bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differing climate and landscape effects on regional dryland vegetation responses during wet periods allude to future patterns
Authors: Petrie Matthew D. , Peters Debra P. C. , Burruss N. Dylan , Ji Wenjie , Savoy Heather M.
Published: June 2019

Dryland vegetation is influenced by biotic and abiotic land surface template (LST) conditions and precipitation (PPT), such that enhanced vegetation responses to periods of high PPT may be shaped by multiple factors. High PPT stochasticity in the Chihuahuan Desert suggests that enhanced responses across broad geographic areas are improbable. Yet, multiyear wet periods may homogenize PPT patterns, interact with favorable LST conditions, and in this way produce enhanced responses. In contrast, periods containing multiple extreme high PPT pulse events could overwhelm LST influences, suggesting a divergence in how climate change could influence vegetation by altering PPT periods. Using a suite of stacked remote sensing and LST datasets from the 1980s to the present, we evaluated PPT‐LST‐Vegetation relationships across this region and tested the hypothesis that enhanced vegetation responses would be initiated by high PPT, but that LST favorability would underlie response magnitude, producing geographic differences between wet periods. We focused on two multiyear wet periods; one of above average, regionally distributed PPT (1990–1993) and a second with locally distributed PPT that contained two extreme wet pulses (2006–2008). 1990–1993 had regional vegetation responses that were correlated with soil properties. 2006–2008 had higher vegetation responses over a smaller area that were correlated primarily with PPT and secondarily to soil properties. Within the overlapping PPT area of both periods, enhanced vegetation responses occurred in similar locations. Thus, LST favorability underlied the geographic pattern of vegetation responses, whereas PPT initiated the response and controlled response area and maximum response magnitude. Multiyear periods provide foresight on the differing impacts that directional changes in mean climate and changes in extreme PPT pulses could have in drylands. Our study shows that future vegetation responses during wet periods will be tied to LST favorability, yet will be shaped by the pattern and magnitude of multiyear PPT events.
Can transfer of development rights programs save farmland in metropolitan counties?
Authors: Fang Li , Howland Marie , Kim Jinyhup , Peng Qiong , Wu Jiemin
Published: June 2019

Transfer development rights (TDR) programs have been gaining popularity as a tool for farmland preservation, as they compensate landowners at minimal public cost. This study shows that despite their wide adoption, TDR programs do not save much farmland on the urban fringe. We use Department of Agriculture data and apply two quasi‐experimental methods, synthetic control, and difference‐in‐difference, to evaluate the effect of TDR programs on farm retention for three fringe metropolitan counties in the state of Maryland. We also compare land use patterns before and after TDR implementation in these counties. The result shows limited effects of TDR programs on farm preservation, even in Montgomery County, one of the national models for TDR programs. TDR programs do contribute to low and medium density residential development. This cautions observation planners about their enthusiasm toward TDR programs and highlights the difficulty of preserving farmland on the fringe of metropolitan regions. We compare the features of the studied TDR programs, and highlight those that account for the programs’ relative success/failure. Based on these analyses, we make recommendations to planners to help improve TDR effectiveness.
The disparity in caries and sealants between migrant and native children in Shanghai: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zeng Xiaoli , Jiang Yiwei , Xu Wei , Wang Xun , Li Cunrong , Zhang Ying , Liu Yuehua , Wang Yan
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the disparity in dental caries between native and migrant children in Shanghai, China.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2015, a random cluster sample of native and migrant children aged 5, 9, 12 and 15 years was collected from each district in Shanghai. Oral examination was performed following the World Health Organization (WHO) method, and findings were reported as decayed‐missing‐filled teeth of primary dentition (dmft) and permanent dentition (DMFT).

Results

A total of 10 150 children were examined, and 33.6% of them were migrants. Migrant children had a higher prevalence of deciduous caries than native children (the 5‐year‐old age group, 67.8% vs 63.0%, P = 0.024; the 9‐year‐old age group, 75.9% vs 66.1%, P < 0.001), and higher dmft values were found in migrant children. But with respect to permanent teeth, no statistical differences were found between the two groups in caries prevalence or DMFT. After controlling for potential confounders by logistic regression, migrant children showed a higher risk of deciduous caries (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.25‐1.61, P < 0.001) but not of permanent caries. Migrant children exhibited relatively lower deciduous Restorative Care Index (RCI). However, 9‐ and 15‐year‐old migrant children had a higher permanent RCI than their native counterparts.

Conclusions

Dental caries prevalence in migrant children was higher in the deciduous teeth but not in the permanent teeth compared to that in their native counterparts. School‐based dental public health services may contribute to reducing the disparity in dental health status between migrant and native children.
The change in pharmacists’ attitude, confidence and job satisfaction following participation in a novel hypertension support service
Authors: Shoji Masaki , Onda Mitsuko , Okada Hiroshi , Sakane Naoki , Nakayama Takeo
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To demonstrate how the confidence, attitude and job satisfaction of pharmacists who provide interventions and lifestyle support services to patients with hypertension are altered.

Methods

This study was a before-and-after study that used data from 50 pharmacists who participated in the Community Pharmacists Assist for Blood Pressure (COMPASS-BP) study, which was an interventional study that was conducted in Japan to evaluate the effects of lifestyle support services provided to hypertension patients. The pharmacists received 4 h of training before the study was initiated to learn how to quickly provide patients with guidance about diet and exercise and tobacco and alcohol consumption. During the interventional period, each pharmacist provided concise lifestyle guidance to 1–3 hypertension patients. The pharmacists met with the patients a total of 5 times. The parameters that were assessed were the pharmacists’ attitudes towards and confidence in their lifestyle support services, as well as their level of job satisfaction. We verified the scores of each parameter assessed before and after the study, as well as changes in the relationships among the different parameters.

Key findings

Significant increases from baseline to the end of the study were observed for Confidence (P < 0.01), Job satisfaction, including ‘Knowledge’ (P < 0.01), ‘Patient counselling management’ (P = 0.04) and ‘Sense of personal growth’ (P < 0.01). Additionally, path analysis results revealed that after the study, the causal relationship between ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Attitude’ disappeared, and a new causal relationship appeared between ‘Patient counselling and management’ and ‘Attitude’.

Conclusions

Providing lifestyle guidance improved pharmacists’ confidence and attitude. Also, ‘Attitude’ tended to improve as the ‘Patient counselling and management’ score increased.
Ethyl pyruvate attenuates ventilation‐induced diaphragm dysfunction through high‐mobility group box‐1 in a murine endotoxaemia model
Authors: Liu Yung‐Yang , Chen Ning‐Hung , Chang Chih‐Hao , Lin Shih‐Wei , Kao Kuo‐Chin , Hu Han‐Chung , Chang Gwo‐Jyh , Li Li‐Fu
Published: June 2019

Mechanical ventilation (MV) can save the lives of patients with sepsis. However, MV in both animal and human studies has resulted in ventilator‐induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). Sepsis may promote skeletal muscle atrophy in critically ill patients. Elevated high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) levels are associated with patients requiring long‐term MV. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has been demonstrated to lengthen survival in patients with severe sepsis. We hypothesized that the administration of HMGB1 inhibitor EP or anti‐HMGB1 antibody could attenuate sepsis‐exacerbated VIDD by repressing HMGB1 signalling. Male C57BL/6 mice with or without endotoxaemia were exposed to MV (10 mL/kg) for 8 hours after administrating either 100 mg/kg of EP or 100 mg/kg of anti‐HMGB1 antibody. Mice exposed to MV with endotoxaemia experienced augmented VIDD, as indicated by elevated proteolytic, apoptotic and autophagic parameters. Additionally, disarrayed myofibrils and disrupted mitochondrial ultrastructures, as well as increased HMGB1 mRNA and protein expression, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 protein, oxidative stress, autophagosomes and myonuclear apoptosis were also observed. However, MV suppressed mitochondrial cytochrome C and diaphragm contractility in mice with endotoxaemia (P < 0.05). These deleterious effects were alleviated by pharmacologic inhibition with EP or anti‐HMGB1 antibody (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that EP attenuates endotoxin‐enhanced VIDD by inhibiting HMGB1 signalling pathway.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic management of a vascular entrapment of the sacral nerve roots causing pelvic pain
Authors: Taner Usta , Aysel Ozkaynak , Ahmet Kale , Gulfem Basol
Published: June 2019

The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the robot‐assisted laparoscopic decompression approach to treat the aberrant vessels entrapping the sacral nerves causing pelvic pain. A 34‐year‐old female patient had been complaining about pelvic pain on the left perineal region which was radiating to the sacral 1–2 nerves dermatome for 3 years. Decompression of sacral nerve roots and sciatic nerve was performed via robot‐assisted and a four‐arm Da Vinci Si Surgical System laparoscopic approach. This case report is the first presentation of robot‐assisted laparoscopic management of a vascular entrapment of the sacral nerve roots. The robotic technique offers, three‐dimensional vision, improved maneuverability and enhanced ergonomics in the deepest area in the pelvis and could be a valid alternative to laparoscopy in the treatment of intrapelvic neurovascular entrapments.
Trainee perception of cognitive load during observed faculty staff teaching of procedural skills
Authors: Sewell Justin L , Young John Q , Boscardin Christy K , ten Cate Olle , O'Sullivan Patricia S
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Although teachers impact learners’ cognitive load, how specific teaching activities affect intrinsic, germane and extraneous load during procedural skills training is unknown. We sought to characterise teaching activities used in the exemplar procedural setting of colonoscopy, and to explore how they were enacted and how learners perceived them as affecting intrinsic, germane and extraneous cognitive load.

Methods

We observed 10 colonoscopies performed by eight different gastroenterology fellows and supervised by 10 different attending physicians at two hospitals, and recorded the teaching activities observed, as well as details of when they were used and how they were enacted. After the colonoscopy, each fellow completed the Cognitive Load Inventory for Colonoscopy to quantify intrinsic, germane and extraneous load. We then interviewed each fellow to determine how he or she perceived teaching as affecting cognitive load. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Instances of germane load‐promoting activities were correlated with measured germane load.

Results

We observed 515 instances of teaching activities. The intensity of teaching varied substantially, ranging from 0.7 to 3.3 activities per minute, as did the pattern of teaching activities used by different attending physicians. Little teaching occurred immediately before or after a procedure. Fellows usually perceived teaching as affecting cognitive load in ways that promoted learning, particularly by reducing intrinsic load and increasing germane load. Fellows strongly perceived that the provision of autonomy promoted germane load. Conversely, fellows perceived that excessive teaching increased extraneous load. Instances of germane load‐promoting teaching activities correlated moderately with measured germane load.

Conclusions

Teaching in the exemplar procedural setting of colonoscopy affected learners’ cognitive load in mostly beneficial ways, yet even ‘good’ teaching activities had detrimental effects when used excessively. Teachers of procedures should consider learner experience, task complexity and environmental factors to modulate the modality, content and intensity of teaching to promote balanced cognitive load and learning. Teaching more reservedly during the procedure and taking advantage of pre‐ and post‐procedure opportunities may help.
Intratumoural immune cell landscape in germinoma reveals multipotent lineages and exhibits prognostic significance
Authors: Takami H. , Fukushima S. , Aoki K. , Satomi K. , Narumi K. , Hama N. , Matsushita Y. , Fukuoka K. , Yamasaki K. , Nakamura T. , Mukasa A. , Saito N. , Suzuki T. , Yanagisawa T. , Nakamura H. , Sugiyama K. , Tamura K. , Maehara T. , Nakada M. , Nonaka M. , Asai A. , Yokogami K. , Takeshima H. , Iuchi T. , Kanemura Y. , Kobayashi K. , Nagane M. , Kurozumi K. , Yoshimoto K. , Matsuda M. , Matsumura A. , Hirose Y. , Tokuyama T. , Kumabe T. , Ueki K. , Narita Y. , Shibui S. , Totoki Y. , Shibata T. , Nakazato Y. , Nishikawa R. , Matsutani M. , Ichimura K. ,   the Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor Genome Analysis Consortium (the iGCT Consortium)
Published: June 2019

Aims

Alterations in microenvironments are a hallmark of cancer, and these alterations in germinomas are of particular significance. Germinoma, the most common subtype of central nervous system germ cell tumours, often exhibits massive immune cell infiltration intermingled with tumour cells. The role of these immune cells in germinoma, however, remains unknown.

Methods

We investigated the cellular constituents of immune microenvironments and their clinical impacts on prognosis in 100 germinoma cases.

Results

Patients with germinomas lower in tumour cell content (i.e. higher immune cell infiltration) had a significantly longer progression‐free survival time than those with higher tumour cell contents (P = 0.03). Transcriptome analyses and RNA in‐situ hybridization indicated that infiltrating immune cells comprised a wide variety of cell types, including lymphocytes and myelocyte‐lineage cells. High expression of CD4 was significantly associated with good prognosis, whereas elevated nitric oxide synthase 2 was associated with poor prognosis. PD1 (PDCD1) was expressed by immune cells present in most germinomas (93.8%), and PD‐L1 (CD274) expression was found in tumour cells in the majority of germinomas examined (73.5%).

Conclusions

The collective data strongly suggest that infiltrating immune cells play an important role in predicting treatment response. Further investigation should lead to additional categorization of germinoma to safely reduce treatment intensity depending on tumour/immune cell balance and to develop possible future immunotherapies.
Increased matrix metalloproteinases expression in tuberous sclerosis complex: modulation by microRNA 146a and 147bin vitro
Authors: Broekaart D. W. M. , van Scheppingen J. , Anink J. J. , Wierts L. , van het Hof B. , Jansen F. E. , Spliet W. G. , van Rijen P. C. , Kamphuis W. W. , de Vries H. E. , Aronica E. , van Vliet E. A.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) control proteolysis within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain. Dysfunction of this enzymatic system due to brain inflammation can disrupt the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, this has not been extensively studied in the epileptogenic human brain.

Methods

We investigated the expression and cellular localization of major MMPs (MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and MMP14) and TIMPs (TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3 and TIMP4) using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry in resected epileptogenic brain tissue from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intractable epilepsy and prominent neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we determined whether anti‐inflammatory microRNAs, miR146a and miR147b, which can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level, could attenuate dysregulated MMP and TIMP expression in TSC tuber‐derived astroglial cultures.

Results

We demonstrated higher mRNA and protein expression of MMPs and TIMPs in TSC tubers compared to control and perituberal brain tissue, particularly in dysmorphic neurons and giant cells, as well as in reactive astrocytes, which was associated with BBB dysfunction. More importantly, IL‐1β‐induced dysregulation ofMMP3,TIMP2,TIMP3 and TIMP4could be rescued by miR146a and miR147b in tuber‐derived TSC cultures.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of dysregulation of the MMP/TIMP proteolytic system in TSC, which is associated with BBB dysfunction. As dysregulated MMP and TIMP expression can be amelioratedin vitroby miR146a and miR147b, these miRNAs deserve further investigation as a novel therapeutic approach.
Calcium signals in guard cells enhance the efficiency by which abscisic acid triggers stomatal closure
Authors: Huang Shouguang , Waadt Rainer , Nuhkat Maris , Kollist Hannes , Hedrich Rainer , Roelfsema M. Rob G.
Published: June 2019

During drought, abscisic acid (ABA) induces closure of stomata via a signaling pathway that involves the calcium (Ca2+)‐independent protein kinase OST1, as well as Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases. However, the interconnection between OST1 and Ca2+ signaling in ABA‐induced stomatal closure has not been fully resolved.

ABA‐induced Ca2+ signals were monitored in intact Arabidopsis leaves, which express the ratiometric Ca2+ reporter R‐GECO1‐mTurquoise and the Ca2+‐dependent activation of S‐type anion channels was recorded with intracellular double‐barreled microelectrodes.

ABA triggered Ca2+ signals that occurred during the initiation period, as well as in the acceleration phase of stomatal closure. However, a subset of stomata closed in the absence of Ca2+ signals. On average, stomata closed faster if Ca2+ signals were elicited during the ABA response. Loss of OST1 prevented ABA‐induced stomatal closure and repressed Ca2+ signals, whereas elevation of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration caused a rapid activation of SLAC1 and SLAH3 anion channels.

Our data show that the majority of Ca2+ signals are evoked during the acceleration phase of stomatal closure, which is initiated by OST1. These Ca2+ signals are likely to activate Ca2+‐dependent protein kinases, which enhance the activity of S‐type anion channels and boost stomatal closure.
A safe minimum standard, the elasticity of substitution, and the cleanup of the Ganges in Varanasi
Authors: Xing Shiqi , Batabyal Amitrajeet A.
Published: June 2019

Despite repeated calls for a thorough cleanup of water pollution in the Ganges river, there are only two papers in the social sciences by Batabyal and Beladi (2017, 2019) that have shed theoretical light on this cleanup problem and its connection to the sustainability of tourism in Varanasi. Hence, we extend the above‐mentioned analyses and focus on two specific questions. First, we introduce the notion of a safe minimum standard (SMS) into the study and show how to analyze a probabilistic model of the Ganges cleanup problem when the SMS is accounted for. Second, for a representative citizen of Varanasi, we study how the magnitude of the elasticity of substitution between a composite consumption good and water quality in the Ganges—modeled by the SMS—affects the tradeoff between consumption and water quality maintenance.
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination and anthropometric, cognitive, and schooling outcomes among Indian children
Authors: Nandi Arindam , Deolalikar Anil B. , Bloom David E. , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: June 2019

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) affects 337,000 Indian children every year. A vaccine against Hib was introduced in 2011 as part of the pentavalent vaccine and scaled up nationwide. This study investigated the associations between Hib vaccination and child anthropometry, cognition, and schooling outcomes in India. We used longitudinal survey data and employed propensity score matching to control for observed systematic differences between children who reported receipt or nonreceipt of Hib vaccine before age 6 years (n = 1824). Z‐scores of height‐for‐age (HAZ) and BMI‐for‐age (BMIZ), percentage scores of English, mathematics, reading, and Peabody Picture Vocabulary tests, and attained schooling grade of children were examined. Hib‐vaccinated children had 0.25 higher HAZ, scored 4.09 percentage points (pp) higher on the English test and 4.78 pp higher on the mathematics test, and attained 0.16 more schooling grades than Hib‐unvaccinated children at age 11–12 years. At age 14–15 years, they had 0.18 higher HAZ, scored 3.63 pp higher on the reading test and 3.22 pp higher on the mathematics test, and attained 0.15 more schooling grades than Hib‐unvaccinated children. The findings indicate potential long‐term health, cognitive, and schooling benefits of the Hib vaccine, subject to the effect of unobserved confounding factors.
Technical Note: Pedicle Cement Augmentation with Proximal Screw Toggle and Loosening
Authors: Choy Wen Jie , Walsh William R , Phan Kevin , Mobbs Ralph J
Published: June 2019

Background

Cement augmentation is a technique used to increase the stability and purchase of pedicle screws in poor quality bone. Various methods can be applied for cement delivery, such as cement injection before screw placement and the use of fenestrated screws. However, potential problems can arise with the use of cement augmentation.

Case Presentation

A 66‐year‐old man with a lower trunk deformity, severe kyphosis, and sagittal imbalance following fusion (L2‐5), with minimal comorbidities, was referred to our unit 9 months after surgery. Pain and progressive kyphosis were investigated clinically and radiographically with computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the status of the hardware and fusion. CT imaging revealed that cement was present only at the distal tip of the fenestrated screws at the L4 vertebral level. A non‐union was present along with loosening and a halo around the body of the pedicle screws, and there was evidence of pullout of inferior screws.

Conclusion

Single‐level cement augmentation of pedicle screw in a posterior construct and distal tip cement augmentation of the screw results in a fixed pivot point. Micromotion in cranio‐caudal loading during flexion and extension may result in screw toggling with the single‐level cement‐augmented tip as a fulcrum. This may cause screw loosening, which can lead to pullout and loss of construct stability. The halo around the screw suggests bone loss and/or a fibrous tissue interface, which further complicates revision surgery. Stress shielding and polymethylmethacrylate cement present additional difficulties.

The findings of this technical note question the risks and benefits of cement‐augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation for spinal fusion. Although incidences of such cases are uncommon, surgeons should perform this technique with caution. Accurate restoration of lumbar lordosis during index procedures is important to minimize the risk of construct failure.
Bilateral caudal maxillectomy for resection of tumors crossing palatal midline and use of the angularis oris axial pattern flap for primary closure or dehiscence repair in two dogs
Authors: Tuohy Joanne L. , Worley Deanna R. , Wustefeld‐Janssens Brandan G. , Mickelson Megan A. , Ehrhart Nicole P. , Seguin Bernard
Published: June 2019

Objective

To describe the technique and outcomes for bilateral caudal maxillectomy for resection of large caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline in two dogs.

Study design

Clinical case report.

Animals

Two client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Two client‐owned dogs with primary caudal maxillary tumors, a poorly differentiated sarcoma, and a multilobulated osteochondrosarcoma. Bilateral caudal maxillectomies were performed for curative‐intent resection of these tumors. The angularis oris axial pattern flap was used for primary closure in one dog and for dehiscence repair in the other.

Results

Both tumors were resected with complete histologic margins. The defects were closed with local buccal mucosal flaps, with or without a unilateral angularis oris flap. Esophagostomy tubes were placed at time of surgery to bypass oral feeding. Incisional dehiscence and subsequent oronasal fistula formation occurred as a postoperative complication in both dogs (3 and 10 days, respectively). Both were successfully repaired with a combination of local buccal mucosal flaps and the angularis oris flap. Both dogs had good functional outcome and quality of life after recovery from revision surgery.

Conclusion

Bilateral caudal maxillectomy allowed resection of caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline, with good function and quality of life after recovery in 2 dogs.

Clinical significance

Good outcomes including complete resections are achievable with bilateral caudal maxillectomy despite complications. Local mucosal and axial pattern flaps can be used for dehiscence repair.
The irreducibility of the generalized Severi varieties
Authors: Zahariuc Adrian
Published: June 2019

We give an inductive proof that the generalized Severi varieties — the varieties which parametrize (irreducible) plane curves of given degree and genus, with a fixed tangency profile to a given line at several general fixed points and several mobile points — are irreducible.
50 to 30-Hz triplet and singlet down sweep vocalizations produced by sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the western North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Tremblay Christopher J. , Van Parijs Sofie M. , Cholewiak Danielle
Published: June 2019

The life history, distribution, and acoustic ecology of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) in the western North Atlantic Ocean remains poorly understood. In this study an array of bottom-mounted recorders captured previously undocumented low frequency 50 to 30-Hz triplet and singlet down sweep vocalizations in close association with signature 82 to 34-Hz sei whale down sweep vocalizations. Spatiotemporal correlations of acoustically tracked sei whales confirm the original vocalizations are produced by sei whales. The 50 to 34-Hz down sweep call types were characterized with a suite of five spectral and temporal measurements. The pattern and repetition of the full acoustic suite is suggestive of song structure and warrants further investigation. The discovery of vocalizations attributed specifically to sei whales enables historic acoustic records to be re-evaluated for the presence of this species throughout its range.
Direct Detection of Pyrazinamide Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Use of
pncA
PCR Sequencing
Authors: Tam Kingsley King-Gee , Leung Kenneth Siu-Sing , Siu Gilman Kit-Hang , Chang Kwok-Chiu , Wong Samson Sai-Yin , Ho Pak-Leung , Leung Eunice Ka-Chun , Yam Wing-Cheong
Published: June 2019

An in-house-developed
pncA
sequencing assay for analysis of pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance was evaluated using 162 archived
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) isolates with phenotypic PZA susceptibility profiles that were well defined by analysis of Bactec MGIT 960 PZA kit and PZase activity data. Preliminary results showed 100% concordance between
pncA
sequencing and phenotypic PZA drug susceptibility test (DST) results among archived isolates.
Structure and Properties of a Natural Competence-Associated Pilin Suggest a Unique Pilus Tip-Associated DNA Receptor
Authors: Salleh Mohd Zulkifli , Karuppiah Vijaykumar , Snee Matthew , Thistlethwaite Angela , Levy Colin W. , Knight David , Derrick Jeremy P.
Published: June 2019

Thermus thermophilus
is a thermophilic bacterium which is capable of natural transformation, the uptake of external DNA with high efficiency. DNA uptake is thought to be mediated by a competence-associated pilus, which binds the DNA substrate and mediates its transfer across the outer membrane and periplasm. Here, we describe the structural and functional analysis of two pilins which are known to be essential for DNA uptake, ComZ and PilA2. ComZ adopts an unusual structure, incorporating a large β-solenoid domain into the pilin structural framework. We argue on structural grounds that this structure cannot readily be accommodated into the competence pilus fiber unless it is at the tip. We also show that ComZ binds DNA and identify two lysine residues which appear to be important for DNA binding. These results suggest a model in which ComZ and PilA2 form a tip-associated DNA receptor which mediates DNA uptake.
Is Anopheles gambiae a Natural Host ofWolbachia?
Authors: Chrostek Ewa , Gerth Michael
Published: June 2019

Anopheles gambiaemosquitos are the main vectors of malaria, threatening around half of the world’s population. The bacterial symbiontWolbachiacan interfere with disease transmission by other important insect vectors, but until recently, it was thought to be absent from naturalA. gambiaepopulations. Here, we critically analyze the genomic, metagenomic, PCR, imaging, and phenotypic data presented in support of the presence of naturalWolbachiainfections inA. gambiae. We find that they are insufficient to diagnoseWolbachiainfections and argue for the need of obtaining robust data confirming basicWolbachiacharacteristics in this system. Determining theWolbachiainfection status ofAnophelesis critical due to its potential to influenceAnophelespopulation structure andPlasmodiumtransmission.
Origins of Enterovirus Replication Organelles Established by Whole-Cell Electron Microscopy
Authors: Melia Charlotte E. , Peddie Christopher J. , de Jong Anja W. M. , Snijder Eric J. , Collinson Lucy M. , Koster Abraham J. , van der Schaar Hilde M. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Bárcena Montserrat
Published: June 2019

Enteroviruses are causative agents of a range of human diseases. The replication of these viruses within cells relies on specialized membranous structures termed replication organelles (ROs) that form during infection but whose origin remains elusive. To capture the emergence of enterovirus ROs, we use correlative light and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, a powerful method to pinpoint rare events in their whole-cell ultrastructural context. RO biogenesis was found to occur first at ER and then at Golgi membranes. Extensive contacts were found between early ROs and lipid droplets (LDs), which likely serve to provide LD-derived lipids required for replication. Together, these data establish the dual origin of enterovirus ROs and the chronology of their biogenesis at different supporting cellular membranes.
Transient Replication in Specialized Cells Favors Transfer of an Integrative and Conjugative Element
Authors: Delavat François , Moritz Roxane , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: June 2019

Bacterial evolution is driven to a large extent by horizontal gene transfer (HGT)—the processes that distribute genetic material between species rather than by vertical descent. The different elements and processes mediating HGT have been characterized in great molecular detail. In contrast, very little is known on adaptive features selecting HGT evolvability and fitness optimization. By studying the molecular behavior of an integrated mobile DNA of the class of integrative and conjugative elements in individual
Pseudomonas putida
donor bacteria, we report here how transient replication of the element after its excision from the chromosome is favorable for its transfer success. Since successful transfer into a new recipient is a measure of the element’s fitness, transient replication may have been selected as an adaptive benefit for more-optimal transfer.
Early Cyanobacteria and the Innovation of Microbial Sunscreens
Authors: Shih Patrick M.
Published: June 2019

Metabolism drives life; thus, understanding how and when various branches of metabolism evolved provides a critical piece to understanding how life has integrated itself into the geochemical cycles of our planet over billions of years.
The
Vibrio
-Squid Symbiosis as a Model for Studying Interbacterial Competition
Authors: Septer Alecia N.
Published: June 2019

The symbiosis between
Euprymna scolopes
squid and its bioluminescent bacterial symbiont,
Vibrio fischeri
, is a valuable model system to study a natural, coevolved host-microbe association. Over the past 30 years, researchers have developed and optimized many experimental methods to study both partners in isolation and during symbiosis.
Development of a prediction model for 30-day acute readmissions among older medical patients: the influence of social factors along with other patient-specific and organisational factors
Authors: Lehn Sara Fokdal , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Pedersen Solvejg Gram Henneberg , Gjørup Thomas , Thygesen Lau Caspar
Published: June 2019

Background

Readmission rate is one way to measure quality of care for older patients. Knowledge is sparse on how different social factors can contribute to predict readmission. We aimed to develop and internally validate a comprehensive model for prediction of acute 30-day readmission among older medical patients using various social factors along with demographic, organisational and health-related factors.

Methods

We performed an observational prospective study based on a group of 770 medical patients aged 65 years or older, who were consecutively screened for readmission risk factors at an acute care university hospital during the period from February to September 2012. Data on outcome and candidate predictors were obtained from clinical screening and administrative registers. We used multiple logistic regression analyses with backward selection of predictors. Measures of model performance and performed internal validation were calculated.

Results

Twenty percent of patients were readmitted within 30 days from index discharge. The final model showed that low educational level, along with male gender, contact with emergency doctor, specific diagnosis, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, longer hospital stay, cognitive problems, and medical treatment for thyroid disease, acid-related disorders, and glaucoma, predicted acute 30-day readmission. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.70) indicated acceptable discriminative ability of the model. Calibration slope was 0.98 and calibration intercept was 0.01. In internal validation analysis, both discrimination and calibration measures were stable.

Conclusions

We developed a model for prediction of readmission among older medical patients. The model showed that social factors in the form of educational level along with demographic, organisational and health-related factors contributed to prediction of acute 30-day readmissions among older medical patients.
Artin’s braids, braids for three space, and groups Γn4 and Gnk
Authors: Kim S. , Manturov V. O.
Published: June 2019

We construct a group [Formula: see text] corresponding to the motion of points in [Formula: see text] from the point of view of Delaunay triangulations. We study homomorphisms from pure braids on [Formula: see text] strands to the product of copies of [Formula: see text]. We will also study the group of pure braids in [Formula: see text], which is described by a fundamental group of the restricted configuration space of [Formula: see text], and define the group homomorphism from the group of pure braids in [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. At the end of this paper, we give some comments about relations between the restricted configuration space of [Formula: see text] and triangulations of the 3-dimensional ball and Pachner moves.
Cosmological consequences and thermodynamics of modified gravity with extended nonminimal derivative couplings
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Amin M. Bilal , Rani Shamaila
Published: June 2019

We consider the newly proposed gravitational modifications that go beyond Horndeski’s theory, named as theories with extended nonminimal derivative couplings. By these modifications, the coefficient functions depend on the scalar field and its kinetic energy. These theories become ghost-free in cosmological background. We consider the flat FRW universe and explore the equation-of-state parameter, [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plane and the squared speed of sound. The equation-of-state parameter exhibits phantom behavior of the universe, [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plane represents the freezing region of the universe while the squared speed of sound denotes the stability of the model for the specific choice of constant parameters. Also, we investigate the validity of generalized second law of thermodynamics on the Hubble horizon taking into account the Bekenstein, power-law, Renyi and logarithmic corrections to the horizon entropy.
Steering evolution of two-mode Gaussian states in noisy environments
Authors: Abbasnezhad Farkhondeh , Afshar Davood , Jafarpour Mojtaba
Published: June 2019

Steering, a quantum property existing in some bipartite entangled systems, causes the local measurements on one part to change the state of the other part at any distance. In this paper, the dynamics of steering between two uncoupled oscillators in squeezed thermal, thermal and vacuum environments are compared. Assuming that the two oscillators are coupled to a common environment or two similar environments, the evolution of steering is obtained using Linblad equation in Born–Markov approximation. It is observed that when the two oscillators are initially in uni-modal squeezed states, the interaction with a common squeezed thermal environment induces steering between them after a short time. However, in other common and the two similar environments, steering does not appear. In addition, when two oscillators are initially in a squeezed thermal state, it is observed that steering decreases monotonically and disappears in a short time in common thermal, common vacuum and the two similar environments. Moreover, steering survives the most in a common squeezed thermal environment.
A novel quantum steganography scheme based on ASCII
Authors: Luo Jia , Zhou Ri-Gui , Liu XingAo , Hu WenWen , Liu GuangZhong
Published: June 2019

Based on the novel enhanced quantum representation for quantum image (NEQR), a new blind quantum steganography scheme is proposed. In this scheme, an improved quantum representation of text utilizing American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) is provided that uses two qubit sequences to store the same quantum text message. The general embedding process of the scheme is as follows: First, the cover image of size [Formula: see text] will be divided into eight blocks of size [Formula: see text] and the secret quantum text of size [Formula: see text] is scrambled by Gray code transform method. Then, the disorder quantum text is embedded into the eight blocks of cover image employing the Gray code as a judgment condition. Meanwhile, the corresponding quantum circuits are drawn. Through the analysis of all quantum circuits, it can be concluded that the scheme has a lower complexity that is [Formula: see text]. And the performance of the proposed scheme is analyzed in terms of simulation results of three items: visual quality, capacity and robustness.
Finite Element Analysis of the Uncertainty of Physical Response of Acoustic Metamaterials with Interval Parameters
Authors: Wu Y. , Lin X. Y. , Jiang H. X. , Cheng A. G.
Published: June 2019

The physical response of acoustic metamaterials may change due to the variation of the material properties in the manufacture process. Thus, an interval perturbation finite element method is formulated to study the mechanical response of acoustic metamaterials with the interval parameters, which includes the uncertainty effects on the band structure, resonance mode and frequency response of acoustic metamaterials. By virtue of the first-order Taylor series expansion and sensitivity analysis of dynamic properties of acoustic metamaterials with respect to the interval parameters, the interval perturbation finite element method established in this work can predict the upper and lower bounds of the dynamic properties of the acoustic metamaterials. Three numerical examples are studied to validate the effectiveness of the interval perturbation finite element method to analyze the physical response of acoustic metamaterials with the interval parameters, and the results calculated by Monte Carlo method are regarded as the reference results to validate the interval perturbation finite element method. The uncertainty model constructed by interval perturbation finite element method provides a great help in the design of acoustic metamaterials.
Titanium Dioxide–Graphene–Polyaniline Hybrid for Nonenzymatic Detection of Glucose
Authors: Du Jiawen , Tao Yiyang , Xiong Zhichen , Yu Xianglang , Xie Aijuan , Luo Shiping , Li Xiazhang , Yao Chao
Published: June 2019

A novel titanium dioxide–graphene–polyaniline (TiO2–RGO–PANI) hybrid was prepared by the one-pot method and used as a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for glucose detection. The composition and structural morphology of the as-prepared composites were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization results showed that TiO2–RGO–PANI is mainly composed of Ti, O, C and N and their weight percentages are 67.68%, 21.57%, 10.70% and 0.05%, respectively, indicating that the TiO2–RGO–PANI composite catalyst has been successfully prepared and presents a poriferous coral structure. A series of electrochemical tests such as cyclic voltammetry tests declared that TiO2–RGO–PANI composite possessed a low limit of detection (LOD) (7.46[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M), good repeatability, selectivity and stability. In the concentration range of 10–180[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, the hybrid presented linear diffusion, and the linear equation was [Formula: see text] (C/mM), the correlation coefficient [Formula: see text]. In addition, the comparison of the merits of this proposed electrode with some recent nonenzymatic glucose sensors indicates that this highly sensitive TiO2–RGO–PANI complex glucose sensor provides a simple, low-cost, nonenzymatic method for glucose detection, and has promising applications in clinical diagnostics and medical analysis.
A Video Recommendation System for Complex Topic Learning Based on a Sustainable Design Approach
Authors: Xanat Vargas Meza , Toshimasa Yamanaka
Published: June 2019

There are several issues compromising the educational role of social networks, particularly in the case of video-based online content. Among them, individual (cognitive and emotional), social (privacy and ethics) and structural (algorithmic bias) challenges can be found. To cope with such issues, we propose a recommendation system for online video content, applying the principles of sustainable design. Precision and recall in English were slightly lower for the system in comparison to YouTube, but the variety of recommended items increased; while in Spanish, precision and recall were higher. Expected results include fostering the adoption of complex thinking by taking on account a user’s objective and subjective contexts.
Enhanced Symbolic Description in Analyzing Patterns and Volatility on the Forex Market
Authors: Kania Krzysztof , Juszczuk Przemysław , Kozak Jan
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for transforming financial time-series values into symbolic representation based on value changes. Such approach seems to have few advantages over the existing approaches; one of the most obvious is noise reduction in the data and another one is possibility to find patterns which are universal for investigating different currency pairs. To achieve the goal we introduce a preprocessing method that allows initial data transformation. We also define a text-based similarity measure which can be used as an alternative for methods allowing to find the exact patterns in the historical data. To effectively evaluate our method, we present a concept that allows to predict the potential price movement direction and compare it with the actual price direction observed in the historical data. Such a method gives an opportunity not only to indicate the different price patterns based on the symbolic representation but also at the same time evaluate the predictive power of such patterns. The proposed approach is experimentally verified on 10 different currency pairs, each covering approximately a period of 10 years.
China’s Whole-of-Region Diplomacy Revisited: Past Experience and Future Prospects
Authors: Zhang Chun
Published: June 2019

Targeting a group of developing nations in a specific region, whole-of-region diplomacy as a relatively new practice of China’s diplomacy has caught much attention across the world. Since the 1990s, China’s whole-of-region diplomacy has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in terms of its geographical coverage, extending from Southeast and Central Asia to the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and even Central and Eastern Europe. Through whole-of-region diplomacy, China has not only fulfilled its political commitment and strategic reassurance toward developing nations, but also enhanced the collective identity of various developing regions. Despite the great achievements, China’s whole-of-region diplomacy is far from fully developed and needs further upgrading so as to lay a solid foundation for the country’s sustainable rise. In the future, China’s whole-of-region diplomacy can be advanced by clarifying its strategic position, renovating its institutional framework and scaling up its capacity-building efforts. In the long run, whole-of-region diplomacy, as a key component of the “Xi Jinping thought on diplomacy” and “major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics,” is expected to help China tackle challenges of interest, identity and influence in the developing world and to ultimately achieve its peaceful rise.
Nonhomogeneous Place-dependent Markov Chains, Unsynchronised AIMD, and Optimisation
Authors: Wirth Fabian R. , Stüdli Sonja , Yu Jia Yuan , Corless Martin , Shorten Robert
Published: June 2019

A stochastic algorithm is presented for a class of optimisation problems that arise when a group of agents compete to share a single constrained resource in an optimal manner. The approach uses intermittent single-bit feedback, which indicates a constraint violation and does not require inter-agent communication. The algorithm is based on a positive matrix model of AIMD, which is extended to the nonhomogeneous Markovian case. The key feature is the assignment of back-off probabilities to the individual agents as a function of the past average access to the resource. This leads to a nonhomogeneous Markov chain in an extended state space, and we show almost sure convergence of the average access to the social optimum.