bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elective neck dissection in patients with salivary gland carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Westergaard‐Nielsen Marie , Rosenberg Tine , Gerke Oke , Dyrvig Anne‐Kirstine , Godballe Christian , Bjørndal Kristine
Published: May 2020

Objective

Elective neck dissection in patients with salivary gland carcinoma and clinically negative lymph nodes is controversial. Reported proportion of occult nodal metastases vary with histological subtype, tumour classification and preoperative diagnostic methods. This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the role of END in salivary gland carcinoma.

Methods

A search in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was performed. Original articles in English with data on tumour characteristics, clinical and pathological N‐classification, and neck dissection were included. Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses were followed. Random effect modelling was performed to pool the data. Meta‐analysis of proportions was performed for occult metastases overall, for T3/T4 versus T1/T2 tumours and for tumours with high‐grade versus low‐grade histology. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed with I‐squared statistics.

Results

We included 22 articles in the qualitative synthesis and meta‐analysis. The pooled proportion of occult metastases was 21%. In patients with T3/T4 tumour, the pooled proportion of occult metastases was 36%, and in patients with high‐grade histology, it was 34%. Most studies concluded that END should be performed in patients with advanced T‐classification and high‐grade histology tumours. Nine studies assessed occult metastases per level.

Conclusion

The overall occult metastases proportion does not require END in all patients with salivary gland carcinoma. We recommend END in patients with high‐grade or unknown histology or T3/T4 tumours. END should involve level II and III, and level I should be included in tumours in the submandibular gland, sublingual gland and minor oral salivary glands.
Identification and characterization of Neopestalotiopsis fungi associated with a novel leaf fall disease of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) in Thailand
Authors: Pornsuriya Chaninun , Chairin Thanunchanok , Thaochan Narit , Sunpapao Anurag
Published: May 2020

A novel leaf fall disease of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) has been recently noted in Thailand. The fungal pathogens of this disease were identified based on both morphological and molecular characteristics as Neopestalotiopsis cubana and N. formicarum. Portions of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1‐α) and β‐tubulin (TUB) genes were PCR amplified with the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, LR0R/LR5, EF1‐728F/EF2 and T1/Bt2b, respectively. Sequencing of the PCR products and a phylogenetic tree based on the combined ITS, TEF1‐α and TUB confirmed these pathogens as N. cubana and N. formicarum. Pathogenicity test results showed that the pathogens cause leaf spot and leaf fall similar to that observed in natural infections. This is the first report on the novel leaf fall disease of rubber trees in Thailand, with the results demonstrating that it is associated with N. cubana and N. formicarum.
Cross‐protective potential of a live‐attenuated Edwardsiella ictaluri vaccine against Edwardsiella piscicida in channel (Ictalurus punctatus) and channel × blue (Ictalurus furcatus) hybrid catfish
Authors: Griffin Matt J. , Greenway Terrence E. , Byars Todd S. , Ware Cynthia , Aarattuthodiyil Suja , Kumar Ganesh , Wise David J.
Published: May 2020

Edwardsiella piscicida has emerged as an important pathogen of channel × blue catfish hybrids cultured in the southeastern United States. With increasing popularity of hybrid catfish and growing concern over E. piscicida, the crossprotective potential of a live‐attenuated E.ictaluri vaccine was evaluated. An immunization bath of E. piscicida (3 × 107 CFU/ml) protected channel catfish against immersion challenge of wild‐type E. ictaluri (1 × 107 CFU/ml) across multiple temperatures and feeding regimens (relative percent survival [RPS]: 89–100%). Channel catfish immunized orally with a live‐attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine/feed admix (3 × 107 CFU/g of feed) were protected against intracoelomic injections of both high (HD) (7.4x105 CFU/fish; RPS = 85%) and low doses (LD) (1.5 × 105 CFU/fish; RPS = 88%) of E. piscicida. Because of limited feed consumption during vaccination, oral immunization of hybrids was followed by a 30‐min immersion bath with cultured vaccine (5 × 106 CFU/ml). Combinatory oral/bath vaccination was ineffective against HD E. piscicida but was protective against LD E. piscicida (48% RPS) and E. ictaluri (96% RPS). Finally, naïve catfish that survived LD E. piscicida injections were protected against E. ictaluri immersion challenge (2 × 107 CFU/ml; RPS: Hybrids 55%; Channels 75%). Results suggest a live‐attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine can also protect channel and hybrid catfish against E. piscicida.
Functional rescue of an ABCB11 mutant by ivacaftor: A new targeted pharmacotherapy approach in bile salt export pump deficiency
Authors: Mareux Elodie , Lapalus Martine , Amzal Rachida , Almes Marion , Aït‐Slimane Tounsia , Delaunay Jean‐Louis , Adnot Pauline , Collado‐Hilly Mauricette , Davit‐Spraul Anne , Falguières Thomas , Callebaut Isabelle , Gonzales Emmanuel , Jacquemin Emmanuel
Published: May 2020

Background & Aim

The canalicular bile salt export pump (BSEP/ABCB11) of hepatocytes is the main adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter responsible for bile acid secretion. Mutations in ABCB11 cause several cholestatic diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) often lethal in absence of liver transplantation. We investigated in vitro the effect and potential rescue of a BSEP mutation by ivacaftor, a clinically approved cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR/ABCC7) potentiator.

Methods

The p.T463I mutation, identified in a PFIC2 patient and located in a highly conserved ABC transporter motif, was studied by 3D structure modelling. The mutation was reproduced in a plasmid encoding a rat Bsep‐green fluorescent protein. After transfection, mutant expression was studied in Can 10 cells. Taurocholate transport activity and ivacaftor effect were studied in Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) clones co‐expressing the rat sodium‐taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (Ntcp/Slc10A1).

Results

As the wild‐type protein, BsepT463I was normally targeted to the canalicular membrane of Can 10 cells. As predicted by 3D structure modelling, taurocholate transport activity was dramatically low in MDCK clones expressing BsepT463I. Ivacaftor treatment increased by 1.7‐fold taurocholate transport activity of BsepT463I (P < .0001), reaching 95% of Bsepwt activity. These data suggest that the p.T463I mutation impairs ATP‐binding, resulting in Bsep dysfunction that can be rescued by ivacaftor.

Conclusion

These results provide experimental evidence of ivacaftor therapeutic potential for selected patients with PFIC2 caused by ABCB11 missense mutations affecting BSEP function. This could represent a significant step forward for the care of patients with BSEP deficiency.
Environmental enrichment induces intergenerational behavioural and epigenetic effects on fish
Authors: Berbel‐Filho Waldir M. , Berry Nikita , Rodríguez‐Barreto Deiene , Rodrigues Teixeira Sofia , Garcia de Leaniz Carlos , Consuegra Sofia
Published: May 2020

Parental effects influence offspring phenotypes through pre‐ and post‐natal routes but little is known about their molecular basis, and therefore their adaptive significance. Epigenetic modifications, which control gene expression without changes in the DNA sequence and are influenced by the environment, may contribute to parental effects. We investigated the effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour, metabolic rate and brain DNA methylation patterns of parents and offspring of the highly inbreed mangrove killifish (Kryptolebias marmoratus). Parental fish reared in enriched environments had lower cortisol levels, lower metabolic rates and were more active and neophobic than those reared in barren environments. They also differed in 1,854 methylated cytosines (DMCs). Offspring activity and neophobia were determined by the parental environment. Among the DMCs of the parents, 98 followed the same methylation patterns in the offspring, three of which were significantly influenced by parental environments irrespective of their own rearing environment. Our results suggest that parental environment influences the behaviour and, to some extent, the brain DNA methylation patterns of the offspring.
The role of the interview in residency selection: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Gordon Emily K. B. , Clapp Justin T. , Heins Sarah J. , Gaulton Timothy G. , Lane‐Fall Meghan B. , Aysola Jaya , Baranov Dimitri Y. , Fleisher Lee A.
Published: May 2020

Context

Residency programmes invest considerable time and resources in candidate interviews as a result of their perceived ability to reveal important social traits. However, studies examining the ability of interviews to predict resident performance have shown mixed findings, and the role of the interview in candidate evaluation remains unclear. This mixed‐methods study, conducted in an anaesthesiology residency programme at a large academic medical centre, examined how interviews contributed to candidate assessment and whether the addition of behavioural questions to interviews altered their role in the evaluation process.

Methods

During the 2018‐2019 residency selection season in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania, independent ratings for each interviewee were collected from faculty interviewers. Consensus ratings subsequently established by committee were also collected. Committee meetings were audiorecorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis. Behavioural questions were integrated into half of interview days. Ratings of candidates interviewed on behavioural question days were compared statistically with those of candidates interviewed on non‐behavioural question days.

Results

Qualitative analysis showed that interviewers heavily emphasised candidates’ application files in evaluating the interviews. Interviewers focused on candidates’ academic records and favoured candidates whose interview behaviours were consistent with their applications and whose applications demonstrated similarities to interviewers’ traits. The addition of behavioural questions demonstrated little ability to alter these dynamics. Quantitatively, there were no significant differences in candidate rating outcomes between behavioural and non‐behavioural interviewing days, whereas a higher medical school rating and higher score on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 were associated with a more favourable consensus rating.

Conclusions

Residency candidates’ application files predisposed interviewers’ experience and evaluation of interviews, preventing the interviews from providing discrete assessments of interpersonal qualities, even when behavioural questions were included. In the continued effort to perform well‐rounded assessments of residency candidates, further research and reflection on the role of interviewing in evaluation are necessary.
Deep reinforcement learning for long‐term pavement maintenance planning
Authors: Yao Linyi , Dong Qiao , Jiang Jiwang , Ni Fujian
Published: May 2020

Inappropriate maintenance and rehabilitation strategies cause many problems such as maintenance budget waste, ineffective pavement distress treatments, and so forth. A method based on a machine learning algorithm called deep reinforcement learning (DRL) was developed in this presented research in order to learn better maintenance strategies that maximize the long‐term cost‐effectiveness in maintenance decision‐making through trial and error. In this method, each single‐lane pavement segment can have different treatments, and the long‐term maintenance cost‐effectiveness of the entire section is treated as the optimization goal. In the DRL algorithm, states are embodied by 42 parameters involving the pavement structures and materials, traffic loads, maintenance records, pavement conditions, and so forth. Specific treatments as well as do‐nothing are the actions. The reward is defined as the increased or decreased cost‐effectiveness after taking corresponding actions. Two expressways, the Ningchang and Zhenli expressways, were selected for a case study. The results show that the DRL model is capable of learning a better strategy to improve the long‐term maintenance cost‐effectiveness. By implementing the optimized maintenance strategies produced by the developed model, the pavement conditions can be controlled in an acceptable range.
Automatic detection method of cracks from concrete surface imagery using two‐step light gradient boosting machine
Authors: Chun Pang‐jo , Izumi Shota , Yamane Tatsuro
Published: May 2020

Automated crack detection based on image processing is widely used when inspecting concrete structures. The existing methods for crack detection are not yet accurate enough due to the difficulty and complexity of the problem; thus, more accurate and practical methods should be developed. This paper proposes an automated crack detection method based on image processing using the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), one of the supervised machine learning methods. In supervised machine learning, appropriate features should be identified to obtain accurate results. In crack detection, the pixel values of the target pixels and geometric features of the cracks that occur when they are connected linearly should be considered. This paper proposes a methodology for generating features based on pixel values and geometric shapes in two stages. The accuracy of the proposed methodology is investigated using photos of concrete structures with adverse conditions, such as shadows and dirt. The proposed methodology achieves an accuracy of 99.7%, sensitivity of 75.71%, specificity of 99.9%, precision of 68.2%, and an F‐measure of 0.6952. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can detect cracks with higher performance than the pix2pix‐based approach. Furthermore, the training time is 7.7 times shorter than that of the XGBoost and 2.3 times shorter than that of the pix2pix. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can detect cracks with high accuracy.
Doing the gene shuffle to close synteny: dynamic assembly of biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Peters Reuben J.
Published: May 2020

This article is a Commentary on Liu et al. (2020), 227: 1109–1123.
Prognostic significance of smoking and alcohol history in young age oral cavity cancer
Authors: Lee Sung Uk , Moon Sung Ho , Choi Sung Weon , Cho Kwan Ho , Park Joo Yong , Jung Yuh‐Seok , Ryu Junsun , Ryu Chang Hwan , Yun Tak , Kim Tae Hyun , Youn Sang Hee , Oh Eun Sang
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess prognostic factors of patients with operable oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), focusing on the associations with smoking/alcohol exposure and age.

Materials and Methods

A total of 247 patients with OSCC who received curative surgery ± adjuvant radiotherapy were analyzed. The patient subgroups were divided according to pretreatment smoking/alcohol exposure. Individuals aged 45 years or less were classified as younger patients.

Results

The median follow‐up was 52.2 months. The 5‐year locoregional progression‐free survival (LRFFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rates were 85.2%, 88.3%, 78.1%, and 83.5%, respectively. An advanced stage, differentiation, and lympho‐vascular space invasion were significantly associated with lower OS and CSS. In a subgroup analysis of younger patients (n = 49), more smoking/alcohol exposure was significantly associated with better OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05–0.95,p = .043). With increasing age, the HR for smoking/alcohol exposure with respect to OS increased up to 11.59 (95% CI: 1.49–89.84,p = .019) in older patients.

Conclusion

Younger OSCC patients with non‐ or less smoking/alcohol exposure showed unfavorable outcomes. The prognostic significance of pretreatment smoking/alcohol exposure changed from favorable to detrimental with increasing age in operable OSCC.
Collective Threat: Conceptualizing Blumer’s Threat as a Collective Emotion
Authors: Reichelmann Ashley V.
Published: May 2020

This manuscript lays the groundwork for considering racial threat as a collective emotion. Although sociologists regularly study racial threat, a disconnect exists between Blumer’s theoretical framework (1958) and modern empirical measurement. Research has largely measured racial threat as perceptions of competition or increases in racism. Neither, however, squarely fits the symbolic interactionist framework that Blumer championed. This manuscript frames racial threat as an affective group response that is generated through sustained interaction with social groups and group representations. After showing how Blumer’s threat conceptualization fits the parameters of a collective emotion, I demonstrate how quantitative measurement and experimental research design can be used to capture threat as Blumer outlines it. Then, using factor analyses and regression, I illustrate that collective threat is distinct from other collective emotions and operates according to Blumer’s theoretical predictions. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of how ongoing attempts to measure collective threat and the evolution of racism in the United States highlight the continued relevance of Blumer’s work.
Plutonic processes in transitional oceanic plateau crust: Structure, age and emplacement of the South Rallier du Baty laccolith, Kerguelen Islands
Authors: Ponthus Léandre , de Saint Blanquat Michel , Guillaume Damien , Le Romancer Marc , Pearson Norman , O’Reilly Suzanne , Grégoire Michel
Published: May 2020

The syenitic rocks of South Rallier du Baty Intrusive Complex (SRBIC) represent intrusions into the oceanic plateau basalts of the south‐western Kerguelen Islands. The SRBIC was previously interpreted as a typical ring complex due to magma emplacement with cauldron subsidence. Our new structural and geochronological data reveal that it is a laccolith built between 11.6 and 7.9 Ma by successive injections of magma sheets around the crust–mantle boundary, with an average injection rate between 0.8 and 1.4 × 10−4 km3/year. These results establish strong similarities between the SRBIC, the only recorded example of a felsic laccolith in an oceanic intraplate setting, and many continental plutons emplaced in various geodynamic setting. The SRBIC thus has the characteristics of a continental plutonic complex emplaced in an oceanic plateau crust. We postulate the critical parameter relevant to causing such similarities and plutonic magmatism is crustal thickness.
Syphilis in pregnancy: identifying and managing a historic problem on the rise
Authors: Dewick Louise , Jayaprakasan Kanna , Raouf Sanaria
Published: May 2020

Key content

Cases of syphilis in the UK rose by 162% between 2008 and 2018, prompting the publication of a Public Health England Action Plan in June 2019.

While congenital syphilis remains rare, there have been recent cases in babies of women in England who had screened negative for the disease at booking; these women therefore acquired the infection in pregnancy.

Timely diagnosis and treatment is critical because vertical transmission can be greatly reduced by these interventions.

Learning objectives

To highlight the clinical signs seen in early stages of the disease to enable timely diagnosis.

To outline antenatal features seen in the fetus.

To become familiar with the interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosing syphilis.

To understand treatment options for syphilis.

To describe the likely outcomes and possible adverse sequelae associated with congenital syphilis.

Ethical issues

With cases of congenital syphilis occurring in babies of women who acquire the disease in pregnancy, which women, if any, should be offered repeat screening?
Sl‐lncRNA15492 interacts with Sl‐miR482a and affects Solanum lycopersicum immunity against Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Jiang Ning , Cui Jun , Hou Xinxin , Yang Guanglei , Xiao Yu , Han Lu , Meng Jun , Luan Yushi
Published: May 2020

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the resistance of plants to infection by pathogens via interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs). Long non‐coding RNAs are cleaved by miRNAs to produce phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), which, as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), function as decoys for mature miRNAs, thus inhibiting their expression, and contain pre‐miRNA sequences to produce mature miRNAs. However, whether lncRNAs and miRNAs mediate other molecular mechanisms during plant resistance to pathogens is unknown. In this study, as a positive regulator, Sl‐lncRNA15492 from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Zaofen No. 2) plants affected tomato resistance to Phytophthora infestans. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments and RNA ligase‐mediated 5′‐amplification of cDNA ends (RLM‐5′ RACE) also revealed that Sl‐miR482a was negatively involved in tomato resistance by targeting Sl‐NBS‐LRR genes and that silencing of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 decreased tomato resistance. Sl‐lncRNA15492 inhibited the expression of mature Sl‐miR482a, whose precursor was located within the antisense sequence of Sl‐lncRNA15492. Further degradome analysis and additional RLM‐5′ RACE experiments verified that mature Sl‐miR482a could also cleave Sl‐lncRNA15492. These results provide a mechanism by which lncRNAs might inhibit precursor miRNA expression through antisense strands of lncRNAs, and demonstrate that Sl‐lncRNA15492 and Sl‐miR482a mutually inhibit the maintenance of Sl‐NBS‐LRR1 homeostasis during tomato resistance to P. infestans.
Text-based Computer-mediated Discourse Analysis: What Causes an Online Group to Become a Virtual Community?
Authors: Li Qiuna
Published: May 2020

The present study seeks to explore how computer-mediated discourse analysis can be useful for the study of online interaction, in particular, text-based multiparty interaction. The data are from the text-based chat group of high school English language teachers in China, which consists of more than one thousand members. Because of the fluid membership, reduced social accountability, and lack of shared geographical space, it seems that not every online group automatically becomes a “community”. Addressing this concern, and informed by the computer-mediated discourse analysis (CMDA) proposed by Herring, the researcher seeks to investigate the properties of virtual communities and to assess the extent to which they are realized by specific online groups.
Preparation of Nano-spherical Iron Phosphate by Hydrothermal Method and Its Application as the Precursor of Lithium Iron Phosphate
Authors: Guo Ju , Wu Fuyong
Published: May 2020

First, nano-spherical iron phosphate was prepared using the hydrothermal method. Then, the carbothermal reduction method was applied to synthesize the LiFePO4/C composite material capable of good carbon coating effect with the prepared nano-spherical iron phosphate as a precursor. By means of scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Zeta potentiometer, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical testing, and other methods, the material was characterized and tested for its morphology, particle size, composition, structure, and electrochemical performance. According to the test results, when the initial mass concentration of Fe3+ in the reaction solution is 2%, the amount of N and S impurity is merely 19 and 27 ppm, respectively. In the meantime, particle size is small, with a range of roughly 50–100 nm, and a spherical morphology is shown. The synthesized LiFePO4/C retains its nano-spherical morphology, which leads to a desirable carbon coating effect and an excellent electrochemical performance. The first charge–discharge specific capacity at 0.1 C rate reached 163.7 and 161.4 mAh/g, the charge–discharge efficiency was 98.6%, and the capacity retention rate at 50 charge–discharge cycles at 1 C rate reached 98.52%.
Underlying Mechanisms of the Electrolyte Structure and Dynamics on the Doped-Anode of Magnesium Batteries Based on the Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Liu Y. , Yan H.H. , Cui X.Y.
Published: May 2020

As a potential energy storage cell, the rechargeable magnesium (Mg) battery is limited by poor solid-state diffusion of Mg2+. Hence, the fundamental mechanisms between the electrolyte and the Mg electrode need to be deeply explored. In this work, a doped-Mg electrode/MgCl2 aqueous electrolyte system is constructed to explore the electrolyte structure and transport properties of ions through molecular dynamics simulations. Then, extensive simulations are conducted to study the effect of the doping levels on the electrode/electrolyte interface and ionic diffusivity. According to the number densities of different electrodes (i.e., Mg–Zn, Mg–Al, Mg–Si, and pure Mg), the Mg–Si electrode shows the strongest attraction to the ions in the electrolyte, indicating that the Mg–Si electrode can provide a higher ion storage performance. Moreover, the simulation results also show that the electrode capacitance presents a similar non-monotonic relationship with the increase of potential well depth under different doping ratios. At the doping ratio of 9%, the potential well depth has the strongest impact on the electric double layer (EDL) thickness compared with that of the other two doping ratios. The diffusion coefficient of water molecules weakly depends on the doping ratios and electrode materials. In contrast, the diffusion coefficient of ions varies strongly with the electrode materials, which could change up to 10–30% from its reference value (the diffusion coefficient of the Mg electrode system). This study will potentially provide an understanding of the influences of doped-Mg metal anodes on the structure and transport characteristics of Mg rechargeable batteries.
A Hybrid Finite Element Modeling: Artificial Neural Network Approach for Predicting Solder Joint Fatigue Life in Wafer-Level Chip Scale Packages
Authors: Chen Zhiwen , Zhang Zhao , Dong Fang , Liu Sheng , Liu Li
Published: May 2020

Fatigue life prediction of electronic devices is of great importance in both research and industry. Traditionally, fatigue tests and finite element modeling (FEM) are the two main methods. This paper presents a new hybrid approach (FEM combined with artificial neural network, (ANN)) for fatigue life prediction. Finite element models on wafer-level chip scale packages (WLCSP) with different chip thickness, PCB thickness, and solder joint pitches were created to evaluate the effect of structure parameters on the increase in maximum creep strain under thermal fatigue load. Modified Coffin–Manson equation was then employed to estimate the corresponding fatigue life. ANNs were built, and then trained, tested, and optimized with the datasets from modeling to predict increase in maximum creep strain and fatigue life. For the ANN built for strain prediction, prediction accuracy of the optimal network was 97% in accuracy tests and 93% in generalization tests. Accuracy of the other ANN for predicting fatigue life was 94.2% in accuracy tests and 88% in generalization tests. This hybrid method shows very promising application in fatigue life estimation of electronic devices which requires much less time and lower cost.
Four new species (Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) and one new record of Aceria from arid and semi-arid areas in East Iran

Authors: Honarmand Arash , Sadeghi-namaghi Hussein , Lillo Enrico De
Published: May 2020

During the field study of eriophyoid mites from autochthonous plants in semi-arid and arid environment in East Iran (Birjand, South Khorasan, from 2016 to 2017), four new Aceria species (Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) were collected. They are Aceria halothamni sp. nov. on Halothamnus auriculus (Moq.) Botsch. (Amaranthaceae), Aceria acanthophylli sp. nov. on Acanthophyllum sordidum Bunge ex Boiss. (Caryophyllaceae), Aceria samoli sp. nov. on Samolus valerandi L. (Primulaceae), Aceria aeluropi sp. nov. on Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl. (Poaceae). In addition, Aceria atriplicis Wilson & Oldfield, 1966 was also found on Atriplex leucoclada Boiss. (Amaranthaceae), which is a new record for Iran. All these species are illustrated and described herein. They appear to be vagrants and no symptom was observed on their infested plants.
The Effects of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Service Environment on Athlete Satisfaction and Performance: A Transformative Service Research Approach
Authors: MacIntosh Eric , Kinoshita Keita , Sotiriadou Popi
Published: May 2020

Competing at major sport events represents a significant experience for elite athletes. Research has determined that event services can affect athlete satisfaction, yet little is known about any influence on athlete performances. This study adapted the lens of transformative service research to examine, through survey research, the athletes’ perceptions of the impact that the service environment of the Commonwealth Games 2018 on the Gold Coast in Australia had on their satisfaction and subsequent performance. The results from 430 athlete surveys showed the significant relationships between service environment factors and athlete satisfaction and the indirect effects of the service environment on performance, through satisfaction. Thus, satisfaction acts as a mediator between the service environment and athlete performance. The effects of the service environment on athlete satisfaction and performance highlight the areas for future development across the athletes’ experience, from accommodations to social activities, that managers and event planners can enhance.
Dose-dependent functions of SWI/SNF BAF in permitting and inhibiting cell proliferation in vivo
Authors: van der Vaart Aniek , Godfrey Molly , Portegijs Vincent , van den Heuvel Sander
Published: May 2020

Partial loss of SWI/SNF BAF removes a tumor suppressor but not its transcriptional function required for proliferation.
Targeted pathological collagen delivery of sustained-release rapamycin to prevent heterotopic ossification
Authors: Chen Yangwu , Shen Weiliang , Tang Chenqi , Huang Jiayun , Fan Chunmei , Yin Zi , Hu Yejun , Chen Weishan , Ouyang Hongwei , Zhou Yiting , Mao Zhengwei , Chen Xiao
Published: May 2020

We revealed the importance of mTOR in tendon HO and established a drug delivery system that targets pathological collagen.
A micropeptide encoded by lncRNA MIR155HG suppresses autoimmune inflammation via modulating antigen presentation
Authors: Niu Liman , Lou Fangzhou , Sun Yang , Sun Libo , Cai Xiaojie , Liu Zhaoyuan , Zhou Hong , Wang Hong , Wang Zhikai , Bai Jing , Yin Qianqian , Zhang Junxun , Chen Linjiao , Peng Danhong , Xu Zhenyao , Gao Yuanyuan , Tang Sibei , Fan Li , Wang Honglin
Published: May 2020

A micropeptide encoded by MIR155HG modulates antigen presentation and suppresses autoinflammation through binding to HSC70.
Chimeric antigen receptor signaling: Functional consequences and design implications
Authors: Lindner S. E. , Johnson S. M. , Brown C. E. , Wang L. D.
Published: May 2020

CAR signaling may incorporate emergent properties not accurately modeled by TCR signaling frameworks.
Flexible low-voltage high-frequency organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Borchert James W. , Zschieschang Ute , Letzkus Florian , Giorgio Michele , Weitz R. Thomas , Caironi Mario , Burghartz Joachim N. , Ludwigs Sabine , Klauk Hagen
Published: May 2020

Optimized materials and device design lead to record static and dynamic performance of organic thin-film transistors.
Large-scale preparation for efficient polymer-based room-temperature phosphorescence via click chemistry
Authors: Tian R. , Xu S.-M. , Xu Q. , Lu C.
Published: May 2020

Room-temperature phosphorescence materials are manufactured by a facile click reaction between phosphor and polymer.
Horizontal gene transfer rate is not the primary determinant of observed antibiotic resistance frequencies in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Lehtinen Sonja , Chewapreecha Claire , Lees John , Hanage William P. , Lipsitch Marc , Croucher Nicholas J. , Bentley Stephen D. , Turner Paul , Fraser Christophe , Mostowy Rafał J.
Published: May 2020

Resistance frequencies are best explained as the outcome of selection, irrespective of the rate at which resistance is acquired.
Argon constraints on the early growth of felsic continental crust
Authors: Guo Meng , Korenaga Jun
Published: May 2020

The degassing history of argon favors the rapid growth of felsic continental crust in the early Earth.
Gasdermin D in macrophages restrains colitis by controlling cGAS-mediated inflammation
Authors: Ma Chunmei , Yang Dongxue , Wang Bingwei , Wu Chunyan , Wu Yuqing , Li Sheng , Liu Xue , Lassen Kara , Dai Lue , Yang Shuo
Published: May 2020

Gasdermin D in colonic macrophages controls cGAS-mediated inflammation, thereby protecting against the development of colitis.
Linker-mediated self-assembly of mobile DNA-coated colloids
Authors: Xia Xiuyang , Hu Hao , Ciamarra Massimo Pica , Ni Ran
Published: May 2020

Temperature-insensitive specific colloidal interactions are found in linker-mediated DNA-coated colloids.
Structural basis for distinct operational modes and protease activation in AAA+ protease Lon
Authors: Shin Mia , Puchades Cristina , Asmita Ananya , Puri Neha , Adjei Eric , Wiseman R. Luke , Karzai A. Wali , Lander Gabriel C.
Published: May 2020

Substrate-free and -bound states of Lon reveal distinct operational modes used by the enzyme to process protein substrates.
The
uroS
and
yifB
Genes Conserved among Tetrapyrrole Synthesizing-Deficient
Bacteroidales
Are Involved in Bacteroides fragilis Heme Assimilation and Survival in Experimental Intra-abdominal Infection and Intestinal Colonization
Authors: Parker Anita C. , Bergonia Hector A. , Seals Nathaniel L. , Baccanale Cecile L. , Rocha Edson R.
Published: May 2020

The human intestinal anaerobic commensal and opportunistic pathogen
Bacteroides fragilis
does not synthesize the tetrapyrrole protoporphyrin IX in order to form heme that is required for growth stimulation and survival
in vivo
. Consequently,
B. fragilis
acquires essential heme from host tissues during extraintestinal infection. The absence of several genes necessary for
de novo
heme biosynthesis is a common characteristic of many anaerobic bacteria; however, the
uroS
gene, encoding a uroporphyrinogen III synthase for an early step of heme biosynthesis, is conserved among the heme-requiring
Bacteroidales
that inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.
Three Draft Genome Sequences of
Staphylococcus
Species Isolated from the Urine of Healthy Bovine Heifers (Gyr Breed)
Authors: Giannattasio-Ferraz Silvia , Maskeri Laura , Oliveira André P. , Barbosa-Stancioli Edel F. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Members of the
Staphylococcus
genus are known pathogens causing mastitis in dairy cows, which results in major economic losses. Here, we present
Staphylococcus epidermidis
UFMG-H7,
Staphylococcus hominis
UFMG-H7B, and
Staphylococcus sciuri
UFMG-H6, isolated from the urine of healthy purebred Gyr heifers.
Draft Genome Sequence of Proteus mirabilis Strain UMB0038, Isolated from the Female Bladder
Authors: Gallian Noreen , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Proteus mirabilis
is a Gram-negative motile and rod-shaped bacterium that is a common pathogen of the urinary tract. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. mirabilis
UMB0038, which was isolated from a woman without lower urinary tract symptoms.
Interactions of PatA with the Divisome during Heterocyst Differentiation in
Anabaena
Authors: Valladares Ana , Velázquez-Suárez Cristina , Herrero Antonia
Published: May 2020

Anabaena
is a cyanobacterial model that represents an ancient and simple form of biological multicellularity. The
Anabaena
organism is a filament of cohesive and communicating cells that can include cells specialized in different tasks. Thus, under conditions of nitrogen scarcity, certain cells of the filament differentiate into heterocysts, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide organic nitrogen to the rest of cells, which, in turn, provide heterocysts with organic carbon. Heterocyst differentiation involves extensive morphological, biochemical, and genetic changes, becoming irreversible at a certain stage. We studied the regulation during heterocyst differentiation of several essential components of the
Anabaena
cell division machinery and found that protein PatA, which is required for differentiation and is induced in differentiating cells, interacts with essential cell division factors and destabilizes the cell division complex. This suggests a mechanism for establishment of commitment to differentiation by inhibition of cell division.
Supplemental Material: Paleoenvironments, taphonomy, and stable isotopic content of the terrestrial, fossil-vertebrate–bearing sequence of the El Disecado Member, El Gallo Formation, Upper Cretaceous, Baja California, México
Authors: Fastovsky D.E. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Consists of petrographic data, calculations of sedimentological parameters (bedform height; water depth; slope), and paleocurrent data.
Supplemental Material: Geochemistry of contrasting stream types, Taylor Valley, Antarctica
Authors: Harmon Russell S. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Compositional data for Von Guerard and Andersen Creek streams over the 2010-2011 flow season.
Avoidance of vitamin D deficiency to slow the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kohlmeier Martin
Published: May 2020

Vitamin D deficiency, which impedes good immune function, is common during winter and spring in regions of high latitude. There is good evidence that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the seasonal increase of virus infections of the respiratory tract, from the common cold to influenza, and now possibly also COVID-19. This communication explores key factors that make it more likely, particularly in combination, that individuals are vitamin D deficient. These factors include old age, obesity, dark skin tone and common genetic variants that impede vitamin D status. Precision nutrition is an approach that aims to consider known personal risk factors and health circumstances to provide more effective nutrition guidance in health and disease. In regard to avoiding vitamin D deficiency, people with excess body fat, a dark skin tone or older age usually need to use a moderately dosed daily vitamin D supplement, particularly those living in a high-latitude region, getting little ultraviolet B exposure due to air pollution or staying mostly indoors. Carriers of the GC (group-specific component) rs4588 AA genotype also are more likely to become deficient. Very high-dosed supplements with more than 4000 IU vitamin D are rarely needed or justified. A state-by-state Mendelian randomisation analysis of excess COVID-19 mortality of African-Americans in the USA shows a greater disparity in northern states than in southern states. It is conceivable that vitamin D adequacy denies the virus easy footholds and thereby slows spreading of the contagion. This finding should drive home the message that vitamin D supplementation is particularly important for individuals with dark skin tones. Vitamin D deficiency, even for a few months during the winter and spring season, must be rigorously remedied because of its many adverse health impacts that include decreased life expectancy and increased mortality. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 would be an added bonus.
An instrument for assessing the quality of informed consent documents for elective procedures: development and testing
Authors: Spatz Erica S , Suter Lisa G , George Elizabeth , Perez Mallory , Curry Leslie , Desai Vrunda , Bao Haikun , Geary Lori L , Herrin Jeph , Lin Zhenqiu , Bernheim Susannah M , Krumholz Harlan M
Published: May 2020

Objective

To develop a nationally applicable tool for assessing the quality of informed consent documents for elective procedures.

Design

Mixed qualitative-quantitative approach.

Setting

Convened seven meetings with stakeholders to obtain input and feedback on the tool.

Participants

Team of physician investigators, measure development experts, and a working group of nine patients and patient advocates (caregivers, advocates for vulnerable populations and patient safety experts) from different regions of the country.

Interventions

With stakeholder input, we identified elements of high-quality informed consent documents, aggregated into three domains: content, presentation and timing. Based on this comprehensive taxonomy of key elements, we convened the working group to offer input on the development of an abstraction tool to assess the quality of informed consent documents in three phases: (1) selecting the highest-priority elements to be operationalised as items in the tool; (2) iteratively refining and testing the tool using a sample of qualifying informed consent documents from eight hospitals; and (3) developing a scoring approach for the tool. Finally, we tested the reliability of the tool in a subsample of 250 informed consent documents from 25 additional hospitals.

Outcomes

Abstraction tool to evaluate the quality of informed consent documents.

Results

We identified 53 elements of informed consent quality; of these, 15 were selected as highest priority for inclusion in the abstraction tool and 8 were feasible to measure. After seven cycles of iterative development and testing of survey items, and development and refinement of a training manual, two trained raters achieved high item-level agreement, ranging from 92% to 100%.

Conclusions

We identified key quality elements of an informed consent document and operationalised the highest-priority elements to define a minimum standard for informed consent documents. This tool is a starting point that can enable hospitals and other providers to evaluate and improve the quality of informed consent.
Global and regional geographical prevalence of depression in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kouhestani Mostafa , Ahmadi Gharaei Hasan , Fararouei Mohammad , Hosienpour Ghahremanloo Hasan , Ghaiasvand Reza , Dianatinasab Mostafa
Published: May 2020

Background

Substantial uncertainty exists about the prevalence of depression in patients with gastric cancer. We aimed to summarise the global and regional pooled prevalence of depression among patients with gastric cancer.

Method

Up to February 2020, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of science (ISI) and PsychINFO to identify published studies on the prevalence of depression among patients with gastric cancer. The study selection procedure was in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We estimated the prevalence of depression in gastric cancer patients using a random-effect pooled estimate analysis approach with subgroup analysis based on WHO regions, and methods of depression measurement.

Results

Totally, we retrieved 3781 studies from the previously mentioned databases, of which 18 (12 cross-sectional and 6 cohort studies in design) met the eligibility criteria, which were published from 2001 to 2017 in different regions. The total sample size of the included studied contained 4709 patients with gastric cancer, of which 1885 cases were diagnosed with depression. The pooled prevalence of depression among gastric cancer patients was 37%(95% CI: 26% to 48%). Subgroup analysis showed that the highest prevalence of depression was in Eastern Mediterranean (pooled prevalence=42%; 95% CI: 18% to 65%) followed by the Western Pacific region (pooled prevalence=40%;95% CI: 26% to 54%). The results indicated a significant heterogeneity (I2=98.8%,P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that depression is high among gastric cancer patients. The findings suggest health authorities to provide specially designed social and psychological supportive care services, including screening for depression, among such patients.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020139836.
How to diagnose difficult white matter disorders
Authors: Williams Thomas , Houlden Henry , Murphy Elaine , John Nevin , Fox Nick C , Schott Jonathan M , Adams Matthew , Davagananam Indran , Chataway Jeremy , Lynch David S
Published: May 2020

Genetic and acquired disorders of white matter comprise a diverse group of conditions, with often overlapping clinical and radiological findings. Patients present with a variable combination of cognitive impairment, ataxia, spasticity or movement disorders, among others. There are many genetic causes, and the route to diagnosis involves comprehensive clinical assessment, radiological expertise, metabolic investigations and finally genetic studies. It is essential not to miss the treatable acquired causes. In this review, we present a practical approach to investigating patients with acquired and genetic disorders of white matter, based on the experience of a large international referral centre. We present a guide for clinicians, including pitfalls of testing, clinical pearls and where to seek advice.
IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING THE TFP OF AN OLD INDUSTRIAL AREA? — A SPATIAL ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF NORTHEAST CHINA
Authors: JIA ZHANHUA , GU GUOFENG
Published: May 2020

Northeast China is an important old industrial base in China that is most profoundly affected by the planned economic system. The social and economic development has the characteristics of powerful government and weak market. This study estimates total factor productivity (TFP) utilizing firm-level data of Northeast China, and analyzes the effect of government intervention on TFP growth by applying a spatial econometric model over the period 1998–2007. The results indicate that TFP is gradually increasing and spatially dependents on surrounding areas. Government intervention behavior has a negative effect on TFP in Northeast China. Specifically, the stronger the government’s intervention capacity is, the less TFP is; the higher the environmental connivance is, the less TFP is. Furthermore, government intervention produces adverse spillover effects on surrounding areas, which are caused by imitation and comparison between local governments. We also examine the relationship between traditional factors, including science and technology level, human capital, FDI and openness. The findings reveal that science and technology level, human capital, FDI and openness play positive roles in stimulating TFP growth. Science and technology produce positive spatial spillover on TFP growth, but other factors do not.
A Novel Slew-Boosting Circuit for Rail-to-Rail Operational Amplifier
Authors: Ren Mingyuan , Qin Mengying , Wang Bo , Han Xiaowei , Dong Changchun
Published: May 2020

In order to improve the slew rate of rail-to-rail operational amplifiers, this paper presents a novel slew boosting circuit. Two slew-boosting unit circuits are proposed to provide large compensation current by directly detecting the differential level change at the input terminals of the amplifier. Accordingly, the slewing performance is dynamically boosted. In each slew-boosting unit circuit, tunnel diodes are used to replace the conventional MOS transistors as loads. This circuit is designed in 1.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m TVS process. Measurement results show that the rail-to-rail operational amplifier achieves a positive slew rate of 164[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]s and negative slew rate of 185[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]s.