bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Importance of Relational Coaching for Masters Sport
Authors: Callary Bettina , Currie Chelsea , Young Bradley W.
Published: May 2020

Research into the Masters (or adult) sport context has revealed important socially mediated participatory motives for Masters athletes, including a strong connection between their learning in sport and the relationships they have with their coaches. The purpose of this insights article was to identify and describe links between relevant relational perspectives in sport coaching and dominant themes extracted from research pertaining to the psychosocial aspects of coaching adults. Three theoretical perspectives are purposively explored: interdependence theory, humanistic coaching, and andragogy. We considered how these parallel bodies of literature ascribe to the particularities of coaching adults to provide insight on how to frame effective coaching approaches and coach–athlete interrelations for this unique athletic sample. We make the case for ongoing research using an andragogical model of coaching in Masters sport in understanding how coaching Masters athletes is a complex and nuanced phenomenon.
Evaluating the Performance of Sensor-Based Bout Detection Algorithms: The Transition Pairing Method
Authors: Hibbing Paul R. , LaMunion Samuel R. , Hilafu Haileab , Crouter Scott E.
Published: May 2020

Background: Bout detection algorithms are used to segment data from wearable sensors, but it is challenging to assess segmentation correctness. The purpose of this study was to present and demonstrate the Transition Pairing Method (TPM), a new method for evaluating the performance of bout detection algorithms. Methods: The TPM compares predicted transitions to a criterion measure in terms of number and timing. A true positive is defined as a predicted transition that corresponds with one criterion transition in a mutually exclusive pair. The pairs are established using an extended Gale-Shapley algorithm, and the user specifies a maximum allowable within-pair time lag, above which pairs cannot be formed. Unpaired predictions and criteria are false positives and false negatives, respectively. The demonstration used raw acceleration data from 88 youth who wore ActiGraph GT9X monitors (right hip and non-dominant wrist) during simulated free-living. Youth Sojourn bout detection algorithms were applied (one for each attachment site), and the TPM was used to compare predicted bout transitions to the criterion measure (direct observation). Performance metrics were calculated for each participant, and hip-versus-wrist means were compared using paired t-tests (α = 0.05). Results: When the maximum allowable lag was 1-s, both algorithms had recall <20% (2.4% difference from one another, p < .01) and precision <10% (1.4% difference from one another, p < .001). That is, >80% of criterion transitions were undetected, and >90% of predicted transitions were false positives. Conclusion: The TPM improves on conventional analyses by providing specific information about bout detection in a standardized way that applies to any bout detection algorithm.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity in South African Children Attending Preschool and Grade R: Volume, Patterns, and Meeting Guidelines
Authors: Tomaz Simone A. , Hinkley Trina , Jones Rachel A. , Twine Rhian , Kahn Kathleen , Norris Shane A. , Draper Catherine E.
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To assess physical activity (PA) and determine the proportion of preschoolers meeting PA recommendations in different income settings in South Africa. Methods: Preschoolers from urban high-income (UH), urban low-income (UL), and rural low-income (RL) settings wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days. PA variables of interest included volume moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and total PA (light- to vigorous-intensity PA), hourly PA patterns, and percentage of children meeting guidelines (180 min/d of total PA, inclusive of 60 min/d of MVPA). Between-sex differences were assessed using t tests and Mann–Whitney U tests; between-setting differences assessed using 1-way analyses of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: For all children (n = 229, aged 5.17 [0.69] y), average MVPA was 124.4 (37.5) minutes per day and total PA was 457.0 (61.1) minutes per day; 96.9% of children met guidelines. Boys did significantly more MVPA than girls (136.7 [39.37] vs 111.5 [30.70] min/d, P < .001), and UH preschoolers were significantly less active than UL and RL preschoolers (UH 409.1 [48.4] vs UL 471.1 [55.6] and RL 461.6 [61.4], P < .001). Conclusion: In both practice and research, it is necessary to explore ways to ensure that South African preschoolers from all income settings continue to engage in and benefit from healthy volumes of PA. This is especially important as preschoolers transition to a formal school environment.
Biomimetic anisotropic polymeric nanoparticles coated with red blood cell membranes for enhanced circulation and toxin removal
Authors: Ben-Akiva Elana , Meyer Randall A. , Yu Hongzhe , Smith Jonathan T. , Pardoll Drew M. , Green Jordan J.
Published: May 2020

Red blood cell–mimicking nanoparticles with different shapes effectively soak up toxins from the blood to prevent sepsis.
Conformable self-assembling amyloid protein coatings with genetically programmable functionality
Authors: Li Yingfeng , Li Ke , Wang Xinyu , Cui Mengkui , Ge Peng , Zhang Junhu , Qiu Feng , Zhong Chao
Published: May 2020

Amyloid protein coatings exhibit substrate independence, resistance to harsh conditions, and programmable functionalities.
CRISPR-Cas12a delivery by DNA-mediated bioresponsive editing for cholesterol regulation
Authors: Sun Wujin , Wang Jinqiang , Hu Quanyin , Zhou Xingwu , Khademhosseini Ali , Gu Zhen
Published: May 2020

A DNA-based bioresponsive nanoformulation delivers the CRISPR-Cas12a to hepatocytes for regulating serum cholesterol.
DNA vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques
Authors: Yu Jingyou , Tostanoski Lisa H. , Peter Lauren , Mercado Noe B. , McMahan Katherine , Mahrokhian Shant H. , Nkolola Joseph P. , Liu Jinyan , Li Zhenfeng , Chandrashekar Abishek , Martinez David R. , Loos Carolin , Atyeo Caroline , Fischinger Stephanie , Burke John S. , Slein Matthew D. , Chen Yuezhou , Zuiani Adam , Lelis Felipe J. N. , Travers Meghan , Habibi Shaghayegh , Pessaint Laurent , Van Ry Alex , Blade Kelvin , Brown Renita , Cook Anthony , Finneyfrock Brad , Dodson Alan , Teow Elyse , Velasco Jason , Zahn Roland , Wegmann Frank , Bondzie Esther A. , Dagotto Gabriel , Gebre Makda S. , He Xuan , Jacob-Dolan Catherine , Kirilova Marinela , Kordana Nicole , Lin Zijin , Maxfield Lori F. , Nampanya Felix , Nityanandam Ramya , Ventura John D. , Wan Huahua , Cai Yongfei , Chen Bing , Schmidt Aaron G. , Wesemann Duane R. , Baric Ralph S. , Alter Galit , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark G. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: May 2020

Prototype DNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2

The development of a vaccine to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an urgent biomedical need. Yu
et al.
designed a series of prototype DNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is used by the virus to bind and invade human cells. Analysis of the vaccine candidates in rhesus macaques showed that animals developed protective humoral and cellular immune responses when challenged with the virus. Neutralizing antibody titers were also observed at levels similar to those seen in humans who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Science
, this issue p.
806
Multifunctional surface microrollers for targeted cargo delivery in physiological blood flow
Authors: Alapan Yunus , Bozuyuk Ugur , Erkoc Pelin , Karacakol Alp Can , Sitti Metin
Published: May 2020

Leukocyte-inspired microrollers enable upstream propulsion, controlled navigation, and targeted active drug delivery in blood flow.
Inflatable soft jumper inspired by shell snapping
Authors: Gorissen Benjamin , Melancon David , Vasios Nikolaos , Torbati Mehdi , Bertoldi Katia
Published: May 2020

Isochoric snapping of elastomeric spherical caps enables fast actuation in fluidic soft robots.
Distinct Pathways Carry Out α and β Galactosylation of Secondary Cell Wall Polysaccharide in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Chateau Alice , Oh So Young , Tomatsidou Anastasia , Brockhausen Inka , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique
Published: May 2020

Peptidoglycan is a conserved extracellular macromolecule that protects bacterial cells from turgor pressure. Peptidoglycan of Gram-positive bacteria serves as a scaffold for the attachment of polymers that provide defined bacterial interactions with their environment. One such polymer,
B. anthracis
SCWP, is pyruvylated at its distal end to serve as a receptor for secreted proteins bearing the S-layer homology domain. Repeat units of SCWP carry three galactoses in
B. anthracis
. Glycosylation is a recurring theme in nature and often represents a means to mask or alter conserved molecular signatures from intruders such as bacteriophages. Several glycosyltransferase families have been described based on bioinformatics prediction, but few have been studied. Here, we describe the glycosyltransferases that mediate the galactosylation of
B. anthracis
SCWP.
Draft Genome Sequence of Leishmania tarentolae Parrot Tar II, Obtained by Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing
Authors: Goto Yasuyuki , Kuroki Akihiro , Suzuki Kengo , Yamagishi Junya
Published: May 2020

Leishmania tarentolae
is a protozoan parasite of lizards and is nonpathogenic to mammals. Genome information for the nonpathogenic species will facilitate an understanding of the pathology caused by species pathogenic to mammals. Here, we report resequencing of the
L. tarentolae
genome with a single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencer to provide a more complete genome assembly.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Lignocellulose-Degrading Actinomycete Streptomyces albus CAS922
Authors: Tippelt Anna , Nett Markus , Vela Gurovic M. Soledad
Published: May 2020

Streptomyces albus
CAS922 was isolated from sunflower seed hulls. Its fully sequenced genome harbors a multitude of genes for carbohydrate-active enzymes, which likely facilitate growth on lignocellulosic biomass. Furthermore, the presence of 27 predicted biosynthetic gene clusters indicates a significant potential for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites.
Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain AN3A02, Isolated from Rhizosphere of Deschampsia antarctica Desv., with Antagonism against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Poblete-Morales Matías , Rabert Claudia , Olea Andrés F. , Carrasco Héctor , Calderón Raúl , Corsini Gino , Silva-Moreno Evelyn
Published: May 2020

Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. strain AN3A02, isolated from the rhizosphere of one of the only two species of vascular plants existing in the Antarctic continent,
Deschampsia antarctica
Desv. This isolate, which inhibited the mycelial growth of
Botrytis cinerea
in dual culture, has a genome sequence of 6,778,644 bp, with a G+C content of 60.4%. These draft genome sequence data provide insight into the genetics underpinning the antifungal activity of this strain.
Thaumarchaea Genome Sequences from a High Arctic Active Layer
Authors: Sun Emily Wei-Hsin , Hajirezaie Sassan , Dooner Mackenzie , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana A. , Layton Alice , Chauhan Archana , Pfiffner Susan M. , Whyte Lyle G. , Onstott Tullis C. , Lau Maggie C. Y.
Published: May 2020

The role of archaeal ammonia oxidizers often exceeds that of bacterial ammonia oxidizers in marine and terrestrial environments but has been understudied in permafrost, where thawing has the potential to release ammonia. Here, three thaumarchaea genomes were assembled and annotated from metagenomic data sets from carbon-poor Canadian High Arctic active-layer cryosols.
16S rRNA Gene Diversity in the Salt Crust of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, the World’s Largest Salt Flat
Authors: Pecher Wolf T. , Martínez Fabiana L. , DasSarma Priya , Guzmán Daniel , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: May 2020

Salar de Uyuni is a vast, high-altitude salt flat in Bolivia with extreme physico-geochemical properties approaching multiple limits of life. Evidence for diverse halophilic bacteria and archaea was found in its surface and near-surface salt crust using 16S amplicon analysis, providing a snapshot of prokaryotic life.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus mulieris UMB7784, Isolated from the Female Urinary Tract
Authors: Tsibere Oleksandra , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

We sequenced the genome of
Lactobacillus mulieris
UMB7784, isolated from the urinary tract. With a genome size of 1,695,489 bp and a GC content of 34.2%, the draft genome sequence presented here expands our understanding of lactobacilli in the female bladder.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Species of
Halococcus
(Strain IIIV-5B), an Endophytic Archaeon Isolated from the Leaf Tissue of Avicennia germinans
Authors: Zayas-Rivera Jeysika , Rivera-Lopez Yadiel , Velázquez-Méndez Madeline , Romero-Oliveras Nicole , Montalvo-Rodríguez Rafael
Published: May 2020

Strain IIIV-5B was isolated from the leaf tissue of the black mangrove,
Avicennia germinans
. This microorganism belongs to the genus
Halococcus
. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of strain IIIV-5B, a novel species of this genus. The 3,869,808-bp genome has a G+C content of 63.9% and around 3,812 coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Pseudomonas fluorescens Strains Isolated from Marine Sponges Harvested off the West Coast of Ireland
Authors: Gutiérrez-Barranquero José A. , Parages María L. , Dobson Alan D. W. , Reen F. Jerry , O’Gara Fergal
Published: May 2020

Three
Pseudomonas
sp. strains isolated from marine sponges have shown potential quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) activity. We sequenced the draft genomes of the three strains with the goal of determining which genes or gene cluster(s) could be potentially involved in the QSI activity. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and phylogenetic analysis classified the three strains as belonging to the
Pseudomonas fluorescens
species.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Putative RNA Virus, RiPV-2, from the Bean Bug Riptortus pedestris
Authors: Yang Yi-Ting , Lee Se Jin , Nai Yu-Shin , Kim Jae Su
Published: May 2020

A novel putative single-stranded RNA virus was discovered from the transcriptome of a bean bug,
Riptortus pedestris
, infected with the entomopathogenic fungus
Beaveria bassiana
JEF-007. The complete genome sequence was 9,915 nucleotides long and encoded a 2,916-amino-acid polyprotein. This virus belonged to
Iflaviridae
based on phylogenetic analysis and was named RiPV-2.
Temporal, Environmental, and Biological Drivers of the Mucosal Microbiome in a Wild Marine Fish, Scomber japonicus
Authors: Minich Jeremiah J. , Petrus Semar , Michael Julius D. , Michael Todd P. , Knight Rob , Allen Eric E.
Published: May 2020

Pacific chub mackerel,
Scomber japonicus
, are one of the largest and most economically important fisheries in the world. The fish is harvested for both human consumption and fish meal. Changing ocean conditions driven by anthropogenic stressors like climate change may negatively impact fisheries. One mechanism for this is through disease. As waters warm and chemistry changes, the microbial communities associated with fish may change. In this study, we performed a holistic analysis of all mucosal sites on the fish over a 1-year time series to explore seasonal variation and to understand the environmental drivers of the microbiome. Understanding seasonality in the fish microbiome is also applicable to aquaculture production for producers to better understand and predict when disease outbreaks may occur based on changing environmental conditions in the ocean.
Effects of heat: UK exercise Saif Sareea 3 and interpreting military climatic guidance
Authors: White Samuel , Smith M B
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Over recent years much research, both civilian and military, has occurred in the field of heat illness. This has helped force health protection and medical management of service personnel operating in hot climates. Exercise Saif Sareea 3 in Oman saw a collection of presentations to the deployed UK medical treatment facilities due to the effects of heat.

Method

This paper aims to describe the case series of 24 casualties that presented to the deployed primary care facilities and 17 that were admitted to the deployed secondary care facility due to the effects of heat.

Results

Only 10 casualties fulfilled the in-theatre diagnostic criteria for heat illness, of which two were of moderate severity and required aeromedical evacuation to the UK.

Conclusions

Commanders appeared extremely well read on Joint Service Publication 539 (JSP539; May 2017) Heat Illness and Cold Injury: Prevention and Management, following the Brecon enquiry, and were proactive in managing their force in preventative measures. This likely contributed towards the low numbers of patients with heat illness seen on the exercise. JSP539 did, however, appear to have some limitations when trying to apply it to all patients seen within the operational patient care pathway, and some areas for development are discussed.
Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19
Authors: Calder Philip C
Published: May 2020

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). To deal with this array of threats, the immune system has evolved to include a myriad of specialised cell types, communicating molecules and functional responses. The immune system is always active, carrying out surveillance, but its activity is enhanced if an individual becomes infected. This heightened activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, requiring energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis and regulatory molecules, which are all ultimately derived from the diet. A number of vitamins (A, B6, B12, folate, C, D and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) have been demonstrated to have key roles in supporting the human immune system and reducing risk of infections. Other essential nutrients including other vitamins and trace elements, amino acids and fatty acids are also important. Each of the nutrients named above has roles in supporting antibacterial and antiviral defence, but zinc and selenium seem to be particularly important for the latter. It would seem prudent for individuals to consume sufficient amounts of essential nutrients to support their immune system to help them deal with pathogens should they become infected. The gut microbiota plays a role in educating and regulating the immune system. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of disease including many infectious diseases and has been described in COVID-19. Dietary approaches to achieve a healthy microbiota can also benefit the immune system. Severe infection of the respiratory epithelium can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterised by excessive and damaging host inflammation, termed a cytokine storm. This is seen in cases of severe COVID-19. There is evidence from ARDS in other settings that the cytokine storm can be controlled by n-3 fatty acids, possibly through their metabolism to specialised pro-resolving mediators.
Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to reduce risk of warfarin medication omission at hospital discharge
Authors: Kallal Ashlie , Griffen David , Jaeger Cassie
Published: May 2020

Unintended omission of warfarin, an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat thromboembolic events, can lead to serious medical complications. These complications include increased medical costs, hospitalisations and significant patient harm, including increased risk of thrombosis and mortality. Chart review of discharged patients at our institution revealed an average of one patient/month with warfarin omitted from the discharge plan despite intention to continue therapy. Lean Six Sigma methodology was used to improve the process. A system alert was implemented in the electronic health record to alert providers of patients who received warfarin during admission, the discharge medication reconciliation was complete, and there was no prescription for warfarin. Date and time of last warfarin dose and international normalised ratio were included in the alert. Providers had the option to return to the chart to update the discharge medication plan and add the warfarin prescription or to choose an appropriate over-ride reason. The number of patients discharged without an intended warfarin prescription following alert implementation was reduced from 10.5% (4/38) to 0% (0/40) (two proportion test, p=0.03). Alert tracking enhanced the ability to identify patients at risk for warfarin omissions. Process sustainability has been achieved by embedding system alerts in the electronic health record to trigger process steps.
Predictive molecular pathology in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , De Luca Caterina , Iaccarino Antonino , Pepe Francesco , Pisapia Pasquale , Russo Maria , Sgariglia Roberta , Nacchio Mariantonia , Vigliar Elena , Bellevicine Claudio , Schmitt Fernando C , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: May 2020

Aims

In the time of COVID-19, predictive molecular pathology laboratories must still timely select oncological patients for targeted treatments. However, the need to respect social distancing measures may delay results generated by laboratory-developed tests based on sequential steps a long hands-on time. Laboratory workflows should now be simplified.

Methods

The organisation of the University of Naples Federico II predictive pathology laboratory was assessed before (March–April 2019) and during (March–April 2020) the Italian lockdown.

Results

The number of patients undergoing single or multiple biomarker testing was similar in 2019 (n=43) and in 2020 (n=45). Considering adequate samples for molecular testing, before the outbreak, next-generation sequencing was mostly used (35/42, 83.3%). Testing six genes had a reagent cost of €98/patient. Conversely, in 2020, almost all cases (38/41, 92.7%) were analysed by automated testing. This latter had for any single assay/gene a significant reagent cost (€95–€136) and a faster mean turnaround time (5.3 vs 7.9 working days).

Conclusion

In the times of coronavirus, laboratory fully automated platforms simplify predictive molecular testing. Laboratory staff may be more safely and cost-effectively managed.
Emergency typhlectomy for caecal strangulation caused by chronic diaphragmatic hernia in a dog
Authors: Correa Luis , Silveira Francisco , Demetriou Jackie
Published: May 2020

A two‐year‐old female entire Catahoula leopard dog was referred for investigation and management of suspected chronic diaphragmatic hernia, 11 months post road traffic accident. The dog had a two‐month history of progressive lethargy and one‐week history of vomiting and anorexia. Physical examination revealed a slight increase in respiratory effort with normal respiratory rate. Cardiac and pulmonary sounds were muffled on thoracic auscultation and intestinal loops were not immediately palpable in the abdomen. Thoracic radiographs acquired before referral were suggestive of a diaphragmatic hernia, which was later confirmed on abdominal and thoracic ultrasound. Cardiorespiratory deterioration was evident eight hours post presentation and an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. The small intestines, caecum, and the ascending and transverse colon were found to have herniated into the thorax. Marked caecal necrosis was found intraoperatively. A typhlectomy and repair of the diaphragmatic defect were performed. The patient recovered uneventfully and was in good health nine months postoperatively.
Thermal behaviour and performance of two field experimental insulation covers to control sulfide oxidation at Meadowbank mine, Nunavut
Authors: Boulanger-Martel Vincent , Bussière Bruno , Côté Jean
Published: May 2020

Insulation covers are an appealing reclamation approach to control sulfide oxidation in tailings storage facilities located in the Arctic. In this study, the thermal behaviour and effectiveness of insulation covers for the reclamation of the Meadowbank mine’s tailings storage facility were assessed using both laboratory-based tests and field experimental cells. Oxygen consumption tests performed in controlled laboratory conditions indicated that a temperature of 0 °C is adequate to control Meadowbank’s tailings oxidation. Two instrumented experimental covers were constructed with 2 and 4 m of nonreactive waste rocks. Thermal monitoring of the experimental cells was conducted over 4.5 years and demonstrated a thermal regime dominated by heat conduction. The 2 m cover displayed temperatures at the tailings–cover interface greater than 0 °C for 94 to 124 days per year, whereas the tailings under the 4 m cover stayed below 0 °C year-round. Field oxygen consumption tests showed a reduction of 70%–90% in the oxygen uptakes measured for covered tailings compared to uncovered tailings. Calculations of yearly oxygen consumption fluxes showed oxygen fluxes less than 2 mol·m−2·year−1, confirming the effectiveness of the cover configurations to control sulfide oxidation.
Predictive model of bosentan-induced liver toxicity in Japanese patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yorifuji Kennosuke , Uemura Yuko , Horibata Shinji , Tsuji Goh , Suzuki Yoko , Nakayama Kazuhiko , Hatae Takashi , Kumagai Shunichi , Emoto Noriaki
Published: May 2020

Bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, has been widely used as a first-line medication for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It has been shown to improve symptoms of hypertension, exercise capacity, and hemodynamics and prolong time to clinical worsening. However, liver dysfunction is a major side effect of bosentan treatment that could hamper the optimal management of patients with PAH. Previously, we demonstrated, using drug metabolism enzymes and transporters analysis, that the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3) and CHST13 alleles are significantly more frequent in patients with elevated aminotransferases during therapy with bosentan than they are in patients without liver toxicity. In addition, we constructed a pharmacogenomics model to predict bosentan-induced liver injury in patients with PAH using two single-nucleotide polymorphisms and two nongenetic factors. The purpose of the present study was to externally validate the predictive model of bosentan-induced liver toxicity in Japanese patients. We evaluated five cases of patients treated with bosentan, and one presented with liver dysfunction. We applied mutation alleles of CHST3 and CHST13, serum creatinine, and age to our model to predict liver dysfunction. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 100% and 50%, respectively. Considering that PAH is a rare disease, multicenter collaboration would be necessary to validate our model.
DMSO and betaine significantly enhance the PCR amplification of ITS2 DNA barcodes from plants
Authors: Varadharajan Bhooma , Parani Madasamy
Published: May 2020

ITS2 marker is highly efficient in species discrimination but its application in DNA barcoding is limited due to huge variations in the PCR success rate. We have hypothesized that higher GC content and the resultant secondary structures formed during annealing might hinder the PCR amplification of ITS2. To test this hypothesis, we selected 12 species from 12 different families in which ITS2 was not amplified under standard PCR reaction conditions. In these samples, DMSO, formamide, betaine, and 7-deaza-dGTP were evaluated for their ability to improve the PCR success rate. The highest PCR success rate (91.6%) was observed with 5% DMSO, followed by 1 M betaine (75%), 50 μM 7-deaza-dGTP (33.3%), and 3% formamide (16.6%). The one sample that did not amplify with DMSO was amplified by adding 1 M betaine. However, combining DMSO and betaine in the same reaction did not improve the PCR. Therefore, to achieve the highest PCR success rate for ITS2, it is recommended to include 5% DMSO by default and substitute it with 1 M betaine only in the case of failed reactions. When this strategy was tested in 50 species from 43 genera and 29 families, the PCR success rate of ITS2 increased from 42% to 100%.
Coupled channel analysis of $${\bar{p}p}\,\rightarrow \,\pi ^0\pi ^0\eta $$, $${\pi ^0\eta \eta }$$ and $${K^+K^-\pi ^0}$$ at 900 MeV/c and of $${\pi \pi }$$-scattering data
Authors: Albrecht M. , Amsler C. , Dünnweber W. , Faessler M. A. , Heinsius F. H. , Koch H. , Kopf B. , Kurilla U. , Meyer C. A. , Peters K. , Pychy J. , Qin X. , Steinke M. , Wiedner U.
Published: May 2020

A partial wave analysis of antiproton–proton annihilation data in flight at 900 $$\mathrm {MeV/}c$$MeV/c into $${\pi ^0\pi ^0\eta }$$π0π0η, $${\pi ^0\eta \eta }$$π0ηη and $${K^+K^-\pi ^0}$$K+K-π0 is presented. The data were taken at LEAR by the Crystal Barrel experiment in 1996. The three channels have been coupled together with $$\pi \pi $$ππ-scattering isospin I = 0 S- and D-wave as well as I = 1 P-wave data utilizing the K-matrix approach. Analyticity is treated using Chew–Mandelstam functions. In the fit all ingredients of the K-matrix, including resonance masses and widths, were treated as free parameters. In spite of the large number of parameters, the fit results are in the ballpark of the values published by the Particle Data Group. In the channel $${\pi ^0\pi ^0\eta }$$π0π0η a significant contribution of the spin exotic $$I^G=1^-$$IG=1-$$J^{PC}=1^{-+}$$JPC=1-+$$\pi _1$$π1-wave with a coupling to $$\pi ^0 \eta $$π0η is observed. Furthermore the contributions of $$\phi (1020) \pi ^0$$ϕ(1020)π0 and $$K^*(892)^\pm K^\mp $$K∗(892)±K∓ in the channel $${K^+K^-\pi ^0}$$K+K-π0 have been studied in detail. The differential production cross section for the two reactions and the spin-density-matrix elements for the $$\phi (1020)$$ϕ(1020) and $$K^*(892)^\pm $$K∗(892)± have been extracted. No spin-alignment is observed for both vector mesons. The spin density matrix elements have been also determined for the spin exotic wave.
Gabor duality theory for Morita equivalent C∗-algebras
Authors: Austad Are , Jakobsen Mads S. , Luef Franz
Published: May 2020

The duality principle for Gabor frames is one of the pillars of Gabor analysis. We establish a far-reaching generalization to Morita equivalence bimodules with some extra properties. For certain twisted group [Formula: see text]-algebras, the reformulation of the duality principle to the setting of Morita equivalence bimodules reduces to the well-known Gabor duality principle by localizing with respect to a trace. We may lift all results at the module level to matrix algebras and matrix modules, and in doing so, it is natural to introduce [Formula: see text]-matrix Gabor frames, which generalize multi-window super Gabor frames. We are also able to establish density theorems for module frames on equivalence bimodules, and these localize to density theorems for [Formula: see text]-matrix Gabor frames.
Preventive Effects of Gardenia jasminoides on Cerulein-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Choi Ji-Won , Jeong Jun-Hyeok , Jo Il-Joo , Kim Dong-Gu , Shin Joon Yeon , Kim Myoung-Jin , Choi Byung-Min , Shin Yong Kook , Song Ho-Joon , Bae Gi-Sang , Park Sung-Joo
Published: May 2020

Our previous report revealed that Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) has protective effects against acute pancreatitis. So, we examined whether aqueous extract of GJ has anti-inflammation and antifibrotic effects even against cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP was induced in mice by an intraperitoneal injection of a stable cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue, cerulein, six times a day, four days per week for three weeks. GJ extract (0.1 or 1[Formula: see text]g/kg) or saline (control group) were intraperitoneally injected 1[Formula: see text]h before first cerulein injection. After three weeks of stimulation, the pancreas was harvested for the examination of several fibrotic parameters. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated using gradient methods to examine the antifibrogenic effects of GJ. In the cerulein-induced CP mice, the histological features of the pancreas showed severe tissue damage such as enlarged interstitial spaces, inflammatory cell infiltrate and glandular atrophy, and tissue fibrosis. However, treatment of GJ reduced the severity of CP such as pancreatic edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, treatment of GJ increased pancreatic acinar cell survival, and reduced pancreatic fibrosis and activation of PSC in vivo and in vitro. In addition, GJ treatment inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the PSCs. These results suggest that GJ attenuated the severity of CP and the pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting JNK and ERK activation during CP.
Analysis and Design of Optimized Fractional Order Low-Pass Bessel Filter
Authors: Soni Ashu , Gupta Maneesha
Published: May 2020

This paper approximates the behavior of low-pass Bessel filter in fractional domain using the Interior search algorithm (ISA). A detailed analysis has been done with sensitivity analysis, W-plane stability and absolute percentage error (gain and cut-off frequency) to study the low-pass fractional order filter. The work focuses on the analysis and design of fractional filter with two cases. In the first case, the design and simulation of [Formula: see text] order low-pass Bessel filter has been done using MATLAB for [Formula: see text] value ranging from 0.1 to 0.9. SPICE simulation of 1.2, 1.5 and 1.9 order low-pass Bessel filter using fractional order capacitor of order [Formula: see text] with Tow–Thomas biquad have been performed. In the second case, low-pass ([Formula: see text] order Bessel filter has been simulated and designed using MATLAB, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two fractional order elements of a different order. SPICE simulation for different values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have been done using two fractional order capacitors of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] order with Tow–Thomas biquad.
Systematic Construction of Neural Forms for Solving Partial Differential Equations Inside Rectangular Domains, Subject to Initial, Boundary and Interface Conditions
Authors: Lagari Pola Lydia , Tsoukalas Lefteri H. , Safarkhani Salar , Lagaris Isaac E.
Published: May 2020

A systematic approach is developed for constructing proper trial solutions to Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) of up to second order, using neural forms that satisfy prescribed initial, boundary and interface conditions. The spatial domain considered is of the rectangular hyper-box type. On each face either Dirichlet or Neumann conditions may apply. Robin conditions may be accommodated as well. Interface conditions that induce discontinuities, have not been treated to date in the relevant neural network literature. As an illustration a common problem of heat conduction through a system of two rods in thermal contact is considered.
Neural Networks as Classification Mechanisms of Complex Human Activities
Authors: Angeleas Anargyros , Bourbakis Nikolaos
Published: May 2020

Within this paper, we present two neural nets for view-independent complex human activity recognition (HAR) from video frames. For our study here, we reduce the number of frames produced by a video sequence given that we can identify activities from a sparsely sampled sequence of body poses, and, at the same time, we are able to reduce the processing complexity and response while hardly affecting the accuracy, precision, and recall. To do so, we use a formal framework to ensure the quality of data collection and data preprocessing. We utilize neural networks for the classification of single and complex body activities. More specifically, we consider the sequence of body poses as a time-series problem given that they can provide state-of-the-art results on challenging recognition tasks with little data engineering. Deep Learning in the form of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Neural Network (LSTM), and a one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network Long Short-Term Memory model (CNN-LSTM) are used as benchmarks to classify the activity.
Traffic Sign Recognition Using a Synthetic Data Training Approach
Authors: Araar Oualid , Amamra Abdenour , Abdeldaim Asma , Vitanov Ivan
Published: May 2020

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) is a crucial component in many automotive applications, such as driver assistance, sign maintenance, and vehicle autonomy. In this paper, we present an efficient approach to training a machine learning-based TSR solution. In our choice of recognition method, we have opted for convolutional neural networks, which have demonstrated best-in-class performance in previous works on TSR. One of the challenges related to training deep neural networks is the requirement for a large amount of training data. To circumvent the tedious process of acquiring and manually labelling real data, we investigate the use of synthetically generated images. Our networks, trained on only synthetic data, are capable of recognising traffic signs in challenging real-world footage. The classification results achieved on the GTSRB benchmark are seen to outperform existing state-of-the-art solutions.
VOLATILITY AND LIQUIDITY ON HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTRICITY FUTURES MARKETS: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS AND STOCHASTIC MODELING
Authors: KREMER MARCEL , BENTH FRED ESPEN , FELTEN BJÖRN , KIESEL RÜDIGER
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between volatility and liquidity on the German electricity futures market based on high-frequency intraday prices. We estimate volatility by the time-weighted realized variance acknowledging that empirical intraday prices are not equally spaced in time. Empirical evidence suggests that volatility of electricity futures decreases as time approaches maturity, while coincidently liquidity increases. Established continuous-time stochastic models for electricity futures prices involve a growing volatility function in time and are thus not able to capture our empirical findings a priori. In Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that incorporating increasing liquidity into the established models is key to model the decreasing volatility evolution.
Compact groups with countable Engel sinks
Authors: Khukhro E. I. , Shumyatsky P.
Published: May 2020

An Engel sink of an element [Formula: see text] of a group [Formula: see text] is a set [Formula: see text] such that for every [Formula: see text] all sufficiently long commutators [Formula: see text] belong to [Formula: see text]. (Thus, [Formula: see text] is an Engel element precisely when we can choose [Formula: see text].) It is proved that if every element of a compact (Hausdorff) group [Formula: see text] has a countable (or finite) Engel sink, then [Formula: see text] has a finite normal subgroup [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is locally nilpotent. This settles a question suggested by J. S. Wilson.
Carbon Coated Core-Shell FeSiCr/Fe3C Embedded in Carbon Nanosheets Network Nanocomposites for Improving Microwave Absorption Performance
Authors: Xiong Houdong , Wang Lei , Rehman Sajjad Ur , Chen Yang , Tan Qiulan , Zhang Lili , Huang Qingfang , Wu Fangzheng , Yang Jinpin , Zhong Zhenchen
Published: May 2020

Development of microwave absorbing materials with tunable thickness and bandwidth is particularly important for practical applications, but its realization remains a great challenge. Here, we report carbon coated core-shell FeSiCr/Fe3C embedded in two-dimensional carbon nanosheets network (FeSiCr/Fe3C@C/C) nanocomposites fabricated by plasma arc-discharging method. FeSiCr/Fe3C@C/C has the best microwave absorption properties in which the minimum calculated reflection loss (RL) can reach [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB at 11.5[Formula: see text]GHz with a coating thickness of 2.4[Formula: see text]mm and the efficient absorption bandwidth (RL[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB) almost covers 4.5–18[Formula: see text]GHz range by adjusting the coating thicknesses from 1.3 to 5.0[Formula: see text]mm. The improved microwave absorption properties could be ascribed to the optimized impedance matching and enhanced polarization loss, conduction loss and internal reflections of the propagated microwave.
Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide paper for EMI shielding by a multi-step process
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Hou Genliang , Bi Song , Su Xunjia , Li Hao
Published: May 2020

A multi-step reduction process was developed to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO) paper for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. First step reduction was achieved by hydroiodic acid to remove most of the oxygen-containing functional groups, and sodium borohydride was used in the second step reduction to reduce carbonyl group which is the most difficult functional group to remove. In the last step reduction, hydroiodic acid was used as reducing agent again to remove the remaining oxygen-containing functional groups. The results show that this method can greatly improve the conductivity and EMI shielding performance of rGO paper. The resulting rGO paper with a C/O ratio of 19.38 and a thickness of 9.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m exhibited high conductivity of 1084[Formula: see text]S/cm and excellent average EMI shielding efficiency of 45.84[Formula: see text]dB in the X-band, better than that reduction by other chemical methods.
Advances in aquaporin-2 trafficking mechanisms and their implications for treatment of water balance disorders
Authors: Fenton Robert A. , Murali Sathish K. , Moeller Hanne B.
Published: May 2020

In mammals, conservation of body water is critical for survival and is dependent on the kidneys’ ability to minimize water loss in the urine during periods of water deprivation. The collecting duct water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) plays an essential role in this homeostatic response by facilitating water reabsorption along osmotic gradients. The ability to increase the levels of AQP2 in the apical plasma membrane following an increase in plasma osmolality is a rate-limiting step in water reabsorption, a process that is tightly regulated by the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP). In this review, the focus is on the role of the carboxyl-terminus of AQP2 as a key regulatory point for AQP2 trafficking. We provide an overview of AQP2 structure, disease-causing mutations in the AQP2 carboxyl-terminus, the role of posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in the tail domain, and their implications for balanced trafficking of AQP2. Finally, we discuss how various modifications of the AQP2 tail facilitate selective protein-protein interactions that modulate the AQP2 trafficking mechanism.
Structure and activity of human surfactant protein D from different natural sources
Authors: Arroyo Raquel , Echaide Mercedes , Wilmanowski Robert , Martín-González Alejandro , Batllori Emma , Galindo Alberto , Rosenbaum Jan S. , Moreno-Herrero Fernando , Kingma Paul S. , Pérez-Gil Jesús
Published: May 2020

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a C-type lectin that participates in the innate immune defense of lungs. It binds pathogens through its carbohydrate recognition domain in a calcium-dependent manner. Human surfactant protein D (hSP-D) has been routinely obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage of patients suffering from pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and from amniotic fluid (AF). As a consequence of the disease, hSP-D obtained from PAP is found in higher amounts and is mainly composed of higher order oligomeric forms. However, PAP-hSP-D has never been directly compared with nonpathological human protein in terms of structure and biological activity. Moreover, the quantitative distribution of the different hSP-D oligomeric forms in human protein obtained from a natural source has never been evaluated. In this work, we have determined the quantitative distribution of AF-hSP-D oligomers, characterized the sugars attached through the N-glycosylation site of the protein, and compared the activity of hSP-D from AF and PAP with respect to their ability to bind and agglutinate bacteria. We have found that fuzzy balls (40%) are the most abundant oligomeric form in AF-hSP-D, very closely followed by dodecamers (33%), with both together constituting 73% of the protein mass. The glycan attached to the N-glycosylation site was found to be composed of fucose, galactose, sialic acid, and N-acetylglucosamine. Finally, in the functional assays performed, hSP-D obtained from PAP showed higher potency, probably as a consequence of its higher proportion of large oligomers compared with hSP-D from AF.
The FOXA1 transcriptional network coordinates key functions of primary human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Paranjapye Alekh , Mutolo Michael J. , Ebron Jey Sabith , Leir Shih-Hsing , Harris Ann
Published: May 2020

The differentiated functions of the human airway epithelium are coordinated by a complex network of transcription factors. These include the pioneer factors Forkhead box A1 and A2 (FOXA1 and FOXA2), which are well studied in several tissues, but their role in airway epithelial cells is poorly characterized. Here, we define the cistrome of FOXA1 and FOXA2 in primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation with deep-sequencing (ChIP-seq). Next, siRNA-mediated depletion of each factor is used to investigate their transcriptome by RNA-seq. We found that, as predicted from their DNA-binding motifs, genome-wide occupancy of the two factors showed substantial overlap; however, their global impact on gene expression differed. FOXA1 is an abundant transcript in HBE cells, while FOXA2 is expressed at low levels, and both these factors likely exhibit autoregulation and cross-regulation. FOXA1 regulated loci are involved in cell adhesion and the maintenance of epithelial cell identity, particularly through repression of genes associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). FOXA1 also directly targets other transcription factors with a known role in the airway epithelium such as SAM-pointed domain-containing Ets-like factor (SPDEF). The intersection of the cistrome and transcriptome for FOXA1 revealed enrichment of genes involved in epithelial development and tissue morphogenesis. Moreover, depletion of FOXA1 was shown to reduce the transepithelial resistance of HBE cells, confirming the role of this factor in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity.
Modified QuEChERS Based on Mixed Adsorbent Cleanup of Mycotoxins in Corn
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Dai Anna , Yu Runzhong , Qian Lili
Published: May 2020

In order to analyze the mycotoxins in corn, the modified QuEChERS high-performance liquid chromatography was applied to extract, clean up, and detect mycotoxins in a nonpolar system. The impurities such as fat and protein were removed from the corn sample, and the impurities in the sample solution have almost no effect on extraction efficiency. The proposed method leads to a greater choice of mycotoxin-extraction solvents in high-fat-solid samples. An appropriate extraction solvent was selected, the pretreatment conditions were optimized, and the extraction and cleanup of mycotoxins in high-fat solids were enhanced. By changing the experiment parameters, this method can be further used for the extraction and analysis of mycotoxins in complex samples (nonfat, low-fat, or high-fat). This method achieves good linearity in the range of 2.5–1000 μg/kg with the correlation coefficients for all analytes in the range of 0.9975 to 0.9989. The acceptable standard deviations for intraday and interday precision were 1.8–4.3% and 3.2–5.2%, respectively, with recoveries from 89.7 to 105.9%.