bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence that exogenous urea acts as a potent cue to alleviate ammonium‐inhibition of root system growth of cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Liu Lu , Bi Xin‐Yuan , Sheng Song , Gong Yuan‐Yong , Pu Wen‐Xuan , Ke Jie , Huang Ping‐Jun , Liang Yi‐Long , Liu Lai‐Hua
Published: September 2020

Many plants grown with low‐millimolar concentration of NH4+ as a sole nitrogen source develop NH4+‐toxicity symptoms. To date, crucial molecular identities and a practical approach involved in the improvement of plant NH4+‐tolerance remain largely unknown. By phenotyping of upland cotton grown on varied nitrogen forms, we came across a phenomenon that caused sub‐millimolar concentrations of urea (e.g., up 50 μM) to repress the growth inhibition of roots and whole plant cultivated in a NH4+‐containing nutrient solution. A growth‐recovery assay revealed that the relief in NH4+‐inhibited growth required only a short‐term exposure (≧12 h) of the roots to urea, implying that urea could elicit an internal signaling and be involved in antagonizing NH4+‐sensitivity. Intriguingly, split‐root experiments demonstrated that low urea occurrence in one root‐half could efficaciously stimulate not only supplied root but also the root‐half grown in NH4+‐solution without urea, indicating the existence of urea‐triggered local and systemic long‐distance signaling. In the split‐root experiment we also observed high arginase activity, strong arginine reduction and remarkable upregulation of polyamine biosynthesis‐related genes (ADC1/2, SPDS and SPMS). Therefore, we suggest that external urea might serve as an effective cue (signal molecule) in an arginine‐/polyamine‐related process for ameliorating NH4+‐suppressed root growth, providing a novel aspect for deeper exploring and understanding plant NH4+‐tolerance.
Supine body posture reduces cognitive conflict processing: Evidence from N450 Stroop interference
Authors: Sun Chi‐Kuang , Harmon‐Jones Eddie
Published: September 2020

Previous research has revealed that a supine body posture, as compared to a sitting upright posture, decreases approach motivation and cognitive dissonance reduction. The present research was designed to test whether a supine body posture would decrease cognitive conflict processing, the process that occurs prior to cognitive dissonance reduction. Previous research using the Stroop task has found event‐related potentials (N450, error‐related negativity [ERN]) that are associated with cognitive conflict processing. In the current experiment, participants (N = 35) completed a color‐naming Stroop task while sitting upright or supine (within‐subjects, counterbalanced). Results revealed that as compared to the upright posture, the supine posture reduced the N450 Stroop interference effect but not the ERN.
Proteomic‐based identification of oocyte maturation‐related proteins in mouse germinal vesicle oocytes
Authors: Cao Senyang , Huang Shaoping , Guo Ying , Zhou Lin , Lu Ying , Lai Shanshan
Published: September 2020

Oocyte proteins play an important role in oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryonic development. However, the protein composition of mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes is still unclear. Using one‐dimensional Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (1D SDS‐PAGE) and Reverse‐phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (RP‐LC‐MS/MS), we constructed a protein profile of mouse GV oocytes. First, our proteomics profile identified 1,405 different proteins from 11,000 mouse GV oocytes lacking zona pellucida. Second, with detailed bioinformatics analysis, a group of proteins that play an essential role in oocyte maturation was screened. In addition, the expression and localization of suppressor of G2 allele of skp1(SUGT1, also called SGT1), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (Hnrpk), Seruin, Cullin1(Clu1) and nuclear distribution protein C (Nudc) in mouse ovaries and early embryos were also captured and investigated in this study. Moreover, the protein profile was submitted to the Proteomics Identifications Database (PRIDE) and is available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD014314. Our research provides valuable resources for the study of oocyte proteins and oocyte maturation and helps to clarify the mechanisms of oocyte maturation.
Genomic full‐length sequence of the HLA‐A*11:264 allele was identified in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Han Bin , Jiao Shu‐Xian , Feng Zhi‐Hui , Pang Shu‐Tao
Published: September 2020

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐A*11:264 was identified in a Chinese individual by sequence‐based typing.
Effect of an acute blood donation on oxygen uptake kinetics in moderate and heavy domains over a period of 96 hours
Authors: Johnson Diane , Roberts Justin , Gordon Dan
Published: September 2020

Background

Studies determining the effects of blood donation (BD) on oxygen uptake kinetics are limited. This study aims to ascertain the effects of BD (~470 mL) over a period of 96 hours on oxygen uptake kinetics in moderate and heavy exercise domains.

Study Design and Methods

Twelve participants (nine males and three females; 31.1 ± 11.7 years, mass 79.9 ± 12.8 kg, height 175.5 ± 7.5 cm) completed four consecutive days (24‐96 hours) of moderate and heavy V˙O2 on‐kinetics trials pre BD and post BD. Visit one (0 hour), pre BD established hematological levels, V˙O2max and Gas Exchange Threshold (GET). Subsequent visits comprised two 6‐minute moderate (∆ 50% rest‐GET) and 1 heavy (∆ 20% GET‐V˙O2max) trial. Post BD 0 hour the participants donated blood post hematological testing only.

Results

Despite non‐significances for V˙O2 amplitude, time constant‐2 (tau2) for V˙O2 showed significant decreases at 24 and 48 hours, and tau3 showed significant increases at 72 and 96 hours pre to post BD (P < .05). Hemoglobin (Hb) values reduced (P < .05) pre (14.48 ± 0.16 g·dL−1) to post BD (13.47 ± 0.66 g·dL−1). Hb significantly decreased at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours compared to 0 hour post BD (P < .05).

Conclusion

BD has no effect on V˙O2 amplitude, but time‐based components show sensitivity to reduced circulating O2; with a decreased PO2 a slower O2 exchange across the blood myocyte barrier could result in altering O2 kinetics.
Donation related fears predict vasovagal reactions and donor attrition among high school donors
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Himawan Lina K. , Lux Pete , McCullough Jeannine
Published: September 2020

Background

This longitudinal study of high school whole blood donors examined relationships among donation‐related fears assessed prior to donation, vasovagal reactions to donation, and the proportion of donors who attempted another donation over the subsequent 60 weeks.

Study Design and Methods

Data regarding vasovagal reactions and attempted donation were obtained from donor records of 530 female and 342 male high school donors who answered questions about five types of fear (ie, of blood draw, needles, seeing blood, feeling pain, or fainting) prior to their index donation.

Results

Each type of fear was associated with an increased risk of vasovagal reactions (all P < .001) and a smaller percentage of attempted donations was seen among those who reported at least one type of fear (53%) as compared to those who did not report any fear (62.1%); P = .022; β = −0.374, OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50‐0.94. Path analyses of the relationships among fear, vasovagal reaction, and attempted donation revealed significant indirect effects for each type of fear. Specifically, donors who reported fear were at increased odds of experiencing a vasovagal reaction, which, in turn, was associated with decreased odds of attempting a repeat donation.

Conclusion

Donation‐related fears are associated with reduced donor return rates, and this effect is mediated through an increased risk for vasovagal reactions. For both practical and ethical reasons, blood collectors are encouraged to identify and intervene with fearful donors to reduce the likelihood of negative donation‐related symptoms and enhance donor retention.
The incremental benefit of anaerobic culture for controlling bacterial risk in platelets: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Corean Jessica , White Sandra K. , Schmidt Robert L. , Walker Brandon S. , Fisher Mark A. , Metcalf Ryan A.
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

Septic transfusion reactions are a principal cause of transfusion‐related mortality. The frequency of detectable bacterial contamination is greater in platelets compared to other blood components because platelets are stored at room temperature. Most strategies outlined in the September 2019 FDA guidance require both aerobic culture (AC) and anaerobic culture (AnC) testing. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in an effort to provide the best available estimate of the effectiveness of AnC.

Materials and methods

Our analysis was performed according to published guidelines. Broad and context‐specific meta‐analyses of bacterial detection rates in platelets by AnC were performed to assess the practical effectiveness of AnC as a risk control measure.

Results

Seven studies with a total of 1 767 014 tested platelet components were included for analysis. With exclusion of positives due to Cutibacterium/Propionibacterium species and redundancy due to AC results, AnC detected 0·06 contamination events per thousand (EPT) components tested, twofold lower than the AC (0·12 EPT).

Conclusion

Excluding Cutibacterium/Propionibacterium species, AnC detects occasional bacterial contamination events that are not detected by AC (~1 in 17 000 platelet components).
Handover Signaling for 3 Alternatives of Layer 3 Relay Node Implementation in LTE-advanced
Authors: Ghazali Nurzal Effiyana , Syed Ariffin S.H. , Fisal N. , Syed Yusof S. K.
Published: September 2020

Relaying is one of the technical specifications in LTE (Long Term Evolution)-Advanced. It is proposed to improve throughput at the cell edge and shadowing area. To enable relaying function in LTE-Advanced, current signaling should be modified because LTE does not support relaying technique. The enhancement work of LTE, proposed two architectures for RN (Relay Node) implementation which is called Architecture A and Architecture B. There are three alternatives in Architecture A and one alternative in Architecture B. This paper focused on the Architecture A. The control plane and user plane are discussed before the HO (Handover) signaling for each alternative in the Architecture A. L3 RN (Layer3 Relay Node) is considered in this architecture and work. The proposed signaling is based on HO scenario from a RN to a Target eNB (evolved NodeB) in a different cell.
Performance Characterization of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor as an Optoelectronic Mixer
Authors: Shaharuddin Nur Amirah , Idrus Sevia Mahdaliza , Mohamed Norliza , Bakar Abu , Isaak Suhaili
Published: September 2020

This paper explains the development of physical model Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) andcharacterizes its performance as an optoelectronic mixer (OEM). HBT has been identified as a suitabledevice to be implemented in optoelectronic mixers by simultaneously photodetecting an intensitymodulated laser beam at 1550nm and frequency translating the detected signal to a higher or lowerfrequency which can provide high mixing efficiency and required condition for an oscillator. The HBTOEM was designed, modeled and simulated by using APSYS Crosslight software. Data from thesimulation such as the gummel plot, energy band diagram and other characteristics have been generatedand analyzed. The device was analyzed considering 1550nm wavelength with up to 30GHz modulatingsignal frequency. Hence, the designed HBT is found to be possible for the implementation of thebroadband RoF system as it can perform the photodetection, amplification and frequency conversionsimultaneously as required at RoF remote antenna unit..
Verification of Infection Prevention Control Using a Spatial Random Walk Model
Authors: Ichinose Toshiaki , Tian Danhe , Li Yifeng
Published: September 2020

To stop pandemic of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), "an 80 percent reduction of person to person contact opportunities" was proposed by the Japanese government. This guideline was based on the result of macroscopic differential equation model akin to the SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) model. For the purpose of indicating person to person’s infection mechanism intuitively, we built a new model to calculate infections between two persons who are in contact each other. This model adopted a spatial random walk model to express random movement of people in a specific 2-D geographical space. This model was applied to verify the effect of the proposed infection control procedure, "80 percent reduction". The result of the numerical simulation supported a proposed infection control procedure of "an 80 percent reduction" derived by the SIR model.
Ageing attenuates the effect of extracellular hyperosmolality on whole‐body heat exchange during exercise‐heat stress
Authors: Meade Robert D. , Notley Sean R. , Rutherford Maura M. , Boulay Pierre , Kenny Glen P.
Published: September 2020

Key points

In humans, hypohydration attenuates sweat secretion and attenuates whole‐body heat loss, probably to mitigate further fluid losses and thereby support blood pressure regulation.

Recently, however, we demonstrated that the hypohydration‐mediated reduction in net whole‐body heat exchange (evaporative heat loss – dry heat gain) was blunted in middle‐aged compared to younger men during moderate exercise in dry heat; albeit, the underpinning mechanisms could not be determined.

Here we evaluated the hypothesis that those findings stemmed from a diminished influence of extracellular hyperosmolality on net whole‐body heat exchange in middle‐aged‐to‐older compared to young men.

Consistent with that hypothesis, extracellular hyperosmolality induced by an intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) reduced net heat exchange and augmented rectal temperature to a greater extent in the young compared to middle‐aged‐to‐older men.

Thus, age‐related differences in the influence of hypohydration on thermoregulatory function appear to be due to blunted sensitivity to hyperosmolality with ageing.

We recently demonstrated that sweating‐induced hypohydration attenuated whole‐body heat dissipation to a greater extent in young compared to middle‐aged men during exercise‐heat stress. Here, we evaluated whether this divergent response stemmed from an attenuated influence of extracellular hyperosmolality on heat exchange with ageing. To achieve this, ten young (mean (SD): 25 (5) years) and ten middle‐aged‐to‐older (61 (5) years) men completed two trials involving a 90‐min intravenous infusion of isosmotic saline (0.9% NaCl; ISO) or hyperosmotic saline (3.0% NaCl; HYP) followed by 60 min of cycling at a fixed metabolic heat production of 250 W/m2 (∼50% peak aerobic power) in dry heat (40°C, ∼17% relative humidity). Whole‐body net heat exchange (evaporative heat loss – dry heat gain) was measured via direct calorimetry. Rectal temperature was monitored continuously. Heat exchange was attenuated in HYP compared to ISO in the young (233 (20) vs. 251 (17) W/m2; P = 0.002) but not older group (229 (16) vs. 227 (20) W/m2; P = 0.621). Further, heat exchange was lower in the middle‐aged‐to‐older vs. young men in ISO (P = 0.034) but not in HYP (P = 0.623). Similarly, end‐exercise rectal temperature was greater in HYP relative to ISO in the young (38.3 (0.4)°C vs. 37.9 (0.3)°C; P = 0.015) but not the middle‐aged‐to‐older men (38.3 (0.3)°C vs. 38.2 (0.2)°C; P = 0.652). Compared to the young, rectal temperature was greater in the middle‐aged‐to‐older during ISO (P = 0.035) whereas no between‐group difference was observed in HYP (P = 0.746). Our findings indicate that ageing blunts the effect of extracellular hyperosmolality on thermoregulatory function during exercise‐heat stress.
Integrated Load-Split Scheme for Hybrid Ship Propulsion Considering Transient Propeller Load and Environmental Disturbance
Authors: Planakis Nikolaos , Papalambrou George , Kyrtatos Nikolaos
Published: September 2020

This work addresses the design and experimental implementation in real-time of an integrated predictive load-split management system for the transient and fluctuating propeller load sharing. Control-oriented modeling of the power system was performed based on experimental data gathered from the hybrid plant and on first principles for the diesel engine behavior and battery charging. Propulsion plant and environmental disturbance models are developed to simulate realistic marine load application. A nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) scheme is proposed for the optimal transient power-split problem of a hybrid diesel-electric marine propulsion plant. The NMPC scheme directly controls the torque output of the diesel engine and the electric motor/generator ensuring that certain constraints concerning the system overloading are met, avoiding fast accelerations and load fluctuations of the diesel engine that affect engine performance. To achieve offset-free model predictive control (MPC) control, an observer is developed to provide the propeller law parameter to the NMPC for load estimation. The control system was experimentally tested in real-time operation. Results showed that controller rejected load disturbances and maintained the desired rotational speed of the powertrain as well as the desirable state of charge (SOC) in battery within the power plant limits, achieving smooth power transitions and mitigation of power fluctuations of the diesel engine.
First-principles theoretical analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy of vacancy defects in bulk and nonpolar (101¯) surface of GaN
Authors: Nayak Sanjay , Naik Mit H. , Jain Manish , Waghmare Umesh V. , Shivaprasad Sonnada M.
Published: September 2020

We determine atomic structure, electronic structure, formation energies, magnetic properties of native point defects, such as gallium (Ga) and nitrogen (N) vacancies, in bulk and at the nonpolar (101¯0) surface of wurtzite gallium nitride (w-GaN) using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. In bulk and at the (101¯0) surface of GaN, N vacancies are significantly more stable than Ga vacancies under both Ga-rich and N-rich conditions. We show that within DFT-local density approximated N vacancies form spontaneously at the (101¯0) surface of GaN when doped to raise the Fermi level up to ≈1.0 eV above valence band maximum (VBM) while with valence band edge correction it is 1.79 eV above VBM. We provide experimental evidence for occurrence of N vacancies with electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements, which further hints the N vacancies at surface to the source of auto-doping which may explain high electrical conductivity of GaN nanowall network grown with molecular beam epitaxy.
Facilitating Sports and University Study: The Case of a Dual Career Development Environment in Sweden
Authors: Linnér Lukas , Stambulova Natalia , Storm Louise Kamuk , Kuettel Andreas , Henriksen Kristoffer
Published: September 2020

This case study of a dual career development environment (DCDE) was informed by the holistic ecological approach (HEA) and aimed at (a) providing a holistic description of a DCDE at university level in Sweden and (b) investigating the perceived factors influencing the environment’s effectiveness in facilitating the development of student-athletes. The authors blended in situ observations, interviews, and document analysis to explore the case, and HEA-informed working models were transformed into empirical models summarizing the case. Findings show a well-coordinated DCDE with the key role of coaches in daily dual career support and how efforts were integrated through a dual career-support team sharing a philosophy of facilitating healthy performance development and life balance, with a whole-person and empowerment approach. This study adds to the literature by identifying features of a successful DCDE, and insights from the case can be useful for practitioners in their quest to optimize their DCDEs and support.
Does Delivery Length Impact Measures of Whole-Body Biomechanical Load During Pace Bowling?
Authors: Callaghan Samuel J. , Lockie Robert G. , Yu Walter , Andrews Warren A. , Chipchase Robert F. , Nimphius Sophia
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate whether changes in delivery length (ie, short, good, and full) lead to alterations in whole-body biomechanical loading as determined by ground reaction force during front-foot contact of the delivery stride for pace bowlers. Current load-monitoring practices of pace bowling in cricket assume equivocal biomechanical loading as only the total number of deliveries are monitored irrespective of delivery length. Methods: A total of 16 male pace bowlers completed a 2-over spell at maximum intensity while targeting different delivery lengths (short, 7–10 m; good, 4–7 m; and full, 0–4 m from the batter’s stumps). In-ground force plates were used to determine discrete (vertical and braking force, impulse, and loading rates) and continuous front-foot contact ground reaction force. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (P < .05), effects size, and statistical parametrical mapping were used to determine differences between delivery lengths. Results: There were no significant differences between short, good, and full delivery lengths for the discrete and continuous kinetic variables investigated (P = .19–1.00), with trivial to small effect sizes. Conclusion: There were minimal differences in front-foot contact biomechanics for deliveries of different lengths (ie, short, good, and full). These data reinforce current pace bowling load-monitoring practices (ie, counting the number of deliveries), as changes in delivery length do not affect the whole-body biomechanical loading experienced by pace bowlers. This is of practical importance as it retains simplicity in load-monitoring practice that is used widely across different competition levels and ages.
The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey: An Instrument Designed to Assess Coaching Behaviors Tailored to Adult Athletes
Authors: Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley W. , Callary Bettina , Motz Derrik , Hoffmann Matt D. , Currie Chelsea
Published: September 2020

Adult sportspersons (Masters athletes, aged 35 years and older) have unique coaching preferences. No existing resources provide coaches with feedback on their craft with Masters athletes. Three studies evaluated an Adult-Oriented Coaching Survey. Study 1 vetted the face validity of 50 survey items with 12 Masters coaches. Results supported the validity of 48 items. In Study 2, 383 Masters coaches completed the survey of 50 items. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling indicated issues with model fit. Post hoc modifications improved fit, resulting in a 22-item, five-factor model. In Study 3, 467 Masters athletes responded to these 22 items reflecting perceptions of their coaches. Confirmatory factor analysis (comparative fit index = .951, standardized root mean square residual = .036, and root mean square error of approximation = .049) and exploratory structural equation modeling (comparative fit index = .977, standardized root mean square residual = .019, and root mean square error of approximation = .041) confirmed the model. The resultant Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey provides a reliable and factorially valid instrument for measuring adult-oriented coaching practices.
Persistent collapse of biomass in Amazonian forest edges following deforestation leads to unaccounted carbon losses
Authors: Silva Junior Celso H. L. , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Anderson Liana O. , Fonseca Marisa G. , Shimabukuro Yosio E. , Vancutsem Christelle , Achard Frédéric , Beuchle René , Numata Izaya , Silva Carlos A. , Maeda Eduardo E. , Longo Marcos , Saatchi Sassan S.
Published: September 2020

Amazonia lost 947 million tons of carbon induced by forest edge effect between 2001 and 2015, about 30% of deforestation losses.
Inflight fiber printing toward array and 3D optoelectronic and sensing architectures
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Ouaras Karim , Rutz Alexandra L. , Li Xia , Gerigk Magda , Naegele Tobias E. , Malliaras George G. , Huang Yan Yan Shery
Published: September 2020

From capturing your breath to “floating” 3D electronics, inflight printing of tiny, invisible conducting fibers does the magic.
ADHD, financial distress, and suicide in adulthood: A population study
Authors: Beauchaine Theodore P. , Ben-David Itzhak , Bos Marieke
Published: September 2020

High default rates, poor credit, and increasing financial distress are associated with higher suicide rates in adults with ADHD.
Deep drilling reveals massive shifts in evolutionary dynamics after formation of ancient ecosystem
Authors: Wilke Thomas , Hauffe Torsten , Jovanovska Elena , Cvetkoska Aleksandra , Donders Timme , Ekschmitt Klemens , Francke Alexander , Lacey Jack H. , Levkov Zlatko , Marshall Charles R. , Neubauer Thomas A. , Silvestro Daniele , Stelbrink Björn , Vogel Hendrik , Albrecht Christian , Holtvoeth Jens , Krastel Sebastian , Leicher Niklas , Leng Melanie J. , Lindhorst Katja , Masi Alessia , Ognjanova-Rumenova Nadja , Panagiotopoulos Konstantinos , Reed Jane M. , Sadori Laura , Tofilovska Slavica , Van Bocxlaer Bert , Wagner-Cremer Friederike , Wesselingh Frank P. , Wolters Volkmar , Zanchetta Giovanni , Zhang Xiaosen , Wagner Bernd
Published: September 2020

A volatile assemblage of short-lived endemic species developed into a stable community of long-lived species in Lake Ohrid.
High-precision solid catalysts for investigation of carbon nanotube synthesis and structure
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Graves Brian , De Volder Michael , Yang Wenming , Johnson Tyler , Wen Bo , Su Wei , Nishida Robert , Xie Sishen , Boies Adam
Published: September 2020

Continuous uniform <2-nm refractory catalyst production is realized for selective chiral SWCNT growth.
The human brain reveals resting state activity patterns that are predictive of biases in attitudes toward robots
Authors: Bossi Francesco , Willemse Cesco , Cavazza Jacopo , Marchesi Serena , Murino Vittorio , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

Biases toward treating robots as intentional agents or mechanical artifacts show a distinct neural activation pattern at rest.
Uncovering metabolic states in cytotoxic T cells, one cell at a time
Authors: Zervantonakis Ioannis
Published: September 2020

Single-cell metabolic state analysis reveals cytotoxic T cell activity patterns that are spatially organized in human colorectal tumors.
Associations between Malaria-Preventive Regimens and Plasmodium falciparum Drug Resistance-Mediating Polymorphisms in Ugandan Pregnant Women
Authors: Nayebare Patience , Asua Victor , Conrad Melissa D. , Kajubi Richard , Kakuru Abel , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Muhanguzi Dennis , Dorsey Grant , Kamya Moses R. , Nsobya Sam , Rosenthal Philip J.
Published: September 2020

Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for malaria-endemic parts of Africa, but efficacy is compromised by resistance, and, in recent trials, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) has shown better antimalarial protective efficacy. We utilized blood samples from a recent trial to evaluate selection by IPTp with DP or SP of
Plasmodium falciparum
genetic polymorphisms that alter susceptibility to these drugs. The prevalence of known genetic polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility was determined in parasitemic samples, including 375 collected before IPTp drugs were administered, 125 randomly selected from those receiving SP, and 80 from those receiving DP.
Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 Is a Virus-Associated Protein Which Suppresses Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication by Blocking Viral Membrane Fusion
Authors: Zhang Angke , Duan Hong , Zhao Huijun , Liao Huancheng , Du Yongkun , Li Liangliang , Jiang Dawei , Wan Bo , Wu Yanan , Ji Pengchao , Zhou En-Min , Zhang Gaiping
Published: September 2020

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), is of great economic significance to the swine industry. Due to the complicated immune escape mechanisms of PRRSV, there are no effective vaccines or therapeutic drugs currently available against PRRS. Identification of cellular factors and underlying mechanisms that establish an effective antiviral state against PRRSV can provide unique strategies for developing antiviral vaccines or drugs. As an interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene, the role of IFN-induced transmembrane 3 (IFITM3) in PRRSV infection has not been reported as of yet. In the present study, it was shown that IFITM3 can exert a potent anti-PRRSV effect, and PRRS virions are trafficked to IFITM3-containing cell vesicles, where viral membrane fusion is impaired by cholesterol accumulation that is induced by IFITM3. Additionally, both endogenous and exogenous IFITM3 are incorporated into newly assembled progeny virions, and this decreased their intrinsic infectivity.
The Tegument Protein pUL47 of Marek’s Disease Virus Is Necessary for Horizontal Transmission and Is Important for Expression of Glycoprotein gC
Authors: Chuard Aurélien , Courvoisier-Guyader Katia , Rémy Sylvie , Spatz Stephen , Denesvre Caroline , Pasdeloup David
Published: September 2020

Host-to-host transmission of viruses is ideally studiedin vivoin the natural host. Veterinary viruses such as Marek’s disease virus (MDV) are, therefore, models of choice to explore these aspects. The natural host of MDV, the chicken, is small, inexpensive, and economically important. MDV is a deadly and contagious herpesvirus that can kill infected animals in less than 4 weeks. The virus naturally infects epithelial cells of the feather follicle epithelium from where it is shed into the environment. In this study, we demonstrate that the viral protein pUL47 is an essential factor for bird-to-bird transmission of the virus. We provide some molecular basis to this function by showing that pUL47 enhances the splicing and the expression of another viral gene, UL44, which is essential for viral transmission. pUL47 may have a similar function in human herpesviruses such as varicella-zoster virus or herpes simplex viruses.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida BS3701, a Promising Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Degrading Strain for Bioremediation Technologies
Authors: Filonov Andrey , Delegan Yanina , Puntus Irina , Valentovich Leonid , Akhremchuk Artur , Evdokimova Olesia , Funtikova Tatyana , Zakharova Marina , Akhmetov Lenar , Vetrova Anna , Titok Marina
Published: September 2020

The strain
Pseudomonas putida
BS3701 was isolated from soil contaminated with coke by-product waste (Moscow Region, Russian Federation). It is capable of degrading crude oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The
P. putida
BS3701 genome consists of a 6,337,358-bp circular chromosome and two circular plasmids (pBS1141 with 107,388 bp and pBS1142 with 54,501 bp).
Ophthalmic manifestations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder other than optic neuritis: a systematic review
Authors: Vosoughi Amir R , Ling Jennifer , Tam Kenneth T , Blackwood Jayden , Micieli Jonathan A
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Optic neuritis (ON) is the primary ophthalmic manifestation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorder (MOGAD), but numerous reports have expanded the visual manifestations of this condition. The goal of this study was to synthesise the extensive literature on this topic to help ophthalmologists understand when testing for MOG-IgG should be considered.

Method

A systematic review of the English-language literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searches were conducted using Ovid MEDLINE (from January 1, 1948 to April 1, 2020) and Ovid EMBASE (from January 1, 1947 to April 1, 2020). Inclusion criteria included studies describing non-isolated ON ophthalmic manifestations where cell-based assays were used for the detection of MOG antibodies.

Results

Fifty-one articles representing 62 patients with a median age of 32.0 (range 2–65), female gender (51%) and follow-up of 20.0 months (range: 1–240) were included. Twenty-nine patients had non-isolated ON afferent visual manifestations: uveitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, acute macular neuroretinopathy, neuroretinitis, venous stasis retinopathy, large preretinal macular haemorrhage, orbital inflammatory syndrome, orbital apex syndrome, optic perineuritis, papilloedema and homonymous visual field defects. Incomplete recovery of ON was associated with a case of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Efferent ophthalmic manifestations included cranial neuropathies, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, central nystagmus, saccadic intrusions and ocular flutter. Cranial nerve involvement was secondary to enhancement of the cisternal portion or brainstem involvement. All included cases were treated with corticosteroids with 31% of cases requiring additional immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

MOGAD has been associated with various afferent and efferent ophthalmic manifestations apart from isolated ON. Awareness of these findings may result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
When dispatcher assistance is not saving lives: assessment of process compliance, barriers and outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a metropolitan city in China
Authors: Zhang Lin , Luo Menyue , Myklebust Helge , Pan Chun , Wang Liang , Zhou Zhenxiang , Yang Qiying , Lin Qi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: September 2020

Background

Several Chinese cities have implemented dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR), although out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival rates remain low. We aimed to assess the process compliance, barriers and outcomes of OHCA in one of the earliest implemented (DA-CPR) programmes in China.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed OHCA emergency dispatch records of Suzhou emergency medical service from 2014 to 2015 and included adult OHCA victims (>18 years) with a bystander-witnessed atraumatic OHCA that was subsequently confirmed by on-site emergency physician. The circumstances and DA-CPR process related to the OHCA event were analysed. Dispatch audio records were reviewed to identify potential barriers to implementation during the DA-CPR process.

Results

Of the 151 OHCA victims, none survived. The median time from patient collapse to call for emergency services and that from call to provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions was 30 (IQR 20–60) min and 115 (IQR 90–153) s, respectively. Only 110 (80.3%) bystanders/rescuers followed the dispatcher instructions; of these, 51 (46.3%) undertook persistent chest compressions. Major barriers to following the DA-CPR instructions were present in 104 (68.9%) cases, including caller disconnection of the call, distraught mood or refusal to carry out either compressions or ventilations.

Conclusions

The OHCA survival rate and the DA-CPR process were far from optimal. The zero survival rate is disproportionally low compared with survival statistics in high-income countries. The prolonged delay in calling the emergency services negated and rendered futile any DA-CPR efforts. Thus, efforts targeted at developing public awareness of OHCA, calling for help and competency in DA-CPR should be increased.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy among haemodialysis patients
Authors: Onishi Tomohiro , Nakano Yusuke , Hirano Ken-ichi , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Niwa Toru , Tajima Atomu , Ishii Hideki , Takahashi Hiroshi , Sakurai Shinichiro , Ando Hirohiko , Takashima Hiroaki , Amano Tetsuya
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) on the cardiovascular outcomes in haemodialysis (HD) patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This retrospective single-centre observational study included data from the cardiac catheter database of Narita Memorial Hospital between April 2011 and March 2017. Among 654 consecutive patients on HD, the data for 83 patients with suspected CAD who underwent both [123I]-β-methyl-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid scintigraphy and coronary angiography were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups: definite TGCV (17 patients), probable TGCV (22 patients) and non-TGCV control group (44 patients). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke assessed for up to 5 years of follow-up.

Results

The prevalence of definite TGCV was approximately 20% and 2.6% among consecutive HD patients with suspected CAD and among all HD patients, respectively. At the end of the median follow-up period of 4.7 years, the primary endpoint was achieved in 52.9% of the definite TGCV patients (HR, 7.45; 95% CI: 2.28 to 24.3; p<0.001) and 27.3% of the probable TGCV patients (HR, 3.28; 95% CI: 0.93 to 11.6; p=0.066), compared with that in 9.1% of the non-TGCV control patients. Definite TGCV was significantly and independently associated with cardiovascular mortality and outcomes among HD patients in all multivariate models.

Conclusions

TGCV is not uncommon in HD patients and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death. Thus, TGCV might be a potential therapeutic target.
Real-world characteristics and readmissions among patients undergoing ablation for ventricular tachycardia: a retrospective database analysis of commercially insured patients in the USA
Authors: Mehta Vinay , Boo Lee Ming , Ghaly Nader , Kalsekar Iftekhar , Zhang Shumin , Yadalam Sashi , Khanna Rahul , Rahman Motiur
Published: September 2020

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is an effective treatment to alleviate symptoms and reduce recurrent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD/CRT-D) shocks in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Objective

To assess the characteristics and outcomes (complications, inpatient readmissions) of commercially insured patients in the USA undergoing ablation for ischaemic or non-ischaemic VT.

Methods

Patients aged 18–64 years with a primary diagnosis of VT who underwent ablation between 2006 and 2015 were identified using the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database. The rate of complications including vascular complications, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism and pericardial tamponade over a 30-day post-ablation period (including index admission) was examined. Inpatient readmissions (VT-related, heart failure (HF)-related and non-VT arrhythmia-related) over the 12-month post-ablation period were examined. A Cox regression model was used to determine factors associated with inpatient readmissions.

Results

5242 patients (488 with ischaemic and 4754 with non-ischaemic VT) met the study criteria. The majority of VT ablations occurred in an outpatient setting (57% for ischaemic and 66% for non-ischaemic VT). Among complications, vascular complications were most frequent (2.05% among ischaemic and 1.6% among non-ischaemic VT patients) over the 30-day post-ablation period. Among ischaemic VT patients, 17%, 7.6% and 4.7% had VT-related, HF-related and non-VT arrhythmia-related inpatient readmissions, respectively in the 12-month post-ablation period. For non-ischaemic VT patients, these numbers were 7.5%, 1.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Inpatient setting (vs outpatient), baseline ICD/CRT-D implantation, HF comorbidity and ≥2 prior hospitalisations were associated with a higher risk of post-ablation VT-related inpatient readmissions among ischaemic VT patients. Similar factors also were associated with a higher risk of post-ablation VT-related inpatient readmission among non-ischaemic VT patients.

Conclusion

Setting of ablation and comorbidity status were found to influence readmission rates. Complication and readmission rates following VT ablation were low indicating towards the favourable safety profile of VT ablation.
Response to abatacept is associated with the inhibition of proteasome β1i expression in T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ghannam Khetam , Martinez Gamboa Lorena , Kedor Claudia , Spengler Lydia , Kuckelkorn Ulrike , Häupl Thomas , Burmester Gerd , Feist Eugen
Published: September 2020

Objective

Abatacept is a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and modulates the costimulatory signal by cluster of differentiation (CD)28:CD80/CD86 interaction required for T cell activation. Since CD28-mediated signalling regulates many T cell functions including cytokine production of, for example, interferons (IFNs), it is of interest to clarify, whether response to abatacept has an effect on the IFN inducible immunoproteasome, as a central regulator of the immune response.

Methods

Effects of abatacept on the proteasome were investigated in 39 patients with RA over a period of 24 weeks. Using real-time PCR, transcript levels of constitutive and corresponding immunoproteasome catalytic subunits were investigated at baseline (T0), week 16 (T16) and week 24 (T24) in sorted blood cells. Proteasomal activity and induction of apoptosis after proteasome inhibition were also evaluated.

Results

Abatacept achieved remission or low disease activity in 55% of patients at T16 and in 70% of patients at T24. By two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a significant reduction of proteasome immunosubunit β1i was shown only in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of sustained responders at both T16 and T24. One-way ANOVA analysis for each response group confirmed the results and showed a significant reduction at T24 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of the same group. Abatacept did not influence chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome and had no effect on induction of apoptosis under exposure to a proteasome inhibitor in vitro.

Conclusion

The reduction of proteasome immunosubunit β1i in T cells of patients with RA with sustained response to abatacept suggests association of the immunoproteasome of T cells with RA disease activity.
Gauge symmetries and isometries in higher dimensions
Authors: Bokhari Ashfaque H. , Kara A. H.
Published: September 2020

We study the invariance properties of five-dimensional metrics and their corresponding geodesic equations of motion. In this context a number of five-dimensional models of the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) theory leading to black holes, wormholes and spacetime horns arising in a variety of situations are discussed in the context of variational symmetries of which each vector field, via Noether’s theorem (NT), provides a nontrivial conservation law. In particular, it is shown that algebraic structure of isometries and the variational conservation laws of the five-dimensional Einstein–Bonnet metric extend consistently from the well-known Minkowski, de-Sitter and Schwarzschild four-dimensional spacetimes to the considered five-dimensional ones. In the equivalent five-dimensional case, the maximal algebra of kvs is fifteen with eight additional Noether symmetries. Also, whereas the constant curvature five-dimensional case leads to fifteen kvs and one additional Noether symmetry and seven plus one in the minimal case, a number of metrics of the EGB theory in five dimensions give rise to algebras isomorphic a seven-dimensional algebra of kvs and a single additional Noether symmetry.
Signal characters and non-classical properties of quadratically amplified squeezed vacuum
Authors: Ke Qiang , Wang Yi-Fan , Cheng Yan-Bei , Xu Xue-Xiang
Published: September 2020

Based on the squeezed vacuum (SV) and the quadratic function of the photon number operator, we introduce the quadratically amplified squeezed vacuum (QASV) in this paper. We study the intensity, noise, squeezing effect, antibunching effect, and Wigner function of the QASVs. Compared with the SV, the QASVs have distinctive signal characters and possess peculiar non-classical properties in the proper range of interaction parameters.
A Novel Online Change Point Detection Using an Approximate Random Blanket and the Line Process Energy
Authors: Belcaid A. , Douimi M.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we focus on the problem of change point detection in piecewise constant signals. This problem is central to several applications such as human activity analysis, speech or image analysis and anomaly detection in genetics. We present a novel window-sliding algorithm for an online change point detection. The proposed approach considers a local blanket of a global Markov Random Field (MRF) representing the signal and its noisy observation. For each window, we define and solve the local energy minimization problem to deduce the gradient on each edge of the MRF graph. The gradient is then processed by an activation function to filter the weak features and produce the final jumps. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by comparing its running time and several detection metrics with state of the art algorithms.
A Novel Adaptive Stochastic Resonance Method Based on Tristable System and its Applications
Authors: Zhang Gang , Jiang Chuan , Zhang Tian Qi
Published: September 2020

Stochastic resonance systems have the advantages of converting noise energy into signal energy, and have great potential in the field of signal detection and extraction. Aiming at the problems of the performance of classical stochastic resonance system whose model is not perfect enough and the correlation coefficients between parameters is too large to be optimized by algorithm, then a novel model of the tristable potential stochastic resonance system is proposed. The output SNR formula of the model is derived and analyzed, and the influence of its parameters on the model is clarified. Compared with the piecewise linear model by numerical simulation, the correctness of the formula and the superiority of the model are verified. Finally, the model and the classical tristable model are applied to bearing fault detection in which the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the two systems. The results show that the model has better detection effects, which prove that the model has a strong potential in the field of signal detection.
Multi-Domain Boundary Element Method for Sound Scattering on a Partly Perturbed Water Surface
Authors: Salin Mikhail , Razumov Dmitrii
Published: September 2020

The problem is the scattering of a plane sound wave at a rough water-air interface. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the method and demonstrate its work with simple examples. The main advantage of this approach is that there are no limits on the relation between the shape of the surface and the incident wave, so we can consider large Rayleigh parameter, shading, multiple scattering. The solution of the Helmholtz equation in the form of an integral over the boundary is used only in the inner domain, in the outer domain the separation of variables is used to obtain a nonlocal integral boundary condition on the artificial boundary.