bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The anti-ethylene growth regulator silver thiosulfate (STS) increases flower production and longevity in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Hyde Peter T. , Guan Xian , Abreu Viviane , Setter Tim L.
Published: September 2019

Cassava, which produces edible starchy roots, is an important staple food for hundreds of millions of people in the tropics. Breeding of cassava is hampered by its poor flower production, flower abortion, and lack of reproductive prolificacy. The current work determined that ethylene signalling affects floral development in cassava and that the anti-ethylene plant growth regulator silver thiosulfate (STS) mitigates the effects of ethylene on flower development. STS did not affect the timing of flower initiation, but improved early inflorescence and flower development as well as flower longevity such that flower numbers were increased. STS did not affect shoot and storage root growth. Studies of silver accumulation and treatment localization support the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of STS are confined to tissues of the shoot apex. The most effective timing of application was before inflorescence appearance extending to post-flower appearance. Based on this work a recommended protocol for STS use was developed. This work has the potential to improve methods for enhancing cassava flower development in breeding nurseries and thereby synchronize flowering of desired parents and enable the production of abundant progeny of desired crosses.
Improved strategy for isoleucine 1H/13C methyl labeling in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Ali Rustam , Clark Lindsay D. , Zahm Jacob A. , Lemoff Andrew , Ramesh Karthik , Rosenbaum Daniel M. , Rosen Michael K.
Published: September 2019

Site specific methyl labeling combined with methyl TROSY offers a powerful NMR approach to study structure and dynamics of proteins and protein complexes of high molecular weight. Robust and cost-effective methods have been developed for site specific protein 1H/13C methyl labeling in an otherwise deuterated background in bacteria. However, bacterial systems are not suitable for expression and isotope labeling of many eukaryotic and membrane proteins. The yeast Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) is a commonly used host for expression of eukaryotic proteins, and site-specific methyl labeling of perdeuterated eukaryotic proteins has recently been achieved with this system. However, the practical utility of methyl labeling and deuteration in P. pastoris is limited by high costs. Here, we describe an improved method for 1H/13C-labeling of the δ-methyl group of isoleucine residues in a perdeuterated background, which reduces the cost by ≥ 50% without compromising the efficiency of isotope enrichment. We have successfully implemented this method to label actin and a G-protein coupled receptor. Our approach will facilitate studies of the structure and dynamics of eukaryotic proteins by NMR spectroscopy.
How climate change might affect tree regeneration following fire at northern latitudes: a review
Authors: Boucher Dominique , Gauthier Sylvie , Thiffault Nelson , Marchand William , Girardin Martin , Urli Morgane
Published: September 2019

Climate change is projected to increase fire severity and frequency in the boreal forest, but it could also directly affect post-fire recruitment processes by impacting seed production, germination, and seedling growth and survival. We reviewed current knowledge regarding the effects of high temperatures and water deficits on post-fire recruitment processes of four major tree species (Picea mariana, Pinus banksiana, Populus tremuloides and Betula papyrifera) in order to anticipate the effects of climate change on forest recovery following fire in the boreal biome. We also produced maps of future vulnerability of post-fire recruitment by combining tree distributions in Canada with projections of temperature, moisture index and fire regime for the 2041–2070 and 2071–2100 periods. Although our review reveals that information is lacking for some regeneration stages, it highlights the response variability to climate conditions between species. The recruitment process of black spruce is likely to be the most affected by rising temperatures and water deficits, but more tolerant species are also at risk of being impacted by projected climate conditions. Our maps suggest that in eastern Canada, tree species will be vulnerable mainly to projected increases in temperature, while forests will be affected mostly by droughts in western Canada. Conifer-dominated forests are at risk of becoming less productive than they currently are, and eventually, timber supplies from deciduous species-dominated forests could also decrease. Our vulnerability maps are useful for prioritizing areas where regeneration monitoring efforts and adaptive measures could be developed.
Affirmation and Denial in Aristotle’s De interpretatione
Authors: Perälä Mika
Published: September 2019

Modern logicians have complained that Aristotelian logic lacks a distinction between predication (including negation) and assertion, and that predication, according to the Aristotelians, implies assertion. The present paper addresses the question of whether this criticism can be levelled against Aristotle’s logic. Based on a careful study of theDe interpretatione, the paper shows that even if Aristotle defines what he calls simple assertion in terms of predication, he does not confound predication and assertion. That is because, first, he does not understand compound assertion in terms of predication, and secondly, he acknowledges non-assertive predicative thoughts that are truth-evaluable. Therefore, the implications of Aristotle’s ‘predication theory of assertion’ are not as devastating as the critics believe.
Artificial neural networks as a tool for pattern recognition and electrofacies analysis in Polish palaeozoic shale gas formations
Authors: Puskarczyk Edyta
Published: September 2019

Unconventional oil and gas reservoirs from the lower Palaeozoic basin at the western slope of the East European Craton were taken into account in this study. The aim was to supply and improve standard well logs interpretation based on machine learning methods, especially ANNs. ANNs were used on standard well logging data, e.g. P-wave velocity, density, resistivity, neutron porosity, radioactivity and photoelectric factor. During the calculations, information about lithology or stratigraphy was not taken into account. We apply different methods of classification: cluster analysis, support vector machine and artificial neural network—Kohonen algorithm. We compare the results and analyse obtained electrofacies. Machine learning method–support vector machine SVM was used for classification. For the same data set, SVM algorithm application results were compared to the results of the Kohonen algorithm. The results were very similar. We obtained very good agreement of results. Kohonen algorithm (ANN) was used for pattern recognition and identification of electrofacies. Kohonen algorithm was also used for geological interpretation of well logs data. As a result of Kohonen algorithm application, groups corresponding to the gas-bearing intervals were found. Analysis showed diversification between gas-bearing formations and surrounding beds. It is also shown that internal diversification in gas-saturated beds is present. It is concluded that ANN appeared to be a useful and quick tool for preliminary classification of members and gas-saturated identification.
A Multinational European Study of Patient Preferences for Novel Diagnostics to Manage Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Mott David J. , Hampson Grace , Llewelyn Martin J. , Mestre-Ferrandiz Jorge , Hopkins Michael M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Novel diagnostics are needed to manage antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Patient preferences are important in determining whether diagnostic tests are successful in practice, but there are few data describing the test attributes which matter most to patients. We elicited patients’ preferences for attributes of diagnostic tests that could be used to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in primary care across seven European countries.

Methods

We used an online stated preference survey, including a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The DCE explored how patients make trade-offs between three key attributes of diagnostic tests: the speed that results were available, confidence in the test results, and how convenient it is to take the test. Individuals were eligible to complete the survey if they had taken antibiotics within the last 2 years and were resident in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom (UK).

Results

In total, 988 respondents completed the survey. The DCE responses illustrated that speed was the least important attribute in most countries. Responses from Germany and the Netherlands indicated that confidence was most important in these countries. Responses from the UK, France, Spain and Italy showed convenience as the most important attribute in these countries. Two attributes, confidence and convenience, were jointly favoured by respondents in Greece.

Conclusion

Patients in different European countries do not have the same preferences for the attributes of diagnostic tests to manage AMR in primary care. Failure to account for such differences during test development could reduce test uptake, result in continued overuse of antibiotics, and hamper marketisation.
The many ways to hack 2FA
Authors: Grimes Roger
Published: September 2019

As the days of pervasive password authentication are starting to wane, administrators and end users are increasingly turning to stronger types of authentication such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). All other considerations considered equal, MFA solutions (which include 2FA) are usually stronger than single-factor authentication (1FA) solutions such as the ubiquitous duo of username and password. This is generally agreed upon by all computer security professionals.

People are increasingly turning to stronger types of authentication such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

But somewhere along the way, many people have come to associate MFA solutions with being far less hackable or even unhackable. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it's possible to use nothing more than a simple phishing email to easily bypass many beloved MFA solutions, says Roger Grimes of KnowBe4.
Best practices for fighting the fileless threat
Authors: Baldin Andy
Published: September 2019

In their continuous quest to find new tools, techniques and tactics to outsmart the white hats, hackers have hit upon a pretty effective strategy. Fileless malware attacks are on the rise, but we still have to worry about file-based approaches, making for a complex situation for defenders.

Fileless malware attacks are on the rise, but we can't afford to overlook existing threats, creating a complex situation for defenders.

The answer lies with a back-to-basics approach based around some key cyber hygiene processes such as patch management and app control, layered up to maximise prevention and minimise risk. With a good foundation in place, expanding to include detection and response can now be done successfully, argues Andy Baldin of Ivanti.
Why do PAM projects fail?
Authors: Walker Paul
Published: September 2019

Every computer operating system and business application needs certain user accounts to function. There's no getting away from that. Accounts with higher levels of permissions (often, but not limited to, administrator accounts) are often referred to as privileged accounts. And these privileged accounts have almost unlimited access across computer systems. As a result, anyone with access to these computer accounts also has access to highly sensitive company information and once these credentials are targeted, they can easily lead to a breach of a company's most valuable assets, from databases to social media and unstructured data.
CAEP 2018 Academic Symposium: Recommendations for developing and supporting Global Emergency Medicine in Canadian academic emergency departments and divisions
Authors: Collier Amanda , Marton Gregory , Chun Shannon , Nijssen-Jordan Cheri , Bartels Susan A. , Pulfrey Simon , Lang Eddy , Schull Michael , Landes Megan , Johnson Kirsten
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The objective of the CAEP Global Emergency Medicine (EM) panel was to identify successes, challenges, and barriers to engaging in global health in Canadian academic emergency departments, formulate recommendations for increasing engagement of faculty, and guide departments in developing a Global EM program.

Methods

A panel of academic Global EM practitioners and residents met regularly via teleconference in the year leading up to the CAEP 2018 Academic Symposium. Recommendations were drafted based on a literature review, three mixed methods surveys (CAEP general members, Canadian Global EM practitioners, and Canadian academic emergency department leaders), and panel members’ experience. Recommendations were presented at the CAEP 2018 Academic Symposium in Calgary and further refined based on feedback from the Academic Section.

Results

A total of nine recommendations are presented here. Seven of these are directed towards Canadian academic departments and divisions and intend to increase their engagement in Global EM by recognizing it as an integral part of the practice of emergency medicine, deliberately incorporating it into strategic plans, identifying local leaders, providing tangible supports (i.e., research, administration or financial support, shift flexibility), mitigating barriers, encouraging collaboration, and promoting academic deliverables. The final two recommendations pertain to CAEP increasing its own engagement and support of Global EM.

Conclusions

These recommendations serve as guidance for Canadian academic emergency departments and divisions to increase their engagement in Global EM.
Long-Run Effects of Forced Resettlement: Evidence from Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Abel Martin
Published: September 2019

In an attempt to divide and marginalize the black population, the apartheid regime forcefully relocated some 3.5 million South Africans to rural homelands between 1960 and 1980. This event, considered one of history’s largest social engineering exercises, created overcrowded and economically deprived communities of displaced people. This article uses geo-coded data to explore the long-term effects of removals on current measures of social capital. Comparing people within the same homeland, I show that those living close to former resettlement camps have higher levels of trust towards members of their social network, people in general, and members of other ethnic groups. These findings are important, as solidarity among suppressed people is believed to be a critical factor in explaining the demise of the apartheid regime.
Homer and his Legacy in Gregory of Nazianzus’ ‘On his own Affairs’
Authors: O’Connell Peter A.
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates how Gregory of Nazianzus imitates and responds to the Greek literary tradition in the autobiographical poem ‘On his own affairs’ (2.1.1). Through six case studies, it contributes to the ongoing re-evaluation of Gregory’s literary merit. With learning, wit, subtle humour and faith, Gregory adapts and reinvents earlier poetry to express Christian themes. Imitation is at the heart of his poetic technique, but his imitations are never straight-forward. They include imitating both Homer and other poets’ imitations of Homer, learned word-play and combining references to non-Christian literature and the Septuagint. Gregory’s references add nuance to ‘On his own affairs’ and give pleasure to readers trained to judge poetry by comparing it to earlier poetry, especially the Homeric epics. They also demonstrate the breadth of his scholarship, which extends to Homeric variants, Platonic epigrams and the entirety of the New Testament and Septuagint. Above all, Gregory insists that he is a rightful participant in a living poetic tradition. He writes Greek poetry for the fourth century AD, just as Oppian did in the second century and Apollonius and Callimachus did in the Hellenistic period.
Recent advances in experimental thermodynamics of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Sun Hui , Wu Di
Published: September 2019

This mini review summarizes recent advances in experimental thermodynamics of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Taking advantage of the development in mechanochemistry, near-room temperature solution calorimetry, and low-temperature heat capacity measurements, the energetic landscape, entropy trends, and Gibbs free energy evolutions of MOFs with true polymorphism [Zn(MeIm)2, Zn(EtIm)2, and Zn(CF3Im)2] as framework topology varies were thoroughly explored by integrated calorimetric and computational methodologies. In addition, the formation enthalpies of MOFs with ultrahigh porosity (MOF-177 and UMCM-1) and the simplest structure (metal formates) have been determined. The studies summarized below highlight the complex interplays among interrelated compositional, chemical, and topological (structural) factors in the determination of the thermodynamic parameters of MOFs.
The validation of the Malay Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0: factor structure, item analysis and model fit
Authors: Swarna Nantha Yogarabindranath , Kalasivan Ahalya , Ponnusamy Pillai Mahalakshmi , Suppiah Poopathy , Md Sharif Salmiah , Krishnan Shamini Gayathri , Samy Pullay Subasni , Osman Noor Ashikin
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The development of a second version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) coincides with the latest updates in the diagnosis of addiction as documented in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The objective of the present study was to translate the YFAS 2.0 into the Malay language and test its psychometric properties in a primary-care population.

Design:

Patients were assessed for food addiction utilizing the Malay YFAS 2.0. The participants were also assessed for eating disorder using the validated Malay Binge Eating Scale. The psychometric properties of the YFAS 2.0 were determined by analysing factor structure, overall item statistics, internal consistency and construct validity.

Setting:

Between 2017 and 2018, participants were chosen from a regional primary-care clinic in the district of Seremban, Malaysia.

Participants:

Patients (n 382) from a regional primary-care clinic.

Results:

The prevalence of food addiction was 5·0%. A two-factor structure of the YFAS was confirmed as the most optimal solution for the scale via confirmatory factor analysis. In both its diagnostic and symptom count version, the YFAS 2.0 had good internal consistency (Kuder–Richardson α > 0·80 and McDonald’s ω > 0·9).

Conclusions:

We validated a psychometrically sound Malay version of the YFAS 2.0 in a primary-care population. Both diagnostic and symptom count versions of the scale had robust psychometric properties. The questionnaire can be used to develop health promotion strategies to detect food addiction tendencies in a general population.
Founded (Auto)Epistemic Equilibrium Logic Satisfies Epistemic Splitting
Authors: FANDINNO JORGE
Published: September 2019

In a recent line of research, two familiar concepts from logic programming semantics (unfounded sets and splitting) were extrapolated to the case of epistemic logic programs. The property ofepistemic splittingprovides a natural and modular way to understand programs without epistemic cycles but, surprisingly, was only fulfilled by Gelfond’s original semantics (G91), among the many proposals in the literature. On the other hand, G91 may suffer from a kind of self-supported, unfounded derivations when epistemic cycles come into play. Recently, the absence of these derivations was also formalised as a property of epistemic semantics calledfoundedness. Moreover, a first semantics proved to satisfy foundedness was also proposed, the so-calledFounded Autoepistemic Equilibrium Logic(FAEEL). In this paper, we prove that FAEEL also satisfies the epistemic splitting property something that, together with foundedness, was not fulfilled by any other approach up to date. To prove this result, we provide an alternative characterisation of FAEEL as a combination of G91 with a simpler logic we calledFounded Epistemic Equilibrium Logic(FEEL), which is somehow an extrapolation of the stable model semantics to the modal logic S5.
About Epistemic Negation and World Views in Epistemic Logic Programs
Authors: COSTANTINI STEFANIA
Published: September 2019

In this paper we consider Epistemic Logic Programs, which extend Answer Set Programming (ASP) with “ epistemic operators” and “ epistemic negation”, and a recent approach to the semantics of such programs in terms ofWorld Views. We propose some observations on the existence and number of world views. We show how to exploit an extended ASP semantics in order to: (i) provide a characterization of world views, different from existing ones; (ii) query world views and query the whole set of world views.
Incremental Answer Set Programming with Overgrounding
Authors: CALIMERI FRANCESCO , IANNI GIOVAMBATTISTA , PACENZA FRANCESCO , PERRI SIMONA , ZANGARI JESSICA
Published: September 2019

Repeated executions of reasoning tasks for varying inputs are necessary in many applicative settings, such as stream reasoning. In this context, we propose an incremental grounding approach for the answer set semantics. We focus on the possibility of generating incrementally larger ground logic programs equivalent to a given non-ground one; so calledovergrounded programscan be reused in combination with deliberately many different sets of inputs. Updating overgrounded programs requires a small effort, thus making the instantiation of logic programs considerably faster when grounding is repeated on a series of inputs similar to each other. Notably, the proposed approach works “under the hood”, relieving designers of logic programs from controlling technical aspects of grounding engines and answer set systems. In this work we present the theoretical basis of the proposed incremental grounding technique, we illustrate the consequent repeated evaluation strategy and report about our experiments.
A Case for Stale Synchronous Distributed Model for Declarative Recursive Computation
Authors: DAS ARIYAM , ZANIOLO CARLO
Published: September 2019

A large class of traditional graph and data mining algorithms can be concisely expressed in Datalog, and other Logic-based languages, once aggregates are allowed in recursion. In fact, for most BigData algorithms, the difficult semantic issues raised by the use of non-monotonic aggregates in recursion are solved byPre-Mappability(${\cal P}$reM), a property that assures that for a program with aggregates in recursion there is an equivalent aggregate-stratified program. In this paper we show that, by bringing together the formal abstract semantics of stratified programs with the efficient operational one of unstratified programs,$\[{\cal P}\]$reMcan also facilitate and improve their parallel execution. We prove that$\[{\cal P}\]$reM-optimized lock-free and decomposable parallel semi-naive evaluations produce the same results as the single executor programs. Therefore,$\[{\cal P}\]$reMcan be assimilated into the data-parallel computation plans of different distributed systems, irrespective of whether these follow bulk synchronous parallel (BSP) or asynchronous computing models. In addition, we show that non-linear recursive queries can be evaluated using a hybrid stale synchronous parallel (SSP) model on distributed environments. After providing a formal correctness proof for the recursive query evaluation with$\[{\cal P}\]$reMunder this relaxed synchronization model, we present experimental evidence of its benefits.
Evaluation of the Implementation of an Abstract Interpretation Algorithm using Tabled CLP
Authors: ARIAS JOAQUÍN , CARRO MANUEL
Published: September 2019

CiaoPP is an analyzer and optimizer for logic programs, part of the Ciao Prolog system. It includes PLAI, a fixpoint algorithm for the abstract interpretation of logic programs which we adapt to use tabled constraint logic programming. In this adaptation, the tabling engine drives the fixpoint computation, while the constraint solver handles the LUB of the abstract substitutions of different clauses. That simplifies the code and improves performance, since termination, dependencies, and some crucial operations (e.g., branch switching and resumption) are directly handled by the tabling engine. Determining whether the fixpoint has been reached uses semantic equivalence, which can decide that two syntactically different abstract substitutions represent the same element in the abstract domain. Therefore, the tabling analyzer can reuse answers in more cases than an analyzer using syntactical equality. This helps achieve better performance, even taking into account the additional cost associated to these checks. Our implementation is based on the TCLP framework available in Ciao Prolog and is one-third the size of the initial fixpoint implementation in CiaoPP. Its performance has been evaluated by analyzing several programs using different abstract domains.
Climate Science Needs Professional Statisticians
Authors: Cooley Daniel , Wehner Michael
Published: September 2019

Climate science needs its own specialized “climostatisticians” as integral members of multidisciplinary research teams.
Comprehensive genetic testing of Chinese SNHL patients and variants interpretation using ACMG guidelines and ethnically matched normal controls
Authors: Yuan Yongyi , Li Qi , Su Yu , Lin Qiongfen , Gao Xue , Liu Hankui , Huang Shasha , Kang Dongyang , Todd N. Wendell , Mattox Douglas , Zhang Jianguo , Lin Xi , Dai Pu
Published: September 2019

Hereditary hearing loss is a monogenic disease with high genetic heterogeneity. Variants in more than 100 deafness genes underlie the basis of its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the ratio of SNVs in known deafness genes contributing to the etiology of both sporadic and familial sensorineural hearing loss patients from China. DNA samples from 1127 individuals, including normal hearing controls (n = 616), sporadic SNHL patients (n = 433), and deaf individuals (n = 78) from 30 hearing loss pedigrees were collected. The NGS tests included analysis of sequence alterations in 129 genes. The variants were interpreted according to the ACMG/AMP guidelines for genetic hearing loss combined with NGS data from 616 ethnically matched normal hearing adult controls. We identified a positive molecular diagnosis in 226 patients with sporadic SNHL (52.19%) and in patients from 17 deafness pedigrees (56.67%). Ethnically matched MAF filtering reduced the variants of unknown significance by 8.7%, from 6216 to 5675. Some complexities that may restrict causative variant identification are discussed. This report highlight the clinical utility of NGS panels identifying disease-causing variants for the diagnosis of hearing loss and underlines the importance of a broad data of control and ACMG/AMP standards for accurate clinical delineation of VUS variants.
Thermoregulatory response of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to infection by Beauveria bassiana, and its effect on survivorship and reproductive success
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Reitz Stuart R. , Lei Zhongren , Wang Haihong
Published: September 2019

Behavioral thermoregulation is a defensive strategy employed by some insects to counter infections by parasites and pathogens. Most reported examples of this type of thermoregulatory response involve behavioral fevering. However depending upon the life history of a host-insect and that of the parasite or pathogen, the host may respond by cold-seeking behavior. Thermoregulation is not only ecologically important; it may affect the success of parasites and pathogens as biological control agents. We examined ifFrankliniella occidentalis(Pergande) thermoregulates in response to infection byBeauveria bassiana, a fungal pathogen commonly used for biological control. Fungal-infected thrips preferentially moved to cooler areas (~12 °C) while healthy thrips sought out warmer temperatures (~24 °C). This cold-seeking behavior suppressed the growth ofB. bassianain infected thrips, and significantly improved survivorship of infected thrips. At 24 °C, males only survived up to 10 d after infection and females up to 20 d after infection, which was substantially poorer survivorship than that of corresponding healthy individuals. However, individuals of both sexes survived up to 48 d after infection at 12 °C, which was a much less severe reduction in survivorship compared with the effect ofB. bassianainfection at 24 °C. The proportion of females among progeny from infected thrips at 12 °C was higher than at 24 °C. Therefore, cold-seeking behavior is beneficial toF. occidentalis when infected byB. bassiana, and its effects should be considered in the use ofB. bassianain biological control programs.
Assessing the quantumness of the annealing dynamics via Leggett Garg’s inequalities: a weak measurement approach
Authors: Vitale V. , De Filippis G. , de Candia A. , Tagliacozzo A. , Cataudella V. , Lucignano P.
Published: September 2019

Adiabatic quantum computation (AQC) is a promising counterpart of universal quantum computation, based on the key concept of quantum annealing (QA). QA is claimed to be at the basis of commercial quantum computers and benefits from the fact that the detrimental role of decoherence and dephasing seems to have poor impact on the annealing towards the ground state. While many papers show interesting optimization results with a sizable number of qubits, a clear evidence of a full quantum coherent behavior during the whole annealing procedure is still lacking. In this paper we show that quantum non-demolition (weak) measurements of Leggett Garg inequalities can be used to efficiently assess the quantumness of the QA procedure. Numerical simulations based on a weak coupling Lindblad approach are compared with classical Langevin simulations to support our statements.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensor kinase DosS modulates the autophagosome in a DosR-independent manner
Authors: Gautam Uma S. , Mehra Smriti , Kumari Priyanka , Alvarez Xavier , Niu Tianhua , Tyagi Jaya S. , Kaushal Deepak
Published: September 2019

Dormancy is a key characteristic of the intracellular life-cycle of Mtb. The importance of sensor kinase DosS in mycobacteria are attributed in part to our current findings that DosS is required for both persistence and full virulence of Mtb. Here we show that DosS is also required for optimal replication in macrophages and involved in the suppression of TNF-α and autophagy pathways. Silencing of these pathways during the infection process restored full virulence in MtbΔdosS mutant. Notably, a mutant of the response regulator DosR did not exhibit the attenuation in macrophages, suggesting that DosS can function independently of DosR. We identified four DosS targets in Mtb genome; Rv0440, Rv2859c, Rv0994, and Rv0260c. These genes encode functions related to hypoxia adaptation, which are not directly controlled by DosR, e.g., protein recycling and chaperoning, biosynthesis of molybdenum cofactor and nitrogen metabolism. Our results strongly suggest a DosR-independent role for DosS in Mtb.
A polymer cage as an efficient polysulfide reservoir for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zeng Shuaibo , Arumugam Gowri Manohari , Liu Xianhu , Guo Fei , Li Xin , Zhong Hai , Mai Yaohua
Published: September 2019

A self-assembly strategy to prepare cage-polymer coated nano-sulfur particles, which exhibit long-term stability with an attenuation rate of 0.071% per cycle, is demonstrated.
Functional layered materials with heavy metal lone pair cations, Pb2+, Bi3+, and Te4+
Authors: Ok Kang Min
Published: September 2019

Syntheses, structures, representative properties, and the structure–property relationships for a series of functional layered materials are presented.
Influence of annealing conditions on the structure and luminescence properties of KGd1−xEux(MoO4)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)
Authors: Morozov Vladimir A. , Posokhova Svetlana M. , Deyneko Dina V. , Savina Aleksandra A. , Morozov Anatolii V. , Tyablikov Oleg A. , Redkin Boris S. , Spassky Dmitry A. , Hadermann Joke , Lazoryak Bogdan I.
Published: September 2019

This study describes the influence of temperature on the structure and properties of KGd1−xEux(MoO4)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1).
Evolutionary search for (M©B16)Q (M = Sc–Ni; Q = 0/−1) clusters: bowl/boat vs. tubular shape
Authors: Mahdavifar Zabiollah , Shojaei Fazel
Published: September 2019

Via an evolutionary algorithm (USPEX) combined with spin-polarized DFT calculations, it was found that M doping significantly modified the shape of the well-known 2D B16.
Microfluidic rapid and autonomous analytical device (microRAAD) to detect HIV from whole blood samples
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth A. , Moehling Taylor J. , Ejendal Karin F. K. , Hoilett Orlando S. , Byers Kristin M. , Basing Laud Anthony , Jankowski Lauren A. , Bennett Jackson B. , Lin Li-Kai , Stanciu Lia A. , Linnes Jacqueline C.
Published: September 2019

This handheld sample-to-answer platform combines blood cell separation, viral lysis, and isothermal nucleic acid amplification with capillary fluidics and heating controls to automatically detect HIV from blood samples within 90 minutes.
Correction: Comparison of organic and inorganic layers for structural templating of pentacene thin films
Authors: Kim Dong Kuk , Lubert-Perquel Daphné , Heutz Sandrine
Published: September 2019

Correction for ‘Comparison of organic and inorganic layers for structural templating of pentacene thin films’ by Dong Kuk Kim et al., Mater. Horiz., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9mh00355j.
Hydrogen-bonding regulated assembly of molecular and macromolecular amphiphiles
Authors: Sikder Amrita , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: September 2019

Hydrogen bonding driven assembly of amphiphiles (small molecules and polymers) produce diverse nanostructures in aqueous medium.
Ligand functionalized copper nanoclusters for versatile applications in catalysis, sensing, bioimaging, and optoelectronics
Authors: Shahsavari Shayan , Hadian-Ghazvini Samaneh , Hooriabad Saboor Fahimeh , Menbari Oskouie Iman , Hasany Masoud , Simchi Abdolreza , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: September 2019

Chemically synthesized copper nanoclusters show colour-tunable emission and can be applied in catalysis, sensing, bioimaging, theranostics, and optoelectronics.
Voice Therapy With Seniors: Attendance, Outcomes, and Associated Patient Characteristics
Authors: Smith Bonnie E. , Bahr Ruth Huntley , Hernandez Hector N.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the attendance and success rates for seniors in voice therapy, identify any contributing patient-related factors, and compare results to existing findings for younger patients.

Method

This retrospective study included information from the voice records of 50 seniors seen by the same speech-language pathologist in a private practice. Analysis of attendance and outcome data divided participants into 6 groups. Outcomes for Groups 1–3 (64% of patients) were considered successful (positive voice change), while outcomes for Groups 4–6 (36% of patients) were considered unsuccessful. These data were compared to similar data collected for younger adults in a previous study.

Results

The attendance and success rates for seniors in this study were higher than those previously reported for younger patients. Further consideration of patient factors revealed that reports of increased stress, Reflux Symptom Index scores > 13, and higher Voice Handicap Index functional subscale scores were significant in distinguishing between patients in the successful and unsuccessful treatment outcome groups.

Conclusions

The relatively high attendance and success rates among this sample of seniors suggest the desire to achieve voice improvement does not diminish with age, and chances for success in voice therapy among nonfrail seniors may be greater than for younger patients.
Coronary Artery Perforation
Authors: Deb Tripti , Maddury Jyotsna , Sahoo Prasant Kr.
Published: September 2019

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered as the standard treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease in indicated patients. Even though PCI gives symptomatic angina improvement, but associated with serious complications like coronary artery perforation (CAP), the incidence is quite low. With the more complex lesions for successful angioplasty, different devices are required, which in turn increase the incidence of CAP in these patients. Here we review the classification, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical sequela, risk factors, predictors, and management of CAP in the current era due to PCI.
Extracranial-Intracranial High-Flow Bypass with Internal Carotid Artery Ligation at Neck for Giant Cavernous Internal Carotid Artery Dissecting Aneurysm in a Teen Girl with Postoperative Unusual Complication of Mono-ocular Blindness: A Case Report
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad H. , Ekramullah Sheikh Mohammod , Khalil Mohammod Ibrahim , Arifin Mohammod Shamsul
Published: September 2019

Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) high-flow bypass with internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation at the neck is an important treatment option for giant cavernous ICA dissecting aneurysm. Such treatment may be associated with many complications. We report a case that developed postoperative mono-ocular blindness. So far to our knowledge such complication has not been reported in the literature. A 14-year-old girl presented with recent headache, eye ache, occasional double vision, and occasional right-sided visual impairment. Neurologic examination revealed no abnormality. Computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head showed a large, right parasellar, and mostly hyperdense space-occupying lesion. CT angiogram of the brain showed giant dissecting aneurysm of right-sided cavernous segment ICA. A right-sided external carotid artery–radial artery graft–middle cerebral artery (ECA-RAG-MCA [M2]) high-flow bypass was done with ligation of the right ICA in the neck. Postoperatively, the patient developed complete, mono-ocular, and permanent blindness on right side. Mono-ocular blindness is a serious complication from ophthalmic/central retinal artery thrombosis in high-flow EC-IC bypass with ICA ligation. Strategy is required to find and to set for its prevention.
Silicon photodetector for integrated lithium niobate photonics
Authors: Desiatov Boris , Lončar Marko
Published: September 2019

We demonstrate the integration of an amorphous silicon photodetector with a thin film lithium niobate photonic platform operating in the visible wavelength range. We present the details of the design, fabrication, integration, and experimental characterization of this metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector that features a responsivity of 22 mA/W to 37 mA/W over the wide optical bandwidth spanning in the 635 nm–850 nm wavelength range.
Extracting transport properties of both electrons and holes in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: September 2019

Researchers decoupled drift mobilities and lifetimes of electrons and holes in hexagonal boron nitride, an important but rarely studied material.
Blow-up instability in non-linear wave models with distributed parameters
Authors: Korpusov M. O. , Ovsyannikov E. A.
Published: September 2019

We consider two model non-linear equations describing electric oscillations in systems with distributed parameters on the basis of diodes with non-linear characteristics. We obtain equivalent integral equations for classical solutions of the Cauchy problem and the first and second initial-boundary value problems for the original equations in the half-space

. Using the contraction mapping principle, we prove the local-in-time solubility of these problems. For one of these equations, we use the Pokhozhaev method of non-linear capacity to deduce a priori bounds giving rise to finite-time blow-up results and obtain upper bounds for the blow-up time. For the other, we use a modification of Levine’s method to obtain sufficient conditions for blow-up in the case of sufficiently large initial data and give a lower bound for the order of growth of a functional with the meaning of energy. We also obtain an upper bound for the blow-up time.
Progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin improve the reproductive capacity of long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts
Authors: Zheng Peng , Huang Fushuo , Ma Mingjun , Tian Yaguang , Huang He
Published: September 2019

Context
It is a common problem that replacement gilts exhibit delayed oestrus and non-oestrus in pig production.

Aims
This study explored the use of progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) to promote oestrus and to restore the reproductive capacity of sows.

Methods
A total of 90 long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts were randomly divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 30 sows that were normally fed for 20 days, followed by injections of 1000 IU of PMSG on the morning of the 21st day and 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the 24th day. Group B consisted of 30 sows that were continuously fed with altrenogest (20 mg/head.day) for 18 days, followed by injections of 1000 IU of PMSG on the morning of the 21st day and 100 μg of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on the 24th day. Group C (control group) consisted of 30 sows that were normally fed for 20 days, followed by injections of 3 mL of physiological saline on the morning of the 21st day and 3 mL of saline on the 24th day. Oestrus identification was performed in all three groups, and sows underwent artificial insemination after the injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone or saline.

Key results
We found that the follicles of long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts were not developed, and follicle diameters were <4 mm. The oestrus rate and pregnancy rate of the sows in Group B were significantly lower than those in Group A (30% vs 66.7% and 66.7% vs 90%) respectively. There was no difference in the litter size between Group A and Group B (11.2 vs 11.5). The sows in Group C exhibited no oestrus and no pregnancy. After treatment with progesterone and PMSG, the follicle diameters of sows in oestrus were significantly greater than those of sows in non-oestrus, and the levels of oestradiol, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly higher than those of sows in non-oestrus.

Conclusions
This study showed that progesterone and PMSG treatment can alter the reproductive hormone levels and follicle diameters in long-term non-oestrus replacement gilts, promote oestrus and restore reproductive capacity in sows.

Implications
This study provides a method for the use of hormone-treated gilts to maximise the reproductive potential of gilts.
Specific distribution of expression and enzymatic activity of cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme DHCR24 orthologs in the phytophagous insect
Authors: Fujimori Haruna , Zhou Yi Jun , Fukumura Keisuke , Matsumoto Sumihiro , Tukamoto Yusuke , Nagata Shinji
Published: September 2019

Insects must intake sterol compounds because of their inability to synthesize cholesterol de novo. In phytophagous insects, enzymatic conversion of phytosterols to cholesterol involving 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) exerts to acquire cholesterol. Here, we reported the presence of two DHCR24 homologs in the silkworm Bombyx mori, BmDHCR24-1 and -2, with several transcript variants. Consistent with the data of spatial expression analyses by RT-PCR, predominant enzymatic activity of DHCR24 was observed in B. mori larval midgut whereas weak activity was observed in the other tissues examined. In addition, BmDHCR24-1 expression in HEK293 cells showed an enzymatic activity, but BmDHCR24-2 did not, although both BmDHCR24s were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, where the mammalian DHCR24s are located to exert their enzymatic activities. The present data indicated that BmDHCR24-1 but not BmDHCR24-2 contributes to conversion of phytosterols to cholesterol mainly in the midgut of the phytophagous lepidopteran larvae.
ABR findings in musicians with normal audiogram and otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Kikidis Dimitrios , Vardonikolaki Aikaterini , Zachou Zoe , Razou Andriana , Pantos Pavlos , Bibas Athanasios
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Although findings in human studies trying to identify signs of cochlear synaptopathy (CS) are still controversial, several methodological restrictions exist, including inconsistencies in participants profiles, definition of study groups and inclusion criteria, diverse electrophysiological measurements settings and noise exposure history metrics and participants’ age range, which question the reliability of conclusions.

Method:

Two groups of individuals aged 18–41 participated in this study. The first group consisted of 24 musicians with well documented occupational noise exposure and the second one of 24 healthy controls. Groups were matched for age and gender. Inclusion criteria were normal and symmetrical pure tone audiometry and extended high frequency audiometry thresholds, as well as present and normal TEOAEs and DPOAEs. Outcome measures included SNR scores of speech in bubble audiometry and auditory brainstem response waves I, II and V amplitudes and latencies at three different presentation rates: 11, 33 and 44 clicks/s.

Results:

Wave I amplitude in musicians was significantly lower compared to controls at all presentation rates (11/s: p .043, 33/s: p .007 and 44/s: p .014). There was also a significantly greater reduction in wave I amplitude as well as in wave Ι/V amplitude ratio in the 33/s stimulus presentation in musicians compared to the control group (p .02 and .01, respectively). Finally, lower wave I amplitudes were found in musicians with auditory symptoms compared to musicians without symptoms at the 44/s presentation rate (p = .002).

Conclusion:

The ABR findings in our study are suggestive of possible increased prevalence of CS in musicians. Wave I amplitude was lower in Musicians group compared to matched controls. Furthermore, there was a greater reduction of wave I amplitude and wave Ι/V amplitude ratio at higher stimulation rates, which would support their use in CS studies.
Numerical Modelling of Heat Transfer in Convector’s Pipes by ABAQUS
Authors: Kolev Zh D , Kadirova S Y
Published: September 2019

The paper presents method for implementation of numerical modelling of heat transfer process between the water flow and the internal surface of a “water-air” convector’s pipes. The convector is a heat consumer in a reversible heat pump installation. To implement the CFD simulations, which are part of the numerical modelling of the processes, the ABAQUS software has been used. The main features and results from the simulations have been analysed. The method includes experimental investigations aiming determination of the boundary conditions for CFD simulation. The distribution of temperature, pressure and velocity in the fluid flowing through the pipe have been investigated. The results of the investigation of the temperature distribution present reduced heat transfer intensity in pipe’s sections, characterized by higher local hydraulic resistances.
Research of the heat transfer crisis and limit state of the heat exchange surface covered by capillary porous medium
Authors: Genbach A A , Shokolakov K K , Bondartsev D Y , Iliev I
Published: September 2019

Model of the vapour bubbles formed at the solid surface in porous structures and steam generating wall (base) was developed. The model is based on filming and photography by high-speed camcorder SKS-1M. Heat flow extraction (up to 2.106 Wm−2) is ensured by the joint action of capillary and mass forces with application of intensifier. The analytical model is based on the theory of thermoelectricity. Limit state of the poor conductive porous coating and metal base are determined. Heat flows were calculated from the time of spontaneous birth of vapour bubble (10-8) to the material destruction time (102÷103s), i.e. the time interval was described from the relaxation process to macro process (destruction). The size of pulled particles at the moment of porous coating destruction in model gave a good match with trial at the optic stand.