bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin of the DC output voltage from a high-Tc superconducting dynamo
Authors: Mataira R. C. , Ainslie M. D. , Badcock R. A. , Bumby C. W.
Published: April 2019

Despite their proven ability to output DC currents of >100 A, the physical mechanism which underpins the operation of a high-Tc superconducting (HTS) dynamo is still debated widely. Here, we show that the experimentally observed open-circuit DC output voltage, Vdc, is due to the action of overcritical eddy currents within the stator wire. We demonstrate close agreement between experimental results and numerical calculations, and show that large over-critical currents flow within the high-Tc stator during certain parts of the dynamo cycle. These overcritical currents experience a non-linear local resistivity which alters the output voltage waveform obtained in the superconducting state. As a result, the full-cycle integral of this altered waveform outputs a non-zero time-averaged DC voltage. We further show that the only necessary requirement for a non-zero Vdc output from any dynamo is that the stator must possess a non-linear local resistivity. Here, this is provided by the flux-flow regime of an HTS coated conductor wire, where conduction is described by the E–J power law. We also show that increased values of Vdc can be obtained by employing stator wires which exhibit a strong in-field dependence of the critical current Jc(B,θ). However, non-linear resistivity is the key requirement to realize a DC output, as linear magneto-resistance is not sufficient. Our results clarify this longstanding conundrum, and have direct implications for the optimization of future HTS dynamo devices.
Modeling of diamond field emitter arrays for a compact source of high brightness electron beams
Authors: Huang C.-K. , Andrews H. L. , Baker R. C. , Fleming R. L. , Kim D. , Kwan T. J. T. , Piryatinski A. , Pavlenko V. , Simakov E. I.
Published: April 2019

Many applications, such as compact accelerators and electron microscopy, demand high brightness electron beams with small source size and ultralow emittance. Diamond emitters manufactured with semiconductor processes can be employed in such compact beam sources. The micrometer-scale pyramid structure of the emitter allows enhancement of the external field compared to that at the substrate, leading to electron emission with small beam size. We investigate the dependence of the field enhancement on the shape of the emitter and the resulting emission characteristics. The beam formation and dynamics are simulated with the LSP [D. Welch, D. Rose, R. Clark, T. Genoni, and T. Hughes, Comput. Phys. Commun. 164, 183 (2004)] particle-in-cell code to obtain the macroscopic observables. To account for the semiconductor charge transport in the bulk material and the tunneling through the surface, a first-principle semiclassical Monte Carlo emission model is developed and applied to the diamond pyramid. Using this Monte Carlo emission model and the result from the geometric field enhancement calculation, we construct a simple model to qualitatively explain the measured emission characteristics. A comparison between our model and experiments indicates that the beam current is mostly emitted at the apex of the emitter.
Diagnosing the lightning plasma temperature based on the collisional-radiative model
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jiang Jun , Yuan Ping
Published: April 2019

Energy levels, transition probabilities, collision sections, and collision excitation rate coefficients of NII ion have been calculated using Flexible Atomic Code, which is based on the multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock method. The ratios of line intensity, I567.96 nm/I500.52 nm, where the 567.96 and 500.52 nm are two strong spectral lines from the core current channel of lightning, have been calculated by using the collisional-radiative model, in which the line intensity is proportional to the collision excitation rate coefficients from the ground state to the excited state and the transition probability from the high excited state to the low excited state. The temperatures of six lightning plasma channels were then obtained, and they are consistent with temperatures obtained by diagnosing the actual spectrum with the multispectral line method.
Control of vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder using a pair of air jets at low Reynolds number
Authors: Zhu Hongjun , Tang Tao , Zhao Honglei , Gao Yue
Published: April 2019

A numerical investigation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an active control method using a pair of air jets positioned at the two shoulders of a circular cylinder for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression at a low Reynolds number of 100. Unlike the same-phase jet-control technique, air injection leads to gas-liquid two-phase flow in the wake of cylinder. The ejected air is wrapped by the shear layer, and an air vortex is generated after the curled jet flow attains a certain length, corresponding to the consumption of ejecting energy. Then, air bubbles are formed and convected downstream with the shed vortices. The air vortices and bubbles interrupt the development of boundary layer and naturally shedding vortices, effectively delaying the vortex formation and hence the VIV suppression. The migration of air bubbles in the flow wake are categorized into two modes. One is bubbles coinciding with vortices and convecting downstream with them. The other is bubbles deviating from the center of vortices but continually interrupting the vortices by drawing the ambient vorticity-carrying fluid. The vibration control becomes more effective with the increase of momentum coefficient. After implementing air-jet control at Ujet/Uin = 2, more than 60% reduction in transverse amplitude is achieved.
Experimental investigation of nitrogenation process for heavy rare earth nitrides from their hydrides
Authors: Hirayama Y. , Suzuki K. , Fujita A. , Takagi K.
Published: April 2019

We experimentally investigated the nitrogenation process of heavy rare earth (Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) hydrides dynamically by thermal analysis. The onset temperature of nitrogenation and the absolute value of nitrogenation enthalpy increased as the atomic number of the heavy rare earth elements increased and the onset temperature of nitrogenation with a sharp exothermic peak exhibited a large gap between Tb (406 °C) and Dy (806 °C). The reaction route R→RHx→RN has been done at a relatively low temperature and atmospheric pressure, indicating that the diffusion coefficient of nitrogen into the rare earth hydride is much higher than that of nitrogen into the rare earth metal and/or the activation energy of RHx→RN is lower than that of R→RN. For complete nitriding, ErN requires the highest nitrogenation temperature of at most 1000 °C in N2 flow from ErHx. We obtained the magnetic entropy change ΔS of -14 J/kg K (144 kJ/m3 K, calculated by using the theoretical density of 10.3 g/cm3) at ΔH = 2 T for HoN prepared at the nitrogenation temperature of 1000 °C. This value reached the reported value, indicates that this simple synthesis route without any toxic compounds as a precursor and with normal equipment of an atmospheric furnace without high temperature and pressure can adequately exploit the ability of the rare earth nitride as a magnetic refrigerant for magnetic refrigeration.
Bursting and mixed mode oscillations during the transition to limit cycle oscillations in a matrix burner
Authors: Kasthuri Praveen , Unni Vishnu R. , Sujith R. I.
Published: April 2019

We investigate the route to self-excited thermoacoustic instability in a laminar flow multiple flame matrix burner. With an increase in the equivalence ratio, the thermoacoustic system that is initially quiet (stable operation) transitions to limit cycle oscillations through two distinct dynamical states, namely, bursting oscillations and mixed mode oscillations. The acoustic pressure oscillations transition from quiescence to large amplitudes during bursting oscillations. Such high amplitude bursting oscillations that occur well ahead of the onset of limit cycle oscillations can potentially cause structural damage. The thermoacoustic system exhibits hysteresis. The transition to limit cycle oscillations is replicated in a phenomenological model containing slow-fast time scales.
Functions of promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (Plzf) in male germline stem cell development and differentiation
Authors: Clotaire Daguia Zambe John , Wei Yudong , Yu Xiuwei , Ousman Tamgue , Hua Jinlian
Published: April 2019

Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (Plzf), also known as zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (ZBTB16) or zinc-finger protein 145 (ZFP145), is a critical zinc finger protein of male germline stem cells (mGSCs). Multiple lines of evidence indicate that Plzf has a central role in the development, differentiation and maintenance of many stem cells, including mGSCs, and Plzf has been validated as an essential transcription factor for mammalian testis development and spermatogenesis. This review summarises current literature focusing on the significance of Plzf in maintaining and regulating self-renewal and differentiation of mGSCs, especially goat mGSCs. The review summarises evidence of the specificity of Plzf expression in germ cell development stage, the known functions of Plzf and the microRNA-mediated mechanisms that control Plzf expression in mGSCs.
Gut content and stable isotope analysis of tadpoles in floodplain wetlands
Authors: Ocock J. F. , Brandis K. J. , Wolfenden B. J. , Jenkins K. M. , Wassens S.
Published: April 2019

Larval amphibians (tadpoles) are an important link in aquatic food webs, as they can be highly abundant consumers and prey for a wide variety of predators. Most tadpoles are considered omnivores, predominately grazing on algae, detritus and macrophytes, though recent work has identified greater plasticity and breadth in diet than previously considered. We used gut content and stable isotope analysis (SIA) in a baseline study to determine the important dietary items (ingested material) and food sources (assimilated material) for tadpoles of two abundant generalist frog species in regulated floodplain wetlands of the Murrumbidgee River, south-east Australia. We identified a wide variety of dietary items in the gut contents, including whole microcrustaceans, filamentous algae and macrophytes. The composition of several ingested food items was correlated with their availability in each wetland. However, SIA identified biofilm as the food source most consistently assimilated across several wetlands, though microcrustaceans and algae contributed when abundant. Biofilm is likely the most important basal food item for tadpoles in floodplain wetlands because it is ubiquitous and has a high nutritional quality. Identifying important food sources is a crucial step towards developing management strategies for promoting tadpole recruitment in regulated wetlands.
Wildlife parasitology in Australia: past, present and future
Authors: Spratt David M. , Beveridge Ian
Published: April 2019

Wildlife parasitology is a highly diverse area of research encompassing many fields including taxonomy, ecology, pathology and epidemiology, and with participants from extremely disparate scientific fields. In addition, the organisms studied are highly dissimilar, ranging from platyhelminths, nematodes and acanthocephalans to insects, arachnids, crustaceans and protists. This review of the parasites of wildlife in Australia highlights the advances made to date, focussing on the work, interests and major findings of researchers over the years and identifies current significant gaps that exist in our understanding. The review is divided into three sections covering protist, helminth and arthropod parasites. The challenge to document the diversity of parasites in Australia continues at a traditional level but the advent of molecular methods has heightened the significance of this issue. Modern methods are providing an avenue for major advances in documenting and restructuring the phylogeny of protistan parasites in particular, while facilitating the recognition of species complexes in helminth taxa previously defined by traditional morphological methods. The life cycles, ecology and general biology of most parasites of wildlife in Australia are extremely poorly understood. While the phylogenetic origins of the Australian vertebrate fauna are complex, so too are the likely origins of their parasites, which do not necessarily mirror those of their hosts. This aspect of parasite evolution is a continuing area for research in the case of helminths, but remains to be addressed for many other parasitic groups.
Rab5-dependent autophagosome closure by ESCRT
Authors: Zhou Fan , Wu Zulin , Zhao Mengzhu , Murtazina Rakhilya , Cai Juan , Zhang Ao , Li Rui , Sun Dan , Li Wenjing , Zhao Lei , Li Qunli , Zhu Jing , Cong Xiaoxia , Zhou Yiting , Xie Zhiping , Gyurkovska Valeriya , Li Liuju , Huang Xiaoshuai , Xue Yanhong , Chen Liangyi , Xu Hui , Xu Haiqian , Liang Yongheng , Segev Nava
Published: April 2019

In the conserved autophagy pathway, autophagosomes (APs) engulf cellular components and deliver them to the lysosome for degradation. Before fusing with the lysosome, APs have to close via an unknown mechanism. We have previously shown that the endocytic Rab5-GTPase regulates AP closure. Therefore, we asked whether ESCRT, which catalyzes scission of vesicles into late endosomes, mediates the topologically similar process of AP sealing. Here, we show that depletion of representative subunits from all ESCRT complexes causes late autophagy defects and accumulation of APs. Focusing on two subunits, we show that Snf7 and the Vps4 ATPase localize to APs and their depletion results in accumulation of open APs. Moreover, Snf7 and Vps4 proteins complement their corresponding mutant defects in vivo and in vitro. Finally, a Rab5-controlled Atg17–Snf7 interaction is important for Snf7 localization to APs. Thus, we unravel a mechanism in which a Rab5-dependent Atg17–Snf7 interaction leads to recruitment of ESCRT to open APs where ESCRT catalyzes AP closure.
Rapid resensitization of ASIC2a is conferred by three amino acid residues in the N terminus
Authors: Lee Jae Seung , Kweon Hae-Jin , Lee Hyosang , Suh Byung-Chang
Published: April 2019

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), sensory molecules that continuously monitor the concentration of extracellular protons and initiate diverse intracellular responses through an influx of cations, are assembled from six subtypes that can differentially combine to form various trimeric channel complexes and elicit unique electrophysiological responses. For instance, homomeric ASIC1a channels have been shown to exhibit prolonged desensitization, and acid-evoked currents become smaller when the channels are repeatedly activated by extracellular protons, whereas homomeric or heteromeric ASIC2a channels continue to respond to repetitive acidic stimuli without exhibiting such desensitization. Although previous studies have provided evidence that both the desensitization of ASIC1a and rapid resensitization of ASIC2a commonly require domains that include the N terminus and the first transmembrane region of these channels, the biophysical basis of channel gating at the amino acid level has not been clearly determined. Here, we confirm that domain-swapping mutations replacing the N terminus of ASIC2a with that of ASIC2b result in de novo prolonged desensitization in homomeric channels following activation by extracellular protons. Such desensitization of chimeric ASIC2a mutants is due neither to internalization nor to degradation of the channel proteins. We use site-directed mutagenesis to narrow down the relevant portion of the N terminus of ASIC2a, identifying three amino acid residues within the N terminus (T25, T39, and I40) whose mutation is sufficient to phenocopy the desensitization exhibited by the chimeric mutants. A similar desensitization is observed in heteromeric ASICs containing the mutant subunit. These results suggest that T25, T39, and I40 of ASIC2a are key residues determining the rapid resensitization of homomeric and heteromeric ASIC2a channels upon proton activation.
Isolating a reverse-mode ATP synthase–dependent mechanism of mitoflash activation
Authors: Wei-LaPierre Lan , Dirksen Robert T.
Published: April 2019

Wei-LaPierre and Dirksen discuss new work investigating the molecular events underlying mitoflash biogenesis.
Six Month Abstinence Heterogeneity in the Best Quit Study
Authors: Javitz Harold S , Bush Terry M , Lovejoy Jennifer C , Torres Alula J , Wetzel Tallie , Wassum Ken P , Tan Marcia M , Alshurafa Nabil , Spring Bonnie
Published: April 2019

Background

Understanding the characteristics of smokers who are successful in quitting may help to increase smoking cessation rates.

Purpose

To examine heterogeneity in cessation outcome at 6 months following smoking cessation behavioral counseling with or without weight management counseling.

Methods

2,540 smokers were recruited from a large quitline provider and then randomized to receive proactive smoking cessation behavioral counseling without or with two versions of weight management counseling. A Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was conducted to identify the individual pretreatment and treatment characteristics of groups of smokers with different quitting success (as measured by point prevalence of self-reported smoking of any amount at 6 months).

Results

CART analysis identified 10 subgroups ranging from 25.5% to 70.2% abstinent. The splits in the CART tree involved: the total number of counseling and control calls received, whether a smoking cessation pharmacotherapy was used, and baseline measures of cigarettes per day, confidence in quitting, expectation that the study would help the participant quit smoking, the motivation to quit, exercise minutes per week, anxiety, and lack of interest or pleasure in doing things. Costs per quitter ranged from a low of $US270 to a high of $US630. Specific treatment recommendations are made for each group.

Conclusions

These results indicate the presence of a substantial variation in abstinence following treatment, and that the total extent of contact via counseling calls of any type and baseline characteristics, rather than assigned treatment, were most important to subgroup membership and abstinence. Tailored treatments to subgroups who are at high risk for smoking following a quit attempt could increase successful smoking cessation.
Ambivalence in the Early Years of Marriage: Impact on Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Relationship Processes
Authors: Birmingham Wendy C , Wadsworth Lori L , Hung Man , Li Wei , Herr Raphael M
Published: April 2019

Individuals in early marriage who reported spousal ambivalent behavior exhibited higher blood pressure and worse relationship processes. This was supported by both subjective and objective measures.
Economic Insecurity and Deaths of Despair in US Counties
Authors: Knapp Emily A , Bilal Usama , Dean Lorraine T , Lazo Mariana , Celentano David D
Published: April 2019

Recent research has implicated economic insecurity in increasing midlife death rates and “deaths of despair,” including suicide, chronic liver disease, and drug and alcohol poisoning. In this ecological longitudinal study, we evaluated the association between changes in economic insecurity and increases in deaths of despair and midlife all-cause mortality in US counties during 2000–2015. We extended a previously developed measure of economic insecurity using indicators from the Census and Federal Reserve Bank in US counties for the years 2000 and 2010. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association of change in economic insecurity with change in death rates through 2015. Counties experiencing elevated economic insecurity in either 2000 or 2010 had higher rates of deaths of despair and all-cause midlife mortality at baseline but similar rates of increase in deaths of despair from 2001 to 2015 compared with counties with stable low economic insecurity. Counties in the highest tertile of economic insecurity in 2000 and 2010 had 41% (95% confidence interval: 1.36, 1.47) higher midlife mortality rates at baseline and a rate of increase of 2% more per 5-year period (95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.03) than counties with stable low economic insecurity. Economic insecurity may represent a population-level driver of US death trends.
Areas of endemism and recent speciation in the Southern Cone of South America, using Senecio (Asteraceae) as a proxy
Authors: Elías Gabriela Del Valle , Aagesen Lone
Published: April 2019

We set out to identify areas of endemism (AEs) among vascular plants in the Southern Cone of South America, using the genus Senecio (Asteraceae) as proxy. The use of a proxy allows a large-scale study to be carried out in a relatively short time and is suitable for pinpointing areas of interest for further investigation. Senecio is the most obvious choice for a proxy in the Southern Cone, because it is the most diverse genus in the region. We analysed the distribution of 200 endemic species using an optimality criterion (VNDM program). In general, endemism of Senecio in the Southern Cone forms 16 AEs that coincide with previously defined AEs and/or with distribution patterns also supported in phylogeographical studies. As such, Senecio appears to be a suitable proxy in endemicity studies, bearing in mind that these species are of young ages and therefore identify neoendemic AEs. Senecio distribution patterns in the Southern Cone corroborate that high Andean environments are prime sites for endemism, which peaks in the Cuyan High Andean AE, an AE that was not identified in previous endemism studies. Nevertheless, towards the south, the ecotone between the Patagonian Steppe and the Southern Andean forest becomes equally important for speciation.
Histoplasmosis-related Healthcare Use, Diagnosis, and Treatment in a Commercially Insured Population, United States
Authors: Benedict Kaitlin , Beer Karlyn D , Jackson Brendan R
Published: April 2019

Background

Infections with Histoplasma can range from asymptomatic to life-threatening acute pulmonary or disseminated disease. Histoplasmosis can be challenging to diagnose and is widely underrecognized. We analyzed insurance claims data to better characterize histoplasmosis testing and treatment practices and its burden on patients.

Methods

We used the IBM MarketScan Research Databases to identify patients with histoplasmosis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 115.00–115.99) during 2012–2014. We analyzed claims in the 3 months before to the 1 year after diagnosis and examined differences between patients with probable (hospitalized or >1 outpatient visit) and suspected (1 outpatient visit) histoplasmosis.

Results

Among 1935 patients (943 probable, 992 suspected), 54% had codes for symptoms or findings consistent with histoplasmosis and 35% had ≥2 healthcare visits in the 3 months before diagnosis. Overall, 646 (33%) had any fungal-specific laboratory test: histoplasmosis antibody test (n = 349 [18%]), Histoplasma antigen test (n = 349 [18%]), fungal smear (n = 294 [15%]), or fungal culture (n = 223 [12%]); 464 (24%) had a biopsy. Forty-nine percent of probable patients and 10% of suspected patients were prescribed antifungal medication in the outpatient setting. In total, 19% were hospitalized. Patients’ last histoplasmosis-associated healthcare visits occurred a median of 6 months after diagnosis.

Conclusions

Some histoplasmosis patients experienced severe disease, apparent diagnostic delays, and prolonged illness, whereas other patients lacked symptoms and were likely diagnosed incidentally (eg, via biopsy). Low rates of histoplasmosis-specific testing also suggest incidental diagnoses and low provider suspicion, highlighting the need for improved awareness about this disease.
Host Immune Markers Distinguish Clostridioides difficile Infection From Asymptomatic Carriage and Non–C. difficile Diarrhea
Authors: Kelly Ciaran P , Chen Xinhua , Williams David , Xu Hua , Cuddemi Christine A , Daugherty Kaitlyn , Barrett Caitlin , Miller Mark , Foussadier Agnès , Lantz Aude , Banz Alice , Pollock Nira R
Published: April 2019

Background

Recent data indicate that Clostridioides difficile toxin concentrations in stool do not differentiate between C. difficile infection (CDI) and asymptomatic carriage. Thus, we lack a method to distinguish a symptomatic patient with CDI from a colonized patient with diarrhea from another cause. To address this, we evaluated markers of innate and adaptive immunity in adult inpatients with CDI (diagnosed per US guidelines), asymptomatic carriage, or non-CDI diarrhea.

Methods

CDI-NAAT patients had clinically significant diarrhea and positive nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and received CDI treatment. Carrier-NAAT patients had positive stool NAAT but no diarrhea. NAAT-negative patients (with and without diarrhea) were also enrolled. A panel of cytokines and anti–toxin A and B immunoglobulin (Ig) were measured in serum; calprotectin and anti–toxin B Ig A/G were measured in stool. NAAT-positive stool samples were tested by an ultrasensitive toxin assay (clinical cutoff, 20 pg/mL).

Results

Median values for interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), MCP-1, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IgG anti–toxin A in blood and IgA/G anti–toxin B in stool were significantly higher in CDI patients compared with all other groups (P < .05). Concentration distributions for IL-6, GCSF, TNF-α, and IgG anti–toxin A in blood, as well as IgA and IgG anti–toxin B in stool, separated CDI patients from all other groups.

Conclusions

Specific markers of innate and adaptive immunity distinguish CDI from all other groups, suggesting potential clinical utility for identifying which NAAT- and toxin-positive patients with diarrhea truly have CDI.
Simultaneous transapical aortic and mitral valve implantation in a patient with porcelain aorta
Authors: Belhaj Soulami Reda , Anselmi Amedeo , Leurent Guillaume , Verhoye Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2019

Left-sided double valve disease in the setting of extensive mitral annular calcifications and porcelain aorta raises multiple surgical challenges when considering an open surgical repair. We herein present the case of a 67-year-old patient with severe symptomatic aortic and mitral stenosis associated with extensive mitral annular calcifications and porcelain aorta, successfully treated by simultaneous transapical transcatheter aortic and mitral valve implantation.
Polyamine biosynthesis and biological roles in rhizobia
Authors: Becerra-Rivera Victor A , Dunn Michael F
Published: April 2019

Polyamines are ubiquitous molecules containing two or more amino groups that fulfill varied and often essential physiological and regulatory roles in all organisms. In the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as rhizobia, putrescine and homospermidine are invariably produced while spermidine and norspermidine synthesis appears to be restricted to the alfalfa microsymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti. Studies with rhizobial mutants deficient in the synthesis of one or more polyamines have shown that these compounds are important for growth, stress resistance, motility, exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation. In this review, we describe these studies and examine how polyamines are synthesized and regulated in rhizobia.
Why Older Adults and Their Children Disagree About In-Home Surveillance Technology, Sensors, and Tracking
Authors: Berridge Clara , Wetle Terrie Fox
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

Despite the surveilling nature of technologies that allow caregivers to remotely monitor location, movements, or activities, the potential differences in comfort with remote monitoring between caregivers and care recipients have not been examined in depth. On the dyad and aggregate level, we compare preferences of older adult women and their adult children for three remote monitoring technologies. Their assessments of each technology’s impact on privacy, safety, independence, freedom, relationship with family member, social life, and identity are also compared.

Research Design and Methods

This dyadic study used cognitive-based interview probing and value-centered design methods. Twenty-eight individual, in-depth, structured interviews were conducted with 18 women who are Meals on Wheels clients and 10 of their adult children.

Results

Meals on Wheels participants reported multiple chronic conditions and an average of 1.7 ADL and 3.3 IADL difficulties; two thirds were enrolled in Medicaid. Adult children preferred each technology more than their mothers did and underestimated both their mothers’ ability to comprehend the functions of the technologies and the importance of engaging them fully in decision making. Most were confident that they could persuade their mothers to adopt. For both groups, privacy was the most-cited concern, and participants perceived significant overlap between values of privacy, independence, identity, and freedom.

Discussion and Implications

Studying privacy in isolation overlooks privacy’s instrumental role in enabling other values. Shared decision-making tools are needed to promote remote monitoring use consistent with older adults’ values and to prevent conflict and caregiver overreach.
Somatic mutation that affects transcription factor binding upstream of CD55 in the temporal cortex of a late-onset Alzheimer disease patient
Authors: Helgadottir Hafdis T , Lundin Pär , Wallén Arzt Emelie , Lindström Anna-Karin , Graff Caroline , Eriksson Maria
Published: April 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Familial cases suggest genetic components; however, monogenetic causes are few, and the vast majority of incidences have unknown cause. Sequencing efforts have focused on germline mutations, but improved technology has opened up for studies on somatic mutations in affected brain tissue samples. Here we use ultra-deep sequencing on brain and blood from early-onset AD (EOAD) and late-onset AD (LOAD) patients and non-AD individuals (n = 16). In total, 2.86 Mb of genomic regions, previously associated with AD, were targeted included 28 genes and upstream and downstream regulatory regions. Tailored downstream bioinformatics filtering identified 11 somatic single nucleotide variants in the temporal cortex in AD patients and none in the controls. One variant was validated to be present at 0.4% allele frequency in temporal cortex of a LOAD patient. This variant was predicted to affect transcription factor binding sites upstream of the CD55 gene, contributing to AD pathogenesis by affecting the complement system. Our results suggest that future studies targeting larger portions of the genome for somatic mutation analysis are important to obtain an increased understanding for the molecular basis of both EOAD and LOAD.
Laminin-111 protein therapy enhances muscle regeneration and repair in the GRMD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Barraza-Flores Pamela , Fontelonga Tatiana M , Wuebbles Ryan D , Hermann Hailey J , Nunes Andreia M , Kornegay Joe N , Burkin Dean J
Published: April 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked disease affecting ~1 in 5000 males. DMD patients exhibit progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, leading to loss of ambulation and premature death from cardiopulmonary failure. We previously reported that mouse Laminin-111 (msLam-111) protein could reduce muscle pathology and improve muscle function in the mdx mouse model for DMD. In this study, we examined the ability of msLam-111 to prevent muscle disease progression in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog model of DMD. The msLam-111 protein was injected into the cranial tibial muscle compartment of GRMD dogs and muscle strength and pathology were assessed. The results showed that msLam-111 treatment increased muscle fiber regeneration and repair with improved muscle strength and reduced muscle fibrosis in the GRMD model. Together, these findings support the idea that Laminin-111 could serve as a novel protein therapy for the treatment of DMD.
Sorafenib versus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhuang Bo-wen , Li Wei , Xie Xiao-hua , Hu Hang-tong , Lu Ming-de , Xie Xiao-yan
Published: April 2019

Our meta-analysis showed hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy provided better tumor response and survival benefits than Sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and should be recommended as an alternative treatment option.
Nonsense mutation-dependent reinitiation of translation in mammalian cells
Authors: Cohen Sarit , Kramarski Lior , Levi Shahar , Deshe Noa , Ben David Oshrit , Arbely Eyal
Published: April 2019

In-frame stop codons mark the termination of translation. However, post-termination ribosomes can reinitiate translation at downstream AUG codons. In mammals, reinitiation is most efficient when the termination codon is positioned close to the 5′-proximal initiation site and around 78 bases upstream of the reinitiation site. The phenomenon was studied mainly in the context of open reading frames (ORFs) found within the 5′-untranslated region, or polycicstronic viral mRNA. We hypothesized that reinitiation of translation following nonsense mutations within the main ORF of p53 can promote the expression of N-truncated p53 isoforms such as Δ40, Δ133 and Δ160p53. Here, we report that expression of all known N-truncated p53 isoforms by reinitiation is mechanistically feasible, including expression of the previously unidentified variant Δ66p53. Moreover, we found that significant reinitiation of translation can be promoted by nonsense mutations located even 126 codons downstream of the 5′-proximal initiation site, and observed when the reinitiation site is positioned between 6 and 243 bases downstream of the nonsense mutation. We also demonstrate that reinitiation can stabilise p53 mRNA transcripts with a premature termination codon, by allowing such transcripts to evade the nonsense mediated decay pathway. Our data suggest that the expression of N-truncated proteins from alleles carrying a premature termination codon is more prevalent than previously thought.
Prevalence of tubulopathy and association with renal function loss in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Lescure François-Xavier , Fellahi Soraya , Pialoux Gilles , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Eme Anne-Line , Esteve Emmanuel , Lebrette Marie-Gisèle , Guiard-Schmid Jean-Baptiste , Capeau Jacqueline , Ronco Pierre , Costagliola Dominique , Plaisier Emmanuelle
Published: April 2019

Background

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is 10 times higher in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients than in the general population. We explored the prevalence and determinants of proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD) in HIV-infected individuals, and assessed the impact of the tubulopathy on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) outcome.

Methods

A cohort study was performed on 694 outpatients followed in a French centre to analyse the prevalence of PTD, the diagnosis performance of screening tools and the associated factors. eGFR was prospectively evaluated to analyse the predictive value of the tubulopathy on eGFR decrease.

Results

At inclusion, 14% of the patients presented with PTD and 5% with CKD. No individual tubular marker, including non-glomerular proteinuria, glycosuria dipstick or hypophosphataemia, registered sufficient performance to identify PTD. We found a significant interaction between tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure and ethnicity (P = 0.03) for tubulopathy risk. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure was associated with PTD in non-Africans [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.71, P < 10−3], but not in patients of sub-Saharan African origin (aOR = 1.17, P = 0.73). Among the 601 patients followed during a median of 4.3 years, 13% experienced an accelerated eGFR decline. Unlike microalbuminuria and glomerular proteinuria, tubulopathy was not associated with accelerated eGFR decline.

Conclusion

PTD is not rare in HIV-infected individuals but is less frequent in sub-Saharan African patients and is associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure only in non-Africans. Its diagnosis requires multiple biochemical testing and it is not associated with an accelerated eGFR decline.
Viable C5 and C6 Proximal Stump Use in Reconstructive Surgery of the Adult Brachial Plexus Traction Injuries
Authors: Rasulić Lukas , Savić Andrija , Lepić Milan , Kovačević Vojin , Vitošević Filip , Novaković Nenad , Mandić-Rajčević Stefan , Samardžić Miroslav
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

In patients with only upper (C5, C6) brachial plexus palsy (BPP), the pooled international data strongly favor nerve transfers over nerve grafts. In patients with complete BPP, some authors favor nerve grafts for the restoration of priority functions whenever there is a viable proximal stump.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate functional recovery in cases of upper and complete BPP where only direct graft repair from viable proximal stumps was performed.

METHODS

The study included 36 patients (24 with complete BPP and 12 with only upper BPP) operated on over a 15-yr period. In all cases, direct graft repair from C5 to the musculocutaneous and the axillary nerve was performed. In cases with complete BPP, additional procedures included either direct graft repair from C6 to the radial nerve and the medial pectoral nerve or the dorsal scapular nerve transfer to the branch for the long head of the triceps.

RESULTS

The use of C5 proximal stump grafts (in both complete and upper BPP) resulted in satisfactory elbow flexion in 26 patients (72.2%) and satisfactory shoulder abduction in 22 patients (61.1%). The use of C6 proximal stump grafts in patients with complete BPP resulted in satisfactory elbow extension in 5 (50%) and satisfactory shoulder adduction in another 5 (50%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Although nerve transfers generally enable better restoration of priority functions, in cases of infraganglionary injuries, especially in shorter defects, it is also necessary to consider direct graft repair, or at least its combination with nerve transfers, as a potentially beneficial treatment modality.
A Microhistory of the Global Empire of Cotton: Ivanovo, The ‘Russian Manchester’*
Authors: Smith Alison K
Published: April 2019

The serf village of Ivanovo became one of the major centres of cotton production in tsarist Russia. This unexpected juxtaposition of serfdom and the beginnings of capitalist industry has made Ivanovo into an object of curiosity within histories of the Russian economy and of Russian serfdom. Thinking about Ivanovo as both a site of microhistory–the study of the ‘typical exception’–and as part of the global world of cotton both helps to explain Ivanovo’s development and helps to disrupt the notion of distinct phases of economic development that necessarily go along with distinct phases of political development. This article focuses on one period of Ivanovo’s history: a period beginning in the late 1820s, when Ivanovo’s owner, Count Sheremetev, began to manumit some of his wealthy serf industrialists. Many of them remained in the village and continued to produce the cotton calico that had already brought them their wealth and the village its fame. Although a feeling of a village society divided into separate classes had already begun to develop, this process gave new form to that development. In particular, the very institutional form of serfdom helped to create a stronger vision of a separate working class and industrial class.
Caesarean section and neonatal survival and neurodevelopmental impairments in preterm singleton neonates
Authors: Lodha Abhay , Ediger Krystyna , Creighton Dianne , Tang Selphee , Lodha Arijit , Wood Stephen
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Evidence is lacking regarding the benefit of caesarean section (CS) for long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in singleton preterm neonates. Therefore, uncertainty remains regarding obstetrical best practice in the delivery of premature neonates.

Objective

Our objective was to determine the association between the mode of delivery and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm singleton neonates who were delivered by vaginal route (VR), CS with labour (CS-L), or CS without labour (CS-NL).

Methods

Singleton neonates of less than 29 weeks’ gestation born January 1995 through December 2010 and admitted to our NICU and then assessed at neonatal follow-up clinic were studied. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) defined as cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, major or minor visual impairment, or hearing impairment or deafness at 36 months’ corrected age.

Results

In this retrospective cohort study of 1,452 neonates, 1,000 were eligible for the study and 881 (88.1%) were available for follow-up. There was no significant difference in mortality between VR group, CS-L group, and CS-NL group. At 3 years, there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of NDI. The odds of composite outcome of mortality or NDI for neonates born via CS-NL versus VR, and CS–L versus VR were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 1.37) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.61), respectively. Propensity score-based matched-pair analyses did not show a significant association between the composite outcome and CS with or without labour.

Conclusions

CS was not associated with increased survival or decreased risk of NDI in premature singleton neonates born at less than 29 weeks’ gestation.
The Prehistory of Schneider’s First-Rank Symptoms: Texts From 1810 to 1932
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S , Mishara Aaron
Published: April 2019

Importance

First-rank symptoms (FRS), proposed by Kurt Schneider in 1939, subsequently became influential in schizophrenia diagnosis. We know little of their prehistory. How often were FRS described before 1939 and in which countries and time periods? Which FRS was most frequently noted?

Observations

Forty psychiatric texts from 37 authors, published 1810–1932, were identified that described FRS. In a systematic subsample, half of the textbooks examined contained such descriptions with little differences between countries or over time. Somatic passivity was most commonly noted, followed by thought insertion, thought withdrawal, and made actions. This pattern resembled that reported in recent studies of schizophrenia. A novel term—delusions of unseen agency—was seen in psychiatric texts and then found, from 1842 to 1905, in a range of official reports, and psychiatric, medical, and general audience publications. The Early Heidelberg School (Gruhle, Mayer-Gross, Beringer) first systematically described “self-disturbances” (Ichstörungen), many of which Schneider incorporated into FRS.

Conclusions and Relevance

From the beginning of Western descriptive psychopathology in the early 19th century, symptoms have been observed later described as first-rank by Schneider. A term “delusion of unseen agency”—closely related to Schneider’s first-rank concept—was popular in the second half of the 19th century and described in publications as prominent as the Encyclopedia Britannica and New England Journal of Medicine. The descriptions of these specific symptoms, with substantial continuity, over more than 2 centuries and many countries, suggest that an understanding of their etiology would teach us something foundational about the psychotic illness.
A randomized controlled trial of azithromycin and sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine as prophylaxis against malaria in pregnancy among human immunodeficiency virus–positive women
Authors: Akinyotu Oriyomi , Bello Folasade , Abdus-Salam Rukiyat , Arowojolu Ayodele
Published: April 2019

Background

Malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in pregnancy are important and major contributing factors to maternal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention of malaria in HIV-positive pregnant woman will reduce the burden of malaria–HIV comorbidity. The objective of this study was to compare effects and safety of azithromycin (AZ) with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive therapy for malaria in HIV-positive pregnant women.

Methods

We performed a randomized, controlled, open-label pregnancy trial of 140 HIV-positive pregnant patients attending antenatal clinics at the University College Hospital and Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants were enrolled from a gestational age of 16 weeks and randomized to receive AZ or SP. The primary outcome was peripheral parasitaemia at delivery. Secondary outcomes were drug tolerability, foetal outcome and birthweight. The χ2 test (or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate) and Student’s t test were used in the per-protocol analysis. The level of statistical significance was p<0.05.

Results

A total of 123 participants (87.9%) completed the study: 60 participants received AZ and 63 received SP. The incidence of malaria parasitaemia at delivery in the AZ group was 6 (10.0%), compared with 7 (11.1%) in the SP group (relative risk 0.89 [95% confidence interval 0.28 to 2.82], p=0.84). Placental parasitization was demonstrated in 1 (1.6%) participant in the SP group compared with 3 (5.0%) in the AZ group (p=0.36).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that AZ is comparable to SP in malaria prevention and safety in HIV-positive pregnant women.
Effect of Selected Biopesticides in Reducing Soybean Rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) Development
Authors: Twizeyimana M. , Hartman G. L.
Published: April 2019

The intensive use of fungicides in controlling soybean rust (SBR), a damaging foliar fungal disease of soybean caused by the obligate fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, may have accelerated the insensitivity of P. pachyrhizi populations to fungicides. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of selected biopesticides and their application time on reducing SBR infection. There were differences (P < 0.05) in percent rust reduction values for application times, biopesticide treatments, and their interaction in detached-leaf and whole-plant greenhouse experiments. All application times and nearly all biopesticide treatments reduced (α = 0.05) fungal infection compared with the nonfungicide control. Among the treatments, Bacillus subtilis QST 713 and acibenzolar-S-methyl often reduced fungal sporulation more than the other treatments in detached-leaf and whole-plant greenhouse experiments. The identification of biopesticides effective to P. pachyrhizi may be a valuable alternative or complement to synthetic fungicides and may be useful in integrated pest management programs for SBR control.
Characterization, Phylogenetic Analyses, and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum Species on Morus alba in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Xue Longhai , Zhang Lei , Yang Xiao Xiang , Huang Xiaoqin , Wu Wenxian , Zhou Xiquan , White James F. , Liu Yong , Li Chunjie
Published: April 2019

Brown spot disease caused by Colletotrichum species was found on leaves of mulberry (Morus alba L.) in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China. Fungal isolates from leaf lesions were identified as six Colletotrichum species based on morphological characteristics and DNA analysis of the combined sequences ITS, GAPDH, ACT, CHS-1, TUB2, and GS. These included Colletotrichum fioriniae, C. fructicola, C. cliviae, C. karstii, C. kahawae subsp. ciggaro, and C. brevisporum. Results showed that the most important causal agent of mulberry anthracnose was C. fioriniae, causing typical brown necrotic spots or streaks, followed by C. brevisporum, C. karstii, and C. kahawae subsp. ciggaro, whereas the two other species (C. fructicola and C. cliviae) showed no pathogenicity to mulberry. This study is the first report of these species associated with mulberry in China.