bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize (Zea mays L. Sp.) varieties significantly influence bacterial and fungal community in bulk soil, rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere
Authors: Kong Xiao , Han Zhenfei , Tai Xin , Jin Decai , Ai Sen , Zheng Xiaoxu , Bai Zhihui
Published: February 2020

The plant–microbe interaction can affect ecosystem function, and many studies have demonstrated that plant species influence relevant microorganisms. In this study, microbial communities in bulk soil, rhizosphere soil and phyllosphere from different maize varieties were investigated using high-throughput sequencing method. Results demonstrated that cultivar Gaoneng 1 (G1) showed higher bacterial diversity in soil (both bulk and rhizosphere soils) and lower bacterial diversity in the phyllosphere, while cultivar Gaoneng 2 (G2) had lower fungal diversity in both the soil and phyllosphere compare to the other cultivars. The bacterial community structure of soils among the three varieties was significantly different; however, no significant differences were found in the soil fungal community and phyllosphere bacterial and fungal community. The soil networks from cultivar G1 and phyllosphere networks from cultivar Zhengdan (ZD) have the highest complexity in contrast to the other two cultivars. In conclusion, the bacterial community structure in bulk soil of different cultivars was significantly different, so do the co-occurrence ecological networks of phyllosphere bacterial community. This study comprehensively analyzed the microbial community among different maize cultivars and could be useful for guiding practices, such as evaluation of new plant cultivars and quality predictions of these varieties at the microbial level.
Polesworth abbey (Warwickshire) and the Marmion lord of Tamworth castle: using an Anglo-Saxon saint’s cult in the earlier twelfth century*
Authors: Tringham Nigel
Published: February 2020

A fifteenth-century manuscript gives an account of how a post-Conquest lord of Tamworth castle expelled nuns from nearby Polesworth (Warwickshire), later restoring them after he had been admonished in a dream by the nuns’ patron, St. Edith. The story can be tested against copies of twelfth-century charters, which show that the nuns were installed in Polesworth church anew by Robert Marmion (d. 1144), acting with his high-born wife Milisent. Political considerations were probably foremost in this process, and close ties with the royal family help to explain the convent’s association with the prestigious Continental Benedictine house at Cluny.
Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) derived from commercial logbook, landings, and vessel monitoring data
Authors: Schulte K F , Siegel V , Hufnagl M , Schulze T , Temming A
Published: February 2020

In this study, logbook, landings, and vessel monitoring system data of German brown shrimp (Crangon crangon L.) fishers were combined to analyse spatial and temporal distribution patterns. Landings per unit effort (LPUE) were standardized to the efficiency level of a reference vessel. The standardization altered the spatial–temporal patterns of the LPUE as the vessels differed by a factor of up to 4.7. LPUE data were separated into two size classes according to sieve fractions. Small brown shrimps were characterized by LPUE values increasing early in the year in shallow waters, especially in estuaries in July. Subsequently, peak LPUE values are reached at the end of September in all depths, but with variable spatial patterns between years. LPUE data indicate a general outward migration between early summer and winter. In winter, large shrimp shows a clear increase in LPUE with depths mainly in regions adjacent to the Dutch coast and a reversed pattern close to the Danish coast. The large size class in winter—which consists mainly of mature or egg-bearing females—showed high LPUE values along two persistent diagonal bands in the German Bight. These patterns could lead to local recruitment overfishing, if fishermen are aware of such patterns.
Non-Newtonian channel flow—exact solutions
Authors: Griffiths P T
Published: February 2020

In this short communication, exact solutions are obtained for a range of non-Newtonian flows between stationary parallel plates. The pressure-driven flow of fluids with a variational viscosity that adheres to the Carreau governing relationship are considered. Solutions are obtained for both shear-thinning (viscosity decreasing with increasing shear-rate) and shear-thickening (viscosity increasing with increasing shear-rate) flows. A discussion is presented regarding the requirements for such analytical solutions to exist. The dependence of the flow rate on the channel half width and the governing non-Newtonian parameters is also considered.
Wiman–Valiron Discs and the Dimension of Julia Sets
Authors: Waterman James
Published: February 2020

We show that the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points of bounded orbit in the Julia set of a meromorphic map with a simply connected direct tract and a certain restriction on the singular values is strictly greater than one. This result is obtained by proving new results related to Wiman–Valiron theory.
Standards in Biologic Lesions: Cutaneous Thermal Injury and Inhalation Injury Working Group 2018 Meeting Proceedings
Authors: Moffatt Lauren T , Madrzykowski Daniel , Gibson Angela L F , Powell Heather M , Cancio Leopoldo C , Wade Charles E , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Kovacs Elizabeth J , Finnerty Celeste C , Majetschak Matthias , Shupp Jeffrey W ,   The Standards in Biologic Lesions Working Group, Amini-Nik Saeid , Cancio Leopoldo C , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Christy Robert J , Finnerty Celeste C , Gibson Angela L F , Gurtner Geoffrey C , Holmes James H , Kovacs Elizabeth J , Majetschak Matthias , Martyn J A Jeevendra , Moffatt Lauren T , Muthumalaiappan Kuzhali , Powell Heather M , Shupp Jeffrey W , Supp Dorothy M , Wade Charles E , Grove Brian , Tucholski David , Madrzykowski Daniel
Published: February 2020

On August 27 and 28, 2018, the American Burn Association, in conjunction with Underwriters Laboratories, convened a group of experts on burn and inhalation injury in Washington, DC. The goal of the meeting was to identify and discuss the existing knowledge, data, and modeling gaps related to understanding cutaneous thermal injury and inhalation injury due to exposure from a fire environment, and in addition, address two more areas proposed by the American Burn Association Research Committee that are critical to burn care but may have current translational research gaps (inflammatory response and hypermetabolic response). Representatives from the Underwriters Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Fire Research Laboratory presented the state of the science in their fields, highlighting areas that required further investigation and guidance from the burn community. Four areas were discussed by the full 24 participant group and in smaller groups: Basic and Translational Understanding of Inhalation Injury, Thermal Contact and Resulting Injury, Systemic Inflammatory Response and Resuscitation, and Hypermetabolic Response and Healing. A primary finding was the need for validating historic models to develop a set of reliable data on contact time and temperature and resulting injury. The working groups identified common areas of focus across each subtopic, including gaining an understanding of individual response to injury that would allow for precision medicine approaches. Predisposed phenotype in response to insult, the effects of age and sex, and the role of microbiomes could all be studied by employing multi-omic (systems biology) approaches.
A tiered system using substantial clinical benefit and patient acceptable symptomatic state scores to evaluate 2-year outcomes of hip arthroscopy with the Hip Outcome Score
Authors: Martin RobRoy L , Kivlan Benjamin R , Christoforetti John J , Wolff Andrew B , Nho Shane J , Salvo John P , Van Thiel Geoff , Matsuda Dean , Carreira Dominic S
Published: February 2020

There is no information to define variations in hip arthroscopy outcomes at 2-year follow-up using the Hip Outcome Score (HOS). To offer a tiered system using HOS absolute substantial clinical benefit (SCB) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) scores for 2-year hip arthroscopy outcome assessment. This was a retrospective review of patients having hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and/or chondrolabral pathology. On initial assessment and 2 years (±2 months) post-operatively, subjects completed the HOS activity of daily living (ADL) and Sports subscales, categorical self-rating of function and visual analog scale for satisfaction with surgery. Receiver operator characteristic analysis identified absolute SCB and PASS HOS ADL and Sports subscale scores. Subjects consisted of 462 (70%) females and 196 (30%) males with a mean age of 35.3 years [standard deviation (SD) 13] and mean follow-up of 722 days (SD 29). SCB and PASS scores for the HOS ADL and Sports subscales were accurate in identifying those at a ‘nearly normal’ and ‘normal’ self- report of function and at least 75% and 100% levels of satisfaction (area under the curve >0.70). This study provides tiered SCB and PASS HOS scores to define variations in 2-year (±2 months) outcome after hip arthroscopy. HOS ADL subscale scores of 84 and 94 and Sports subscale scores of 61 and 87 were associated with a ‘nearly normal’ and ‘normal’ self-report of function, respectively. HOS ADL subscale scores of 86 and 94 and Sports subscale score of 74 and 87 were associated with being at least 75% and 100% satisfied with surgery, respectively. Level of evidence: III, retrospective comparative study.
Estimating Chemotherapy Use Among Patients With a Prior Primary Cancer Diagnosis Using SEER-Medicare Data
Authors: Lam Clara J K , Enewold Lindsey , McNeel Timothy S , White Dolly P , Warren Joan L , Mariotto Angela B
Published: February 2020

Cancer treatment studies commonly exclude patients with prior primary cancers due to difficulties in ascertaining for which site treatment is intended. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare patients 65 years and older diagnosed with an index colon or rectal cancer (CRC) or female breast cancer (BC) between 2004 and 2013 were included. Chemotherapy, defined as “any chemotherapy” and more restrictively as “chemotherapy with confirmatory diagnoses,” was ascertained based on claims data within 6 months of index cancer diagnosis by prior cancer history. Any chemotherapy use was slightly lower among patients with a prior cancer (CRC: no prior = 17.4%, prior = 16.1%; BC: no prior = 12.9%, prior = 12.0%). With confirmatory diagnoses required, estimates were lower, especially among patients with a prior cancer (CRC: no prior = 16.8%, prior = 13.6%; BC: no prior = 12.6%, prior = 11.0%). These findings suggest that patients with prior cancers can be included in studies of chemotherapy use; requiring confirmatory diagnoses can increase treatment assignment confidence.
Research with Refugees in Fragile Political Contexts: How Ethical Reflections Impact Methodological Choices
Authors: Müller-Funk Lea
Published: February 2020

Research with refugees poses particular ethical challenges, especially if data is collected in places where most refugees today live: namely countries neighbouring conflict, ones that are sometimes at war with their country of origin and where refugees are exposed to different degrees of legal vulnerability, posing security risks to participants and researchers alike. These challenges are exacerbated when data is collected across countries and includes survey research. The article adds to the emergent literature on ethics in forced displacement by highlighting how security precautions and ethical considerations influence and shape methodological choices. Based on recent fieldwork with Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Turkey in 2018, the article discusses a mixed-methods approach combining in-depth interviews with an individual survey based on multistage cluster sampling, random walks and limited focused enumeration. Advocating for a refugee-centred approach, it elaborates on: (i) how to negotiate ‘ethics in practice’; (ii) how risks and violence influence the choice of fieldwork sites; and (iii) how ethical considerations impact in particular quantitative or mixed-methods studies. It describes the advantages of including members of refugee populations in research teams, as well as open challenges with regard to risks, informed consent, confidentiality, sensitive issues, positionality, advocacy and collaborative writing efforts.
Clustering with JWST: Constraining galaxy host halo masses, satellite quenching efficiencies, and merger rates at z = 4−10
Authors: Endsley Ryan , Behroozi Peter , Stark Daniel P , Williams Christina C , Robertson Brant E , Rieke Marcia , Gottlöber Stefan , Yepes Gustavo
Published: February 2020

Galaxy clustering measurements can be used to constrain many aspects of galaxy evolution, including galaxy host halo masses, satellite quenching efficiencies, and merger rates. We simulate JWST galaxy clustering measurements at z ∼ 4–10 by utilizing mock galaxy samples produced by an empirical model, the universemachine. We also adopt the survey footprints and typical depths of the planned joint NIRCam and NIRSpec Guaranteed Time Observation program planned for Cycle 1 to generate realistic JWST survey realizations and to model high-redshift galaxy selection completeness. We find that galaxy clustering will be measured with ≳5σ significance at z ∼ 4–10. Halo mass precisions resulting from Cycle 1 angular clustering measurements will be ∼0.2 dex for faint (−18 ≳ $\mathit {M}_{\mathrm{UV}}^{ }$ ≳ −19) galaxies at z ∼ 4–10 as well as ∼0.3 dex for bright ($\mathit {M}_{\mathrm{UV}}^{ }$ ∼ −20) galaxies at z ∼ 4–7. Dedicated spectroscopic follow-up over ∼150 arcmin2 would improve these precisions by ∼0.1 dex by removing chance projections and low-redshift contaminants. Future JWST observations will therefore provide the first constraints on the stellar–halo mass relation in the epoch of reionization and substantially clarify how this relation evolves at z > 4. We also find that ∼1000 individual satellites will be identifiable at z ∼ 4–8 with JWST, enabling strong tests of satellite quenching evolution beyond currently available data (z ≲ 2). Finally, we find that JWST observations can measure the evolution of galaxy major merger pair fractions at z ∼ 4–8 with ∼0.1–0.2 dex uncertainties. Such measurements would help determine the relative role of mergers to the build-up of stellar mass into the epoch of reionization.
Deep transfer learning for star cluster classification: I. application to the PHANGS–HST survey
Authors: Wei Wei , Huerta E A , Whitmore Bradley C , Lee Janice C , Hannon Stephen , Chandar Rupali , Dale Daniel A , Larson Kirsten L , Thilker David A , Ubeda Leonardo , Boquien Médéric , Chevance Mélanie , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Schruba Andreas , Blanc Guillermo A , Congiu Enrico
Published: February 2020

We present the results of a proof-of-concept experiment that demonstrates that deep learning can successfully be used for production-scale classification of compact star clusters detected in Hubble Space Telescope(HST) ultraviolet-optical imaging of nearby spiral galaxies ($D\lesssim 20\, \textrm{Mpc}$) in the Physics at High Angular Resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS)–HST survey. Given the relatively small nature of existing, human-labelled star cluster samples, we transfer the knowledge of state-of-the-art neural network models for real-object recognition to classify star clusters candidates into four morphological classes. We perform a series of experiments to determine the dependence of classification performance on neural network architecture (ResNet18 and VGG19-BN), training data sets curated by either a single expert or three astronomers, and the size of the images used for training. We find that the overall classification accuracies are not significantly affected by these choices. The networks are used to classify star cluster candidates in the PHANGS–HST galaxy NGC 1559, which was not included in the training samples. The resulting prediction accuracies are 70 per cent, 40 per cent, 40–50 per cent, and 50–70 per cent for class 1, 2, 3 star clusters, and class 4 non-clusters, respectively. This performance is competitive with consistency achieved in previously published human and automated quantitative classification of star cluster candidate samples (70–80 per cent, 40–50 per cent, 40–50 per cent, and 60–70 per cent). The methods introduced herein lay the foundations to automate classification for star clusters at scale, and exhibit the need to prepare a standardized data set of human-labelled star cluster classifications, agreed upon by a full range of experts in the field, to further improve the performance of the networks introduced in this study.
On the possibility of through passage of asteroid bodies across the Earth’s atmosphere
Authors: Khrennikov Daniil E , Titov Andrei K , Ershov Alexander E , Pariev Vladimir I , Karpov Sergei V
Published: February 2020

We have studied the conditions of through passage of asteroids with diameters 200, 100, and 50 m, consisting of three types of materials – iron, stone, and water ice, across the Earth’s atmosphere with a minimum trajectory altitude in the range 10–15 km. The conditions of this passage with a subsequent exit into outer space with the preservation of a substantial fraction of the initial mass have been found. The results obtained support our idea explaining one of the long-standing problems of astronomy – the Tunguska phenomenon, which has not received reasonable and comprehensive interpretations to date. We argue that the Tunguska event was caused by an iron asteroid body, which passed through the Earth’s atmosphere and continued to the near-solar orbit.
Effect of the surface shape of a large space body on its fragmentation in a planetary atmosphere
Authors: Khrennikov Daniil E , Titov Andrei K , Ershov Alexander E , Klyuchantsev Andrei B , Pariev Vladimir I , Karpov Sergei V
Published: February 2020

Employing the finite element and computational fluid dynamics methods, we have determined the conditions for the fragmentation of space bodies or preservation of their integrity when they penetrate into the Earth’s atmosphere. The origin of forces contributing to the fragmentation of space iron bodies during the passage through the dense layers of the planetary atmosphere has been studied. It was shown that the irregular shape of the surface can produce transverse aerodynamic forces capable of causing deformation stress in the body exceeding the tensile strength threshold of iron.
Measuring significant changes in chromatin conformation with ACCOST
Authors: Cook Kate B , Hristov Borislav H , Le Roch Karine G , Vert Jean Philippe , Noble William Stafford
Published: February 2020

Chromatin conformation assays such as Hi-C cannot directly measure differences in 3D architecture between cell types or cell states. For this purpose, two or more Hi-C experiments must be carried out, but direct comparison of the resulting Hi-C matrices is confounded by several features of Hi-C data. Most notably, the genomic distance effect, whereby contacts between pairs of genomic loci that are proximal along the chromosome exhibit many more Hi-C contacts that distal pairs of loci, dominates every Hi-C matrix. Furthermore, the form that this distance effect takes often varies between different Hi-C experiments, even between replicate experiments. Thus, a statistical confidence measure designed to identify differential Hi-C contacts must accurately account for the genomic distance effect or risk being misled by large-scale but artifactual differences. ACCOST (Altered Chromatin COnformation STatistics) accomplishes this goal by extending the statistical model employed by DEseq, re-purposing the ‘size factors,’ which were originally developed to account for differences in read depth between samples, to instead model the genomic distance effect. We show via analysis of simulated and real data that ACCOST provides unbiased statistical confidence estimates that compare favorably with competing methods such as diffHiC, FIND and HiCcompare. ACCOST is freely available with an Apache license at https://bitbucket.org/noblelab/accost.
Leptospirosis presented with erythema nodosum on four limbs: an unusual presenting
Authors: Davoodi Lotfollah , Kazeminejad Armaghan , Jafarpour Hamed , Razavi Alireza
Published: February 2020

Leptospirosis is a common disease between humans and animals characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations. Erythema nodosum (EN) is a common clinical form of panniculitis or subcutaneous adipose inflammation caused by hypersensitivity responses to antigens, but the presence of EN in a subject with leptospirosis is a very rare case presentation. We will present a 42-year-old man with a headache, myalgia, nausea and rigid tender on the shin and both forearms, which was a typical form of EN lesions.
Inhibition of mTOR suppresses IFNα production and the STING pathway in monocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Murayama Goh , Chiba Asako , Kuga Taiga , Makiyama Ayako , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto , Miyake Sachiko
Published: February 2020

Objective

Increased IFNα is important in the pathogenesis of SLE. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are considered the main producer of IFNα upon Toll-like receptor pathway activation. However, which cells produce IFNα following stimulation with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of IFN genes (STING) in SLE remains unknown. We investigated the IFNα producing capacity of myeloid cells under cGAS-STING pathway stimulation.

Methods

IFNα levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients and healthy controls stimulated with 2′3′c-GAMP, a stimulator of cGAS-STING, were measured by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. STING expression and its co-localization with TBK1 were examined by flow cytometry or confocal microscopy. The effects of in vitro exposure to IFNα on IFNα production and STING expression, and in vitro rapamycin treatment on IFNα production and STING, pTBK1 and IRF3 expression were examined.

Results

IFNα was produced by monocytes, conventional dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells upon cGAS-STING pathway activation. The frequency of IFNα-producing monocytes positively correlated with SLE disease activity. STING expression and its co-localization with TBK1 were increased in lupus monocytes. Prior exposure to IFNα enhanced the IFNα-producing capacity of monocytes. Inhibition of the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway suppressed IFNα production from monocytes and downregulated enhanced STING expression and its downstream molecules.

Conclusion

Enhanced IFNα from lupus monocytes induced by augmented STING pathway activation is associated with SLE pathogenesis. Suppression of the mTOR pathway downregulated the enhanced STING expression and the subsequent IFNα production by monocytes.
Presidential Address: Start Spreading the News: Illuminating the Effects of Climate Change as a Social Problem
Authors: Mezey Nancy J
Published: February 2020

The theme for the 2019 SSSP meetings is a call to sociologists and social scientists to draw on their sociological roots to illuminate the social in all social problems with an eye to solving those problems. The address encourages sociologists to speak as broadly as possible so that the discipline becomes a central voice in larger public discourses. The 2019 SSSP Presidential Address is a call to focus on what is the largest social problem: climate change. After a brief overview of the science of climate change, the address focuses on the anthropogenic causes of climate change and the reasons why climate change is a social justice issue. Looking specifically at rising sea levels, the address then focuses on New York City as an example of the effects of and some responses to climate change. The address concludes with a discussion of how sociologists can and should draw deeply on the discipline’s theoretical roots, empirical tools, and pedagogical skills to illuminate climate change as a social problem.
Using on-demand dry ice production as an alternative cryogenic cold chain for bovine artificial insemination outreach in low-resource settings1
Authors: Kuiper Mark , Spencer Maribeth , Kanyima Benon M , Ng Chin H , Newell Mark , Turyahikayo Silver , Makoni Nathaniel , Madan Damian , Lieberman Daniel H
Published: February 2020

Artificial insemination (AI) is widely used in livestock industries to breed for desirable characteristics and increase yields. The standard practice of storing and transporting bovine semen uses liquid nitrogen (LN), a scarce commodity in many regions of the world. This study explored the feasibility of using dry ice, a more readily available alternative. We developed equipment that dispenses dry ice from widely available liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) tanks into an easily transportable device. In vivo fertility results with a dry ice cold chain showed no statistical difference to the conventional LN method. In vitro bovine semen analyses also showed that storage under these conditions minimally affects characteristics associated with fertility. A dry ice cold chain system could leverage the global availability of LCO2 to expand the reach of AI and other cold storage applications of biological materials in low-resource settings.
SMART2D—development and contextualization of community strategies to support self-management in prevention and control of type 2 diabetes in Uganda, South Africa, and Sweden
Authors: Absetz Pilvikki , Van Olmen Josefien , Guwatudde David , Puoane Thandi , Alvesson Helle Mölsted , Delobelle Peter , Mayega Roy , Kasujja Francis , Naggayi Gloria , Timm Linda , Hassen Mariam , Aweko Juliet , De Man Jeroen , Álvarez Ahlgren Jhon , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney , Daivadanam Meena
Published: February 2020

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications are increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, as well as among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in high-income countries. Support for healthy lifestyle and self-management is paramount but not well implemented in health systems, and there is need for knowledge on how to design and implement interventions that are contextualized and patient centered and address special needs of disadvantaged population groups. The SMART2D project implements and evaluates a lifestyle and self-management intervention for participants recently diagnosed with or being at increased risk for T2D in rural communities in Uganda, an urban township in South Africa, and socioeconomically disadvantaged urban communities in Sweden. Our aim was to develop an intervention with shared key functions and a good fit with the local context, needs, and resources. The intervention program design was conducted in three steps facilitated by a coordinating team: (a) situational analysis based on the SMART2D Self-Management Framework and definition of intervention objectives and core strategies; (b) designing generic tools for the strategies; and (c) contextual translation of the generic tools and their delivery. This article focuses on community strategies to strengthen support from the social and physical environment and to link health care and community support. Situational analyses showed that objectives and key functions addressing mediators from the SMART2D framework could be shared. Generic tools ensured retaining of functions, while content and delivery were highly contextualized. Phased, collaborative approach and theoretical framework ensured that key functions were not lost in contextualization, also allowing for cross-comparison despite flexibility with other aspects of the intervention between the sites. The trial registration number of this study is ISRCTN11913581.
Efficacy of L-carnitine and propranolol in the management of acute theophylline toxicity
Authors: Sherif Naima A , El-Banna Asmaa S , ElBourini Marwan M , Khalil Nancy O
Published: February 2020

Theophylline toxicity results in substantial morbidity and mortality particularly due to its narrow therapeutic index. The development of new treatments for acute theophylline toxicity is a point of research interest. The aim of the present work was to assess the efficacy of L-carnitine (LC) and propranolol in the management of patients with acute theophylline toxicity. The study was conducted on 60 patients with acute theophylline toxicity admitted to the Poison Control Center or Intensive Care Unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital. The studied patients were equally classified into four groups (GPs, 15 patients each): the first group was the control group who received standard treatment protocol for theophylline toxicity. The other three GPs also received standard treatment protocol for theophylline toxicity in addition. The second group (LC group) received LC with a loading dose of 100 mg/kg IV over 30–60 min (maximum 6 g) and the maintenance dose was 50 mg/kg IV every 8 h. The third group (propranolol group) received propranolol, administered slowly intravenous 0.5–1 mg over 1 min; it may be repeated if necessary up to a total maximum dose of 0.1 mg/kg. The fourth group (propranolol and LC) received both IV propranolol and LC in the same doses as previous. Treatment with LC alone or in combination with propranolol resulted in a significant improvement of both clinical and laboratory findings. Although combined therapy yields the best results and outcome, LC can serve as an antidote for acute theophylline toxicity if there is any contraindication to propranolol administration.
Global biodiversity of the genus Ommastrephes (Ommastrephidae: Cephalopoda): an allopatric cryptic species complex
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Fernando Á , Braid Heather E , Nigmatullin Chingis M , Bolstad Kathrin S R , Haimovici Manuel , Sánchez Pilar , Sajikumar Kurichithara K , Ragesh Nadakkal , Villanueva Roger
Published: February 2020

Cryptic speciation among morphologically homogeneous species is a phenomenon increasingly reported in cosmopolitan marine invertebrates. This situation usually leads to the discovery of new species, each of which occupies a smaller fraction of the original distributional range. The resolution of the taxonomic status of species complexes is essential because species are used as the unit of action for conservation and natural resource management politics. Before the present study, Ommastrephes bartramii was considered a monotypic cosmopolitan species with a discontinuous distribution. Here, individuals from nearly its entire distributional range were evaluated with mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA). Four distinct species were consistently identified using four molecular species delimitation methods. These results, in combination with morphological and metabolic information from the literature, were used to resurrect three formerly synonymized names (Ommastrephes brevimanus, Ommastrephes caroli and Ommastrephes cylindraceus) and to propose revised distributional ranges for each species. In addition, diagnostic characters from the molecular sequences were incorporated in the species description. At present, only one of the four newly recognized species (Ommastrephes bartramii) is commercially exploited by fisheries in the North Pacific, but it now appears that the distributional range of this species is far smaller than previously believed, which is an essential consideration for effective fisheries management.
Identification of New Sources of Resistance to Crown Rot and Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat
Authors: Shi Shandang , Zhao Jingchen , Pu Lefan , Sun Daojie , Han Dejun , Li Chunlian , Feng Xiaojun , Fan Dongsheng , Hu Xiaoping
Published: February 2020

Crown rot (CR) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) are two serious wheat diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens in China. To identify new resistant sources for CR and FHB, 205 Chinese wheat cultivars collected from Huang-Huai wheat-growing region in China were screened for resistance. Cunmai633, LS4607, Pubing01, and Hongyun2 showed seedling resistance to CR with disease index (DI) less than 0.25. Sixteen cultivars showed adult-plant resistance to CR with DI lower than 0.10. Twenty-six cultivars showed moderate resistance to CR at seedling stage with DI from 0.26 to 0.35, and 63 cultivars showed moderate adult-plant resistance with DI from 0.11 to 0.20. Among them, Cunmai633, LS4607, Pubing01, Xinong916, Zhengda161, Xumai14017, Zhengpinmai30, Bainong8822, Jimai216, Huacheng865, Fengyumai5, and Tianmin319 showed resistance or moderate resistance to CR at both seedling and adult plant stages, with Cunmai633 showing the best resistance. Most of the cultivars (>76%) were susceptible to FHB in both the 2017 and 2018 experiments with DI > 0.40. However, some cultivars demonstrated excellent FHB resistance. For example, Zhongyu1526, Tianminxiaoyan369, and Yangao168 were resistant (DI ≤ 0.25) in 2017 and moderately resistant (0.26 ≤ DI ≤ 0.40) in 2018; Zhongwo9 was moderately resistant in 2017 (DI = 0.38) and resistant in 2018 (DI = 0.25). Eight cultivars (Cunmai608, Zhengmai162, Minfeng266, Junda159, LS4607, Deyan1603, Pumai1165, and Fengmai12) showed moderate FHB resistance with DI lower than 0.40 in both experiments. LS4607 showed moderate resistance to both diseases. The resistant cultivars identified in this study can be used for mapping the resistance genes and improving resistance to CR and/or FHB.
Characterization of Phn15.1, a Newly Identified Phytophthora nicotianae Resistance QTL in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Ma Justin M. , Heim Crystal B. , Humphry Matt , Nifong Jessica M. , Lewis Ramsey S.
Published: February 2020

Phytophthora nicotianae is an oomycete that causes black shank, one of the most economically important diseases affecting tobacco production worldwide. Identification and introgression of novel genetic variability affecting partial genetic resistance to this pathogen is important because of the increased durability of partial resistance over time as compared with genes conferring immunity. A previous mapping study identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL), hereafter designated as Phn15.1, with a major effect on P. nicotianae resistance in tobacco. In this research, we describe significantly improved resistance of nearly isogenic lines (NILs) of flue-cured tobacco carrying the introgressed Phn15.1 region derived from highly resistant cigar tobacco cultivar Beinhart 1000. The Phn15.1 region appeared to act in an additive or partially dominant manner to positively affect resistance. To more finely resolve the position of the gene or genes underlying the Phn15.1 effect, the QTL was mapped with an increased number of molecular markers (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) identified to reside within the region. Development and evaluation of subNILs containing varying amounts of Beinhart 1000-derived Phn15.1-associated genetic material permitted the localization of the QTL to a genetic interval of approximately 2.7 centimorgans. Importantly, we were able to disassociate the Beinhart 1000 Phn15.1 resistance alleles from a functional NtCPS2 allele(s) which contributes to the accumulation of a diterpene leaf surface exudate considered undesirable for flue-cured and burley tobacco. Information from this research should be of value for marker-assisted introgression of Beinhart 1000-derived partial black shank resistance into flue-cured and burley tobacco breeding programs.
Complete Genomic Data of Burkholderia glumae Strain GX Associated with Bacterial Panicle Blight of Rice in China
Authors: Wang Sai , Nie Wenhan , Gong Qiang , Lee Yaohui , Shui Hanxia , Chen Gongyou , Zhu Bo
Published: February 2020

Burkholderia glumae is a seedborne pathogen causing bacterial panicle blight of rice. Here, we report the complete genome of B. glumae strain GX, which represents the first whole-genome sequence of an isolate from China. The assembled genome consisted of five contigs, with two circular chromosomes of 3,712,850 and 2,750,046 bp and three plasmids of 201,571, 105,587, and 96,100 bp. This complete genome will provide a valuable resource for further studies on bacterial panicle blight worldwide.
Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Sharudin Siti Nurhuda , Saaid Rahmah , Samsudin Amir , Mohamad Nor Fadhilah
Published: February 2020

SIGNIFICANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first time a study looking at the association between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and the parameters affecting the severity of pre-eclampsia has been reported. We provide evidence that SFCT is thicker in pre-eclamptic (PE) patients and speculate on the possible causes.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to compare SFCT in PE, normal pregnant, and nonpregnant women using spectral domain optical coherence tomography and to correlate SFCT with severity of pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study was performed. A total of 150 participants were divided into three groups: group 1 (50 PE women), group 2 (50 normal pregnant women), and group 3 (50 nonpregnant healthy women). Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Other parameters including mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), central corneal thickness, macular thickness, IOP, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were also measured. ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis were used to look at differences between the groups. P < .05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The MABP was higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (103.0 ± 12.9 vs. 83.2 ± 9.8 vs. 89.5 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively; all P < .001). The SFCT of the PE group was higher than in groups 2 and 3 (370.7 ± 23.8 vs. 344.5 ± 30.8 vs. 315.8 ± 49.9 μm, respectively; all P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in central corneal thickness, macular thickness, or IOP between the PE and healthy pregnant groups (all P > .05). The OPP was greater in PE patients (52.8 ± 8.5 vs. 41.9 ± 6.9 vs. 43.4 ± 5.2 mmHg, respectively; both P < .001). The SFCT was positively correlated with MABP (r = 0.464, P < .001), OPP (r = 0.495, P < .001), and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (r = 0.635, P < .001) in the PE group.

CONCLUSIONS

Subfoveal choroidal thickness is higher in pre-eclampsia and is proportional to established markers of severity of the condition. This parameter might serve as a novel predictive marker for the severity of pre-eclampsia.
The Implementation of a Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma Evaluation Protocol
Authors: Esquivel Adrian , Pastrana Irene , Marshall Vivienne , Lukefahr James L. , Mitchell Ian
Published: February 2020

Background

Pediatric nonaccidental trauma (NAT) accounts for more than 1500 deaths annually and is a source of incalculable lifelong morbidity. Evidence-based NAT evaluation protocols are available; however, compliance studies are lacking. Here, we analyze the quality of implementation of a new NAT evaluation protocol.

Methods

A review of registry data from a level 3 trauma center was performed for patients with a suspicion of NAT from September 2014 to May 2016. Compliance rates and results of 2 new age-based evaluation protocols were examined before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) a multidisciplinary conference was initiated to improve performance.

Results

Seventy-five children underwent evaluation for NAT during the study period. In phase 1, median compliance rates with all of the protocol elements were low (63%). After a bimonthly multidisciplinary conference was initiated, compliance rates improved to 75%. Some elements, which were often missed, were found to be clinically irrelevant. If only clinically relevant elements were included, median compliance in phase 2 is 86%.

Conclusions

Compliance with a new protocol for NAT was improved with the institution of a multidisciplinary conference. Protocol elements, which are shown to be clinically unnecessary, have also been identified and will be eliminated.
Water collection and transport in bioinspired nested triangular patterns
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Feng Wei
Published: February 2020

To address water shortages worldwide, proactive measures are needed to supplement the water supply. In arid regions, many plants and animals use fog or the moisture in air as a source of water. An important consideration for efficient water collection is to transport collected water droplets as rapidly as possible to storage/use before they are evaporated. Triangular geometry has been used for faster transport of water droplets. In the case of a triangular geometry, if a droplet is placed at its apex, the droplet is driven across the triangular region by the Laplace pressure gradient. However, the magnitude of the gradient decreases along the triangle. In this study, nested triangles were designed to provide a higher pressure gradient. Water condensation and transport studies were carried out on the nested pattern at a temperature below the dew point in ambient air. It was found that the nested pattern increases the droplet travel speed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Adsorption and superficial transport of oil on biological and bionic superhydrophobic surfaces: a novel technique for oil–water separation
Authors: Barthlott W. , Moosmann M. , Noll I. , Akdere M. , Wagner J. , Roling N. , Koepchen-Thomä L. , Azad M. A. K. , Klopp K. , Gries T. , Mail M.
Published: February 2020

Superhydrophobicity is a physical feature of surfaces occurring in many organisms and has been applied (e.g. lotus effect) in bionic technical applications. Some aquatic species are able to maintain persistent air layers under water (
Salvinia
effect) and thus become increasingly interesting for drag reduction and other ‘bioinspired’ applications. However, another feature of superhydrophobic surfaces, i.e. the adsorption (not absorption) and subsequent superficial transportation and desorption capability for oil, has been neglected. Intense research is currently being carried out on oil-absorbing bulk materials like sponges, focusing on oleophilic surfaces and meshes to build membranes for oil–water separation. This requires an active pumping of oil–water mixtures onto or through the surface. Here, we present a novel passive, self-driven technology to remove oil from water surfaces. The oil is adsorbed onto a superhydrophobic material (e.g. textiles) and transported on its surface. Vertical and horizontal transportation is possible above or below the oil-contaminated water surface. The transfer in a bioinspired novel bionic oil adsorber is described. The oil is transported into a container and thus removed from the surface. Prototypes have proven to be an efficient and environmentally friendly technology to clean oil spills from water without chemicals or external energy supply.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Mimicking high strength lightweight novel structures inspired from the trabecular bone microarchitecture
Authors: Kumar Navin , Kumar Amit , Uniyal Piyush , Ramalingaiah Boda , Sharma Sidharath , Goni Vijay G. , Aggarwal Sameer , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Bhushan Bharat
Published: February 2020

Nature's evolution of a billion years has advanced flawless functionality in limitless optimized structures like bone structural adaptation in various physiological behaviours. In this study, porous structures are designed and fabricated from the nature-inspired trabecular bone microarchitecture. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the porous trabecular architecture from the compressive proximal zone of the femoral head was constructed using the micro-computed tomography scanning tool. The model was modified to get porous structures of different volume fractions varying from 20 to 40% with an increment of 10%. The obtained porous structures were 3D printed and analysed for deformation-resistant behaviour. Quasi-static compressive loading was performed at different strain rates (0.001–1 s
−1
) to get an insight into lightweight, high strength structural behaviour. Mechanical parameters, such as specific modulus, specific strength and specific energy absorption, were analysed for the optimal volume fraction. The original volume fraction (30%) of the trabecular bone shows the highest value of mechanical parameters. This study can help engineers to select and design lightweight porous structures with high energy-absorbing capacity, mimicking the desired architecture and porosity available in nature.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 3)’.
Changes in epidemiologic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated over 10 years from Japanese children with pharyngotonsillitis
Authors: Ubukata Kimiko , Wajima Takeaki , Morozumi Miyuki , Sakuma Megumi , Tajima Takeshi , Matsubara Keita , Itahashi Koju , Iwata Satoshi
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Pharyngotonsillitis caused by

Streptococcus pyogenes

(group A streptococci, or GAS) is among the most common infections treated with antibiotics in pediatric patients.

Aim. This study aimed to analyse changes in molecular epidemiology and antibiotic susceptibility among GAS isolates in three study periods spanning 10 years.

Methodology. GAS isolated from paediatric patients with pharyngotonsillitis during Period I (mid-2007 to 2008, n=235), Period II (2012, n=210), and Period III (2018, n=189) were analysed for emm type, multilocus sequence type (MLST), antibiotic susceptibility, and macrolide (ML)- and quinolone (QL)-resistance genes.

Results. Over 20 % of isolates represented emm1 and emm12 types, remaining common in all three periods. Among other emm types, emm4 was common in Period I, emm28 and emm89 in Period II, and emm3 and emm89 in Period III. All isolates remained highly susceptible to penicillins and cephalosporins. Isolates possessing mefA, ermA, or ermB genes mediating ML resistance increased from 34.9 % in Period I to 60.9 % in Period II, but fell to 27.5 % in Period III. QL-resistant isolates with amino acid substitutions affecting ParC and/or GyrA gradually increased from 11.5 to 14.3 %. Specific sequence types identified by MLST and emm typing were associated closely with ML or QL resistance.

Conclusion. Our findings indicate that even in ambulatory care, antibiotic choice for these infections should be based on rapid identification and characterization of causative pathogens.