bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic resolution of the genus Cyanothece (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria), with a treatment on Gloeothece and three new genera, Crocosphaera, Rippkaea, and Zehria
Authors: Mareš Jan , Johansen Jeffrey R. , Hauer Tomáš , Zima Jan , Ventura Stefano , Cuzman Oana , Tiribilli Bruno , Kaštovský Jan
Published: March 2019

The systematics of single‐celled cyanobacteria represents a major challenge due to morphological convergence and application of various taxonomic concepts. The genus Cyanothece is one of the most problematic cases, as the name has been applied to oval‐shaped coccoid cyanobacteria lacking sheaths with little regard to their phylogenetic position and details of morphology and ultrastructure. Hereby we analyze an extensive set of complementary genetic and phenotypic evidence to disentangle the relationships among these cyanobacteria. We provide diagnostic characters to separate the known genera Cyanothece, Gloeothece, and Aphanothece, and provide a valid description for Crocosphaera gen. nov. We describe two new genera, Rippkaea and Zehria, to characterize two distinct phylogenetic lineages outside the previously known genera. We further describe 13 new species in total including Cyanothece svehlovae, Gloeothece aequatorialis, G. aurea, G. bryophila, G. citriformis, G. reniformis, Gloeothece tonkinensis, G. verrucosa, Crocosphaera watsonii, C. subtropica, C. chwakensis, Rippkaea orientalis, and Zehria floridana to recognize the intrageneric diversity as rendered by polyphasic analysis. We discuss the close relationship of free‐living cyanobacteria from the Crocosphaera lineage to nitrogen‐fixing endosymbionts of marine algae. The current study includes several experimental strains (Crocosphaera and “Cyanothece”) important for the study of diazotrophy and the global oceanic nitrogen cycle, and provides evidence suggesting ancestral N2‐fixing capability in the chroococcalean lineage.
Differences in Sun Protection Behaviors Between Rural and Urban Communities in Texas
Authors: Cunningham Sonia A. , Yu Robert , Shete Sanjay
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The increasing incidence of skin cancer is a global health issue. In order to identify at‐risk populations in Texas, we compared sun protection behaviors and sunburn history across rural and urban counties.

Methods

An online health screening survey collected data from a nonprobability sample of Texas residents in 2018. Data were weighted by sex, age, race, and ethnicity. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression identified key factors associated with sun protection behaviors and sunscreen use. Weighted Pearson's χ2 test identified differences between urban and rural respondents in strength of sunscreen used and sunburn history.

Findings

Rural residents in Texas were less likely to seek shade (OR = 0.58; P = .004) and less likely to use sunscreen lotion (OR = 0.65; P = .013) compared to their urban counterparts. Sunscreen use was also lower among current versus never smokers (OR = 0.67; P = .034) but higher in those with personal versus no cancer history (OR = 2.14; P = .004). Although rural versus urban residents were more likely to use higher SPF sunscreen (P < .002), they had more blistering sunburns over the course of their life (P < .001) and these injuries were more likely to occur at an earlier age, between 5 and 14 years old (P < .001).

Conclusions

Increased attention to sun protective behaviors among rural communities in Texas is vital to help reduce the high prevalence of sunburn injury and incidence of skin cancer.
Phenology and polyploidy in annualBrachypodiumspecies (Poaceae) along the aridity gradient in Israel
Authors: Penner Shira , Dror Barak , Aviezer Iris , Bar‐Lev Yamit , Salman‐Minkov Ayelet , Mandakova Terezie , Šmarda Petr , Mayrose Itay , Sapir Yuval
Published: March 2019

Local adaptation of plants along environmental gradients provides strong evidence for clinal evolution mediated by natural selection. Plants have developed diverse strategies to mitigate stress, for example, drought escape is a phenological strategy to avoid drought stress, while polyploidy was proposed as a genomic adaptation to stress. Polyploidy as an adaptation to aridity (an environmental parameter integrating temperature and precipitation) was previously documented in annualBrachypodiumspp. (Poaceae) in the Western Mediterranean. Here, we examined whether polyploidy or phenology are associated with aridity in annualBrachypodiumspp. along the aridity gradient in the Eastern Mediterranean. Using flow cytometry, we determined ploidy levels of plants from natural populations along the Israeli gradient, spanning ∼424 km from mesic Mediterranean to extreme desert climates. In a common garden we recorded time of seedling emergence, flowering and senescence. We tested whether the proportion of allotetraploids in the populations and phenological traits were associated with aridity. Contrary to a previous study in the Western Mediterranean, we found no effect of aridity on the proportion of allotetraploids and diploids within populations. Interestingly, phenology was associated with aridity: time of emergence was later, while flowering and senescence were earlier in desert plants. Our results indicate that in the Eastern Mediterranean, adaptation ofBrachypodiumto aridity is mediated mainly by phenology, rather than ploidy level. Therefore, we suggest that genome duplication is not the main driver of adaptation to environmental stress; rather, phenological change as a drought escape mechanism may be the major adaptation.
Ancient geologic events on Mars revealed by zircons and apatites from the Martian regolith breccia NWA 7034
Authors: Hu Sen , Lin Yangting , Zhang Jianchao , Hao Jialong , Xing Weifan , Zhang Ting , Yang Wei , Changela Hitesh
Published: March 2019

Zircons and apatites in clasts and matrix from the Martian breccia NWA 7034 are well documented, timing ancient geologic events on Mars. Furthermore, in this study, zircon trace elemental content, apatite volatile content, and apatite volatile isotopic compositions measured in situ could constrain the evolution of those geologic events. The U‐Pb dates of zircons in basalt, basaltic andesite, trachyandesite igneous clasts, and the matrix are similar (4.4 Ga) suggesting intense volcanism on ancient Mars. However, two metamict zircon grains found in the matrix have an upper intercept date of ~4465 Ma in crystalline, whereas amorphous areas have a lower intercept date of 1634 ± 93 Ma. The younger date is consistent with the date of apatites (1530 ± 65 Ma), suggesting a metamorphic event that completely reset the U‐Pb system in both the amorphous areas of zircon and all apatites. δD values in all apatites negatively correlate with water content in a two‐endmember mixing trend. The D (δD up to 2459‰) and 37Cl heavy core (3.8‰) of a large apatite grain suggest a D‐, 37Cl‐rich fluid during the metamorphic event ~1.6 Ga ago, consistent with the trace elements Y, Hf and Ti and P in zircons. The fluid was also therefore P‐rich. The D‐, 37Cl‐poor H2O‐rich rim (<313‰) suggests the degassing of water from the Martian Cl‐poor interior at a later time. This D‐, 37Cl‐poor Martian mantle reservoir could have derived from volcanic intrusions postdating the younger metamorphic event recorded in NWA 7034.
Attitude towards deceased donation in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Sinh Trần N , Mackie Fiona E , Ninh Lê H , Thúy Hoàng T D
Published: March 2019

Describe the current state of deceased kidney donation in Southern Vietnam and to explore the knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards kidney donation after death. Factors associated with the decision to donate among selective populations in HoChi Minh city were explored. Self‐administered questionnaire of 30 questions to people over 18 years in three different communities were studied, n = 1068; 77% and 63.8% agreed they would donate their own kidney and that of their relatives respectively after death. Factors associated with positive donation wishes were knowledge of the national shortage of organs and brain death as well as positive previous family conversations. Main reason for refusal was lack of agreement within families about donation. The desire for equitable distribution of organs was frequently expressed. The majority of people interviewed in this large study agreed with deceased organ donation. Despite this, few deceased donor kidney transplants are performed in adults and none in children in Southern Vietnam, therefore greater efforts in the donation process and coordination of deceased donor lists is required. Given the correlation between positive donation wishes and knowledge with desire to donate, widespread public education campaigns are critical to the promotion and development of a successful deceased organ donation programme in Southern Vietnam.
Differences in RUNX2 and P2RX7 gene expression between mono‐ and coculture of human periodontal ligament cells and human osteoblasts under compressive force application
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Folwaczny Matthias , Wichelhaus Andrea , Baumert Uwe
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Objectives were (a) to establish an in vitro coculture model of human PDL‐derived fibroblasts (HPDFs) and human alveolar bone‐derived osteoblasts (HABOs), and (b) to measure RUNX2 and P2RX7 gene expression at multiple time points after compressive force (CF) stimulation for different durations.

Setting/Sample population

Human PDL‐derived fibroblasts and HABOs from two individuals isolated from extracted teeth of healthy donors due to orthodontic reasons at LMU's Dental School were used.

Materials and methods

Mono‐ and cocultured cells were subjected to CF by centrifugation (47.4 g/cm2) for 1, 2 and 4 hours at 30°C. Total RNA was isolated before and 2, 4, 8, 16 minutes after CF application. Expression of RUNX2 and P2RX7 was determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In monocultured cells, an upregulation of RUNX2 and P2RX7 expression was found after all CF durations: RUNX2 twofold in HPDFs after 4 hours (P = 0.002) and 1.7‐fold in HABOs after 1 hour (P = 0.009) or 2 hours (P = 0.002) of CF. P2RX7 was significantly upregulated following 1 hour (P = 0.004) and 2 hours (P = 0.002) of CF application in HPDFS. In HABOs, a transient regulation was observed. In cocultured cells, a significant alleviation in gene expression was found for both loci after CF application. In both cell types, RUNX2 expression was significantly reduced in cocultured cells compared to cells in monoculture. P2RX7 expression showed significant attenuation in HPDFs only.

Conclusions

Cocultivation attenuated the CF induced increase of RUNX2 and P2RX7 gene expression in comparison to monoculture in both cell types. This suggests that intercellular communication may exist between HPDFs and HABOs.
Deep supercooling enabled by surface impregnation with lipophilic substances explains the survival of overwintering buds at extreme freezing
Authors: Neuner Gilbert , Kreische Benjamin , Kaplenig Dominik , Monitzer Kristina , Miller Ramona
Published: March 2019

The frost survival mechanism of vegetative buds of angiosperms was suggested to be extracellular freezing causing dehydration, elevated osmotic potential to prevent freezing. However, extreme dehydration would be needed to avoid freezing at the temperatures down to −45°C encountered by many trees. Buds of Alnus alnobetula, in common with other frost hardy angiosperms, excrete a lipophilic substance, whose functional role remains unclear. Freezing of buds was studied by infrared thermography, psychrometry, and cryomicroscopy. Buds of A. alnobetula did not survive by extracellular ice tolerance but by deep supercooling, down to −45°C. An internal ice barrier prevented ice penetration from the frozen stem into the bud. Cryomicroscopy revealed a new freezing mechanism. Until now, supercooled buds lost water towards ice masses that form in the subtending stem and/or bud scales. In A. alnobetula, ice forms harmlessly inside the bud between the supercooled leaves. This would immediately trigger intracellular freezing and kill the supercooled bud in other species. In A. alnobetula, lipophilic substances (triterpenoids and flavonoid aglycones) impregnate the surface of bud leaves. These prevent extrinsic ice nucleation so allowing supercooling. This suggests a means to protect forestry and agricultural crops from extrinsic ice nucleation allowing transient supercooling during night frosts.
A review of hippocampal activation in post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Joshi Sonalee A. , Duval Elizabeth R. , Kubat Bradley , Liberzon Israel
Published: March 2019

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often characterized by deficits in memory encoding and retrieval and aberrant fear and extinction learning. The hippocampus plays a critical role in memory and contextual processing and has been implicated in intrinsic functional connectivity networks involved in self‐referential thought and memory‐related processes. This review focuses on hippocampal activation findings during memory and fear and extinction learning tasks, as well as resting state hippocampal connectivity in individuals with PTSD. A preponderance of functional neuroimaging studies to date, using memory, fear learning, and extinction tasks, report decreased or “controls comparable” hippocampal activation in individuals with PTSD, which is usually associated with poorer performance on the task imaged. Existing evidence thus raises the possibility that greater hippocampal recruitment in PTSD participants may be required for similar performance levels. Studies of resting state functional connectivity in PTSD predominantly report reduced within‐network connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), as well as greater coupling between the DMN and salience network (SN) via the hippocampus. Together, these findings suggest that deficient hippocampal activation in PTSD may be associated with poorer performance during memory, extinction recall, and fear renewal tasks. Furthermore, studies of resting state connectivity implicate the hippocampus in decreased within‐network DMN connectivity and greater coupling with SN regions characteristic of PTSD.
Olga Tobreluts: Stiob Beauty
Authors: PLATT JONATHAN BROOKS
Published: March 2019

In the 1990s, a number of Western art critics, with Dave Hickey foremost among them, rejected the critical aesthetics of negation and distance as elitist, favoring a more mutualist, egalitarian potential they associated with beauty. This article tests the legitimacy of paralleling the New Academy and the concurrent beauty trend in the West. The focus of my analysis falls on the career of Olga Tobreluts between 1990 and 2003. As I argue, the similar appeal to beauty in the work of Tobreluts and the New Academy in fact partakes of both negation and affirmation while ignoring their difference, undermining the opposition between enthrallment and estrangement (or beauty and the sublime) that made the Western debate about beauty possible.
Vladislav Mamyshev‐Monroe, Frog‐Princess of Neoacademism
Authors: CASSIDAY JULIE A.
Published: March 2019

Vladislav Mamyshev‐Monro (1969–2013) represents perhaps the most striking example of the esthetics of transgression that characterized Neoacademism as an artistic movement. Best known for his uncanny embodiment of historical figures and celebrities ranging from Adolf Hitler to Marilyn Monroe, Mamyshev‐Monro/e was a fixture in the underground scene out of which Neoacademism emerged in late‐1980s Leningrad, as well as a close friend of and collaborator with the movement's founder, Timur Novikov. In addition to creating works in a wide variety of media, including live performance, video, photography, verbal text, and painting, Mamyshev‐Monroe played a prominent role in interventions orchestrated by Novikov on behalf of the New Academy of Fine Arts. The artist, whose name, identity, and life story shifted with each new personality he donned, stepped over the line of social acceptability by including in his artistic repertoire icons of femininity, such as Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Mary, Soviet film star Liubov' Orlova, and, most famously, Marilyn Monroe. As a result, Western observers hailed Mamyshev‐Monroe as “the first Russian drag‐queen” at a time when drag had captivated the imagination of commentators in Europe and North America.
Composition and origin of stromatactis‐bearing mud‐mounds (Upper Devonian, Frasnian), southern Rocky Mountains, western Canada
Authors: Zhou Kai , Pratt Brian R.
Published: March 2019

Stromatactis‐bearing mud‐mounds remain an enigmatic reef type despite being common in Palaeozoic ramp settings. Two well preserved Upper Devonian (Frasnian) mud‐mounds in the Mount Hawk Formation crop out side by side in the southern Rocky Mountains of west‐central Alberta and provide an opportunity to develop a new case study that can be compared with the other coeval examples, such as those well‐known ones in southern Belgium, as well as evaluate competing hypotheses for mud‐mound formation. The southern mud‐mound is 46·2 m thick and 38·6 m wide at the base, whilst the northern one is 53·3 m thick and 72·2 m wide at the base, and they exhibit three or four growth stages indicated by interfingering and onlapping geometries with flanking strata. The biota is diverse, but fossils only occupy 10·7% by volume, among which sponge spicules, echinoderms, ostracods, brachiopods and calcimicrobes belonging to Girvanella and Rothpletzella are the most common. Five microfacies are discriminated in the mud‐mounds: biomicrite, clotted micrite, spiculite, stromatolite and laminite, with clotted micrite comprising the largest proportion. There is no internal vertical or lateral palaeoecological zonation, and the presence of calcimicrobes and calcareous algae throughout indicates accretion entirely within the photic zone, in a deeper ramp setting seaward of a large carbonate platform to the east. Stromatactis is abundant and the cavities were mostly due to excavation by currents rather than physical collapse of spiculate siliceous sponges. Formation of lime mud involved a combination of multiple organisms, mechanisms and processes. Cyanobacteria were integral to mud‐mound frame‐building and accretion because they stabilized the surface, often permineralized to form Girvanella and provided organic matter that was decomposed by bacteria. This induced precipitation of micrite, forming early indurated rigid masses, evidenced by the presence of intraclasts, stromatactis cavities, isopachous marine cements, absence of bioturbation and rare synsedimentary brittle deformation. The same microbial components, invertebrate biota and clotted micrite occur in underlying strata, suggesting that there was a protracted period of potential mud‐mound initiation before the exact conditions arose to trigger it. The ramp setting, antecedent sea floor topography and relative sea‐level likely contributed together to control this. This study indicates that mud‐mound formation was controlled by a combination of processes, but they are essentially a microbial buildup.
Multiomics analysis reveals a distinct mechanism of oleaginousness in the emerging model alga Chromochloris zofingiensis
Authors: Liu Jin , Sun Zheng , Mao Xuemei , Gerken Henri , Wang Xiaofei , Yang Wenqiang
Published: March 2019

Chromochloris zofingiensis, featured due to its capability to simultaneously synthesize triacylglycerol (TAG) and astaxanthin, is emerging as a leading candidate alga for production uses. To better understand the oleaginous mechanism of this alga, we conducted a multiomics analysis by systematically integrating time‐resolved transcriptomes, lipidomes and metabolomes in response to nitrogen deprivation. The data analysis unraveled the distinct mechanism of TAG accumulation, which involved coordinated stimulation of multiple biological processes including supply of energy and reductants, carbon reallocation from protein and starch, and ‘pushing’ and ‘pulling’ carbon to TAG synthesis. Unlike the model alga Chlamydomonas, de novo fatty acid synthesis in C. zofingiensis was promoted, together with enhanced turnover of both glycolipids and phospholipids, supporting the drastic need of acyls for TAG assembly. Moreover, genomewide analysis identified many key functional enzymes and transcription factors that had engineering potential for TAG modulation. Two genes encoding glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), the first committed enzyme for TAG assembly, were found in the C. zofingiensis genome; in vivo functional characterization revealed that extrachloroplastic GPAT instead of chloroplastic GPAT played a central role in TAG synthesis. These findings illuminate distinct oleaginousness mechanisms in C. zofingiensis and pave the way towards rational manipulation of this alga to becone an emerging model for trait improvements.
The nonconservative CD177 single‐nucleotide polymorphism c.1291G>A is a genetic determinant for human neutrophil antigen‐2 atypical/low expression and deficiency
Authors: Wu Jianming , Li Yunfang , Schuller Randy M. , Li Ling , Litmeyer Anne‐Sophie , Bein Gregor , Sachs Ulrich J , Bayat Behnaz
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Human neutrophil antigen‐2 (HNA‐2) is exclusively expressed on neutrophils. HNA‐2–deficient individuals (HNA‐2 null) are susceptible to produce isoantibodies. The nonsense CD177 coding single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c.787A>T has been demonstrated as the primary genetic mechanism for HNA‐2 deficiency. We hypothesized that the other genetic variants also contribute to HNA‐2 expression variation and deficiency.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The deficiency, density, and percentage of HNA‐2 antigen on neutrophils from 292 healthy blood donors were determined in flow cytometry. CD177 genotypes were determined by genomic DNA sequence analyses. The full‐length CD177 cDNAs were amplified and sequenced. Additionally, the whole CD177 genomic sequence in eight HNA‐2–null immunized women and four HNA‐2–positive donors were analyzed with next‐generation sequencing. The associations of CD177 SNP genotypes with HNA‐2 expression variation were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A functional CD177 SNP c.1291G>A was identified in the current study. Atypical (trimodal) HNA‐2 expression phenotype was consistently observed in donors carrying the heterozygous c.1291G/A genotype. Phenotype‐genotype analyses of SNP c.787A>T and SNP c.1291G>A revealed that all homozygous 787T‐1291G (TG/TG) genotype donors were HNA‐2 null in healthy blood donors. On the other hand, five of eight HNA‐2–immunized females were homozygous for the 787T‐1291G (TG/TG) genotype while the other three HNA‐2–immunized females had the 787T‐1291G/787A‐1291A (TG/AA) genotype and the lowest HNA‐2 expression was observed in healthy subjects with the 787T‐1291G/787A‐1291A (TG/AA) and 787A‐1291A/787A‐1291A (AA/AA) genotype.

CONCLUSION

The CD177 SNP c.1291G>A is a genetic determinant for the atypical and low HNA‐2 expression, which also contributes to HNA‐2 deficiency phenotype.
Longitudinal evaluation of immunological responses to allergen‐specific immunotherapy in horses with IgE associated dermatological disease, a pilot study
Authors: Radwanski Noel E. , Morris Daniel O. , Boston Raymond C. , Cerundolo Rosario , Lee Kenneth W.
Published: March 2019

Background

The long‐term effects of allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) on concentrations of circulating immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in horses have not been reported.

Objectives

To document changes in clinical severity of horses with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to monitor allergen‐specific IgE and IgG concentrations during a two‐year course of ASIT.

Animals

Nineteen client‐owned horses with a conditional diagnosis of AD.

Methods and materials

Three ASIT groups were randomly assigned based upon results obtained by either intradermal testing (IDT) for regional allergens (n = 7); enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific IgE (n = 6); or a composite of results from both tests (n = 6). Serum concentrations of IgE and IgG specific for allergens included in ASIT were measured at time zero and at four‐month intervals. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record severity of clinical signs at times zero, 12 and 24 months.

Results

Positive correlations were documented between IgE and both immediate and delayed IDT results (P < 0.00001), and between immediate IDT and IgG results (P = 0.003). Specific IgE in sera decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for allergens that were included in ASIT, whereas IgG increased. Across all horses, the mean VAS score decreased by 1.2 units [95% CI: 1.28, 1.14; (P < 0.0001)] during each 12‐month period of ASIT therapy. Improvement in clinical signs was noted in 76.5% of the horses following 12 months of ASIT and in 82% after 24 months on ASIT.

Conclusions and clinical importance

In this pilot study, ASIT in horses with AD provided significant clinical benefit associated with a concomitant reduction of allergen‐specific IgE and elevation of IgG.
Blepharitis in dogs: a clinical evaluation in 102 dogs
Authors: Weingart Christiane , Kohn Barbara , Siekierski Martina , Merle Roswitha , Linek Monika
Published: March 2019

Background

Blepharitis is a common finding in many dogs with various skin diseases.

Objectives

To establish a definition for canine blepharitis versus periocular dermatitis (POD), to evaluate the clinical findings and underlying skin diseases of blepharitis, and to document the effects of blepharitis on tear production in dogs.

Animals

One hundred and two privately owned dogs with clinical signs of blepharitis and a definitive diagnosis of skin disease.

Methods and materials

Prospective evaluation of clinical signs and underlying diseases in dogs with blepharitis alone compared to dogs with blepharitis and POD.

Results

Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely to present with blepharitis than other breeds. Twenty five dogs had blepharitis alone [three dogs (2.9%) without and 22 dogs (21.5%) with cutaneous lesion beyond the periocular skin]. Seventy one of 102 (69%) presented with POD in addition to blepharitis. In six cases a differentiation between blepharitis and POD was not possible. Typical lesions included alopecia/hypotrichosis (97%), erythema (93%), eyelid oedema (50%) and crusts (39.2%). Allergic skin disease (52%) was the most common underlying cause of blepharitis, followed by infectious/parasitic diseases (21.5%), autoimmune disorders (17.7%) and neoplasia (4.9%). Four dogs could not be allocated to any of these disease groups. A diagnosis of parasitism was always accompanied by POD. Reduced tear production was detected in ten of the 53 dogs tested (18.8%).

Conclusion

Blepharitis occurring in the absence of other skin lesions is rare. The most common underlying cause of blepharitis is allergic dermatitis. Measurement of tear production should be recommended in all cases of blepharitis.
An Adaptive Periodical Stochastic Resonance Method Based on the Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm and Its Application in Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Hu Bingbing , Guo Chang , Wu Jimei , Tang Jiahui , Zhang Jialing , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2019

As a weak signal processing method that utilizes noise enhanced fault signals, stochastic resonance (SR) is widely used in mechanical fault diagnosis. However, the classic bistable SR has a problem with output saturation, which affects its ability to enhance fault characteristics. Moreover, it is difficult to implement SR when the fault frequency is not clear, which limits its application in engineering practice. To solve these problems, this paper proposed an adaptive periodical stochastic resonance (APSR) method based on the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm for rolling bearing fault diagnosis. The periodical stochastic resonance (PSR) model can independently adjust the system parameters and effectively avoid output saturation. The GWO algorithm is introduced to optimize the PSR model parameters to achieve adaptive detection of the input signal, and the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is used as the objective function of the GWO algorithm. Simulated signals verify the validity of the proposed method. Furthermore, this method is applied to bearing fault diagnosis; experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed method not only obtains a larger output SNR but also requires less time for the optimization process. The diagnosis results show that the proposed method can effectively enhance the weak fault signal and has strong practical values in engineering.
Nonlinear Dynamics of MEMS Arches Assuming Out-of-Plane Actuation Arrangement
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M. , Najar Fehmi
Published: March 2019

In this work, the nonlinear dynamics of a microbeam shallow arch actuated through an out-of-plane electrostatic force arrangement is investigated. A reduced order model is developed to analyze the static, free vibration, and nonlinear dynamic response of the microstructure under different direct current and alternating current load conditions. A numerical investigation is conducted by comparing the response of the arch near primary and secondary resonances using a nonparallel plates actuation scheme where the arch itself forms a moving electrode. The results show that the nonparallel excitation can be efficient for primary and secondary resonances excitation. Moreover, unlike the classical parallel plates method, where the structure is vulnerable to the dynamic pull-in instability, this nonparallel excitation arrangement can provide large amplitude motion while protecting the structure from the so-called static and dynamic pull-in instabilities. In addition to primary resonance, secondary resonances are demonstrated at twice and one-half the primary resonance frequency. The ability to actuate primary and/or secondary resonances without reaching the dynamic pull-in instability can serve various applications where large strokes increase their performance, such as for resonator-based sensitive mass sensors.
Individuals With Stroke Use Asymmetrical Anticipatory Postural Adjustments When Counteracting External Perturbations
Authors: Curuk Etem , Lee Yunju , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: March 2019

The authors investigated anticipatory postural adjustments in persons with unilateral stroke using external perturbations. Nine individuals with stroke and five control subjects participated. The electromyographic activity of 16 leg and trunk muscles was recorded. The onsets of muscle activity during the anticipatory phase of postural control were analyzed. The individuals with stroke did not show an anticipatory activation of leg and trunk muscles on the affected side; instead, the muscle onsets were seen after the perturbation, during the balance restoration phase. However, an anticipatory activation of muscles on the unaffected side was seen in individuals with stroke, and it was observed earlier compared with healthy controls (p < .05). The individuals with stroke showed a distal to proximal order of anticipatory activation of muscles on the unaffected side. The outcome of the study provides a basis for future investigations regarding ways of improving balance control in people with stroke.
Dual Gene Expression Analysis Identifies Factors Associated with Staphylococcus aureus Virulence in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Jacquet Rudy , LaBauve Annette E. , Akoolo Lavoisier , Patel Shivani , Alqarzaee Abdulelah A. , Wong Fok Lung Tania , Poorey Kunal , Stinear Timothy P. , Thomas Vinai C. , Meagher Robert J. , Parker Dane
Published: March 2019

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen of the skin. The global burden of diabetes is high, with
S. aureus
being a major complication of diabetic wound infections.
A Bifunctional UDP-Sugar 4-Epimerase Supports Biosynthesis of Multiple Cell Surface Polysaccharides in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Schäper Simon , Wendt Heiko , Bamberger Jan , Sieber Volker , Schmid Jochen , Becker Anke
Published: March 2019

Bacterial extracellular polysaccharides serve important cell protective, structural, and signaling roles. They have particularly attracted attention as adhesives and matrix components promoting biofilm formation, which significantly contributes to resistance against antibiotics. In the root nodule symbiosis between rhizobia and leguminous plants, extracellular polysaccharides have a signaling function. UDP-sugar 4-epimerases are important enzymes in the synthesis of the activated sugar substrates, which are frequently shared between multiple polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways. Thus, these enzymes are potential targets to interfere with these pathways. Our finding of a bifunctional UDP-sugar 4-epimerase in
Sinorhizobium meliloti
generally advances the knowledge of substrate promiscuity of such enzymes and specifically of the biosynthesis of extracellular polysaccharides involved in biofilm formation and symbiosis in this alphaproteobacterium.
Multiplex Detection of Three Select Agents Directly from Blood by Use of the GeneXpert System
Authors: Banada Padmapriya P. , Deshpande Srinidhi , Banik Sukalyani , Shah Darshini , Koshy Ranie , Patel Bhavana , Kwiatkowski Robert , Persing David , Alland David
Published: March 2019

Francisella tularensis
,
Bacillus anthracis
, and
Yersinia pestis
are tier 1 select agents with the potential to rapidly cause severe disease. Rapid detection of these bacteria from patient samples at the point of care could contribute to improved clinical outcomes in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
StreptomycesVolatile Compounds Influence Exploration and Microbial Community Dynamics by Altering Iron Availability
Authors: Jones Stephanie E. , Pham Christine A. , Zambri Matthew P. , McKillip Joseph , Carlson Erin E. , Elliot Marie A.
Published: March 2019

Microbial growth and community interactions are influenced by a multitude of factors. A new mode ofStreptomycesgrowth—exploration—is promoted by interactions with the yeastSaccharomycescerevisiaeand requires the emission of trimethylamine (TMA), a pH-raising volatile compound. We show here that TMA emission also profoundly alters the environment around exploring cultures. It specifically reduces iron availability, and this in turn adversely affects the viability of surrounding microbes. Paradoxically,Streptomycesbacteria thrive in these iron-depleted niches, both rewiring their gene expression and metabolism to facilitate iron uptake and increasing their exploration rate. Growth in close proximity to other microbes adept at iron uptake also enhances exploration. Collectively, the data from this work reveal a new role for bacterial volatile compounds in modulating nutrient availability and microbial community behavior. The results further expand the repertoire of interspecies interactions and nutrient cues that impactStreptomycesexploration and provide new mechanistic insight into this unique mode of bacterial growth.
Global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheloni Riccardo , Gandolfi Stefano A , Signorelli Carlo , Odone Anna
Published: March 2019

Introduction

With increasing diabetes trends worldwide, morbidity, mortality and associated costs due to diabetes-related complications are a global public health concern. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is among the leading causes of vision loss at the global level; accurate estimates of DR burden is of crucial importance for planning, implementing and evaluating DR prevention and care interventions.

The available evidence on DR prevalence at the global level, dating back to 2008, only considered data from selected regions. Taking into account the rapidly changing patterns in DR epidemiology, the aim of the current study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to derive solid and updated estimates on global and setting-specific DR prevalence.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review methods have been defined following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from 2008 through 2018 will be identified searching the electronic databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, as well as through grey literature search. Retrieved records will be independently screened by two authors and relevant data will be extracted from studies reporting data on DR prevalence among individuals with diabetes. Prevalence pooled estimates of any form of DR and vision-threatening DR will be computed applying random-effects meta-analysis. Interstudy heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2statistic and explored through meta regressions and subgroup analyses. Depending on data availability, we plan to conduct subgroup analyses by study population, diabetes type, DR severity, geographical region and other selected clinical and sociodemographic variables of interest. Quality appraisal of the studies will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as this is a review of anonymised published data. Findings of the final report will be shared with the scientific community through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at conferences, as well as with key stakeholders, including national and international health authorities, health policy makers, healthcare professionals and the general population.

Clinical trial registration

CRD42018085260.
Risk factors associated with Richter’s transformation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: protocol for a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Hleuhel Mariam Hussein , Ben-Dali Yasmin , Da Cunha-Bang Caspar , Brieghel Christian , Clasen-Linde Erik , Niemann Carsten Utoft , Andersen Michael Asger
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Richter’s transformation (RT) refers to the development of an aggressive lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Studies have shown that 2–10% of patients with CLL develop RT including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and less common Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This study aims to assess the risk factors for RT of CLL in a nationwide cohort. Additionally, we want to examine prognostic factors in patients with RT. These findings may guide management of treated as well as untreated patients with CLL in the risk of RT.

Methods

Clinical data for patients diagnosed with CLL between 2008 and 2016 will be retrieved from the Danish National CLL registry (DCLLR). Using the Danish unique person identification number, clinical data will be merged with histologically verified DLBCL and/or HL diagnoses retrieved from the Danish National Pathology Data Bank. This will ensure complete follow-up for all patients.

The DCLLR includes data from more than 4000 patients with CLL ensuring a median follow-up of 3 years. With the reported incidences (2-10%) of RT, we expect to identify 80–200 CLL patients with RT enabling analysis of overall survival following RT. From time of CLL diagnosis, estimates of cumulative incidence of RT will be calculated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator. From time of RT diagnosis, survival analysis will be performed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models will be used for multivariable survival analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals for data collection and analysis was obtained from the Danish Data Protection Agency and the Danish Health Authorities. All data will be managed confidentially according to guidelines and legislation. The dissemination will include a publication of scientific papers and/or presentations of the study findings at international conferences.
Code sets for respiratory symptoms in electronic health records research: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Jayatunga Wikum , Stone Philip , Aldridge Robert W , Quint Jennifer K , George Julie
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common respiratory conditions, which result in significant morbidity worldwide. These conditions are associated with a range of non-specific symptoms, which in themselves are a target for health research. Such research is increasingly being conducted using electronic health records (EHRs), but computable phenotype definitions, in the form of code sets or code lists, are required to extract structured data from these large routine databases in a systematic and reproducible way. The aim of this protocol is to specify a systematic review to identify code sets for respiratory symptoms in EHRs research.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE and Embase databases will be searched using terms relating to EHRs, respiratory symptoms and use of code sets. The search will cover all English-language studies in these databases between January 1990 and December 2017. Two reviewers will independently screen identified studies for inclusion, and key data will be extracted into a uniform table, facilitating cross-comparison of codes used. Disagreements between the reviewers will be adjudicated by a third reviewer. This protocol has been produced in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

As a review of previously published studies, no ethical approval is required. The results of this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and can be used in future research into respiratory symptoms that uses electronic healthcare databases.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018100830.
Support for, and perceived effectiveness of, the UK soft drinks industry levy among UK adults: cross-sectional analysis of the International Food Policy Study
Authors: Pell David , Penney Tarra , Hammond David , Vanderlee Lana , White Martin , Adams Jean
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To answer four questions: What are attitudes, knowledge and social norms around sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)? What are current levels of trust in messages on SSBs? What is current support for, and perceived effectiveness of, the UK soft drinks industry levy (SDIL)? What is the association between attitudes, knowledge, social norms, trust, SSB consumption and sociodemographic factors; and support for, and perceived effectiveness of, the SDIL?

Design

Cross-sectional online survey.

Setting

UK.

Participants

UK respondents to the 2017 International Food Policy Study aged 18–64 years who provided information on all variables of interest (n=3104).

Outcome measures

Self-reported perceived effectiveness of, and support for, the SDIL.

Results

Most participants supported the SDIL (70%), believed it would be effective (71%), had a positive attitude to SSBs (62%), had knowledge of the link between SSBs and obesity (90%), and trusted messages from health experts (61%), but not those from the food and beverage industry (73%). Nearly half (46%) had negative social norms about drinking SSBs. In adjusted models, older age, non-consumption of SSBs, social norms to not drinks SSBs, knowledge of the link between SSBs and obesity and trust in health expert messages were associated with greater support for the SDIL, whereas having dependent children and trusting messages from the food and beverage industry were associated with less support. In adjusted models, older age was associated with lower perceived effectiveness of the SDIL, whereas social norms to not drink SSBs, negative attitudes to SSBs and trusting messages from health experts and the food and beverage industry were associated with greater perceived effectiveness.

Conclusions

There was strong support for the SDIL and belief that it would be effective. Those with more ‘public health’ orientated norms and trust were generally more likely to support the SDIL or believe that it would be effective.
Sharing learning from hospital trusts on a journey of quality improvement
Authors: Thorne Iona , Cox Jeremy , Baker Edward
Published: March 2019

Background

Quality improvement (QI) has been shown to deliver better patient outcomes, and improved operational, organisational and financial performance when led effectively and supported by organisational systems and training. Surveys of staff and patient satisfaction also show positive effects. In many trusts that Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated as outstanding, a culture of QI has been embedded throughout the organisation.

Objectives

We wanted to hear trusts’ experiences of using QI as a systematic approach to improving service quality, efficiency and morale, and share learning from these organisations to drive further improvement to quality of care.

Methods

Using CQC’s comprehensive inspection programme of all healthcare providers nationally, we identified 19 trusts for inclusion and carried out an in-depth review of their improvement journeys.

Results

We found that commitment from the board and senior leadership is crucial to ensuring success on the QI journey, modelling effective leadership behaviours that enable all staff to deliver improvement. These organisations have a systematic approach to QI, using a consistent model, anchored in a systems perspective, and often across a health system. The model of improvement requires leaders of all backgrounds and frontline staff to work together in improvement, and can help to break down barriers between managers and clinicians, and providers and patients, so there is a shared purpose to deliver better care to patients.

Conclusions

QI is not a magic bullet, but is an important factor in the evolution of an organisation from a traditional ‘command and control’ form of management towards higher performing approaches to the design and management of work.
What are the motivations and barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among black men who have sex with men aged 18–45 in London? Results from a qualitative study
Authors: Witzel T Charles , Nutland Will , Bourne Adam
Published: March 2019

Background

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) have higher HIV incidence and prevalence when compared with other men who have sex with men, despite similar risk profiles. New prevention technologies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), may be effective in responding to these inequalities, provided they are appropriately targeted and acceptable to their intended beneficiaries. This study aims to understand the motivations and barriers of BMSM aged 18–45 to PrEP uptake.

Methods

Twenty-five BMSM recruited through geolocation social networking apps took part in in-depth interviews between April and August 2016. Intersectionality theory was used as an organising principle. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework analysis.

Results

For BMSM with heterogeneous social groups, discussions about sexual health were challenging because of the intersection of ethnic background, family history and religion. This limited conversations about PrEP to gay male friends who often held stigmatising views of condomless anal intercourse. BMSM reported exclusion from gay male spaces (online and offline) which could serve to restrict exposure to PrEP messages. Stereotypes of BMSM intersected with negative conceptions of PrEP users, limiting acknowledgement of PrEP candidacy. For those who had attempted to or successfully accessed it, PrEP was framed as a strategy to mitigate risk and to guard against further stigma associated with HIV infection.

Discussion

BMSM operate within a complex set of circumstances related to the intersection of their sexual, ethnic, cultural and religious identities, which shape PrEP acceptability. Interventions which seek to facilitate uptake in this group must be attentive to these. Health promotion and clinical services could seek to facilitate nuanced discussions about the merits of PrEP for those at frequent risk, perhaps while also providing publicly visible PrEP role models for BMSM and other marginalised groups.