bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How “Belt and Road” initiative implementation has influenced R&D outcomes of Chinese enterprises: asset‐exploitation or knowledge transfer?
Authors: Li Sirui , Su Jing , Liu Ying , Lepech Michael D. , Wang Jie
Published: November 2020

As an Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) promotion policy which aims to transform and upgrade Chinese firms, the ‘Belt and Road’ (B&R) Initiative has been widely discussed with regard to its influence on R&D activities. Many studies have associated this topic with the relationship between OFDI and R&D activities, however, the difference between the OFDI promotion policy and the OFDI has been neglected, resulting in little understanding of the effects of B&R implementation on R&D activities related to established OFDIs. By analyzing how the implementation of B&R affects asset‐exploitation and knowledge transfer, this paper provides a new perspective to help understand if and how Chinese firms that have affiliates in B&R countries gain positive R&D outcomes from such a policy. This study examines a sample of Chinese‐listed manufacturing firms from 2013 to 2017. Propensity Score Matching is used to construct a counterfactual framework and control for confounding problems from new OFDI entries. Difference‐in‐Differences is used to infer the policy effect of B&R implementation on R&D outcome of Chinese firms that have affiliates in B&R countries. Results show a continuously positive effect on R&D outcomes mediated by the increase in R&D expenditure, along with a directly weak‐positive effect on R&D outcomes in the short‐run. The continuously positive effect may be viewed as a result of an improvement in asset‐exploitation, while the directly weak‐positive effect is more a result of an increase in knowledge transfer, leaving out technology transfer. Regarding differences among Chinese firms that invest in B&R countries with varying levels of economic development, this study also found no differences between firms that have B&R affiliates in developed versus developing countries. This finding implies that Chinese firms have experienced little or no increase in technology transfer through B&R implementation. Overall, these findings, to some extent, illustrate Chinese firms’ behavior patterns in R&D management related to established OFDIs in light of OFDI promotion policies and help policy makers assess and understand the effects of the B&R implementation more deeply.
Altered vitamin D metabolic system in follicular cysts of sows
Authors: Grzesiak Malgorzata , Socha Magdalena , Hrabia Anna
Published: November 2020

Contents

This study aimed to examine 25OHD3 concentration in the fluid of follicular and follicular lutein cysts of sows in comparison with preovulatory follicles as well as immunolocalize vitamin D metabolic enzymes (CYP27B1 and CYP24A1) and determine their protein abundances in the cyst wall. We have shown for the first time that 25OHD3 level in the fluid of both cyst types was significantly lower than in preovulatory follicles. Furthermore, we have demonstrated CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 protein immunolocalization and abundance in follicular and follicular lutein cysts. The abundance of protein for both metabolic enzymes was decreased in ovarian cysts when compared to preovulatory follicles. We propose that altered VD metabolism in ovarian cyst might associate with their formation in sows.
Cell synchronization by Rapamycin improves the developmental competence of buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Xu Jie , Shi Pengfei , Zhao Xin , Shen Penglei , Feng Yun , Lu Fenghua , Shi Deshun
Published: November 2020

This study mainly explored the effects of Rapamycin on the growth of the Buffalo ear fibroblast (BEF) and embryonic developmental competence of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The results show that the appropriate concentration (1 μM) of Rapamycin could significantly improve the proportion of the G0/G1 phase in BEF cells treated at a certain time (72 hr). Simultaneously, the percentage of the G0/G1 phase also was significantly higher than the serum starvation and control group. This may be related to Rapamycin inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR and affecting the expression of cell cycle‐related genes (CDK2, CDK4, P27, CycleD1, and CycleD3). Besides, compared with the control group and serum‐starved group, Rapamycin significantly decreased BEF cell apoptosis by reducing ROS generation. Moreover, these results also indicated that the proportion of BEF cells with normal chromosome multiples treated by Rapamycin is significantly higher than that of the serum‐starved group (p < .05). Finally, this study explored the effects of Rapamycin and serum starvation on the embryonic developmental competence of SCNT. The results show that Rapamycin significantly increased the rate of 8‐cell and blastocyst, compared with the control group and serum starvation group (p < .05). To summarize, these results indicate that Rapamycin improved the embryonic development competence of SCNT, which may be related to Rapamycin increasing the percentage of G0/G1 phase and maintaining BEF cell quality.
Did 272 billion dollars from China help stabilize business cycle fluctuations in recipient countries?
Authors: Abdelwahed Loujaina , Karras Georgios
Published: November 2020

Why are foreign official flows mostly procyclical when countercyclical flows would raise welfare in recipient countries without added costs to donors? The prevalent set of explanations relies on the behavior of donor countries, as they are the ones who decide the timing of their official flows. The present study tests this by considering Chinese official flows, which are known to be demand driven. We examine the business cycle characteristics of China's official financing in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and less concessional Other Official Flows (OOF) to developing countries and compare it to the business cycle characteristics of bilateral and multilateral aid commitments from traditional donors. Using data on China's official finance commitments over the period 2000 to 2014, we find that both China's ODA and OOF commitments are mostly acyclical with respect to recipients' output fluctuations and procyclical with respect to their fiscal revenue. We conclude that official flows fail to be countercyclical even when recipient countries are in the driver's seat.
The Dark Side of Desire: Nietzsche, Transhumanism, and Personal Immortality
Authors: Buben Adam
Published: November 2020

Nietzsche has become embroiled in two interesting twenty‐first century debates about advancing technology and its impact on human life, especially its meaning/value. The first focuses on Nietzsche himself and is concerned with the extent to which his views align with those of transhumanism. The second involves the not so blatantly Nietzsche‐centric question of whether or not immortality, or radical life‐extension, is desirable. Given that the desire for immortality, or at least some more feasible (but not so permanent) approximation of it, is strongly associated with transhumanism, it seems that these two debates have some fairly significant overlap. Establishing what Nietzsche ultimately believes about such a core transhumanist issue will go a long way toward determining how sympathetic he would be to the transhumanist cause in general. I argue that while his views do not commit him to an all‐encompassing disdain for immortality, his intolerance for immortality‐seekers means that he might only be open to some of the more fringe understandings of transhumanism.
Alterations of spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables during decelerated sprinting
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Girard Olivier
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to elucidate changes in spatiotemporal and ground reaction force (GRF) variables during 90‐m overground decelerated sprinting and determinants of the decrease in running speed. In 14 sub‐elite male sprinters, a virtual 90‐m sprint was reconstructed during which spatiotemporal and GRF variables were averaged for four steps in maximal speed (45.8‐m mark) and deceleration (76.5‐m mark) phases. With decreases in running speed (3.5 ± 1.1%) from the maximal speed to deceleration phases, step frequency (SF) (3.5 ± 1.9%), net anteroposterior mean force (64.4 ± 15.9%), and propulsive and vertical mean forces during the propulsive phase (3.5 ± 3.8% and 5.3 ± 3.3%) decreased, and support (ST) (2.9 ± 2.5%) and flight times (FT) (4.3 ± 3.3%), braking mean force (7.3 ± 4.0%), and effective vertical impulse during the entire support (5.1 ± 3.4%) and braking phases (20.6 ± 11.2%) increased. In addition, the decrease in running speed was associated with changes in SF, ST, and net anteroposterior mean force (r = .667, −.713, and .524, respectively). The current results demonstrate that decreases in running speed during short‐distance overground sprinting are probably caused by decreases in SF through increases in ST and FT, as well as impairment of the ability to minimize braking force and maintaining propulsive force. A compromised ability to maintain the magnitude of applied force during the propulsive phase and the necessity for lengthening FT may cause greater braking force, which increases effective vertical impulse during the braking and entire support phases. The SF, ST, and net anteroposterior mean force are determinants of the magnitudes of decreases in running speed during short‐distance overground sprinting.
The structure of educational inequity: Adolescents’ access to parent education through friendship networks and its impact on academic outcomes
Authors: McDermott Elana R. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Schaefer David R. , Martinez‐Fuentes Stefanie , Co Leyna , Ison Ashley , Ryan Allison M. , Rivas‐Drake Deborah
Published: November 2020

Parents and friends are important influences on adolescents’ academic outcomes. We examine whether and how adolescents’ social networks compensate for or enhance the effects of their parents’ education on academic outcomes. Among a large ethnoracially diverse sample of high school students in the Southwestern (N = 2,136) and Midwestern (N = 1,055) United States, results from network autocorrelation models showed that higher levels of mother and father education were related to greater academic self‐efficacy and engagement and higher aspirations, expectations, and grade point averages at both schools. Friends’ parents’ education levels were positively associated with adolescents’ academic aspirations, expectations, and grade point averages across all of the models; higher levels of friends’ parents’ education were related to greater academic self‐efficacy across all models, except for mothers in the Southwest; and friends’ fathers’ education levels were positively related to adolescents’ academic engagement for students in the Midwestern school only. There were no significant interaction effects between parents’ and friends’ parents’ education levels in predicting academic outcomes. Differences in the distribution of parental education across ethnic‐racial groups shaped the implications of the model for adolescents’ academic adjustment. Findings highlight the impact of educational opportunity across generations in shaping academic inequities.
Experimental study of dry stone masonry walls using digital reflection photoelasticity
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Hariprasad M.P. , Menon Arun , Ramesh K.
Published: November 2020

Response of dry stack stone masonry walls under mechanical loading is complex and difficult to determine, mainly due to heterogeneous and discrete nature of the components of the stone wall. In this paper, reflection photoelasticity is used on scaled down models of stone masonry wall under uniaxial compression. Two walls are tested, and the methods to obtain near perfect dry stack masonry for reflection photoelastic studies are presented. Five‐step phase‐shifting methods are employed with TFP/RGB photoelasticity to quantitatively analyse the mechanical behaviour of the dry stack masonry walls. Isochromatics and isoclinic data are processed to obtain other whole field experimental stress data. Highly stressed zones are observed resulting in distinctive localised vertical failure in some of the stone units. In dry stack masonry construction, the failure mechanism is found to be dictated by the contact mechanics, which are governed by the non‐uniformity of block geometry even in very regular dry stack masonry.
Analysis of physical and chemical characteristics of Anthrosols—The case of former Bremen missionary’s settlement in Ghana
Authors: Asare Michael O. , Owusu Afriyie Jerry , Hejcman Michal
Published: November 2020

Past settlement sites often relate to the accumulation of elements in Anthrosols. The analyses of Anthrosols can resolve specific queries on the estimation of element enrichment factors and their potential suitability for arable fields. We studied Anthrosols in the sub‐Sahara developed on a mid‐19th century AD Bremen missionary settlement in the Volta Region, Ghana, aiming to compare the physicochemical properties with control soil unaffected by past settlement activities. The black colour of the Anthrosols contrasted with the brown Acrisols of the control on the same bedrock. The pH, contents of organic C, total (N, P, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Sr) and plant‐available Mehlich‐3 (P, Ca, K, S and Mg) elements substantially increased in the 0–85 cm depths of the Anthrosols compared with the control. The Anthrosols are thus suitable for arable land‐use. Total K, Cu, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ca, Mg and Fe well indicated past settlement activities according to their significant correlations with P. Total and plant‐available P and K content of each element significantly correlated and vice versa for Ca and Mg. However, in calculating the enrichment factors in the field for geoarchaeological purposes, we confirmed that total element contents are more suitable. The substantial enrichment by plant‐available elements implied that mineral fertilizer applications on arable fields on previous settlements should not be the same as fields without settlement activities. Past settlement sites represent a storehouse of nutrient‐rich Anthrosols in cultural landscapes traceable through detailed multi‐element analysis.
Playing with ambiguity: The making and unmaking of local power in postcolonial Timor‐Leste
Authors: Simião Daniel S. , Silva Kelly
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the ambivalent status of local authorities in postcolonial state building in Timor‐Leste. We deploy two sets of empirical data to analyse the role ambiguity plays in particular power dynamics: the East Timorese legislation on community authority, and ethnographic descriptions of a local form of conflict resolution at the village level. The ethnographic analysis points to the fact that local authorities see themselves and are seen by villagers as state representatives. However, the legal framework may be seen as an effort by the Timorese national authority to detach itself from local leaders, but it does so ambiguously. While the state positions local authorities as community representatives of the people it also assigns them an increasing number of functions over time, many of which would be elsewhere considered state responsibilities. We argue that this ambiguity plays a vital role in a long‐term strategy to legitimise the state by appropriating local elements of political culture. That being so, local governance complexes are used to transpose and internalise modern practices and projects of social organisation and subjectivation, although they tend to be considered by many as longstanding cultural institutions.
Negotiating Hip Hop persons: Authenticity, participation and Breaking in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Marie Lucas
Published: November 2020

This article draws on ethnographic research conducted in 2015 with Hip Hop dancers in Perth, as well as my own personal engagement as a Breaking practitioner, to examine how membership within the local Perth Hip Hop dance scene is made and negotiated. The focus of this article is on the processual, embodied and locally particular aspects of personhood, alhough specifically my concern is with how Hip Hop dancers themselves make sense of, experience and authenticate persons within their own specific local and social context. My ethnographic observations and discussions of the Perth Hip Hop dance scene contribute to broader anthropological debates on personhood by drawing attention to the importance of being connected and actively involved in Hip Hop dancing practices and local Hip Hop dancing events. This research illustrates how personhood in Hip Hop is something that is continually being remade and renegotiated over time and across different spaces, in addition to the significance of one's body in the negotiation process (An earlier version of this article was presented at the 2017 Australian Anthropological Society (AAS) conference at the University of Adelaide.).
Experience with a six‐month regimen of Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis in 122 HIV‐positive kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Mejia Christina D. , Malat Gregory E. , Boyle Suzanne M. , Ranganna Karthik , Lee Dong Heun
Published: November 2020

Anti‐Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis is recommended for 3 to 6 months post‐transplant in HIV‐negative kidney transplant recipients. For HIV‐positive kidney transplant recipients, there is no definite duration of primary prophylaxis and is often prescribed life‐long. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of PCP in HIV‐positive recipients who received 6 months of prophylaxis with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole or an alternative agent. One hundred and twenty‐two HIV‐positive recipients received a kidney transplant from 2001 to 2017 at Hahnemann University Hospital. Most patients received induction immunosuppression with an IL‐2 receptor antagonist, with or without intravenous immunoglobulin. Only one patient received anti‐thymocyte globulin. Maintenance immunosuppression included a calcineurin‐inhibitor (tacrolimus or cyclosporine), an antiproliferative agent (mycophenolate or sirolimus), and prednisone. Mean CD4 cell count was 461 ± 127 cells/uL prior to transplant and 463 ± 229 cells/μL at 6 to 12 months after transplant. None of the recipients developed PCP after a median follow‐up of 2.88 years (IQR 1.16‐4.87). Based on our observation, a 6‐month regimen of PCP prophylaxis may be sufficient among HIV‐positive recipients, similar to those without HIV infection.
Effectiveness of short vs long‐course perioperative antibiotics in lung transplant recipients with donor positive respiratory cultures
Authors: Groff Lindsey T. , Reed Erica E. , Coe Kelci E. , El Boghdadly Zeinab , Keller Brian C. , Whitson Bryan A. , Burcham Pamela K.
Published: November 2020

Lung transplant recipients are at increased risk for infection in the early postoperative phase, thus perioperative antibiotics are employed. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of short‐ vs long‐course perioperative antibiotics in lung transplant patients. Lung transplant patients with donor positive cultures between August 2013 and September 2019 were evaluated, excluding those with cystic fibrosis, death within 14 days and re‐transplants. The primary outcome was 30‐day freedom from donor‐derived respiratory infection. A total of 147 patients were included (57 short vs 90 long‐course). Median perioperative antibiotic duration was 6 days in the short‐course vs 14 days in the long‐course group (P < .0001). Thirty‐day freedom from donor‐derived respiratory infection was present in 56 (98%) patients in the short‐course vs 85 (94%) patients in the long‐course group (P = .41). There was no difference in development of Clostridioides difficile infections (P = .41), while cumulative ventilator time and time to post‐op extubation were longer in the long‐course group (P = .001 and .004, respectively). Among lung transplant recipients with positive donor respiratory cultures, short‐course perioperative antibiotics were as effective as long‐course antibiotics in preventing donor‐derived bacterial respiratory infections.
Very advanced maternal age
Authors: Howell Alice , Blott Margaret
Published: November 2020

Key content

Increasing fertility options have led to increased birth rates among women over the age of 45 years.

Most women aged 45 years or older conceive via assisted reproductive technologies, which are associated with increased risks to both mother and fetus.

Multiple pregnancies are disproportionately common in this group of women as a result of multiple embryo transfer. The maternal and fetal risks are increased significantly in multiple pregnancies.

A maternal age of 45 years or more is associated with complications in early pregnancy and the antenatal period and with significant obstetric complications.

Fetal complications are increased in this group; in particular there is an increased risk of multiple births, increased rates of preterm birth and higher perinatal mortality rates.

Learning objectives

To understand the maternal implications, complications and risks of pregnancy in women of very advanced maternal age, to aid counselling this group of women prior to and during pregnancy.

To understand the fetal complications associated with pregnancy in women of very advanced maternal age, including stillbirth and preterm labour.

To establish an evidence‐based approach to the antenatal management and care of women of very advanced maternal age.
Maize SRO1e represses anthocyanin synthesis through regulating the MBW complex in response to abiotic stress
Authors: Qin Lumin , Sun Liu , Wei Lin , Yuan Jiarui , Kong Fangfang , Zhang Ying , Miao Xin , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei
Published: November 2020

Plants experiencing abiotic stress react by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), compounds that, if allowed to accumulate to excess, repress plant growth and development. Anthocyanins induced by abiotic stress are strong antioxidants that neutralize ROS, whereas their over‐accumulation retards plant growth. Although the mechanism of anthocyanin synthesis has been revealed, how plants balance anthocyanin synthesis under abiotic stress to maintain ROS homeostasis is unknown. Here, ROS‐related proteins, SIMILAR TO RCD‐ONEs (SROs), were analysed in Zea mays (maize), and all six SRO1 genes were inducible by a variety of abiotic stress agents. The constitutive expression of one of these genes, ZmSRO1e, in maize as well as in Arabidopsis thaliana increased the sensitivity of the plant to abiotic stress, but repressed anthocyanin biosynthesis and ROS scavenging activity. Loss‐of‐function mutation of ZmSRO1e enhanced ROS tolerance and anthocyanin accumulation. We showed that ZmSRO1e competed with ZmR1 (a core basic helix‐loop‐helix subunit of the MYB–bHLH–WD40 transcriptional activation complex) for binding with ZmPL1 (a core MYB subunit of the complex). Thus, during the constitutive expression of ZmSRO1e, the formation of the complex was compromised, leading to the repression of genes, such as ZmA4 (encoding dihydroflavonol reductase), associated with anthocyanin synthesis. Overall, the results have revealed a mechanism that allows the products of maize SRO1e to participate in the abiotic stress response.
The emergence and evolution of intron‐poor and intronless genes in intron‐rich plant gene families
Authors: Liu Hui , Lyu Hai‐Meng , Zhu Kaikai , Van de Peer Yves , (Max) Cheng Zong‐Ming
Published: November 2020

Eukaryotic genes can be classified into intronless (no introns), intron‐poor (three or fewer introns per gene) or intron‐rich. Early eukaryotic genes were mostly intron‐rich, and their alternative splicing into multiple transcripts, giving rise to different proteins, might have played pivotal roles in adaptation and evolution. Interestingly, extant plant genomes contain many gene families with one or sometimes few sub‐families with genes that are intron‐poor or intronless, and it remains unknown when and how these intron‐poor or intronless genes have originated and evolved, and what their possible functions are. In this study, we identified 33 such gene families that contained intronless and intron‐poor sub‐families. Intronless genes seemed to have first emerged in early land plant evolution, while intron‐poor sub‐families seemed first to have appeared in green algae. In contrast to intron‐rich genes, intronless genes in intron‐poor sub‐families occurred later, and were subject to stronger functional constraints. Based on RNA‐seq analyses in Arabidopsis and rice, intronless or intron‐poor genes in AP2, EF‐hand_7, bZIP, FAD_binding_4, STE_STE11, CAMK_CAMKL‐CHK1 and C2 gene families were more likely to play a role in response to drought and salt stress, compared with intron‐rich genes in the same gene families, whereas intronless genes in the B_lectin and S_locus_glycop gene family were more likely to participate in epigenetic processes and plant development. Understanding the origin and evolutionary trajectory, as well as the potential functions, of intronless and intron‐poor sub‐families provides further insight into plant genome evolution and the functional divergence of genes.
Impact of red blood cell alloimmunization on fetal and neonatal outcomes: A single center cohort study
Authors: Lieberman Lani , Callum Jeannie , Cohen Robert , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Ladhani Noor Niyar N. , Buckstein Jonah , Pendergrast Jacob , Lin Yulia
Published: November 2020

Background

Alloimmunization can impact both the fetus and neonate. Study objectives: (a) calculate the incidence of clinically significant RBC isoimmunization during pregnancy, (b) review maternal management and neonatal outcomes, (c) assess the value of prenatal and postnatal serological testing in predicting neonatal outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective audit of consecutive alloimmunized pregnancies was conducted. Data collected included demographics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory results. Outcomes included: incidence of alloimmunization; outcomes for neonates with and without the cognate antigen; and sensitivity and specificity of antibody titration testing in predicting hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

Results

Over 6 years, 128 pregnant women (0.4%) were alloimmunized with 162 alloantibodies; anti‐E was the most common alloantibody (51/162; 31%). Intrauterine transfusions (IUTs) were employed in 2 (3%) of 71 mothers of cognate antigen positive (CoAg+) neonates. Of 74 CoAg+ neonates, 58% required observation alone, 23% intensive phototherapy, 9% top up transfusion, and 3% exchange transfusion; no fetal or neonatal deaths occurred. HDFN was diagnosed in 28% (21/74) of neonates; anti‐D was the most common cause. The sensitivity and specificity of the critical gel titer >32 in predicting HDFN were 76% and 75%, respectively (negative predictive value 95%; positive predictive value 36%). The sensitivity and specificity of a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in predicting HDFN were 90% and 58%, respectively (NPV 97%; PPV 29%).

Conclusion

Morbidity and mortality related to HDFN was low; most alloimmunized pregnancies needed minimal intervention. Titers of >32 by gel warrant additional monitoring during pregnancy.
You're only as old as you feel: Age is not just a number
Authors: Rogers Stephen Colin , Doctor Allan
Published: November 2020

See article on page 2633–2646, in this issue
Synergistic bactericidal effects of pairs of photosensitizer molecules activated by ultraviolet A light against bacteria in plasma
Authors: Feyissa Qinati , Xu Fei , Ibrahim Zina , Li Ying , Xu Kevin L. , Guo Zihan , Ahmad Justen , Vostal Jaroslav G.
Published: November 2020

Background

The current approach to reducing bacterial contamination in blood transfusion products is through detection or pathogen reduction methods, some of which utilize ultraviolet (UV) light photosensitizers. A small number of photosensitizers are being used as single agents in combination with UV light, but their efficacy can be limited against some pathogens. Benzophenone (BP) and vitamins B1, B6, and K3 have been identified as effective UVA photosensitizers for inactivation of bacteria. We evaluated whether combining pairs of photosensitizers in this group would have synergistic bactericidal effects on Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria.

Study Design and Methods

Bacteria species of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were mixed with 0 to 100 mM concentrations of photosensitizers and exposed to UVA irradiation at 18 J/cm2 to assess their bactericidal effects.

Results

Single photosensitizers irradiated with UVA produced a range of bactericidal activity. When combined in pairs, all demonstrated some synergistic bactericidal effects with up to 4‐log reduction above the sum of activities of individual molecules in the pair against bacteria in plasma. Photosensitizer pairs with BP had the highest synergism across all bacteria. With vitamin K3 in the pair, synergism was evident for Gram‐positive but not for Gram‐negative bacteria. Vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 had the least synergism. These results indicate that a combination approach with multiple photosensitizers may extend effectiveness of pathogen reduction in plasma.

Conclusions

Combining photosensitizers in pathogen reduction methods could improve bactericidal efficacy and lead to use of lower concentrations of photosensitizers to reduce toxicities and unwanted side effects.
Missed irradiation of cellular blood components for vulnerable patients: Insights from 10 years of SHOT data
Authors: Elliot Johnathon , Narayan Shruthi , Poles Debbi , Tuckley Victoria , Bolton‐Maggs Paula H. B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Irradiation of cellular blood components is recommended for patients at risk of transfusion‐associated graft‐vs‐host disease (TA‐GvHD). Prestorage leucodepletion (LD) of blood components is standard in the UK since 1999.

Study Design and Methods

Analysis of 10 years' reports from UK national hemovigilance scheme, Serious Hazards of Transfusion (2010‐2019), where patients failed to receive irradiated components when indicated according to British Society for Haematology guidelines (2011).

Results

There were 956 incidents of failure to receive irradiated components all due to errors. One hundred and seventy two incidents were excluded from analysis, 125 of 172 (72.7%) because of missing essential information. No cases of TA‐GvHD were reported in this cohort. The 784 patients received 2809 components (number unknown for 67 incidents). Most failures occurred in patients treated with purine analogues (365) or alemtuzumab (69), or with a history of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (192). Together these make up 626 of 784 (79.9%). Poor communication is an important cause of errors.

Conclusion

Leucodepletion appears to reduce the risk for TA‐GvHD. None of 12 cases of TA‐GvHD reported to SHOT prior to introduction of LD occurred in patients with conditions recommended for irradiated components by current guidelines. Irradiation indefinitely for all stages of HL is not based on good evidence and is a difficult guideline to follow. Further research on long‐term immune function in HL is required. Variation between different national guidelines reflects the very limited evidence.
Altered phosphatidylinositol regulation of mutant inwardly rectifying K+Kir7.1 channels associated with inherited retinal degeneration disease
Authors: Vera Erwin , Cornejo Isabel , Niemeyer María Isabel , Sepúlveda Francisco V. , Cid L. Pablo
Published: November 2020

Key points

Kir7.1 K+channel expressed in retinal pigment epithelium is mutated in inherited retinal degeneration diseases.

We study Kir7.1 in heterologous expression to test the hypothesis that pathological R162 mutation to neutral amino acids results in loss of a crucial site that binds PI(4,5)P2.

Although R162W mutation inactivates Kir7.1, changes to smaller volume (e.g. Gln) amino acids are tolerated or even enhance function (Ala or Cys).

Chemical modification of Kir7.1‐R162C confirms that large residues of the size of Trp are incompatible with normal channel function even if positively charged.

In addition to R162, K164 (and possibly K159) forms a binding site for the phosphoinositide and is essential for channel activity.

R162 substitution with a large, neutral side chain like Trp exerts a dominant negative effect on Kir7.1 activity such that less than one fifth of the full activity is expected in a cell expressing the same amount of mutant and wild‐type channels.

Mutations in the Kir7.1 K+channel, highly expressed in retinal pigment epithelium, have been linked to inherited retinal degeneration diseases. Examples are mutations changing Arg 162 to Trp in snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD) and Gln in retinitis pigmentosa. R162 is believed to be part of a site that binds PI(4,5)P2and stabilises the open state. We have tested the hypothesis that R162 mutation to neutral amino acids will result in the loss of this crucial interaction to the detriment of channel function. Our findings indicate that although R612W mutation inactivates Kir7.1, changes to smaller volume (e.g. Gln) amino acids are tolerated or even enhance function (Ala or Cys). Cys chemical modification of Kir7.1‐R162C confirms that large residues of the size of Trp are incompatible with normal channel function even if positively charged. Experiments titrating the levels of plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2with voltage‐dependent phosphatase DrVSP reveal that, in addition to R162, K164 (and possibly K159) forms a binding site for the phosphoinositide and ensures channel activity. Finally, the use of a concatemeric approach shows that substitution of R162 with a large, neutral side chain mimicking a Trp residue exerts a dominant negative effect on Kir7.1 activity such that less than one fifth of the full activity is expected in heterozygous cells carrying the SVD mutation. Our results suggest that if mutations in the humanKCNJ13gene resulting in the neutralisation of R162 and Kir7.1 malfunction led to retinal degeneration diseases, their severity might depend on the nature of the side chain of the replacing amino acid.
Effect of Subsurface Microstructures on Adhesion of Highly Confined Elastic Films
Authors: Samri Manar , Kossa Attila , Hensel René
Published: November 2020

Polymer adhesive films sandwiched between two rigid solids are a common bonding strategy. The mechanics and consequently the adhesion of such geometrically confined films depend mainly on their thickness, Young's modulus, and the Poisson's ratio of the material. In this work, we explore the effect of a micropatterned subsurface embedded into the adhesive layer. We compare experiments with three-dimensional numerical simulations to evaluate the impact of the microstructure on the contact stiffness and effective modulus. The results are used to extend a previously proposed size scaling argument on adhesion from incompressible to slightly compressible films to account for the silicone used in our study with a Poisson's ratio of 0.495. In addition, interfacial stress distributions between the elastic film and the glass disc are obtained from plane strain simulations to evaluate characteristic adhesion failures such as edge cracks and cavitation. Overall, the micropatterned subsurface has a large impact on the contact stiffness, the interfacial stress distribution, and the detachment behavior; however, the adhesion performance is only slightly improved in comparison to a non-patterned subsurface.
A Design Strategy for Mushroom-Shaped Microfibrils With Optimized Dry Adhesion: Experiments and Finite Element Analyses
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Yue , Hensel René , Arzt Eduard
Published: November 2020

Enhanced dry adhesion of micropatterned polymeric surfaces has been frequently demonstrated. Among the design parameters, the cap geometry plays an important role to improve their performance. In this study, we combined experiments on single polyurethane mushroom-shaped fibrils (with a stalk diameter of 80 µm and height of 125 µm) against flat glass, with numerical simulations implementing a cohesive zone. We found that the geometry of the mushroom cap strongly affects the interfacial crack behavior and the pull-off stress. The experimental and numerical results suggest that optimal adhesion was accompanied by the appearance of both edge and interior interfacial cracks during separation. Finite elemental analyses revealed the evolution of the interfacial stress distributions as a function of the cap thickness and confirmed the distinct detachment mechanisms. Furthermore, the effect of the stalk diameter and the Young's modulus on the adhesive force was established, resulting in an optimal design for mushroom-shaped fibrils.
Modeling Complex Contact Conditions and Their Effect on Blade Dynamics
Authors: Gastaldi Chiara , Gross Johann , Scheel Maren , Berruti Teresa M. , Krack Malte
Published: November 2020

Dry friction devices such as underplatform dampers are commonly included in turbine bladed disks designs to mitigate structural vibrations and avoid high cycle fatigue failures. The design of frictionally damped bladed disks requires adequate models to represent the friction contact. A widely used approach connects contact node pairs with normal and tangential springs and a Coulomb friction law. This simple model architecture is effective in capturing the softening behavior typically observed on frictionally damped structures subjected to increasing forcing levels. An unexpected hardening behavior was observed on the frequency response functions (FRFs) of a two-blades-plus-damper system tested by the authors in a controlled laboratory environment. The reason behind this unexpected behavior will be carefully analyzed and linked to the damper kinematics and to the dependence of contact elasticity on the contact pressure. The inadequacy of contact models with constant spring values will be discussed and alternatives will be proposed. The importance of being able to represent complex contact conditions in order to effectively predict the system dynamics is shown here using a laboratory demonstrator; however, its implications are relevant to any other case where large contact pressure variations are to be expected. The nonlinear steady-state simulations of the blades-plus-damper system will be carried out using an in-house code exploiting the multiharmonic balance method in combination with the alternating frequency time method.
Platform-Centered Reduction: A Process Capturing the Essentials for Blade-Damper Coupled Optimization
Authors: Gastaldi Chiara , Gola Muzio M.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this paper is to develop an attractive tool for designers in the initial design phase of the damping of turbomachinery blades through dry friction underplatform dampers. The paper shows how, to this purpose, certain reasonable simplifications are introduced in the procedure and in the model, leaving the customary full high fidelity computations to the final design verification analysis. The key simplifications here considered are: the blade neck is modeled with Euler beam finite elements (FE) to speed up the updating of its dimensions during the optimization process; the contact forces exerted by the dampers on the blade platform are represented by the resultant forces and moments applied to a reference point on the platform, associated with its displacements and rotations; the airfoil, which is not modified during the coupled optimization of the damper, is obtained from a full three-dimensional (3D) FE model after a component mode synthesis (CMS) reduction. It is shown that the here proposed process captures the essentials of the nonlinear dynamics of the blade-damper problem without sacrificing in any way the accuracy of the results. This hybrid model is then employed in the process where the optimal match domains between the damper and the blade are searched for, by exploring the influence of blade neck thickness (flexibility) and damper mass. Such a purposely simplified process allows a clear identification of relationships between relevant blade features and response with a focus on fatigue life.
Aerodynamic Investigation of Guide Vane Configurations Downstream a Rotating Detonation Combustor
Authors: Asli Majid , Stathopoulos Panagiotis , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: November 2020

Any outlet restriction downstream of pressure gain combustion (PGC), such as turbine blades, affects its flow field and may cause additional thermodynamic losses. The unsteadiness in the form of pressure, temperature, and velocity vector fluctuations has a negative impact on the operation of conventional turbines. Additionally, experimental measurements and data acquisition present researchers with challenges that have to do mostly with the high temperature exhaust of PGC and the high frequency of its operation. Nevertheless, numerical simulations can provide important insights into PGC exhaust flow and its interaction with turbine blades. In this paper, a rotating detonation combustor (RDC) and a row of nozzle guide vanes have been modeled based on the data from literature and an available experimental setup. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations were done for five guide vane configurations with different geometrical parameters to investigate the effect of solidity and blade type representing different outlet restrictions on the RDC exhaust flow. The results analyzed the connection between total pressure loss and the vanes solidity and thickness to chord ratio. It is observed that more than 57% of the upstream velocity angle fluctuation amplitude was damped by the vanes. Furthermore, the area reduction was found to be the significant driving factor for damping the velocity angle fluctuations, whether in the form of solidity or thickness on chord ratio increment. This RDC exhaust flow investigation is an important primary step from a turbomachinery standpoint, which provided details of blade behavior in such an unsteady flow field.
Biophysical impacts of Earth greening largely controlled by aerodynamic resistance
Authors: Chen Chi , Li Dan , Li Yue , Piao Shilong , Wang Xuhui , Huang Maoyi , Gentine Pierre , Nemani Ramakrishna R. , Myneni Ranga B.
Published: November 2020

Earth greening mitigates surface warming by enhancing the efficiency in heat and water transfer.
Focal random selection closes the gender gap in competitiveness
Authors: Berger Joël , Osterloh Margit , Rost Katja
Published: November 2020

The pool of high-performing women who apply for top jobs can be substantially enlarged by focal random selections.
Strong coupling of single quantum dots with low-refractive-index/high-refractive-index materials at room temperature
Authors: Xu Xingsheng , Jin Siyue
Published: November 2020

Strong coupling occurs between single quantum dots and bound states in the continuum at room temperature.
Promoting the activation of T cells with glycopolymer-modified dendritic cells by enhancing cell interactions
Authors: Yu Liyin , Feng Ruyan , Zhu Lijuan , Hao Qing , Chu Jiacheng , Gu Yan , Luo Yan , Zhang Zexin , Chen Gaojian , Chen Hong
Published: November 2020

Sugar polymer–engineered dendritic cells promote the activation of T cells.
Dynamic polaronic screening for anomalous exciton spin relaxation in two-dimensional lead halide perovskites
Authors: Tao Weijian , Zhou Qiaohui , Zhu Haiming
Published: November 2020

Anomalous exciton spin dynamics in 2D perovskites indicates screened coulombic interaction for exciton polaron.
Spinal motoneurons of the human newborn are highly synchronized during leg movements
Authors: Del Vecchio A. , Sylos-Labini F. , Mondì V. , Paolillo P. , Ivanenko Y. , Lacquaniti F. , Farina D.
Published: November 2020

Human neonatal motoneurons show high synchronized discharge timings that modulate the generation of fast movements.
Abnormal conductivity in low-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Song Aisheng , Chen Lingxiu , Jiang Chengxin , Chen Chen , Gao Lei , Hou Yuan , Liu Luqi , Ma Tianbao , Wang Haomin , Feng Xi-Qiao , Li Qunyang
Published: November 2020

Tiny twists in bilayer graphene lead to higher electrical conductivity.
n
-Alkanes to
n
-alcohols: Formal primary C─H bond hydroxymethylation via quadruple relay catalysis
Authors: Tang Xinxin , Gan Lan , Zhang Xin , Huang Zheng
Published: November 2020

A previously unknown hydroxymethylation reaction directly converts abundant
n
-alkanes to higher value
n
-alcohols.
Damaged lung gas exchange function of discharged COVID-19 patients detected by hyperpolarized
129
Xe MRI
Authors: Li Haidong , Zhao Xiuchao , Wang Yujin , Lou Xin , Chen Shizhen , Deng He , Shi Lei , Xie Junshuai , Tang Dazhong , Zhao Jianping , Bouchard Louis-S. , Xia Liming , Zhou Xin
Published: November 2020

Functional imaging of the lungs in COVID-19 patients shows altered gas exchange function.
Ultrafast electron diffraction from nanophotonic waveforms via dynamical Aharonov-Bohm phases
Authors: Mohler K. J. , Ehberger D. , Gronwald I. , Lange C. , Huber R. , Baum P.
Published: November 2020

Electron holography and diffraction can resolve the cycles of light in nanophotonic light-matter interactions.
PPM1G restricts innate immune signaling mediated by STING and MAVS and is hijacked by KSHV for immune evasion
Authors: Yu Kuai , Tian Huabin , Deng Hongyu
Published: November 2020

A conserved herpesvirus tegument protein recruits host protein phosphatase PPM1G to inactivate STING and MAVS for immune evasion.
Walker circulation response to extratropical radiative forcing
Authors: Kang Sarah M. , Xie Shang-Ping , Shin Yechul , Kim Hanjun , Hwang Yen-Ting , Stuecker Malte F. , Xiang Baoqiang , Hawcroft Matt
Published: November 2020

Walker circulation response to an extratropical energy perturbation depends on the degree of atmosphere-ocean coupling.
Human leucocyte antigen alleles confer susceptibility and progression to Graves’ ophthalmopathy in a Southern Chinese population
Authors: Huang Xiaosheng , Liu Guiqin , Mei Shaoyi , Cai Jiamin , Rao Jing , Tang Minzhong , Zhu Tianhui , Chen Wenchiew , Peng Shiming , Wang Yan , Ye Ye , Zhang Tong , Deng Zhihui , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the contributions of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II genes in the development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) in a Southern Chinese population.

Methods

Eight HLA loci were genotyped and analysed in 272 unrelated patients with Graves’ disease (GD) or the proptosis and myogenic phenotypes of GO, and 411 ethnically matched control subjects.

Results

The allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*16:02 and -DQB1*05:02 in the GD, proptosis and myogenic groups, HLA-B*38:02 and -DQA1*01:02 in the myogenic group were significantly higher than those in the control group, respectively (all corrected p values <0.05, OR >2.5). The haplotype frequencies of HLA-DRB1*16:02-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02 and HLA-DRB1*16:02-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02-DPA1*02:02-DPB1*05:01 in the proptosis and myogenic groups, and HLA-A*02:03-B*38:02-C*07:02 and HLA-A*02:03-B*38:02-C*07:02-DRB1*16:02-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02-DPA1*02:02-DPB1*05:01 in the myogenic group were significantly higher than those in the control group respectively (all corrected p values <0.05, OR >2.5). The potential epitopes (‘FLGIFNTGL’ of TSHR, ‘IRHSHALVS’, ‘ILYIRTNAS’ and ‘FVFARTMPA’ of IGF-1R) were fitted exactly in the peptide-binding groove between HLA-DRA1-DRB1*16:02 heterodimer, and the epitopes (‘ILEITDNPY’ of THSR, ‘NYALVIFEM’ and ‘NYSFYVLDN’ of IGF-1R) were also fitted exactly in the peptide-binding groove between HLA-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02 heterodimer.

Conclusions

The HLA-DRB1*16:02 and -DQB1*01:02 alleles might be risk factors for GD including the proptosis and myogenic phenotypes of GO. The alleles HLA-B*38:02, -DQA1*01:02, the HLA haplotypes consisting of HLA-B*38:02, -DRB1*16:02, -DQA1*01:02 and -DQB1*05:02 might be susceptibility risk factors for GO. Simultaneously, some epitopes of TSHR and IGF-1R tightly binding to groove of HLA-DRA1-DRB1*16:02 or HLA-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02 heterodimers might provide some hints on presenting the pathological antigen in GO.