bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights in the male anatomy, spermatophore formation, and sperm structure in Atyidae: The red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi
Authors: Tomas Ana Laura , Garcia Bento Maria Alice , Mutti Leonardo Damian , Zara Fernando José , López Greco Laura Susana
Published: March 2019

This study aims to analyze the functional anatomy of the male reproductive system in Neocaridina davidi, a very popular ornamental species of caridean shrimp. Mature males were cold‐anaesthetized and their reproductive systems were dissected for histological and histochemical analysis, while the spermatozoa and spermatophore wall ultrastructure were analyzed under transmission electron microscopy. The male reproductive system consisted of two coiled testes, which were continuous with the vasa deferentia. Testes were positioned on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax above the hepatopancreas, and comprised seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurred. Each vas deferens (VD) was a long tube dorsolaterally positioned with respect to the hepatopancreas, and increased in diameter at the distal end. Three regions could be recognized in the VD: proximal, middle, and distal. The proximal region had a cylindrical epithelium with secretory cells. The middle region (or typhlosole) had a dorsal fold (or typhlosole) with a thick columnar epithelium and high secretory activity. The spermatophore was a continuous cord with three acellular layers, which were mainly characterized by the presence of neutral glycoconjugates and proteins. The sperm morphology was distinct from the inverted cup‐shaped spermatozoa observed in the majority of caridean shrimps. The spermatozoa in specimens of N. davidi were spherical in shape, with a cross‐striated, single, short spike, and arranged in clusters of three or four sperm cells. The composition of the spermatophore, and the arrangement and form of the spermatozoa, seem to be unique in comparison to other species of Caridea.
Influence of food, body size, and fragmentation on metabolic rate in a sessile marine invertebrate
Authors: Schuster Lukas , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: March 2019

Metabolic rates vary among individuals according to food availability and phenotype, most notably body size. Disentangling size from other factors (e.g., age, reproductive status) can be difficult in some groups, but modular organisms may provide an opportunity for manipulating size experimentally. While modular organisms are increasingly used to understand metabolic scaling, the potential of feeding to alter metabolic scaling has not been explored in this group. Here, we perform a series of experiments to examine the drivers of metabolic rate in a modular marine invertebrate, the bryozoan Bugula neritina. We manipulated size and examined metabolic rate in either fed or starved individuals to test for interactions between size manipulation and food availability. Field collected colonies of unknown age showed isometric metabolic scaling, but those colonies in which size was manipulated showed allometric scaling. To further disentangle age effects from size effects, we measured metabolic rate of individuals of known age and again found allometric scaling. Metabolic rate strongly depended on access to food: starvation decreased metabolic rate by 20% and feeding increased metabolic rate by 43%. In comparison to other marine invertebrates, however, the increase in metabolic rate, as well as the duration of the increase (known as specific dynamic action, SDA), were both low. Importantly, neither starvation nor feeding altered the metabolic scaling of our colonies. Overall, we found that field‐collected individuals showed isometric metabolic scaling, whereas metabolic rate of size‐manipulated colonies scaled allometrically with body size. Thus, metabolic scaling is affected by size manipulation but not feeding in this colonial marine invertebrate.
Gaining ‘Raw Insider Knowledge’: The Benefits and Challenges of International Study Tours for Creative Industries Students
Authors: Pennings Mark , Cushing Debra Flanders , Gomez Rafael , Dyson Clare , Coombs Courtney
Published: March 2019

International short‐term study tours are a fast‐growing format for outbound education and provide exciting experiential learning opportunities for students in the creative industries disciplines. This success has encouraged researchers to seek a comprehensive view of the various concrete experiences that contribute to student learning during study tours. To that end, this article presents evidence from a qualitative online post‐tour questionnaire administered with students studying various art and design disciplines who participated in short‐term international study tours at a large Australian university in 2015. Using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory as a framework, data collected explored student perceptions of which concrete experiences on a study tour are most impactful and which may actually hinder learning. Findings revealed: experiencing key industry venues are the most significant aspects of a study tour, rather than networking or personal growth; poor itinerary planning and travel issues are the least liked aspects of a tour, yet are often the most easily addressed with better tour management and planning; and students were positively impacted by unexpected gains in knowledge about their creative industries discipline. This study, therefore, provides unique insights into which concrete experiences may be most impactful as part of the experiential learning cycle within an international study tour for creative industries students.
Empowering Students in Leading their Education and Practice: The Design Workbook
Authors: Sleiman Tina , Chung‐Shin Yunsun , Haddad Rabab Al
Published: March 2019

How does education prepare future designers for current and future requirements of the field? An attempt to respond to this question is presented through the Design Workbook: a curricular project that has been proposed and developed over the course of three phases. In Phase One, the objectives, structure and format were defined: an online interface containing activities organised under five chapters that aim at building students’ creative confidence and sensitivity to surrounding contexts, and prepare them to lead their career path. In Phase Two, the website was developed to its first usable version, and content applied into live classes. Phase Three was marked with content refinement for the activities, navigation and feature redesign in the interface, and new ways of conducting the course. The article summarises learning points from the first two phases, and provides new findings and analyses from the final phase. It also includes a sample of the activities content, student works and feedback as well as the interface development stages. The methodology utilised throughout consisted of active research, as well as learning outcomes assessment using direct and indirect measures. Assessment results and classroom observations confirmed that students benefit greatly from visualising ideas, hands on activities, design thinking workshops, as well as from collaborative experiences, to avoid facing designer's block and to practise empowerment of self and others. Finally, challenges, opportunities and future implications are discussed, alongside implementation possibilities: The Design Workbook can run as a sole course, spread across the curriculum, and expand into the community.
Unintended Consequences: How Suppliers Compensate for Price Concessions and the Role of Organizational Justice in Buyer‐Supplier Relations
Authors: Carnovale Steven , Henke John W. , DuHadway Scott , Yeniyurt Sengun
Published: March 2019

“You get what you pay for” is one of life's lessons that predominates in purchasing decisions individuals make in their personal lives. The results of this study suggest this lesson should also prevail among management when price‐related purchasing decisions in businesses are being made. An evaluation of over 1,700 purchasing instances across seven years of a longitudinal panel data set collected from Tier 1 production suppliers to the six major North American automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, found that suppliers compensate for price concessions and price reduction pressure from the OEM in the year following the concession, by reducing product quality, service support, and R&D expenditures associated with goods provided to the OEM. This industry is particularly relevant because it is highly adversarial, yet at the same time reliant on interdependence. The results show that supplier price concessions granted to an OEM led to compensatory supplier behaviors of reduced quality and R&D expenditures toward that OEM. Further, the results suggest that the organizational justice dimensions of distributive justice, procedural justice, interpersonal justice, and informational justice can ameliorate negative supplier compensatory activities. A buyer–supplier relational environment that engenders organizational justice tactics such as open and honest communication with suppliers provides suppliers the expectation of an acceptable return on business over the long term, provides help to suppliers to reduce costs, and builds supplier trust of the OEM had generally positive effects on quality, service, and R&D expenditures. From a management perspective, these results indicate there is a very real risk versus reward issue associated with pressuring suppliers for price reductions.
Silent cerebral lesions and cognitive function after pulmonary vein isolation with an irrigated gold‐tip catheter: REDUCE‐TE Pilot study
Authors: Schmidt Boris , Széplaki Gábor , Merkely Bela , Kautzner Josef , van Driel Vincent , Bourier Felix , Kuniss Malte , Bulava Alan , Nölker Georg , Khan Muchtiar , Lewalter Thorsten , Klein Norbert , Wenzel Beate , Chun Julian KR , Shah Dipen
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Stroke is one of the most feared complications during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). While symptomatic thromboembolic events are rare, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may identify asymptomatic (ie, silent) cerebral lesions (SCLs) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures.

Methods and Results

The REDUCE‐TE Pilot was a prospective multicenter, single‐arm observational study investigating the incidence of SCL in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI with a novel gold‐tip, externally irrigated ablation catheter. After ablation, cerebral diffusion‐weighted MRI and a postablation follow‐up were performed at 1 to 3 days after the ablation procedure. A neurocognitive test was done before and after ablation. The primary study endpoint was the occurrence of one or more new SCLs. Secondary study endpoints included neurocognitive status, procedural success rate, and periprocedural complications including symptomatic thromboembolic events. A total of 104 patients were enrolled (69% male, mean age: 61.5 ± 9.7 years, mean CHA2DS
2‐VASc score: 1.7 ± 1.2). Postprocedural MRI examination was performed in 97 patients, and in nine of them (9.3%; 95% CI: 4.3‐16.9%) a total of 11 SCLs were detected. Univariate analyses did not reveal any significant predictor for new SCLs. Nonsignificant trends were observed for low activated clotting time during ablation and for international normalized ratio value outside the range of 2 to 3 at ablation. There was no evidence of significant deterioration of neurocognitive function after PVI. In four patients, a pericardial tamponade was noted but all patients fully recovered during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Ablation of AF using a novel gold‐tip, externally irrigated ablation catheter, resulted in SCLs in approximately one out of 10 patients without a measurable effect on neurocognitive function.
A regular wide QRS complex tachycardia: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Arias Miguel A. , Puchol Alberto , Pachón Marta , Martín‐Sierra Cristina
Published: March 2019

A 14‐year‐old girl with a history of recurrent palpitations and documented wide QRS complex tachycardia was referred for electrophysiologic study and catheter ablation.
Women's Representation across Different Generations: A Longitudinal Analysis of the European Parliament
Authors: Stockemer Daniel , Sundström Aksel
Published: March 2019

In this article, we focus on generational differences in women's representation and hypothesize that younger generations of women should be more highly represented than older generations, both in general and within the same parliament. We tested this hypothesis with data on all members who have ever served in the European Parliament since 1979. Of the four generations who have ever served in Brussels and Strasbourg – the World War II generation, the 1968 generation, the post‐1968 generation and the post‐materialist generation – we found both that women's representation increased with every generation and that their representation differs between generations within the same parliament. Finally, our results indicate that while these processes occurred roughly one generation later in eastern and southern Europe, yet, they happened faster in these parts of the European Union.
Comparison of initial treatment with and without corticosteroids for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs
Authors: Okanishi H. , Nagata T. , Nakane S. , Watari T.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To compare initial treatment with and without corticosteroids for acute pancreatitis in dogs and investigate the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐five dogs were included in this non‐blinded, non‐randomised clinical study. Dogs with acute pancreatitis received treatment either with dose of 1 mg/kg/day prednisolone (n=45) or without prednisolone (n=20). Response to treatment was based on changes in the C‐reactive protein concentration, improvement in clinical signs, duration of hospitalisation, mortality and recurrence rate.

Results

From the third day of hospitalisation, C‐reactive protein concentration was significantly lower in the prednisolone group than that in the non‐prednisolone group. The number of days required to reach a C‐reactive protein concentration of <2 mg/dL and clinical score of ≤2 was significantly lower in the prednisolone group. The mortality rate 1 month after discharge was significantly lower in the prednisolone group (11.3%versus46.1%).

Clinical Significance

In dogs with acute pancreatitis, initial treatment with prednisolone resulted in earlier reductions in C‐reactive protein concentration and earlier improvement of clinical signs.
Demand‐led growth with endogenous innovation
Authors: Caminati Mauro , Sordi Serena
Published: March 2019

This paper contributes to the recent macro‐dynamics literature on demand‐led growth, drawing upon the seminal idea that the implications of Harrodian instability may be tamed by a source of autonomous expenditure in the economy. Contrary to the other contributions in this literature, real autonomous expenditure is not growing at an exogenously given rate, and partly consists of a flow of profit‐seeking R&D and innovation expenditures raising labour productivity through time. If the state of distribution, hence the wage share, is exogenously fixed and constant, the model gives rise to dynamics in a two dimensional state space, that may converge to, or give rise to a limit cycle around, an endogenous growth path. An exogenous rise of the profit share exerts negative effects on long‐run growth and employment, showing that growth is wage led.
Complex interactions between day length and diurnal patterns of gene expression drive photoperiodic responses in a perennial C4 grass
Authors: Weng Xiaoyu , Lovell John T. , Schwartz Scott L. , Cheng Changde , Haque Taslima , Zhang Li , Razzaque Samsad , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: March 2019

Photoperiod is a key environmental cue affecting flowering and biomass traits in plants. Key components of the photoperiodic flowering pathway have been identified in many species, but surprisingly few studies have globally examined the diurnal rhythm of gene expression with changes in day length. Using a cost‐effective 3′‐Tag RNA sequencing strategy, we characterize 9,010 photoperiod responsive genes with strict statistical testing across a diurnal time series in the C4 perennial grass, Panicum hallii. We show that the vast majority of photoperiod responses are driven by complex interactions between day length and sampling periods. A fine‐scale contrast analysis at each sampling time revealed a detailed picture of the temporal reprogramming of cis‐regulatory elements and biological processes under short‐ and long‐day conditions. Phase shift analysis reveals quantitative variation among genes with photoperiod‐dependent diurnal patterns. In addition, we identify three photoperiod enriched transcription factor families with key genes involved in photoperiod flowering regulatory networks. Finally, coexpression networks analysis of GIGANTEA homolog predicted 1,668 potential coincidence partners, including five well‐known GI‐interacting proteins. Our results not only provide a resource for understanding the mechanisms of photoperiod regulation in perennial grasses but also lay a foundation to increase biomass yield in biofuel crops.
Anton Wilhelm Amo's Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Meyns Chris
Published: March 2019

One of Anton Wilhelm Amo's core contributions to philosophy is his study of the human mind. Amo argues that the human mind is a purely active, immaterial substance that always acts spontaneously and cannot itself be acted upon. Amo's account of the mind has far‐reaching consequences for how he views the relation between mind and body, and our cognitive relation to the sensible world around us. This article introduces Amo's strongly representationalist position, and discusses the extent to which he circumvents the problem of epistemic isolation to which his views seem to give rise.
Procedurally Robust Risk Assessment Framework for Novel Genetically Engineered Organisms and Gene Drives
Authors: Kuzma Jennifer
Published: March 2019

In this article, a new framework for improving risk assessments of novel genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) is developed and applied. The Procedurally Robust Risk Assessment Framework (PRRAF) provides a set of principles and criteria for assessing and enhancing risk assessment protocols for GEOs under conditions of high uncertainty. The application of PRRAF is demonstrated using the case of a genetically engineered mosquito designed to kill its wild population and therefore decrease disease transmission. Assessments for regulatory approval of this genetically engineered insect fall short of several PPRAF criteria under the principles of humility, procedural validity, inclusion, anticipation, and reflexivity. With the emergence of GEOs designed to spread in ecosystems, such as those with gene drives, it will become increasingly important for regulatory agencies and technology developers to bolster their risk analysis methods and processes prior to field testing. PRRAF can be used as a flexible guide for doing so within a variety of institutional, regulatory, and governance contexts.
Mechanism of benefit of non‐invasive ventilation in COPD with hypercapnic respiratory failure – Reply
Authors: Duiverman Marieke L.
Published: March 2019

See Letter
Inferential language processes across adolescence: A test with novel idioms
Authors: Hattouti Jamila , Gil Sandrine , Almecija Yves , Laval Virginie
Published: March 2019

Idiom comprehension relies on the ability to draw inferences from different cues in a communication situation. Adopting a developmental perspective, we investigated how this ability changes across adolescence. To this end, we designed a computerized system that allowed us to simulate a communication situation through short videos placing participants at the center of the interaction. Four groups of participants (11, 13, 15, and adult students) performed an idiomatic expression comprehension task, in which idiom familiarity was controlled. We manipulated the idioms’ transparency (vs. opacity) and presentation (supportive narrative context inducing an idiomatic interpretation of the expression vs. nonsupportive narrative context). Analyses revealed an improvement in idiom comprehension in terms of contextual inferences but they failed to reveal any significant difference in terms of semantic inferences. This study yields fresh arguments in support of the notion that inferential ability based on context continues to develop beyond childhood.
Multi-Objective Model Updating Optimization Considering Orthogonality
Authors: Warwick Braden T. , Kim Il Yong , Mechefske Chris K.
Published: March 2019

The coordinate orthogonality check (CORTHOG) and multi-objective optimization considering pseudo-orthogonality as an objective function are introduced to overcome several limitations present in current model updating methods. It was observed that the use of the CORTHOG to remove four inaccurate degrees-of-freedom (DOF) was able to increase the orthogonality between mode shape vectors. The multi-objective model updating process generated a Pareto front with 38 unique optimal solutions. Four critical points were identified along the Pareto front, of which decreased the natural frequency error by greater than 2.84% and further increased the orthogonality between mode shape vectors. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that both steps of the methodology are critical to significantly reduce the overall errors of the system and to generate a finite element (FE) model that best describes physical reality. Additionally, the methodology introduced in this work generated a feasible computational runtime allowing for it to be easily adapted to widespread applications.
Mobility Enhancement of Heavy-Duty Tracked Vehicles Under Load Using Real-Time Terrain Characterization, Traction Control, and a Towing Winch
Authors: Cook Joshua T. , Ray Laura E. , Lever James H.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a generalized, multibody dynamics model for a tracked vehicle equipped with a towing winch and control strategies that enhance vehicle mobility by regulating track slip based on real-time terrain characterization and automating winch use. The vehicle model is validated under conditions where no action is taken by the winch. Thereafter, two mobility enhancing control strategies are outlined. The first strategy regulates track slip to a real-time estimated value that generates maximum net traction. This is done by computing state-force estimates from a Kalman filter that are compared to terrain traction models using a Bayesian hypothesis selection approach. If the vehicle is traction limited and the first strategy fails, a second strategy that automates winch use is activated. Simulation results are shown for both scenarios.
Controlling an Underactuated Two-Wheeled Mobile Robot: A Constraint-Following Approach
Authors: Yin Hui , Chen Ye-Hwa , Yu Dejie
Published: March 2019

Controlling underactuated systems is a challenging problem in control engineering. This paper presents a novel constraint-following approach for control design of an underactuated two-wheeled mobile robot (2 WMR), which has two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) to be controlled but only one actuator. The control goal is to drive the 2 WMR to follow a set of constraints, which may be holonomic or nonholonomic constraints. The constraint is considered in a more general form than the previous studies on constraint-following control (hence including a wider range of constraints). No auxiliary variables or pseudo variables are required for the control design. The proposed control only uses physical variables. We show that the proposed control is able to deal with both holonomic and nonholonomic constraints by forcing the constraint-following error to converge to zero, even if the system is not initially on the constraint manifold. Using this control design, we investigate two cases regarding different constraints on the 2 WMR motion, one for a holonomic constraint and the other for a nonholonomic constraint. Simulation results show that the proposed control is able to drive the 2 WMR to follow the constraints in both cases. Furthermore, the standard linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control is applied as a comparison in the simulations, which reflects the advantage of the proposed control.
Stochastic Predictive Control for Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes With Time-Joint Chance Constraints and Application to Autonomous Vehicle Control
Authors: Li Nan , Girard Anouck , Kolmanovsky Ilya
Published: March 2019

This paper describes a stochastic predictive control algorithm for partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) with time-joint chance constraints. We first present the algorithm as a general tool to treat finite space POMDP problems with time-joint chance constraints together with its theoretical properties. We then discuss its application to autonomous vehicle control on highways. In particular, we model decision-making/behavior-planning for an autonomous vehicle accounting for safety in a dynamic and uncertain environment as a constrained POMDP problem and solve it using the proposed algorithm. After behavior is planned, we use nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) to execute the behavior commands generated from the planner. This two-layer control framework is shown to be effective by simulations.
Synthesis of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle Analysis for Speed Profile Optimization of All-Electric Vehicles
Authors: Abbas Hadi , Kim Youngki , Siegel Jason B. , Rizzo Denise M.
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a study of the energy-efficient operation of all-electric vehicles leveraging route information, such as road grade, to adjust the velocity trajectory. First, Pontryagin's maximum principle (PMP) is applied to derive necessary conditions and to determine the possible operating modes. The analysis shows that only five modes are required to achieve minimum energy consumption: full propulsion, cruising, coasting, full regeneration, and full regeneration with conventional braking. Then, the minimum energy consumption problem is reformulated and solved in the distance domain using dynamic programming to find the optimal speed profiles. Various simulation results are shown for a lightweight autonomous military vehicle. The sensitivity of energy consumption to regenerative-braking power limits and trip time is investigated. These studies provide important information that can be used in designing component size and scheduling operation to achieve the desired vehicle range.
Concept of Triple Heat Exchanger-Assisted Solar Pond Through an Improved Analytical Model
Authors: Verma Sunirmit , Das Ranjan
Published: March 2019

A new three-zone heat extraction system and its analytical model for maximizing the thermal power output of salt gradient solar ponds against a given volume is proposed. The present study considers internal heat exchangers installed within the non-convective zone (NCZ), lower-convective zone (LCZ), and the ground below the pond. The work is validated against a simplified version of the model (eliminating ground and bottom-zone heat extractions) available in the existing literature. Contrary to the conventional practice of optimizing only the middle-zone pond thickness, here, the newly proposed expression is used to find ideal values of both the middle- and bottom-zone thicknesses of the pond along with its cross-sectional area. The present work acknowledges that although the three-zone heat extraction system is the best, yet if a choice for two-zone heat extraction is to be made between the NCZ–LCZ and ground–LCZ, then the former is a better alternative. The power output is observed to increase asymptotically with mass flow rates of the three heat exchangers. However, their values must lie much below their theoretical asymptotic limits and their selection is regulated by constructional and operational constraints. These involve a minimum pond depth to offset surface evaporation, ground seepage water loss, and constraints preventing turbulent flow in heat exchangers to reduce friction loss and pumping power. This work recommends using three heat exchangers instead of either one or two and provides cardinal guidelines to extract heat in an ideal manner for a fixed solar pond volume.
Vaccination opponents target CDC panel
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: March 2019

Protesters assail committee that recommends which vaccines Americans should receive.
Grazing animals shown to inhabit a ‘landscape of fear’
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

In a Mozambique park, researchers test how predators can reshape an ecosystem by affecting prey behavior.
Evidence for hormonal control of heart regenerative capacity during endothermy acquisition
Authors: Hirose Kentaro , Payumo Alexander Y. , Cutie Stephen , Hoang Alison , Zhang Hao , Guyot Romain , Lunn Dominic , Bigley Rachel B. , Yu Hongyao , Wang Jiajia , Smith Megan , Gillett Ellen , Muroy Sandra E. , Schmid Tobias , Wilson Emily , Field Kenneth A. , Reeder DeeAnn M. , Maden Malcom , Yartsev Michael M. , Wolfgang Michael J. , Grützner Frank , Scanlan Thomas S. , Szweda Luke I. , Buffenstein Rochelle , Hu Guang , Flamant Frederic , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Huang Guo N.
Published: March 2019

The price of staying warm

Among vertebrates, zebrafish and salamanders can regenerate their hearts, whereas adult mice and humans cannot. Hirose
et al.
analyzed diploid cardiomyocyte frequency as a proxy for cardiac regenerative potential across 41 vertebrate species (see the Perspective by Marchianò and Murry). They observed an inverse correlation of these cells with thyroid hormone concentrations during the ectotherm-to-endotherm transition. Mice with defects in thyroid hormone signaling retained significant heart regenerative capacity, whereas zebrafish exposed to excessive thyroid hormones exhibit impaired cardiac repair. Loss of heart regenerative ability in mammals may represent a trade-off for increases in metabolism necessary for the development of endothermy.

Science
, this issue p.
184
; see also p.
123
A small-molecule fusion inhibitor of influenza virus is orally active in mice
Authors: van Dongen Maria J. P. , Kadam Rameshwar U. , Juraszek Jarek , Lawson Edward , Brandenburg Boerries , Schmitz Frederike , Schepens Wim B. G. , Stoops Bart , van Diepen Harry A. , Jongeneelen Mandy , Tang Chan , Vermond Jan , van Eijgen-Obregoso Real Alida , Blokland Sven , Garg Divita , Yu Wenli , Goutier Wouter , Lanckacker Ellen , Klap Jaco M. , Peeters Daniëlle C. G. , Wu Jin , Buyck Christophe , Jonckers Tim H. M. , Roymans Dirk , Roevens Peter , Vogels Ronald , Koudstaal Wouter , Friesen Robert H. E. , Raboisson Pierre , Dhanak Dashyant , Goudsmit Jaap , Wilson Ian A.
Published: March 2019

A small molecule that targets influenza

Many of us rely on seasonal vaccines for protection against influenza and are only too aware of their limited breadth. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that target the conserved hemagglutinin (HA) stem of the influenza virus provide hope for the development of universal vaccines and are being evaluated in clinical trials. Van Dongen
et al.
selected and optimized a small-molecule lead compound that recapitulates key interactions of the bnAb with HA. Like the bnAb, the compound inhibited viral fusion in the endosomes of target cells. The compound protected mice from influenza after oral administration and neutralized virus infection in a 3D cell culture of human bronchial epithelial cells.

Science
, this issue p.
eaar6221
Human impact erodes chimpanzee behavioral diversity
Authors: Kühl Hjalmar S. , Boesch Christophe , Kulik Lars , Haas Fabian , Arandjelovic Mimi , Dieguez Paula , Bocksberger Gaëlle , McElreath Mary Brooke , Agbor Anthony , Angedakin Samuel , Ayimisin Emmanuel Ayuk , Bailey Emma , Barubiyo Donatienne , Bessone Mattia , Brazzola Gregory , Chancellor Rebecca , Cohen Heather , Coupland Charlotte , Danquah Emmanuel , Deschner Tobias , Dowd Dervla , Dunn Andrew , Egbe Villard Ebot , Eshuis Henk , Goedmakers Annemarie , Granjon Anne-Céline , Head Josephine , Hedwig Daniela , Hermans Veerle , Imong Inaoyom , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Jones Sorrel , Junker Jessica , Kadam Parag , Kambere Mbangi , Kambi Mohamed , Kienast Ivonne , Kujirakwinja Deo , Langergraber Kevin E. , Lapuente Juan , Larson Bradley , Lee Kevin , Leinert Vera , Llana Manuel , Maretti Giovanna , Marrocoli Sergio , Martin Rumen , Mbi Tanyi Julius , Meier Amelia C. , Morgan Bethan , Morgan David , Mulindahabi Felix , Murai Mizuki , Neil Emily , Niyigaba Protais , Ormsby Lucy Jayne , Orume Robinson , Pacheco Liliana , Piel Alex , Preece Jodie , Regnaut Sebastien , Rundus Aaron , Sanz Crickette , van Schijndel Joost , Sommer Volker , Stewart Fiona , Tagg Nikki , Vendras Elleni , Vergnes Virginie , Welsh Adam , Wessling Erin G. , Willie Jacob , Wittig Roman M. , Yuh Yisa Ginath , Yurkiw Kyle , Zuberbühler Klaus , Kalan Ammie K.
Published: March 2019

More than just numbers

We often frame negative human impacts on animal species in terms of numbers of individuals reduced or numbers of regions from which species are absent. However, human activities are likely affecting species in more complex ways than these figures can capture. Kühl
et al.
studied behavioral and cultural diversity in our closest relative, the chimpanzee. They found that human-mediated disturbance is reducing these complex traits. Human influence thus goes well beyond simple loss of populations or species, leading to behavioral change even where populations persist.

Science
, this issue p.
1453
Observation and stabilization of photonic Fock states in a hot radio-frequency resonator
Authors: Gely Mario F. , Kounalakis Marios , Dickel Christian , Dalle Jacob , Vatré Rémy , Baker Brian , Jenkins Mark D. , Steele Gary A.
Published: March 2019

Going quantum with radio waves

It becomes increasingly difficult to detect long-wavelength single photons because of thermal fluctuations in the background. This can pose problems for single-photon detection for fields such as astronomy and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Gely
et al.
used a superconducting qubit, initially developed for circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) and quantum information processing for microwaves, to directly observe the quantization of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields stored in a photonic microresonator. They were then able to manipulate the quantum state of the radio-frequency field, forming one- and two-photon Fock states within the microresonator, and analyze how the system interacts dynamically with its environment. The cQED approach could be used for fundamental studies in quantum thermodynamics and also find practical application in imaging.

Science
, this issue p.
1072
Nuclear fallout
Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future
Kate Brown
Norton, 2019. 430 pp.
Authors: Aronova Elena
Published: March 2019

Soviet data, long dismissed by the West, document the Chernobyl disaster's devastating legacy
Cycloserine Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Alghamdi Wael A. , Alsultan Abdullah , Al-Shaer Mohammad H. , An Guohua , Ahmed Shahriar , Alkabab Yosra , Banu Sayera , Barbakadze Ketevan , Houpt Eric , Kipiani Maia , Mikiashvili Lali , Schmidt Stephan , Heysell Scott K. , Kempker Russell R. , Cegielski J. Peter , Peloquin Charles A.
Published: March 2019

Limited pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data exist on cycloserine in tuberculosis (TB) patients. We pooled several studies into a large PK data set to estimate the population PK parameters for cycloserine in TB patients.
Curious case of a true aneurysm of the lateral femoral circumflex artery: a rare but important differential in the diagnosis of a painless groin mass
Authors: Pang Joe Hwong , Elbasty Ahmed , Meyer Felicity J
Published: March 2019

A 60-year-old man, presented with a 3-month history of a painless, non-pulsatile firm mass in the left groin. He was referred to sarcoma clinic for a biopsy following MRI and B mode ultrasound (US). This was abandoned when colour flow US imaging revealed the mass more in keeping with a pseudoaneurysm rather than malignancy. He was then referred to the vascular team for further investigation, where CT angiography revealed a large and thrombosed true aneurysm of his left femoral circumflex artery. This was treated with open surgical repair. Technical challenges included an adherent femoral nerve, which was carefully dissected off the aneurysm before the aneurysm was ligated and resected. An uneventful recovery followed with discharge within 48 hours. Follow-up duplex US scan revealed patent arteries with no further abnormalities.
Prevalence of and risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in India: secondary data analysis of three population-based cross-sectional studies
Authors: O’Callaghan-Gordo Cristina , Shivashankar Roopa , Anand Shuchi , Ghosh Shreeparna , Glaser Jason , Gupta Ruby , Jakobsson Kristina , Kondal Dimple , Krishnan Anand , Mohan Sailesh , Mohan Viswanathan , Nitsch Dorothea , P A Praveen , Tandon Nikhil , Narayan K M Venkat , Pearce Neil , Caplin Ben , Prabhakaran Dorairaj
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To assess whether chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is present in India and to identify risk factors for it using population-based data and standardised methods.

Design

Secondary data analysis of three population-based cross-sectional studies conducted between 2010 and 2014.

Setting

Urban and rural areas of Northern India (states of Delhi and Haryana) and Southern India (states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh).

Participants

12 500 individuals without diabetes, hypertension or heavy proteinuria.

Outcome measures

Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and prevalence of eGFR below 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2(eGFR <60) in individuals without diabetes, hypertension or heavy proteinuria (proxy definition of CKDu).

Results

The mean eGFR was 105.0±17.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The prevalence of eGFR <60 was 1.6% (95% CI=1.4 to 1.7), but this figure varied markedly between areas, being highest in rural areas of Southern Indian (4.8% (3.8 to 5.8)). In Northern India, older age was the only risk factor associated with lower mean eGFR and eGFR <60 (regression coefficient (95% CI)=−0.94 (0.97 to 0.91); OR (95% CI)=1.10 (1.08 to 1.11)). In Southern India, risk factors for lower mean eGFR and eGFR <60, respectively, were residence in a rural area (−7.78 (-8.69 to –6.86); 4.95 (2.61 to 9.39)), older age (−0.90 (–0.93 to –0.86); 1.06 (1.04 to 1.08)) and less education (−0.94 (-1.32 to –0.56); 0.67 (0.50 to 0.90) for each 5 years at school).

Conclusions

CKDu is present in India and is not confined to Central America and Sri Lanka. Identified risk factors are consistent with risk factors previously reported for CKDu in Central America and Sri Lanka.
Validation of adverse events after hip arthroplasty: a Swedish multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Magnéli Martin , Unbeck Maria , Rogmark Cecilia , Rolfson Ola , Hommel Ami , Samuelsson Bodil , Schildmeijer Kristina , Sjöstrand Desirée , Gordon Max , Sköldenberg Olof
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Preventing adverse events (AEs) after orthopaedic surgery is a field with great room for improvement. A Swedish instrument for measuring AEs after hip arthroplasty based on administrative data from the national patient register is used by both the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. It has never been validated and its accuracy is unknown. The aim of this study was to validate the instrument’s ability to detect AEs, and to calculate the incidence of AEs following primary hip arthroplasties.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using retrospective record review with Global Trigger Tool methodology in combination with register data.

Setting

24 different hospitals in four major regions of Sweden.

Participants

2000 patients with either total or hemi-hip arthroplasty were recruited from the SHAR. We included both acute and elective patients.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The sensitivity and specificity of the instrument. Adjusted cumulative incidence and incidence rate.

Results

The sensitivity for all identified AEs was 5.7% (95% CI: 4.9% to 6.7%) for 30 days and 14.8% (95% CI: 8.2 to 24.3) for 90 days, and the specificity was 95.2% (95% CI: 93.5% to 96.6%) for 30 days and 92.1% (95% CI: 89.9% to 93.8%) for 90 days. The adjusted cumulative incidence for all AEs was 28.4% (95% CI: 25.0% to 32.3%) for 30 days and 29.5% (95% CI: 26.0% to 33.8%) for 90 days. The incidence rate was 0.43 AEs per person-month (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.47).

Conclusions

The AE incidence was high, and most AEs occurred within the first 30 days. The instrument sensitivity for AEs was very low for both 30 and 90 days, but the specificity was high for both 30 and 90 days. The studied instrument is insufficient for valid measurements of AEs after hip arthroplasty.
Clustering of cardiovascular disease biological risk factors among older adults in Shenzhen City, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ni Wenqing , Weng Rongxing , Yuan Xueli , Lv Deliang , Song Jinping , Chi Hongshan , Liu Hailong , Xu Jian
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Few studies reported the clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) biological risk factors among older adults. The objective of this study was to characterise the clustering of CVD biological risk factors among adults aged 65 or older in Shenzhen city, China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

General communities in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

Participants

A representative sample of 5635 participants aged 65 or older participated in the survey with a response rate of 93.6%.

Main outcome measures

Individual CVD biological risk factors (overweight/obesity, central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes) and their clustering.

Results

The prevalence of overweight, obesity, central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes in this study was 37.4%, 10.8%, 37.0%, 51.9%, 40.2% and 18.0%, respectively. The mean count of CVD biological risk factors per participant was 1.95. The 86.0% of the participants presented at least one CVD biological risk factor and 33.8% of the participants presented clustering of CVD biological risk factors, that is, presenting three or more CVD biological risk factors, as defined in this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, and drinking and smoking status were significantly associated with clustering of CVD biological risk factors (P<0.05). Women, the older and alcohol drinkers were more likely to have clustering of CVD biological risk factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CVD biological risk factors is fairly high in the older adults with a tendency of clustering in Shenzhen. The findings highlight the need for integrated management of CVD biological risk factors among older adults.
PrEP Implementation for Mothers in Antenatal Care (PrIMA): study protocol of a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Dettinger Julia C , Kinuthia John , Pintye Jillian , Mwongeli Nancy , Gómez Laurén , Richardson Barbra A , Barnabas Ruanne , Wagner Anjuli D , O’Malley Gabrielle , Baeten Jared M , John-Stewart Grace
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Women in regions with high HIV prevalence are at high risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum, and acute maternal HIV contributes a substantial proportion of infant HIV infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could prevent HIV during pregnancy/postpartum; however, identifying women who would most benefit from PrEP in this period is challenging. Women may not perceive risk, may not know partner HIV status and partners may have external partners during this period. PrEP offer in pregnancy could be universal or risk guided.

Methods and analysis

The PrEP Implementation for Mothers in Antenatal Care (PrIMA) study is a cluster randomised trial that aims to determine the best model for PrEP implementation in pregnancy, among women attending public sector maternal child health clinics in Western Kenya (HIV prevalence >25%). Twenty clinics are randomised to either universal PrEP offer following standardised counselling (‘Universal arm’ 10 clinics) or risk screening with partner self-test option (‘Targeted arm’ 10 clinics). Four thousand women will be enrolled and followed through 9-month postpartum. The primary analysis will be intention to treat. Outcomes reflect the balance between HIV preventive effectiveness and avoiding unnecessary PrEP exposure to women at low risk and include: maternal HIV incidence, PrEP uptake, PrEP adherence, PrEP duration, ‘appropriate’ PrEP use (among women with objective evidence of potential risk), infant birth outcomes, infant growth and partner self-testing uptake. To better understand the feasibility and acceptability of the provision of PrEP in these settings, qualitative interviews and cost-effectiveness analyses will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the institutional review boards at Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Washington. An external advisory panel monitors adverse and social harm events. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, presentations at local and international conferences to national and global policy makers, community and participants.

Trial registration number

NCT03070600.
Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort
Authors: Heaven Anne , Brown Lesley , Young John , Teale Elizabeth , Hawkins Rebecca , Spilsbury Karen , Mountain Gail , Young Tracey , Goodwin Victoria , Hanratty Barbara , Chew-Graham Carolyn , Brundle Caroline , Mahmood Farhat , Jacob Ikhlaq , Daffu-O’Reilly Amrit , Clegg Andrew
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data, with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age. CARE75+ is the first international experimental frailty research cohort designed using Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) methodology, to align applied epidemiological research with clinical trial evaluation of interventions to improve the health and well-being of older people living with frailty.

Methods and analysis

Prospective cohort study using a TwiCs design. One thousand community-dwelling older people (≥75 years) will be recruited from UK general practices. Nursing home residents, those with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less and people receiving palliative care will be excluded. Data collection assessments will be face to face in the person’s home at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 48 months, including assessments of frailty, cognition, mood, health-related quality of life, comorbidity, medications, resilience, loneliness, pain and self-efficacy. A modified protocol for follow-up by telephone or web based will be offered at 6 months. Consent will be sought for data linkage and invitations to additional studies, including intervention studies using the TwiCs design. A blood sample biobank will be established for future basic science studies.

Ethics and dissemination

CARE75+ was approved by the NRES Committee Yorkshire and the Humber—Bradford Leeds 10 October 2014 (14/YH/1120). Formal written consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate and has capacity to provide informed consent. Consultee assent is sought if an individual lacks capacity.

Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific conferences. Key study results will be summarised and disseminated to all study participants via newsletters, local older people’s publications and local engagement events. Results will be reported on a bespoke CARE75+ website.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16588124;Results stage