bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of Salmonella Infantis in Europe: insights into the success of the bacterial host and its parasitic pESI-like megaplasmid
Authors: Alba Patricia , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Carfora Virginia , Amoruso Roberta , Cordaro Gessica , Di Matteo Paola , Ianzano Angela , Iurescia Manuela , Diaconu Elena L. , Study Group ENGAGE-EURL-AR Network , Pedersen Susanne K. , Guerra Beatriz , Hendriksen Rene S. , Franco Alessia , Battisti Antonio
Published: April 2020

Salmonella

Infantis is one of the five serovars most frequently causing human salmonellosis in Europe, mainly associated with poultry. A clone harbouring a conjugative plasmid of emerging S. Infantis (pESI)-like megaplasmid, carrying multidrug resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) genes, has spread in the Italian broiler chicken industry also causing human illness. This work is aimed at elucidating the molecular epidemiology of S. Infantis and pESI-like in Europe using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and to investigate the genetic relatedness of S. Infantis clones and pESI-like from animals, meat, feed and humans provided by institutions of nine European countries. Two genotyping approaches were used: chromosome or plasmid SNP-based analysis and the minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm based on core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). The European S. Infantis population appeared heterogeneous, with different genetic clusters defined at core-genome level. However, pESI-like variants present in 64.1 % of the isolates were more genetically homogeneous and capable of infecting different clonal lineages in most of the countries. Two different pESI-like with ESBL genes (n=82) were observed: bla
CTX-M-1-positive in European isolates and bla
CTX-M-65-positive in American isolates (study outgroup). Both variants had toxin-antitoxin systems, resistance genes towards tetracyclines, trimethoprim, sulphonamides and aminoglycosides, heavy metals (merA) and disinfectants (qacEΔ). Worryingly, 66 % of the total isolates studied presented different gyrA chromosomal point mutations associated with (fluoro)quinolone resistance (MIC range 0.125–0.5 mg/L), while 18 % displayed transferable macrolide resistance mediated by mph, mef and erm(B) genes. Proper intervention strategies are needed to prevent further dissemination/transmission of MDR S. Infantis and pESI-like along the food chain in Europe.
Implicit motor learning within three trials
Authors: Ruttle Jennifer E. , ’t Hart Bernard Marius , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: April 2020

In motor learning, the slow development of implicit learning is traditionally taken for granted. While much is known about training performance during adaptation to a perturbation in reaches, saccades and locomotion, little is known about the time course of the underlying implicit processes during normal motor adaptation. Implicit learning is characterized by both changes in internal models and state estimates of limb position. Here, we measure both as reach aftereffects and shifts in hand localization in our participants, after every training trial. The observed implicit changes were near asymptote after only one to three perturbed training trials and were not predicted by a two-rate model’s slow process that is supposed to capture implicit learning. Hence, we show that implicit learning is much faster than conventionally believed, which has implications for rehabilitation and skills training.
Inhibition of 15-PGDH Protects Mice from Immune-mediated Bone Marrow Failure
Authors: Smith Julianne N.P. , Otegbeye Folashade , Jogasuria Alvin , Christo Kelsey F. , Gerson Stanton L. , Markowitz Sanford D. , Desai Amar B.
Published: April 2020

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a human immune mediated bone-marrow failure syndrome that is treated by stem cell transplantation for patients who have a matched related donor or immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for those who do not. Responses to IST are variable, with patients still at risk for prolonged neutropenia, transfusion-dependence, immune suppression, and severe opportunistic infections. Therefore, additional therapies to accelerate hematologic recovery in patients receiving front line IST are needed. We have shown that inhibiting 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) with the small molecule SW033291 (PGDHi) increases bone marrow (BM) prostaglandin E2 levels, expands hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers, and accelerates hematologic reconstitution following murine BM transplantation. We now report that in a murine model of immune-mediated BM failure, PGDHi therapy mitigated cytopenias, increased BM HSC and progenitor cells, and significantly extended survival compared to vehicle-treated mice. PGDHi protection was not immune-mediated, as serum IFNγ levels and BM CD8+ T lymphocyte frequencies were not impacted. Moreover, dual administration of PGDHi plus low dose IST enhanced total white blood cell, neutrophil and platelet recovery, achieving responses similar to maximal dose IST at lesser toxicity. Together these data demonstrate that PGDHi can complement IST to accelerate hematologic recovery and reduce morbidity in severe AA.
Sulforhodamine B and exogenous surfactant effects on alveolar surface tension under acute respiratory distress syndrome conditions
Authors: Nguyen Tam L. , Perlman Carrie E.
Published: April 2020

In the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alveolar surface tension,T, may be elevated. ElevatedTshould increase ventilation-induced lung injury. Exogenous surfactant therapy, intended to lowerT, has not reduced mortality. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) might, alternatively, be employed to lowerT. We test whether substances suspected of elevatingTin ARDS raiseTin the lungs and test the abilities of exogenous surfactant and SRB to reduceT. In isolated rat lungs, we micropuncture a surface alveolus and instill a solution of a purportedT-raising substance: control saline, cell debris, secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2), acid or mucins. We test each substance alone; with albumin, to model proteinaceous edema liquid; with albumin and exogenous surfactant; or with albumin and SRB. We determineT in situin the lungs by combining servo-nulling pressure measurement with confocal microscopy, and applying the Laplace relation. With control saline, albumin does not alterT, additional surfactant raisesTand additional SRB lowersT. The experimental substances, without or with albumin, raiseT. Excepting under aspiration conditions, addition of surfactant or SRB lowersT. Exogenous surfactant activity is concentration and ventilation dependent. Sulforhodamine B, which could be delivered intravascularly, holds promise as an alternative therapeutic.

New and Noteworthy

In the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lowering surface tension,T, should reduce ventilation injury yet exogenous surfactant has not reduced mortality. We show with directT-determination in isolated lungs that substances suggested to elevateTin ARDS indeed raiseT, and exogenous surfactant reducesT. Further, we extend our previous finding that sulforhodamine B (SRB) reducesTbelow normal in healthy lungs and show that SRB, too, reducesTunder ARDS conditions.
Modulation of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase-mediated salvage to promote diabetic wound healing
Authors: Young Guang-Huar , Lin Jiun-Tsai , Cheng Yi-Fang , Ho Chia-Fang , Kuok Qian-Yu , Hsu Ru-Chun , Liao Wan-Rou , Chen Chin-Chen , Chen Han-Min
Published: April 2020

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) is the key enzyme in purine salvage by the incorporation of adenine and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate to provide adenylate nucleotide. The up-regulated APRT found in wound skin correlated with the demands of repair in diabetic mice. Administration of adenine on the wound of diabetic mice exhibited elevated ATP levels in organismic skin and accelerated wound healing. In vitro studies showed that APRT utilized adenine to rescue cellular ATP levels and proliferation against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage. LC-MS/MS-based analysis of total adenylate nucleotides in NIH-3T3 fibroblast showed that adenine addition enlarged the cellular adenylate pool, reduced the adenylate energy charge, and provided more AMP for the generation of ATP in further. These data indicated the role of APRT during diabetic wound healing by regulating the nucleotide pool after injury and demonstrated the improvement by topical adenine, which highlights its value as a promising agent in therapeutic intervention. Our study provided an explanation for the up- regulation of APRT in tissue repair and adenine supplement resulted in an enlargement of the adenylate pool for ATP generation.
Mechanism-based enzyme activating compounds
Authors: Guan Xiangying , Upadhyay Alok , Chakrabarti Raj
Published: April 2020

Compared to inhibitors, which constitute the vast majority of today’s drugs, enzyme activators have considerable advantages, especially in the context of enzymes that regulate reactive flux through metabolic pathways associated with chronic, age-related diseases and lifespan. Across all families of enzymes, only a dozen or so distinct classes of small molecule activators have been characterized. Enzyme activators that are not based on naturally evolved allosteric mechanisms are much more difficult to design than inhibitors, because enzymatic catalysis has been optimized over billions of years of evolution. Here, we introduce modes of enzyme activation based on the catalytic reaction mechanisms of enzymes for which naturally evolved activators may not exist. We establish biophysical properties of small molecule modulators that are necessary to achieve desired changes in the steady state and non-steady state parameters of these enzymes, including changes in local conformational degrees of freedom conducive to the enhancement of catalytic activity that can be identified through computational modeling of their active sites. We illustrate how the modes of action of several compounds reported to activate enzymes without known allosteric sites may be understood using the framework presented. We also present simulations and new experimental results in support of this framework, including identification of the mechanism of a compound that activates the human SIRT3 enzyme, which does not contain a known allosteric site, under physiologically relevant conditions.
Crystal structure of the Al8Cr5-type intermetallic Al7.85Cr5.16
Authors: Geng Xu , Wen Bin , Fan Changzeng
Published: April 2020

An aluminium-deficient Al8Cr5-type intermetallic with formula Al7.85Cr5.16(octaaluminium pentachromium) was uncovered when high-pressure sintering of a mixture with composition Al11Cr4was carried out. Structure analysis reveals that there are three co-occupied positions with refined occupancy factors for Al atoms being 0.958, 0.772 and 1/2. The present phase is confirmed to be isotypic with the previously reported rhombohedral Al8Cr5ordered phase [Bradley & Lu (1937).Z. Kristallogr.96, 20–37] and structurally closely related to the disordered phases of rhombohedral Al16Cr9.5and cubic Al8Cr5.
The role of competitive strategy in the performance impact of exploitation and exploration quality management practices
Authors: Castillo Apraiz Julen , Richter Nicole Franziska , Matey de Antonio Jesus , Gudergan Siegfried
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to advance understanding about quality management (QM) practices by clarifying how competitive strategy conditions the impacts of exploitative and explorative QM practices on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply partial least squares structural equation modeling to data from a sample of German pharmaceutical firms.

Findings

The results show that the impact of exploitative and explorative QM practices on firm performance is contingent on the competitive strategy pursued. Explorative QM practices are significantly more relevant for firms following a differentiation strategy, whereas exploitative QM practices are significantly more relevant for cost leaders. Furthermore, for strategically ambidextrous firms that follow simultaneously a cost and a differentiation focus, the interplay of the two QM practices matters.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to understanding which kind of management practices, exploitative and/or explorative, have greater performance impacts under certain competitive strategy conditions.
Transverse nonlinear vibration of the eccentric rotor in a 12/8 switched reluctance motor
Authors: Wang Feng , Wu Zhiqiang , Li Yajie , Wang Yuancen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate transverse vibration of the eccentric rotor in a 12/8 poles switched reluctance motor (SRM), a transverse analytical vibration model is built by finite element method (FEM) under the interaction of radial magnetic resultant and vibration displacement. External forces, including radial magnetic resultant and centrifugal force, are also derived in detail, according to the variation of airgap and current and other intermediate parameters with rotation angle.

Design/methodology/approach

The transverse vibration response of the eccentric rotor including radial magnetic resultant and vibration displacement is solved by Newmark-β method, after inputting the currents of three phase windings under angle position control strategy. The basic characteristics of radial magnetic resultant and vibration displacement are reflected in time and frequency domain.

Findings

The magnetic resultant vector of the eccentric rotor presents multi-petals star geometric shape. The frequency distribution of magnetic resultant relates to rotation speed, current waveform and the least common multiple of the stator and rotor teeth. However, the frequency distribution of the vibration displacement also relates closely to the first-order critical whirl speed of the rotor. When the rotor is running at certain speeds, it will display superharmonic resonance and show abundant displacement locus.

Originality/value

By using this analytical model and solving process proposed in this paper, the nonlinear coupled vibration response of the eccentric rotor in SRM can be analyzed and discussed rapidly; only the stator’s winding currents obtained by experiment or electromagnetic simulation is needed as input.
Follow the dancing meme: intergenerational relations in the workplace
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the stereotypes about intergenerational conflict in the workplace have any validity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review of the available academic literature and popular reactions to it.

Findings

The perception of intergenerational conflict has created its own negative dynamic that is in itself the main source of tension.

Research limitations/implications

By definition, the review of the literature was selective not comprehensive.

Practical implications

If companies can begin to understand this dynamic at work they can follow steps to eliminate it.

Social implications

A better understanding of the absence of meaningful differences in generational attitudes will contribute to better intergenerational collaboration.

Originality/value

The knowledge that intergenerational differences are small is well established in the literature but, to the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to explore its popular ramifications.
Young adults’ recognition of native advertising disguised as news
Authors: Pasandaran Camelia Catharina , Mutmainnah Nina
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test hypotheses on the effects of native advertising on young media consumers. First, it aims to discover whether the young audience activates news-based schema or advertising schema when exposed to different themes of native advertising. Second, this research tests whether there is a relationship between the theme of native advertising and the credibility of the media in which it is placed and the ability of young media consumers to recognize the advertising. Third, it attempts to seek a possible relationship between the recognition of native advertising and the credibility of the advertiser.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study was carried out using 186 university students in the greater Jakarta area whose ages ranged between 18 and 22 years. Participants were randomly assigned to six groups (2 × 3 experimental design) and asked to respond to a set of questions related to their awareness of native advertising. They were also asked their opinions on the advertiser’s credibility before and after they were told that the content was native advertising.

Findings

Results show that most of these young media consumers could not spot native advertising and have difficulties in recognizing political native advertising. The findings also point out a more profound decline in advertiser credibility among groups exposed to political native advertising compared to nonpolitical native advertising.

Research limitations/implications

Results show that most of these young media consumers could not spot native advertising and have difficulties in recognizing political native advertising. The findings also point out a more profound decline in advertiser credibility among groups exposed to political native advertising compared to non-political native advertising.

Originality/value

This research shows that the theme of the native advertising has a significant influence on the ability of media consumers to recognize native advertising. The results indicate that non-commercial native advertising is highly deceptive. This finding is valuable for the improvement of advertising regulation, especially on non-commercial native advertising.
Agriculture–nutrition linkages with heterogeneous, unobserved returns and costs: Insights from Tajikistan
Authors: Takeshima Hiroyuki , Akramov Kamiljon , Park Allen , Ilyasov Jarilkasin , Liu Yanyan , Ergasheva Tanzila
Published: April 2020

Agriculture–nutrition linkages (ANLs) have been increasingly investigated in the literature. However, nutritional returns and costs of household agricultural production practices (APPs) in semisubsistence settings are poorly understood. We fill these knowledge gaps using pooled cross‐section data sets in Tajikistan, where semisubsistence farming and undernutrition coexist despite relatively good agricultural infrastructure and education systems. Agricultural diversification, yield enhancement, production expansion are positively associated with various nutritional outcomes, particularly in areas with poor food market access. Decomposition exercises suggest that nutritional returns and costs of these APPs vary across households, and the adoption of APPs is driven by the expected nutritional returns. In Tajikistan, improving nutrition through household ANLs requires growing the smallholder agricultural sector in multiple dimensions, including diversification, intensification, and expansion, while also understanding better the pathways of ANLs and addressing bottlenecks at appropriate stages of such pathways.
The effects of autonomy support and psychological capital on readiness for independent living through personal growth initiative among youth in out‐of‐home care
Authors: Kwon Boyoung , Yang Ok Kyung
Published: April 2020

This study explored the effects of the factors on independent living readiness among youth under out‐of‐home care. Specifically, this study focused on the effects of caregivers' autonomy support and psychological capital on independent living readiness through personal growth initiative. A total of 215 youth who were expected to be discharged from caring institution within three years were gathered for the survey, and the final sample was 194 after excluding incomplete responses. Structural equation modeling with Mplus (version 7) was used to test research model and hypotheses in the study. Results showed that the research model was appropriated with several fit indices satisfied and that all the hypotheses were supported. Also, direct and indirect effects of independent variables were fully supported. However, the indirect effect of psychological capital was marginally significant. The results implicate that both caregiver's autonomy support and psychological capital are important for increasing personal growth initiative and that personal growth initiative served as a motivation to facilitating the readiness for independent living among children under institutional care.
VEGFA variants as prognostic markers for the retinopathy in pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: De Vilder Eva Y.G. , Hosen Mohammad J. , Martin Ludovic , De Zaeytijd Julie , Leroy Bart P. , Ebran Jean‐Marc , Coucke Paul J. , De Paepe Anne , Vanakker Olivier M.
Published: April 2020

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare autosomal recessive ectopic mineralization disorder, characterized by skin, eye and cardiovascular symptoms. The most devastating ocular complication is choroidal neovascularization, which is thought to be mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, a molecule encoded by the VEGFA gene. As early detection and treatment is essential to preserve vision, prioritization of patients at risk is crucial, but impossible because of wide phenotypic variability and a lack of genotype‐phenotype correlations for PXE. This study aimed to validate the previously suggested association of five single nucleotide VEGFA variants (rs13207351, rs833061, rs699947, rs25648 and rs1413711) with a severe PXE retinopathy in an independent cohort. Direct Sanger sequencing was performed in 100 PXE patients, with a mild (56) or severe (44) PXE retinopathy. The inclusion criteria for severe retinopathy were a unilateral best‐corrected visual acuity of <5/10 and/or the need for anti‐angiogenic treatment. We found a significant association of three of five variants and borderline missed significance for one. These data further suggest the VEGFA gene to be a modifier gene for the PXE retinopathy. Hereby, we provide the necessary evidence to implement these variants in ocular risk stratification and individualized patient follow‐up.
Cholesteatoma and family history: An international survey
Authors: Collins Rachael , Ta Ngan Hong , Jennings Barbara A. , Prinsley Peter , Philpott Carl M. , Steel Nick , Clark Allan
Published: April 2020

Objective

To explore the relative frequency of a family history of cholesteatoma in patients with known cholesteatoma, and whether bilateral disease or earlier diagnosis is more likely in those with a family history. Associations between cleft lip or palate and bilateral disease and age of diagnosis were also explored.

Design

An online survey of patients with diagnosed cholesteatoma was conducted between October 2017 and April 2019.

Participants

The sample consisted of patients recruited from two UK clinics and self‐selected respondents recruited internationally via social media.

Main outcome measures

Side of cholesteatoma, whether respondents had any family history of cholesteatoma, age of diagnosis and personal or family history of cleft lip or palate were recorded.

Results

Of 857 respondents, 89 (10.4%) reported a positive family history of cholesteatoma. Respondents with a family history of cholesteatoma were more likely to have bilateral cholesteatoma (P = .001, odds ratio (OR) 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35‐3.43), but there was no difference in the age of diagnosis (P = .23). Those with a history of cleft lip or palate were not more likely to have bilateral disease (P = .051, OR 2.71, CI 1.00‐7.38), and there was no difference in age of diagnosis (P = .11).

Conclusion

The relatively high proportion of respondents that reported a family history of cholesteatoma offers supporting evidence of heritability in cholesteatoma. The use of social media to recruit respondents to this survey means that the results cannot be generalised to other populations with cholesteatoma. Further population‐based research is suggested to determine the heritability of cholesteatoma.
Modelled mid‐trophic pelagic prey fields improve understanding of marine predator foraging behaviour
Authors: Green D. B. , Bestley S. , Trebilco R. , Corney S. P. , Lehodey P. , McMahon C. R. , Guinet C. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: April 2020

Biophysical interactions are influential in determining the scale of key ecological processes within marine ecosystems. For oceanic predators, this means foraging behaviour is influenced by processes shaping the distribution of prey. However, oceanic prey is difficult to observe and its abundance and distribution is regionally generalised. We use a spatiotemporally resolved simulation model to describe mid‐trophic prey distribution within the Southern Ocean and demonstrate insights that this modelled prey field provides into the foraging behaviour of a widely distributed marine predator, the southern elephant seal.

From a five‐year simulation of prey biomass, we computed climatologies of mean prey biomass (average prey conditions) and prey biomass variability (meso‐scale variability). We also compiled spatially gridded metrics of seal density and diving behaviour from 13 yr of tracking data. We statistically modelled these metrics as non‐linear functions of prey biomass (both mean and variability) and used these to predict seal distribution and behaviour. Our predictions were consistent with observations (R2adj = 0.23), indicating that seals aggregate in regions of high mesoscale activity where eddies concentrate prey. Here, seals dived deeper (R2marg = 0.12, R2cond = 0.51) and spent less time hunting (R2marg = 0.05, R2cond = 0.56), likely targeting deep but profitable prey patches. Seals generally avoided areas of low eddy activity where prey was likely dispersed. Most seals foraged south of the Subantarctic Front, despite north of the front exhibiting consistently high simulated prey biomasses. This likely reflects seal prey or habitat preferences, but also emphasises the importance of mesoscale prey biomass variability relative to regionally high mean biomass. This work demonstrates the value of coupling mechanistic representations of prey biomass with predator observations to provide insight into how biophysical processes combine to shape species distributions. This will be increasingly important for the robust prediction of species’ responses to rapid system change.
Inter‐colony foraging area segregation quantified in small colonies of Adélie Penguins
Authors: Ito Kentaro , Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Kokubun Nobuo , Takahashi Akinori
Published: April 2020

Theoretical models on the movement of colonial animals predict that neighbouring colonies may segregate their foraging areas, and many seabird studies have reported the presence of such segregations. However, these studies have often lacked the appropriate null model to test the effect of neighbouring colonies on foraging areas, especially in small colonies or in short‐ranging species. Here, we examined the foraging areas of Adélie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae from two neighbouring (2 km apart) colonies by using bird‐borne GPS loggers. The field study was conducted at Hukuro Cove colony (104 pairs) and Mizukuguri Cove colony (338 pairs) in Lützow‐Holm Bay, East Antarctica. We obtained GPS tracks for 504 foraging trips from 48 chick‐rearing Adélie Penguins and quantified the degree of overlap in the foraging areas between two colonies. We also produced simulated movement tracks by using correlated random‐walks assuming no inter‐colony competition and quantified the degree of overlap in the simulated foraging areas. Finally, we compared the results from real GPS tracks with those from simulated tracks to examine the effect of neighbouring colonies on Adélie Penguin movement. The results indicate that the degree of overlap was significantly smaller in real tracks than in simulated tracks. In real tracks, the foraging area of the smaller Hukuro Cove colony extended to the other side of the larger Mizukuguri Cove colony, unlike in simulated tracks. Consequently, we suggest that Adélie Penguins from two neighbouring colonies segregated their foraging areas and that the larger colony appeared to affect the foraging area of the smaller colony.
Barriers to blood pressure control in China in a large opportunistic screening
Authors: Chen Xin , Xu Shao‐Kun , Guo Qian‐Hui , Hu Zhe , Wang Hong‐Yu , Yu Jing , Li Wei‐Hua , Tang Guo‐Bao , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Li Yan , Wang Ji‐Guang
Published: April 2020

We investigated the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in a large opportunistic screening study in China. Our study participants had to be ≥18 years of age and had ideally not taken blood pressure (BP) for ≥1 year. BP was measured three times consecutively in the sitting position with a 1‐minute interval, using a validated electronic BP monitor or mercury sphygmomanometer. Trained volunteer investigators administered a questionnaire to collect information on medical history, lifestyle, and use of medications. The 364 000 participants (52.6% women, and mean age 53.4 years) had a mean systolic/diastolic BP of 124.2/76.4 mm Hg. The proportion of hypertension was 24.7%. In all hypertensive subjects (n = 89 925), the awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were 60.1%, 42.5%, and 25.4%, respectively. In multiple stepwise logistic regression analyses, the odds for unawareness vs awareness of hypertension was higher in men and lower with age advancing, current smoking, and the presence of diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and stroke or transient ischemic attack (P < .0001). The odds for uncontrolled vs controlled hypertension was higher with age advancing and current smoking, and lower with the presence of diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease (P ≤ .03) in 38 207 treated hypertensive patients, and it was also higher with the use of antihypertensive monotherapy (odds ratio 1.13, P = .0003) in 19 523 treated hypertensive patients with specific antihypertensive drugs. Our study identified several factors as barriers to BP control in China, such as male gender, younger age, current smoking, and the under‐use of combination therapy.
Origin and age of metal veins in Canyon Diablo graphite nodules
Authors: Hilton Connor D. , Ash Richard D. , Piccoli Philip M. , Kring David A. , McCoy Timothy J. , Walker Richard J.
Published: April 2020

Previous studies attributed the origin of metal veins penetrating graphite nodules in the Canyon Diablo IAB main group iron meteorite to condensation from vapor or melting of host metal. Abundances of 16 siderophile elements measured in kamacite within vein and host meteorite are most consistent with an origin by melting of the host metal followed by fractional crystallization of the liquid. The presence of the veins within graphite nodules may be explained by impact, as peak shock temperatures, and thus the most likely areas to undergo metal melting are at metal–graphite interfaces. The origin of the veins is constrained by Re‐Os chronometry to have occurred early (>4 Ga) in solar system history.
Model-Based Control and Stability Analysis of Underactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Via Singular Perturbations
Authors: Lei Ming , Li Ye
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the control design and stability analysis for path-following of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), with dynamics restricted to the horizontal plane. As illustration, the time-scale separation caused by different rates of numerous variables is exploited via a singular perturbation model formulation. On the basis of that, a time-scale decomposition method is used to decompose the full system into three-time scale subsystems. The three-time scale structure allows independent analysis of dynamics in each time scale. Therefore, control strategies are designed in each subsystem separately, leading to a reduction of control complexity and a relatively simple control law. This paper also demonstrates the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system with a composite Lyapunov function candidate and provides alternative, simple but generic mathematical bounds on the singularly perturbed parameters. Finally, the simulation results are presented to illustrate the effective performance of proposed controller.
Lifting the innate immune barriers to antitumor immunity
Authors: Rothlin Carla V , Ghosh Sourav
Published: April 2020

The immune system evolved for adequate surveillance and killing of pathogens while minimizing host damage, such as due to chronic or exaggerated inflammation and autoimmunity. This is achieved by negative regulators and checkpoints that limit the magnitude and time course of the immune response. Tumor cells often escape immune surveillance and killing. Therefore, disrupting the brakes built into the immune system should effectively boost the anticancer immune response. The success of anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 have firmly established this proof of concept. Since the response rate of anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 is still limited, there is an intense effort for the identification of new targets and development of approaches that can expand the benefits of immunotherapy to a larger patient pool. Additional T cell checkpoints are obvious targets; however, here we focus on the unusual suspects—cells that function to initiate and guide T cell activity. Innate immunity is both an obligate prerequisite for the initiation of adaptive immune responses and a requirement for the recruitment of activated T cells to the site of action. We discuss some of the molecules present in innate immune cells, including natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, endothelial cells and stromal cells, that can activate or enhance innate immune cell functions, and more importantly, the inhibitors or checkpoints present in these cells that restrain their functions. Boosting innate immunity, either by enhancing activator functions or, preferably, by blocking the inhibitors, may represent a new anticancer treatment modality or at least function as adjuvants to T cell checkpoint inhibitors.
Presumptive pyometra leading to a diagnosis of uterine neoplasia in two queens
Authors: Dornbusch Josephine A , Selmic Laura Elizabeth , Salyer Sarah A , Howard James , Wavreille Vincent A
Published: April 2020

Uterine tumours are rarely reported in cats. This case report describes two older queens with typical presentations consistent with pyometra. However, histopathology of the uteri diagnosed each case with concurrent uterine neoplasia (endometrial adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated sarcoma). One cat survived long‐term, while the other was suspected to have advanced metastatic disease and pulmonary metastasis on postoperative radiographs after developing respiratory distress. Diagnostic tests, including thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound, should be considered when evaluating middle‐aged to older queens suspected of pyometra to screen for evidence of neoplasia and to assess the extent of disease. Histopathological analysis of excised uterine tissue should be recommended to assess for uterine neoplasia in all cats with presumptive pyometra.
Multiple segment total en bloc vertebrectomy and chest wall resection in a dog with an invasive myxosarcoma
Authors: Liptak Julius M , Veytsman Stan , Kerr Shanna , Klasen Jan
Published: April 2020

A 9.5‐year‐old, 22.6 kg, castrated male mixed breed dog was diagnosed with a paravertebral myxosarcoma invading into the T9–T11 vertebrae and dorsal left‐sided thoracic wall. A total multisegment vertebrectomy of T9–T12 and chest wall resection of the left 8th–12th ribs were performed to resect the tumour en bloc. A patient‐specific, three‐dimensional implant was designed and printed to reconstruct the defect in the vertebral column following resection of the tumour. This implant was supplemented with four 2.7 mm string‐of‐pearl plates. The chest wall defect was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Postoperative complications included neurological deterioration, and necrosis of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap resulting in marked pneumothorax and cardiorespiratory arrest 17 days postoperatively.
Mitigating Metal Dissolution and Redeposition of Pt-Co Catalysts in PEM Fuel Cells: Impacts of Structural Ordering and Particle Size
Authors: Cui Yuefei , Wu Yongle , Wang Zhongxiang , Yao Xiaozhang , Wei Yinping , Kang Yongqiang , Du Hongda , Li Jia , Gan Lin
Published: April 2020

Metal dissolution and redeposition are considered to be the most important degradation mechanism for Pt-based fuel cell electrocatalysts. Understanding key factors mitigating the dissolution and migration under realistic proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells is crucial for improving their performance and durability. Using ordered and disordered PtCo electrocatalysts, we address how structural ordering and particle size can affect the dissolution of Co/Pt and their redeposition into the membrane upon catalyst accelerated durability test in PEM fuel cells by statistical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and spectroscopic analysis. Consistent with the improved performance and durability, we observe that both Co and Pt dissolution were mitigated in the ordered PtCo catalyst compared to the disordered one. The suppressed Pt dissolution was evidenced from the relieved particle coarsening and significantly suppressed Pt redeposition/migration in the membrane after the durability test. Moreover, we reveal an optimum particle size range between 2–5 nm for ordered PtCo catalysts, which favors the highest structural ordering degree and hence the highest retention of Co. These results provide a rationale for implementing ordered Pt intermetallic electrocatalysts in PEM fuel cells and further particle size optimization for improved durability.
Charge Storage Mechanism of a Quinone Polymer Electrode for Zinc-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ye , Liang Yanliang , Dong Hui , Wang Xiaojun , Yao Yan
Published: April 2020

The capability for a cathode material to store zinc ions is critical for the viability of an aqueous zinc-ion battery. This work investigates the charge storage mechanism of a quinone polymer via a combination of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Non-hydrated zinc ions are found to be the cation species associated with the quinone-related redox reaction, while the counter anions also participate the reaction probably due to the unique p-dopable linker present in the polymer.
A Durable, Inexpensive and Scalable Redox Flow Battery Based on Iron Sulfate and Anthraquinone Disulfonic Acid
Authors: Yang Bo , Murali Advaith , Nirmalchandar Archith , Jayathilake Buddhinie , Prakash G. K. Surya , Narayanan S. R.
Published: April 2020

A new redox flow battery system based on iron sulfate and anthraquinone disulfonic acid (AQDS) is shown here to have excellent electrical performance, capacity retention, and chemical durability. While these redox couples, iron(II)/iron(III) and AQDS are well known individually, their combination in a redox flow battery is shown here for the first time to provide unique benefits for large-scale energy storage. Based on iron sulfate, a waste product of the steel industry, the active materials cost for this battery is anticipated to be $66/kWh. Cycling studies of over 500 cycles in the symmetric cell configuration show a negligibly low capacity fade rate of 7.6 × 10−5% per cycle. This symmetric cell also shows a notably high average coulombic efficiency of 99.63%. Using a graphite felt electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), we could achieve a peak power density of 194 mW cm−2. The major voltage losses are ascribed to the ohmic resistance of the electrode and electrolyte. Despite the lower cell voltage of the system relative to the vanadium flow battery, the iron–AQDS flow battery system presents a good prospect for simultaneously meeting the demanding requirements of cost, durability and scalability for large-scale sustainable energy storage.
The Effect of Proton Conductivity of Fe–N–C–Based Cathode on PEM Fuel cell Performance
Authors: Reshetenko Tatyana , Randolf Günter , Odgaard Madeleine , Zulevi Barr , Serov Alexey , Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: April 2020

A model–based impedance spectroscopy is used to determine proton conductivity, oxygen transport parameter, double layer capacitance and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) Tafel slope in the Fe–N–C cathode catalyst layer (CCL) of a PEM fuel cell. Experimental spectra of two cells differing by the membrane thickness only are processed using a physics–based model for PEMFC impedance. The spectra have been measured in the range of current densities from 25 to 800 mA cm−2. The ORR Tafel slope of both the cells shows almost linear growth with the current density. In one of the cells, the CCL proton conductivity σ

p
strongly decays at the current density of 100 mA cm−2; this decay is accompanied by the step growth of the double layer capacitance. Other minor variations of proton conductivity and double layer capacitance with the cell current occur also in a counterphase; presumed origin of this effect is discussed. The oxygen diffusion coefficient in the cathode exhibits explosive growth with the cell current. We attribute this effect to formation of temperature and pressure gradients in the CCL due to strongly non–uniform distribution of ORR rate in the electrode.
Effect of Geometric Nonlinearity on Membrane Roof Stability in Air Flow
Authors: Song Weiju , Xu Jun , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Changjiang
Published: April 2020

Membrane materials are widely used in construction engineering with small mass and high flexibility, which presents strong geometric nonlinearity in vibration. In this paper, an improved multiscale perturbation method is used to solve the aerostatics stability of membrane roofs on closed and open structures by quantifying the effect of geometric nonlinearity on the single-mode aeroelastic instability wind velocity. Results show that the critical wind velocities of two models are smaller when the geometrical nonlinearity of the membrane material is neglected. In addition, under normal wind load, the influence of geometrical nonlinearity of the membrane on the aerodynamic stability of the roof can be neglected. However, under strong wind load, when the roof deformation reaches 3% of the span, the influence of geometric nonlinearity should be considered and the influence increases with the decrease of transverse and downwind span of the membrane roof. The results obtained in this paper have an important theoretical reference value for the design membrane structures.
Wearable Sensors Measure Ankle Joint Changes of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease before and after Acute Levodopa Challenge
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Jiang Xu , Zhong Min , Shen Bo , Zhu Jun , Pan Yang , Dong Jingde , Xu Pingyi , Zhang Wenbin , Zhang Li
Published: April 2020

Background. Previous studies found levodopa could improve the activity of the ankle joints of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). But ankle joint movement is composed of four motion ranges. The specific changes of four motion ranges in PD remain unknown. Objective. The purpose of this study was to decompose the complex ankle joint movement, measure ankle joint changes before and after the acute levodopa challenge test (ALCT), and investigate the effects of these parameters on gait performance. Methods. 29 PD patients and 30 healthy control subjects (HC) completed the Instrumented Stand and Walk (ISAW) test and gait parameters were collected by the JiBuEn gait analysis system. The percentage of improvement of gait data and the UPDRS III in the on-drug condition (ON) were determined with respect to the off-drug condition (OFF). Results. We observed a reduction in the heel strike angle (HS), 3-plantarflexion (3-PF) angle, and 4-dorsiflexion (4-DF) angle of ankle joints. We did not find significant difference in the toe-off angle (TO), 1-plantarflexion (1-PF) angle, and 2-dorsiflexion (2-DF) angle among three groups. Stride length improvement rate was significantly correlated with HS (rs = 0.616, P<0.001) and 3-PF (rs = 0.639, P<0.001) improvement rates. The improvement in the sum of rigidity items (UPDRS motor subsection item 22) was also correlated with HS (rs = 0.389, P=0.037) and 3-PF (rs = 0.373, P=0.046) improvement rates. Conclusions. Exogenous levodopa supplementation can significantly reduce the rigidity of patients with PD, improve their 3-PF and 4-DF of ankle joint kinematic parameters, and ultimately enhance their gait.
The Growth of Entire Functions Defined by Laplace–Stieltjes Transforms Related to Proximate Order and Approximation
Authors: Tang Wen Ju , Chen Jian , Xu Hong Yan
Published: April 2020

In this article, we discuss the growth of entire functions represented by Laplace–Stieltjes transform converges on the whole complex plane and obtain some equivalence conditions about proximate growth of Laplace–Stieltjes transforms with finite order and infinite order. In addition, we also investigate the approximation of Laplace–Stieltjes transform with the proximate order and obtain some results containing the proximate growth order, the error, An∗, and λn, which are the extension and improvement of the previous theorems given by Luo and Kong and Singhal and Srivastava.
Pain Vision System for Evaluating Chronic Pain: A Comparison with VAS Scoring
Authors: Wang Bao-Kai , Liu Tang-Hua , Xie Fang , Liu Yan-Qing
Published: April 2020

Objective. To study the value of pain vision system in quantitative evaluation of chronic pain from the perspective of neuroelectrophysiology, as compared with VAS (visual analog scale). Methods. Seventy-one patients with chronic pain were randomly selected to receive pain treatments from August 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, in the Pain Department of Li Zhuang Tongji Hospital. Among all patients, 26 had cervical spondylosis and 45 had lumbar disc herniation. Pain vision and visual analog scoring (VAS) were used to evaluate the degree of pain before and after treatment. The correlation between the pain vision system’s pain ratio (pain ratio) and the VAS score was analyzed. Results. Pain ratio and VAS scores were linearly correlated before and after treatment in patients with chronic pain (Pearson coefficient was 0.730 before treatment and 0.449 after treatment; P<0.001). Conclusions. The pain vision system can evaluate chronic pain well and quantify it in the form of pain degree, which is helpful for objective quantitative analysis of chronic pain. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900026331.
Stigmatisation of Indigenous Knowledge: The Case of Night-running in Western Kenya
Authors: Kwanya Tom
Published: April 2020

Night-runners are perceived as faceless, evil people who run naked in the darkness, thereby wreaking havoc in otherwise peaceful rural villages. This paper investigates the origins of night-running, the mysteries associated with it, the benefits and harms of night-running, and the impact of indigenous knowledge (IK) stigmatisation on this practice. Indigenous knowledge is the body of unique beliefs, attitudes, skills, and practices possessed by communities in a specific geographic setting. In spite of its potential value, scholars point out that indigenous knowledge has been neglected, vindicated, stigmatised, legalised, and suppressed among the majority of the world’s communities due to ignorance and arrogance. Night-running is one of the indigenous practices in Western Kenya that has been stigmatised. Given this, little is actually known about night-running. This study was designed as an ethnographic research through which the views of the residents of Homa Bay County on night-running were investigated, collated, and interpreted as a means of demystifying this indigenous practice. The findings of the study indicate that night-running is intrinsically a harmless practice. However, evil persons such as witches sometimes masquerade as night-runners and can hurt or kill people.