years at the index year 2014 were compared using regression analyses.

Results

Insulin was prescribed in 10.5% (10-year screen detection), 14.7% (7-year care-as-usual) and 19.0% (10-year care-as-usual). People in the 7-year and 10-year care-as-usual groups had a 1.5 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.1) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.7) higher adjusted odds for getting insulin prescribed than those after screen detection. Lower HbA1c values were found 10 years after screen detection (mean 50.1 mmol/mol (6.7%) vs 51.8 mmol/mol (6.9%) and 52.8 mmol/mol (7.0%)), compared with 7 years and 10 years after care-as-usual (MDadjusted: 1.6 mmol/mol (95% CI 0.6 to 2.6); 0.1% (95% CI 0.1 to 0.2) and 1.8 mmol/mol (95% CI 0.7 to 2.9); and 0.2% (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3)).

Conclusion

Population-based screen-detected type 2 diabetes is associated with less need for insulin after 10 years compared with people diagnosed during care-as-usual. Glycemic control was better after screen detection but on average good in all groups.
En face slab optical coherence tomography imaging successfully monitors progressive degenerative changes in the innermost layer of the diabetic retina
Authors: Katsuyama Atsuko , Kusuhara Sentaro , Asahara Shun-Ichiro , Nakai Shun-Ichiro , Mori Sotaro , Matsumiya Wataru , Miki Akiko , Kurimoto Takuji , Imai Hisanori , Kido Yoshiaki , Ogawa Wataru , Nakamura Makoto
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of en face slab optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for monitoring diabetic retinal neurodegeneration with supporting animal experimental data.

Research design and methods

We retrospectively examined 72 diabetic eyes over 3 years using Cirrus-HD OCT. Two-dimensional en face slab OCT images of the innermost retina were reconstructed and graded according to the ratio of dark area to total area, and relative red, green, and blue color area ratios were calculated and used as indexes for each en face slab OCT image. Values from en face OCT images were used for statistical analyses. To obtain insight into the pathogenesis of diabetic retinal neurodegeneration, we used theInsPr-Cre;Pdk1flox/floxdiabetic mouse model.

Results

Both OCT grade and relative red color area ratio significantly increased with the advancing stage of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.018 and 0.006, respectively). After a mean follow-up period of 4.6 years, the trend was unchanged in the analyses of 42 untreated eyes (p<0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Visual acuity showed a weak but significant negative correlation with the red color ratio on en face slab OCT images, but central retinal thickness did not exhibit a clinically meaningful correlation with values obtained from en face slab OCT images. Immunohistochemical analyses ofInsPr-Cre;Pdk1flox/floxdiabetic mice demonstrated the loss of ganglion axon bundles and thinning of laminin without apparent retinal vascular change at the age of 20 weeks.

Conclusions

En face slab OCT imaging would be a novel useful modality for the assessment of diabetic retinal neurodegeneration as it could detect subtle optical changes occurring in the innermost retina in diabetic eyes. Our animal experimental data suggest that dark areas observed on en face slab OCT images might be the impairment of the extracellular matrix as well as neurons.
Specialist inflammatory bowel disease nursing in the UK: current situation and future proofing
Authors: Younge Lisa , Mason Isobel , Kapasi Rukshana
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine the impact to date of the ongoing Crohn’s & Colitis UK inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical nurse specialists (CNS) campaign.

Methods

A survey-based design was used. 2 questionnaires were sent to the UK IBD nursing community and promoted via nursing and clinical networks. Respondents were asked to provide data at both an individual and trust level about their nursing services.

Results

394 IBD CNS posts were identified across the UK, with a 32% increase in posts since the start of the campaign. 27% felt the campaign had been influential in securing new posts. Greater numbers of posts were reported in England when compared with the devolved nations. Most services remain below the UK standards recommendation of 2.5 IBD CNS per 250 000 patient population. Cross site working was reported in 59% of services. 45% of respondents were non-medical prescribers, with 13% educated to MSc level. High levels of stress were reported by IBD CNS associated with managing advice line services.

Conclusions

Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s‘More IBD Nurses–Better Care’ campaign has contributed to the numbers of CNS posts in IBD continuing to rise, but they remain lower than the recommended standard of 2.5 IBD CNS per 250 000. Educational and career pathways are not clearly defined, and aspects of the role such as advice line provision contribute to stress within the workforce. The ongoing aims of the charity campaign hope to address these issues by improving access to formal education pathways with peer support for IBD specialist nurses, and advice line training, in addition to supporting trusts and services throughout the UK to reduce the workforce deficit with effective business cases.
Low-dose interferon-alpha preconditioning and adoptive cell therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma refractory to standard (immune) therapies: a phase I/II study
Authors: Verdegaal Els , van der Kooij Monique K , Visser Marten , van der Minne Caroline , de Bruin Linda , Meij Pauline , Terwisscha van Scheltinga Anton , Welters Marij J , Santegoets Saskia , de Miranda Noel , Roozen Inge , Liefers Gerrit Jan , Kapiteijn Ellen , van der Burg Sjoerd H
Published: April 2020

Background

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-reactive T cells has shown consistent clinical efficacy. We evaluated the response to ACT in combination with interferon alpha (IFNa) preconditioning in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma, most of which were progressive on cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and/or programmed cell death protein 1 checkpoint blockade therapy.

Methods

Thirty-four patients were treated with ex vivo expanded tumor reactive T cells, derived from mixed lymphocyte autologous tumor cultures, or with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and evaluated for clinical response. Clinical and immunological parameters associated with response were also evaluated.

Results

Best overall response defined as clinical benefit, comprising either complete response, partial response or stable disease >6 months, was observed in 29% of the patients. Forty-three per cent of the 14 immunotherapy-naïve patients and 20% of the 20 patients progressive on prior immunotherapy benefited from ACT. The overall survival (OS) was 90% versus 28.6% at 1 year and 46.7% versus 0% at 3 years follow-up, of responder and non-responder patients, respectively. Median OS was 36 versus 7 months, respectively. IFNa pretreatment resulted in leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia, which was sustained during the treatment in clinical responders and associated with response. Differences in antigen specificity, but not in phenotype, cytokine profile or CD8+ T cell number of the ACT products correlated with clinical response. Cross-reactivity of the ACT products to one or more allogeneic human leukocyte antigen-matched melanoma cell lines was associated with short OS after treatment while the ACT products of very long-term survivors showed no cross-reactivity but recognized patient-specific neoantigens.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that ACT in combination with a mild IFNa preconditioning regimen can induce clinical benefit even in immunotherapy pretreated patients, although with lower success than in immunotherapy-naïve patients. ACT products comprising neoantigen reactivity may be more effective.
Identification of chaotic phenomena in a flexible deployable solar panel with multiple clearances
Authors: Qiu Xuesong , Liu Jian , Gui Peng , Wang Ya’nan
Published: April 2020

Deployable solar panels are widely used in spacecraft, and the dynamic characteristics of the deployment process directly affect the accuracy, stability, and reliability of the deployment. The flexibility and hinge clearance of a solar panel are important factors affecting the dynamic characteristics of the deployment system. The finite element method (FEM) was used to deal with the deformations of the solar panel. A dynamic model of the deployment process of a flexible solar panel with multiple clearances was established by combining the Lagrange equation with the FEM. The dynamic characteristics of solar panel deployment with multiple clearances and flexibility coupling were analyzed through a numerical solution, and the chaotic phenomena caused by clearances were identified. The results show that reasonably matching the clearance and flexibility of the system structure could quickly stabilize the collision force, improve the system life, and effectively improve the stability of the solar panel deployment process. Chaotic phenomena could be induced by the deployment velocity in a certain range, and the boundary value of the range changed with different clearance radii. The velocity variation law inducing chaotic phenomena also varied with the radius of clearance. This research provides important guidance for the optimum design and manufacturing of deployable solar panel mechanisms.
Ferromagnetism in the Kondo-lattice
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Wróbel Piotr , Eder Robert
Published: April 2020

We discuss the ferromagnetic phase of the planar Kondo lattice model using the bond fermion technique. For sufficiently small Kondo exchange we find a weakly ferromagnetic phase already for the weakly doped Kondo insulator. We present the phase diagram of the model and its quasiparticle band structure in the different phases.

Graphical abstract
Resonant scattering of Dice quasiparticles on oscillating quantum dots
Authors: Filusch Alexander , Wurl Christian , Fehske Holger
Published: April 2020

We consider a Dice model with Dirac cones intersected by a topologically flat band at the charge neutrality point and analyze the inelastic scattering of massless pseudospin-1 particles on a circular, gate-defined, oscillating barrier. Focusing on the resonant scattering regime at small energy of the incident wave, we calculate the reflection and transmission coefficients and derive explicit expressions for the time-dependent particle probability, current density and scattering efficiency within (Floquet) Dirac-Weyl theory, both in the near-field and the far-field. We discuss the importance of sideband scattering and Fano resonances in the quantum limit. When resonance conditions are fulfilled, the particle is temporarily trapped in vortices located close to edge of the quantum dot before it gets resubmitted with strong angular dependence. Interestingly even periodically alternating forward and backward radiation may occur. We also demonstrate the revival of resonant scattering related to specific fusiform boundary trapping profiles.

Graphical abstract
From Here to There, the SOA Way
Authors: Coatta Terry
Published: April 2020

Back in ancient times, say, around the mid ’80s when I was a grad student, distributed systems research was in its heyday. Systems like Trellis/Owl and Eden/Emerald were exploring issues in object-oriented language design, persistence, and distributed computing. One of the big themes to come out of that time period was location transparencythe idea that the way that you access an object should be independent of where it is located. That is, it shouldn’t matter whether an object is in the same process, on the same machine in a different process, or on another machine altogether. Syntactically, the way that I interact with that object is the same; I’m just invoking a method on the object.
A Historical Review of Indian Perspectives on Techniques of Tympanoplasty
Authors: Malhotra Manu , Malhotra Rashmi , Varshney Saurabh , Priya Madhu , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Tyagi Amit , Kumar Amit , Gupta Shubhankur
Published: April 2020

Reconstructive surgery of the conductive hearing mechanism is collectively called as tympanoplasty, which has gradually evolved over time with the contributions from all over the word. The aim of the present historical review is to summarize the Indian contributions in the development of the technique of tympanoplasty. The literature review was conducted using only the “Medline” search using keywords “tympanoplasty” and “ossiculoplasty” in “India” on 15thJune 2016. A total of 195 articles and abstracts were found dated from the year 1998 onwards. Articles describing work on technique were included, and those describing only experimentation with graft material were excluded. All articles were fully read and analysed. It was found that there had been experiments regarding the choice of anaesthesia and the use of combinations of different chemical agents for this purpose. There were suggestions in favour of monitored anaesthesia care for the surgery in select patients. Surgeons expressed their perspectives on the time and conditions for the surgery, laterality of surgery, different types of incisions, use of endoscopes, graft placement techniques, ossicular replacements with autologous or allogenic grafts, and the timing of prophylactic antibiotic therapy given after or during the surgery. The range of work is wide and covers most of the aspects of surgery; however, the incorporation of a uniform methodology and standards reporting results were lacking in the articles reviewed.
Calculation of the Real Corneal Refractive Power after Photorefractive Keratectomy Using Pentacam, When Only the Preoperative Refractive Error is Known
Authors: De Bernardo Maddalena , Borrelli Maria , Imparato Roberto , Rosa Nicola
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To check if a regression formula, IOLMaster-derived, to calculate the real corneal power after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), can give reliable results utilizing the Pentacam. Methods. Pre- and postoperative IOLMaster, Km, and Pentacam K readings were measured. Patients who had myopic PRK were divided into two groups: the first group (108 eyes) was utilized to check which of the preop Pentacam K readings (P-Kpre) better fitted with the preop IOLMaster measurements; in the second group (120 eyes), the real K (Kr), obtained adding the effective treatment to the P-Kpre, were compared with the K readings calculated with the IOLMaster-derived formula (Kc). Moreover, an attempt to find a different formula utilizing the P-Kpre was made. Results. In group 1, the best correlation was found between IOLMaster Km and Pentacam equivalent K readings (r2 0.9519). In group 2, the comparison between Kr and Pentacam postop Km showed 69 eyes (57%) with differences >0.5 D and 38 eyes (31%) with differences >1 D, (P<0.001). The comparison between Kr and Kc showed 55 eyes (45%) with differences >0.5 D and 22 eyes (18%) with differences >1 D, (P<0.001). Moreover, a regression formula K = EKR − [ETcp + (0.8114 ∗ ETcp − 0.2031)] was obtained in order to calculate the K readings to be used with the Pentacam in the IOL power calculation in case the effective treatment is known. Conclusions. K calculated with the new formula could be used in patients that underwent refractive corneal surgery in case a Pentacam device is used, pending further studies conducted in clinical practice to establish its accuracy and effectiveness. This study further proves that data obtained from different machines cannot be used interchangeably.