bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Karitane Family Outcomes Tool
Authors: Kohlhoff Jane , Lee Sally , Cibralic Sara , Jones Penny , Khajehei Marjan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop the Karitane Family Outcomes Tool (KFOT), a brief parent‐report questionnaire to measure outcomes of Australian Early Parenting Centres (EPCs) and similar programmes worldwide.

Design and Methods

The study was conducted in two stages. In Stage One, an initial item pool (80 items) was developed via focus group discussions with clinical experts and parents. In Stage Two, three samples of parents were recruited (online community sample: n = 849, clinical sample 1: n = 141, clinical sample 2: n = 109). The online community sample completed the 80‐items and then non‐normally distributed items were culled, leaving a total item pool of 57 items. The online community sample was then split into two subsamples (subsample 1: n = 650, subsample 2: n = 199). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was then conducted on online community subsample 1 and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on online community subsample 2 and clinical sample 1. Using clinical sample 2, concurrent validity was assessed by examining correlations between KFOT factor scores with scores on the Parenting Stress Index. Finally, discriminant validity was assessed by examining the KFOTs sensitivity to change following EPC intervention and by comparing KFOT scores of clinical and community samples.

Results

EFA revealed 13 items loading onto three factors: “Parental feelings,” “Reading cues & meeting the child's needs” and “Perceptions of child behaviour.” The factor structure was confirmed using CFA in both the community and clinical samples. Significant differences on all three KFOT factors and on the total score were found between the clinical and community samples, suggesting that the scale is able to discriminate between clinical and nonclinical groups. Significant differences were also found between pre‐ and postintervention scores, and between pre‐ and follow‐up scores, on all three KFOT factors, providing further indication of discriminant validity. The KFOT factors correlated in the expected direction with scores on the Parenting Stress Index, showing concurrent validity.

Practical Implications

Results indicate that the KFOT is a brief, valid and reliable parent‐report scale that can be used by nurses to evaluate outcomes of EPC and similar parenting programmes.
Acute on chronic kidney disease in cats: Etiology, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, prognostic markers, and outcome
Authors: Chen Hilla , Dunaevich Asia , Apfelbaum Naama , Kuzi Sharon , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Aroch Itamar , Segev Gilad
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute decompensation of CKD (ACKD) are common in cats.

Objectives

To characterize the etiology, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, and the short‐ and long‐term prognosis of feline ACKD.

Animals

One hundred cats with ACKD.

Methods

Retrospective study, search of medical records for cats with ACKD.

Results

Common clinical signs included anorexia (85%), lethargy (60%), weight loss (39%), and vomiting (27%). Suspected etiologies included ureteral obstruction (11%), renal ischemia (9%), pyelonephritis (8%), others (6%), or unknown (66%). Hospitalization duration was longer in survivors versus nonsurvivors (median = 7 days, range = 2‐26 versus median = 3 days, range = 2‐20, respectively,P < .001). The survival rate to discharge was 58%. Age, serum creatinine, urea, and phosphorous concentrations were higher and venous blood pH was lower in nonsurvivors. However, only serum phosphorus remained associated with the short‐term outcome in the multivariable model (P= .02; 95% confidence interval = 1.03‐1.39). Survivors had a median survival time of 66 days after discharge. Serum creatinine concentrations at presentation as well as at discharge were associated with long‐term survival (P < .002 for both).

Conclusions

The short‐term prognosis of ACKD is comparable to acute kidney injury, while the long‐term prognosis is guarded.
Species specificity challenges the predictability of facilitation along a regional desert gradient
Authors: Filazzola Alessandro , Lortie Christopher J. , Westphal Michael F. , Michalet Richard
Published: May 2020

Questions

Deserts ecosystems are threatened by shifts in precipitation patterns from climate change. Positive interactions among plants could buffer desert communities from environmental extremes and resource limitations. However, to improve our ability to predict the response of plant interactions and the plant community to environmental change, we must examine the role of species identity in facilitation. Here, we asked: how do species identity, soil nutrients, and aridity drive positive interactions among plants along a regional gradient of semi‐arid to hyper‐arid.

Location

California, USA.

Methods

We selected seven sites located across three deserts in California that cover the geographic range of the benefactor shrubEphedra californica. In two growing seasons and within 30 pairs of shrub–open microsites at each site, we planted seeds of three annual phytometer species selected for their affinity to areas that are semi‐arid, arid, or both. In each microsite, we also surveyed the composition of the annual community and measured soil nutrients.

Results

Shrubs facilitated the semi‐arid phytometer species, reduced the hyper‐arid phytometer species, and had no effect on the species found throughout the arid gradient. Shrub facilitation on community‐level biomass of annual species decreased linearly with aridity to neutral interactions at the most arid sites. In the semi‐arid sites, shrubs negatively affected community‐level species richness and native species abundance, but increased invasive grasses.

Conclusions

Idiosyncratic responses of annual plant species to shrub facilitation along an aridity gradient highlight the issue in generalizing plant interactions without considering species‐specific differences. Additionally, the effects of shrub facilitation appear to benefit exotic species with competitive traits which can indirectly reduce native species richness in semi‐arid ecosystems. Understanding positive interactions in the context of aridity gradients can provide better insights into the expected changes in species composition that will occur as a result of climate change.
Reduced iron export associated with hepcidin resistance can explain the iron overload spectrum in ferroportin disease
Authors: Viveiros André , Panzer Marlene , Baumgartner Nadja , Schaefer Benedikt , Finkenstedt Armin , Henninger Benjamin , Theurl Igor , Nachbaur Karin , Weiss Günter , Haubner Roland , Decristoforo Clemens , Tilg Herbert , Zoller Heinz
Published: May 2020

Background & Aims

Ferroportin disease (FD) and hemochromatosis type 4 (HH4) are associated with variants in the ferroportin‐encoding gene SLC40A1. Both phenotypes are characterized by iron overload despite being caused by distinct variants that either mediate reduced cellular iron export in FD or resistance against hepcidin‐induced inactivation of ferroportin in HH4. The aim of this study was to assess if reduced iron export also confers hepcidin resistance and causes iron overload in FD associated with the R178Q variant.

Methods

The ferroportin disease variants R178Q andA77D and the HH4‐variant C326Y were overexpressed in HEK‐293T cells and subcellular localization was characterized by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Iron export and cytosolic ferritin were measured as markers of iron transport and radioligand binding studies were performed. The hepcidin‐ferroportin axis was assessed by ferritin/hepcidin correlation in patients with different iron storage diseases.

Results

In the absence of hepcidin, the R178Q and A77D variants exported less iron when compared to normal and C326Y ferroportin. In the presence of hepcidin, the R178Q and C326Y, but not the A77D‐variant, exported more iron than cells expressing normal ferroportin. Regression analysis of serum hepcidin and ferritin in patients with iron overload are compatible with hepcidin deficiency in HFE hemochromatosis and hepcidin resistance in R178Q FD.

Conclusions

These results support a novel concept that in certain FD variants reduced iron export and hepcidin resistance could be interlinked. Evasion of mutant ferroportin from hepcidin‐mediated regulation could result in uncontrolled iron absorption and iron overload despite reduced transport function.
Effects of personal characteristics, disease uncertainty and knowledge on family caregivers' preparedness of stroke survivors: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Liu Qi , Huang Yanjin , Wang Wen , He Guoping , Zeng Ying
Published: May 2020

Family caregivers play an important role in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. The aims of this study were to describe preparedness, uncertainty, and knowledge regarding stroke in family caregivers of people who have undergone strokes and to investigate factors influencing preparedness. A total of 306 caregivers completed the questionnaires, including the Caregiver Preparedness Scale, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and Knowledge of Stroke. The result showed that the mean score of the family caregivers’ preparedness was 14.42, the mean score of disease uncertainty was 75.62, and the mean score of stroke knowledge was 10.41. Caregiver preparedness was negatively correlated with disease uncertainty and positively correlated with knowledge. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that educational background, profession, caregiving experience and uncertainty degree of the family caregivers, gender, and age of stroke survivor could predict 45.90% of the total variation in preparedness. The findings suggest that demographic characteristics of stroke survivor and family caregiver, as well as caregivers' disease uncertainty, enable predict the level of caregiver preparedness. Medical professionals should pay attention to providing personalized and targeted approaches to maximize caregivers' preparedness.
Gut fungal dysbiosis and altered bacterial‐fungal interaction in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome: An explorative study
Authors: Hong Gaichao , Li Ying , Yang Min , Li Gangping , Qian Wei , Xiong Hanhua , Bai Tao , Song Jun , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiaohua
Published: May 2020

Background

Little is known about intestinal fungi in IBS patients whose gut bacteria have been investigated a lot. In order to explore causal relationship between IBS and gut mycobiome, and use gut fungi to diagnose or even treat IBS, further characterization of it in IBS is required.

Methods

Fifty‐five diarrhea‐predominant IBS (D‐IBS) patients fulfilling Rome III criteria, and 16 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Fresh fecal samples were collected and used for 16s rRNA and ITS2 high‐throughput sequencing. Diversity and composition of gut bacteria and fungi, as well as bacterial‐fungal interactions in D‐IBS patients, were characterized. Specific fungal taxa differentiating D‐IBS from HC were recognized by LEfSe and RandomForest methods, and their association with clinical symptoms was assessed by Spearman's correlation.

Results

Diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients showed abnormal (IBS‐dysbiosis) or normal (HC‐like IBS) fecal bacterial structure and diversity compared with healthy controls. However, fecal fungal signatures differed absolutely between D‐IBS and HC, which indicated a more susceptible alteration of gut fungi than bacteria in D‐IBS. Fecal fungi showed significant correlations with IBS symptoms, especially Mycosphaerella, Aspergillus, Sporidiobolus, and Pandora which were identified to potentially differentiate D‐IBS from HC. Moreover, compared with HC there were markedly declined bacterial‐fungal interactions in D‐IBS, in which Candida changed from negative to positive correlations with bacteria, and Eurotium changed from positive correlations to irrelevance, while Debaryomyces gained negative correlations with bacteria.

Conclusions

Gut fungal dysbiosis and altered bacterial‐fungal interactions were present in patients with D‐IBS, and gut fungi could be used to diagnose D‐IBS.
Feasibility of the ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in very small weight infants: A case series
Authors: Breschan Christian , Graf Gudrun , Arneitz Christoph , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Neuwersch Stefan , Stadik Christian , Koestenberger Markus , Holasek Sandra , Likar Rudolf
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the supraclavicular ultrasound‐guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in infants weighing less than 1500 g.

Methods

The ultrasound probe was placed in the supraclavicular region so as to obtain the optimum sonographic long‐axis view of the brachiocephalic vein. By using an in‐plane approach the brachiocephalic vein was cannulated by using a 24‐gauge intravenous cannula under real‐time ultrasound guidance into the vein followed by the insertion of a 2‐French single lumen catheter using the Seldinger technique.

Results

Forty‐six brachiocephalic vein cannulations in infants weighing between 0.55 and 1.5 kg (Median: 1.2; 95%‐CI: 0.9‐1.2) were included. Ultimate success rate was 89.1% (41 out of 46). One cannulation attempt was required in 30 (65.2%) patients, 2 in 6 (13%) and 3 in 5 (10.8%), respectively. Smaller weight babies did not require significantly more cannulation attempts. The probability of successful cannulation on the first attempt increased significantly from 40% (2010) to more than 80% (2019) over the time course of this series. Median catheter dwell time was 15 days (95%‐CI: 9‐20) with one catheter being removed prematurely after 8 days due to obstruction.

Conclusion

Supracalvicular in‐plane real‐time ultrasound‐guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein seems to be a convenient and feasible option to provide large‐bore central venous access for very small and sick babies.
The AP2 transcription factor NtERF172 confers drought resistance by modifying NtCAT
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Hu Ri‐Sheng , Liu Dan , Liu Xin , Wang Jie , Xiang Xiao‐Hua , Li Yang‐Yang
Published: May 2020

Drought stress often limits plant growth and global crop yields. Catalase (CAT)‐mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging plays an important role in the adaptation of plant stress responses, but the transcriptional regulation of the CAT gene in response to drought stress is not well understood. Here, we isolated an APETALA2/ETHYLENE‐RESPONSIVE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) domain‐containing transcription factor (TF), NtERF172, which was strongly induced by drought, abscisic acid (ABA) and H2O2, from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) by yeast one‐hybrid screening. NtERF172 localized to the nucleus and acted as a transcriptional activator. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, yeast one‐hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient expression analysis assays showed that NtERF172 directly bound to the promoter region of the NtCAT gene and positively regulated its expression. Transgenic plants overexpressing NtERF172 displayed enhanced tolerance to drought stress, whereas suppression of NtERF172 decreased drought tolerance. Under drought stress conditions, the NtERF172‐overexpressed lines showed higher catalase activity and lower accumulation of H2O2 compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, while the NtERF172‐silenced plants showed the inverse correlation. Exogenous application of amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3‐AT), an irreversible CAT inhibitor, to the NtERF172‐overexpression lines showed decreased catalase activity and drought tolerance, and increased levels of cellular H2O2. Knockdown of NtCAT in the NtERF172‐overexpression lines displayed a more drought stress‐sensitive phenotype than NtERF172‐overexpression lines. We propose that NtERF172 acts as a positive factor in drought stress tolerance, at least in part through the regulation of CAT‐mediated H2O2 homeostasis.
Erythema multiforme‐like lesions in children and COVID‐19
Authors: Torrelo Antonio , Andina David , Santonja Carlos , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Bascuas‐Arribas Marta , Gaitero‐Tristán Jara , Alonso‐Cadenas José Antonio , Escalada‐Pellitero Silvia , Hernández‐Martín Ángela , de la Torre‐Espi Mercedes , Colmenero Isabel
Published: May 2020

During examination of cases of chilblains in children and adolescents, we identified four patients who also showed skin lesions similar to erythema multiforme (EM). They had no other known triggers for EM. One of them had a positive PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2, while the other three were negative. Skin biopsies from two patients showed features not typical of EM, such as deep perivascular and perieccrine infiltrate and absence of necrosis of keratinocytes. Immunohistochemistry for SARS‐CoV/SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein showed granular positivity in endothelial cells and epithelial cells of eccrine glands in both biopsies. All patients had an excellent outcome, and had minimal or no systemic symptoms. The coincidence of EM, a condition commonly related to viruses, and chilblains in the setting of COVID‐19, and the positivity for SARS‐CoV/SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein by immunohistochemistry strongly suggest a link between EM‐like lesions and SARS‐CoV‐2.
An Efficient Algorithm for Dynamic Pricing Using a Graphical Representation
Authors: Cohen Maxime C. , Gupta Swati , Kalas Jeremy J. , Perakis Georgia
Published: May 2020

We study a multi‐period, multi‐item dynamic pricing problem faced by a retailer. The objective is to maximize the total profit by choosing prices, while satisfying several business rules. The strength of our work lies in our graphical model reformulation, which allows us to use ideas from combinatorial optimization. We do not make any assumptions on the structure of the demand function. The complexity of our method depends linearly on the number of time periods but is exponential in the memory of the model (number of past prices that affect current demand) and in the number of items. We prove that the profit maximization problem is NP‐hard by showing an approximation preserving reduction from the weighted Max‐3‐SAT problem. We next introduce the discrete reference price model which is a discretized version of the reference price model, accounting for an exponentially smoothed contribution of all past prices. We show that our problem can be solved efficiently under this model. We then approximate common demand functions using the discrete reference price model. To handle cross‐item effects among multiple items, we propose to use a virtual reference price that assigns a reference price for each category of items (as opposed to a reference price for each item). To enhance the tractability of our approach, we cluster items into blocks and show how to adapt our method to include business constraints across blocks. Finally, we apply our solution approach using demand models calibrated with supermarket data and validate its practical performance.
Repetition attenuates the influence of recency on recognition memory: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Scofield John E. , Price Mason H. , Flores Angélica , Merkle Edgar C. , Johnson Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2020

Studies of recognition memory often demonstrate a recency effect on behavioral performance, whereby response times (RTs) are faster for stimuli that were previously presented recently as opposed to more remotely in the past. One account of this relationship between performance and presentation lag posits that memories are accessed by serially searching backward in time, such that RT indicates the self‐terminating moment of such a process. Here, we investigated the conditions under which this serial search gives way to more efficient means of retrieving memories. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during a continuous recognition task, in which subjects made binary old/new judgments to stimuli that were each presented up to four times across a range of lags. Stimulus repetition and shorter presentation lag both gave rise to speeded RTs, consistent with previous findings, and we novelly extend these effects to a robust latency measure of the left parietal ERP correlate of retrieval success. Importantly, the relationship between repetition and recency was further elucidated, such that repetition attenuated lag‐related differences that were initially present in both the behavioral and neural latency data. These findings are consistent with the idea that an effortful search through recent memory can quickly be abandoned in favor of relying on more efficient “time‐independent” cognitive processes or neural signals.
States Divided: The Implications of American Federalism for COVID‐19
Authors: Kettl Donald F.
Published: May 2020

The explosion of the coronavirus onto the global stage has posed unprecedented challenges for governance. In the United States, the question of how best to respond to these challenges has fractured along intergovernmental lines. The federal government left most of the decisions to the states, and the states went in very different directions. Some of those decisions naturally flowed from the disease's emerging patterns. But to a surprising degree, there were systematic variations in the governors’ decisions, and these variations were embedded in a subtle but growing pattern of differences among the states in a host of policy areas, ranging from decisions about embracing the Affordable Care Act to improving their infrastructure. These patterns raise fundamental questions about the role of the federal government's leadership in an issue that was truly national in scope, and whether such varied state reactions were in the public interest. The debate reinforces the emerging reality of an increasingly divided states of America.
CLAR(1) point forecasting under estimation uncertainty
Authors: Nik Simon , Weiß Christian H.
Published: May 2020

Forecast error is not only caused by the randomness of the data‐generating process but also by the uncertainty due to estimated model parameters. We investigate these different sources of forecast error for a popular type of count process, the Poisson first‐order integer‐valued autoregressive (INAR(1)) process. However, many of our analytical derivations also hold for the more general family of conditional linear AR(1) (CLAR(1)) processes. In addition, results from a simulation study are presented, to verify and complement our asymptotic approximations.
Baloxavir for the treatment of Influenza in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients previously treated with oseltamivir
Authors: Salvatore Mirella , Laplante Jennifer M. , Soave Rosemary , Orfali Nina , Plate Markus , van Besien Koen , St. George Kirsten
Published: May 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. In this population, influenza virus can replicate for prolonged periods, despite neuraminidase inhibitor treatment, leading to resistance and treatment failure. Baloxavir targets the influenza polymerase and may be an effective treatment option in these patients.

Methods

We used baloxavir to treat five allogeneic SCT recipients that were still symptomatic and shedding influenza virus after completing one or more treatment courses of oseltamivir and characterized the viral isolates before and during treatment.

Results

Two patients were infected with influenza A/H1pdm09 carrying a neuraminidase variant (H275Y) linked to oseltamivir resistance. Both these two patients were successfully treated with baloxavir. Of the three patients infected with wild‐type influenza virus, two cleared the virus after baloxavir treatment, while the third patient developed the polymerase I38T variant linked to baloxavir resistance.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that baloxavir treatment can be effective in treating neuraminidase inhibitor‐resistant influenza in profoundly immunocompromised patients. Randomized clinical trials are needed to define the role of baloxavir alone and combined with oseltamivir for the treatment of influenza in SCT recipients and other immunocompromised populations.
Does performance‐based financing curb stock‐outs of essential medicines? Results from a randomised controlled trial in Cameroon
Authors: Sieleunou Isidore , De Allegri Manuela , Roland Enok Bonong Pascal , Ouédraogo Samiratou , Ridde Valéry
Published: May 2020

Objective

In 2011, the government of Cameroon launched its performance‐based financing (PBF) scheme. Our study examined the effects of the PBF intervention on the availability of essential medicines (EM).

Methods

Randomised control trial whereby PBF and three distinct comparison groups were randomised in a total of 205 health facilities across three regions. Baseline data were collected between March and May 2012 and endline data 36 months later. We defined availability of multiple EM groups by assessing stock‐outs for at least one day over the 30 days prior to the survey date and estimated changes attributable to PBF using a series of difference‐in‐difference regression models, adjusted for relevant facility‐level covariates. Data were analysed stratified by region and area to assess effect heterogeneity.

Results

Our estimates suggest that PBF intervention had no effect on the stock‐outs of antenatal care drugs (P = 0.160), vaccines (P = 0.396), integrated management of childhood illness drugs (P = 0.681) and labour and delivery drugs (P = 0.589). However, the intervention was associated with a significant reduction of 34% in stock‐outs of family planning medicines (P = 0.028). We observed effect heterogeneity across regions and areas, with significant decreases in stock‐outs of family planning products in North‐West region (P = 0.065) and in rural areas (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

The PBF intervention in Cameroon had limited effects on the reduction of EMs stock‐outs. These poor results were likely the consequence of partial implementation failure, ranging from disruption and discontinuation of services to limited facility autonomy in managing decision‐making and considerable delay in performance payment.
The plant beneficial rhizobacteriumAchromobactersp. 5B1 influences root development through auxin signaling and redistribution
Authors: Jiménez‐Vázquez Kirán R. , García‐Cárdenas Elizabeth , Barrera‐Ortiz Salvador , Ortiz‐Castro Randy , Ruiz‐Herrera León F. , Ramos‐Acosta Blanca P. , Coria‐Arellano Jessica L. , Sáenz‐Mata Jorge , López‐Bucio José
Published: May 2020

Roots provide physical and nutritional support to plant organs that are above ground and play critical roles for adaptation via intricate movements and growth patterns. Through screening the effects of bacterial isolates from roots of halophyte Mesquite (Prosopissp.) onArabidopsis thaliana, we identifiedAchromobactersp. 5B1 as a probiotic bacterium that influences plant functional traits. Detailed genetic and architectural analyses in Arabidopsis grownin vitroand in soil, cell division measurements, auxin transport and response gene expression and brefeldin A treatments demonstrated that root colonization withAchromobactersp. 5B1 changes the growth and branching patterns of roots, which were related to auxin perception and redistribution. Expression analysis of auxin transport and signaling revealed a redistribution of auxin within the primary root tip of wild‐type seedlings byAchromobactersp. 5B1 that is disrupted by brefeldin A and correlates with repression of auxin transporters PIN1 and PIN7 in root provasculature, and PIN2 in the epidermis and cortex of the root tip, whereas expression of PIN3 was enhanced in the columella. In seedlings harboringAUX1,EIR1,AXR1,ARF7ARF19,TIR1AFB2AFB3single, double or triple loss‐of‐function mutations, or in a dominant (gain‐of‐function) mutant ofSLR1, the bacterium caused primary roots to form supercoils that are devoid of lateral roots. The changes in growth and root architecture elicited by the bacterium helped Arabidopsis seedlings to resist salt stress better. Thus,Achromobactersp. 5B1 fine tunes both root movements and the auxin response, which may be important for plant growth and environmental adaptation.
Molecular mechanisms underpinning the multiallelic inheritance of MS5 in Brassica napus
Authors: Xin Qiang , Wang Xiang , Gao Yupeng , Xu Dongdong , Xie Zhaoqi , Dong Faming , Wan Lili , Yang Liyong , Yang Guangsheng , Hong Dengfeng
Published: May 2020

The Brassica‐specific gene MS5 mediates early meiotic progression, and its allelic variants contribute to a valuable genic male sterility three‐line hybrid production system in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). However, the underlying mechanisms of its triallelic inheritance are poorly understood. Herein, we show that the restorer allele MS5a and the maintainer allele MS5c are both necessary for male fertility in B. napus. The functional divergence of MS5a and MS5c is strongly related to sequence variations in their coding regions and less strongly to their promoter regions. The male‐sterile allele MS5b encodes a chimeric protein containing only the complete MS5 coiled‐coil (CC) domain, having lost the MS5 superfamily domain. Both MS5a and MS5c can form homodimers in the nucleus via the CC domain. MS5b can interact competitively with MS5a or MS5c to form non‐functional heterodimers. Owing to the close transcript levels of MS5b and MS5c in MS5bMS5c, these heterodimers induced a dominant‐negative effect of MS5b on MS5c, resulting in a male‐sterile phenotype. The extremely high transcript abundance of MS5a maintains sufficient MS5a homodimers in MS5aMS5b, causing the recovery of male sterility. These findings provide substantial genetic and molecular evidence to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the multiallelic inheritance of MS5, and enable the construction of a solid foundation for improved use of the MS5‐controlled GMS system in Brassica species.
Linguistic (homo)nationalism, legitimacies, and authenticities in Singapore's Pink Dot discourse
Authors: Lazar Michelle M.
Published: May 2020

Pink Dot SG is an LGBTQ social movement in Singapore, which since its inception in 2009 organizes an annual free‐to‐all public gathering in the Speaker's Corner at Hong Lim Park. Over the years, the gathering has grown in size, and has gained national and international visibility. Prior to the event each year, a set of official YouTube promotional videos is released on its website in order to announce the event and garner support for the movement and participation at the event. In this article, I examine the politics of language performances in the videos from 2009 to 2019, which seeks to blend social legitimacy and authenticity in strategic ways in achieving a ‘linguistic homonationalism’. Linguistic homonationalism, in this study, refers to the harnessing of language ideological choices to align with nationalistic values in the promotion of LGBTQ interests.
Non-Contact Measurement of Residual Magnetization Caused by Plastic Deformation of Steel
Authors: Saleem Aroba , Ross Underhill P. , Krause Thomas W.
Published: May 2020

Pipelines are the primary means of land transportation of oil and gas globally, and pipeline integrity is, therefore, of high importance. Failures in pipelines may occur due to internal and external stresses that produce stress concentration zones, which may cause failure by stress corrosion cracking. Early detection of stress concentration zones could facilitate the identification of potential failure sites. Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as magnetic flux leakage, have been used to detect defects in pipelines; however, these methods cannot be effectively used to detect zones of stress concentration. In addition, these methods require direct contact, with access to the buried pipe. Metal magnetic memory (MMM) is an emerging technology, which has the potential to characterize the stress state of underground pipelines from above ground. The present paper describes magnetic measurements performed on steel components, such as bars and tubes, which have undergone changing stress conditions. It was observed that plastic deformation resulted in the modification of measured residual magnetization in steels. In addition, an exponential decrease in signal with the distance of the sensor from the sample was observed. Results are attributed to changes in the local magnetic domain structure in the presence of stress but in the absence of an applied field.
Numerical Simulation of Vapor Deposition Process of Perovskite Solar Cells: The Influence of Methylammonium Iodide Vapor Flow to Perovskite Growth
Authors: Zhu Rui , Wei Xiangyang , Xie Gongnan , Simon Terrence , Cui Tianhong
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a two-dimensional (2D) transient numerical model for simulating the vapor deposition process for growing perovskite films. The diffusion process of methylammonium iodide (MAI) vapor through the processing chamber to react with the lead iodide (PbI2) substrate and grow the perovskite layer is analyzed with a diffusion coefficient that has been determined by measuring thicknesses of perovskite layers grown in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber. Innovations applied to the CVD chamber to improve the uniformity of layer thickness and offer control over the growth process are applied and computationally assessed. One is the addition of screens at various strategic locations in the chamber to improve flow uniformity. Another is changing the locations of MAI sublimation bowls and chamber outlet numbers and locations. The results show that adding screens makes the MAI vapor flow more uniform in the plenum while allowing a quicker purge of the N2 inert gas. This leads to a higher and more uniform growth rate of perovskite. The MAI vapor flow is influenced by the reaction plenum geometry, so the chamber is expected to allow good control of the process to achieve uniform surface deposition rate and controlled grain growth of the perovskite layer.
On the Negative Influence of Roller-End Axial Profiling on Friction in Thermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubricated Finite Line Contacts
Authors: Habchi W.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a finite element model for the solution of thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication in finite line contacts, including edge effects. The model is used to investigate the influence of roller-end axial profiling on the frictional behavior of such contacts. Roller-end profiling in finite line contacts has always been used to enhance fatigue life by increasing lubricant minimum film thickness and reducing stress concentration at roller ends. The influence on friction on the other hand has often been overlooked in the literature. The current work reveals that roller-end profiling has a negative effect on friction. In fact, it turns out that the improvement in fatigue life comes at the expense of increased friction.
Energy Transfer Enhancement Inside an Annulus Using Gradient Porous Ribs and Nanofluids
Authors: Talesh Bahrami Hamid Reza , Aminian Ehsan , Saffari Hamid
Published: May 2020

Porous media and nanofluid utilization are two passive heat transfer improvement tools, which have been employed extensively in recent years. Porous media with gradient properties result in both a higher effective thermal conductivity and better local convective heat transfer because of conducting the flow to the desired regions. In this study, distinct porous ribs are located on the internal border of an annulus. Four different conditions are considered for permeability change of ribs, including the minimum and maximum Darcy numbers and linearly increasing or decreasing variation in the radial direction, called LIV and LVD, respectively. In the first step, effects of porous rib relative height, porous rib porosity, and flow Reynolds number on the thermal efficiency and pressure drop are investigated. The results show that the configuration with Da = LVD and W/Rh = 0.25 has the maximum performance number PN = 2, that is the Nusselt improvement over pressure drop increment. Porous ribs arrangement with W/Rh = 0.25 and the minimum porosity (ɛ = 0.9) give the best PN. In the next step, the effects of nanoparticle addition with different volume fractions to the base fluid in different Reynolds numbers are investigated. In this step, porous rib relative height is set to W/Rh = 0.25. The results show that the maximum volume fraction has the highest heat transfer enhancement (about 2–2.5 times) but the lower volume fractions have higher PNs (PN ≈ 2.5 at ϕ = 1% and Re = 500).
Split Injection Strategies for Biodiesel-Fueled Premixed Charge Compression Ignition Combustion Engine—Part I: Combustion, Performance, and Emission Studies
Authors: Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Agarwal Avinash Kumar
Published: May 2020

In this study, a single-cylinder research engine was used to investigate the comparative combustion, performance, and emissions characteristics of the engine in a premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) mode combustion vis-a-vis baseline compression ignition (CI) mode combustion using three test fuels, namely, B20 (20% v/v biodiesel blended with mineral diesel), B40 (40% v/v biodiesel blended with mineral diesel), and mineral diesel. For both combustion modes, experiments were performed at constant fuel injection pressure (FIP, 700 bar), engine speed (1500 rpm), and fuel energy input (0.7 kg/h diesel equivalent). PCCI mode combustion experiments were performed at four different start of main injection (SoMI) timings using two different pilot fuel injection strategies, namely, single pilot injection (SPI, 35 deg before top dead center (bTDC)) and double pilot injection (DPI, 35 deg, and 45 deg bTDC). Results showed that advancing SoMI timing for both CI and PCCI combustion modes resulted in knocking; however, the DPI strategy resulted in relatively lesser knocking compared with the SPI strategy. The performance of PCCI mode combustion was relatively inferior compared with baseline CI mode combustion; however, biodiesel blends slightly improved the performance of PCCI mode combustion. Overall, this study shows that the PCCI mode combustion operating load range can be improved by using the DPI strategy.
An Empirical Examination of U.K. Coaches’ Issues and Problems, and Their Support and Advice Networks
Authors: North Julian , Piggott David , Rankin-Wright Alexandra , Ashford Michael
Published: May 2020

Although there have been increasing calls to recognise the “voice of the coach” in both policy and research, there has been very little work that has asked the coaches directly: “what are your main issues and problems?” and “where do you go for support?” Instead, assessments and decisions have been made on these issues by the media, policy makers, support agencies, governing bodies, and researchers with results often reflecting the perspectives and interests of the latter. This paper presents new research with a reasonably representative sample of over 1,000 U.K. coaches that considers the issues and problems, and support networks from the perspective of the coaches themselves. The results suggest that coaches experience a wide range of problems but that they can be broken down into 17 main categories with places to play sport (e.g., facilities), problems with player–coach interaction, and problems with coaching knowledge and skills, being most frequently mentioned. In terms of support networks, the coaches tended to look “closest to home”: to themselves, their family/friends, participants and parents, and local coaching networks. Governing bodies and coaching associations tend to be less well used. Some implications for policy and practise are discussed.
KPC-50 Confers Resistance to Ceftazidime-Avibactam Associated with Reduced Carbapenemase Activity
Authors: Poirel Laurent , Vuillemin Xavier , Juhas Mario , Masseron Amandine , Bechtel-Grosch Ursina , Tiziani Simon , Mancini Stefano , Nordmann Patrice
Published: May 2020

KPC-50 is a KPC-3 variant identified from a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolate recovered in Switzerland in 2019. Compared to KPC-3, KPC-50 shows (i) a three-amino-acid insertion (Glu-Ala-Val) between amino acids 276 and 277, (ii) an increased affinity to ceftazidime, (iii) a decreased sensitivity to avibactam, explaining the ceftazidime-avibactam resistance, and (iv) an association with a sharp reduction of its carbapenemase activity.
Better Viral Control despite Higher CD4
+
T Cell Activation during Acute HIV-1 Infection in Zambian Women Is Linked to the Sex Hormone Estradiol
Authors: El-Badry Elina , Macharia Gladys , Claiborne Daniel , Brooks Kelsie , Dilernia Darío A. , Goepfert Paul , Kilembe William , Allen Susan , Gilmour Jill , Hunter Eric
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have identified sex-specific differences during chronic HIV-1 infection, but little is known about sex differences in the acute phase, or how disparities in the initial response to the virus may affect disease. We demonstrate that restriction of viral load in women begins during acute infection and is maintained into chronic infection. Despite this, women exhibit more rapid CD4
+
T cell loss than men. These profound differences are influenced by 17β-estradiol, which contributes both to T cell activation and to reduced viral replication. Thus, we conclude that estradiol plays a key role in shaping responses to early HIV-1 infection that influence the chronic phase of disease.
The Innate Immune Response to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection Is Dampened in the Newborn Brain and Can Be Modulated by Exogenous Interferon Beta To Improve Survival
Authors: Giraldo Daniel , Wilcox Douglas R. , Longnecker Richard
Published: May 2020

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen affecting 50 to 80% of the population in North America and Europe. HSV infection is commonly asymptomatic in the adult population but can result in fatal encephalitis in the newborn. Current treatment with acyclovir has improved mortality in the newborn; however, severe neurologic sequelae are still a major concern following HSV encephalitis. For this reason, there is a critical need to better understand the underlying differences in the immune response between the two age groups that could be used to develop more effective treatments. In this study, we investigated differences in the innate immune response to viral infection in the brains of newborn and adult mice. We found that, similar to humans, newborn mice are more susceptible to HSV infection than the adult. Increased susceptibility was associated with dampened innate immune responses in the newborn brain that could be rescued by administering interferon beta.
Mucosal Microbiota and Metabolome along the Intestinal Tract Reveal a Location-Specific Relationship
Authors: Yuan Ce , Graham Melanie , Staley Christopher , Subramanian Subbaya
Published: May 2020

In a healthy colon, the microbiota produces a vast amount of metabolites that are essential to maintaining homeostasis in the colon microenvironment. In fact, these metabolites produced by the microbiota have been linked to diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer. In this study, we used healthy nonhuman primate models to investigate the relationship between microbiota and tissue metabolites. We found that both microbiota and metabolites have location-specific signatures along the intestine. Most importantly, we found that metabolites from food sources correlate with multiple bacteria in different intestinal locations. Overall, this work presents a systems-level map of the association between the microbiota and the metabolites in healthy nonhuman primates, provides candidates for experimental validation, and suggests a possibility to regulate the gut microbiota through specific prebiotic combinations.
Supplemental Material: Rapid cooling of the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld Complex (South Africa): Insights from biotite 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: Setera Jacob
Published: May 2020

Methods, Figures S1–S5, and Tables S1–S4.
Supplemental Material: Multiple branching and attachment structures in cloudinomorphs, Nama Group, Namibia
Authors: Shore Amy
Published: May 2020

Geological setting of the study sites within the Nama Group, Namibia; methods used for serial sectioning and 3-D model reconstruction; additional photomicrographs; and cloudinomorph tube measurements.
Supplemental Material: Interpreting and reporting 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data
Authors: Schaen Allen J. , al. et
Published: May 2020

Fillable PDF checklist of minimum and recommended data to report with 40Ar/39Ar dates for author, reviewer, and editor guidance. Two examples (XLS and JSON) of 40Ar/39Ar data sets archived via FAIR data principles.
Medical treatment in thyroid eye disease in 2020
Authors: Khong Jwu Jin , McNab Alan
Published: May 2020

Thyroid eye disease (TED) affects 25% of patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism, where 1 in 20 patients has active, moderate-to-severe disease that will require medical treatment for reducing TED activity and severity. Intravenous corticosteroid has been the mainstay of treatment for active moderate-to-severe TED. With improved understanding of the pathophysiology of TED, immunotherapy targeting different molecular pathways including T cells, B cells, cytokines and cell surface receptors have been investigated in randomised clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the current advances in medical treatment including teprotumumab, tocilizumab, rituximab and mycophenolate and the indications for their use in the management of active, moderate-to-severe TED.
Stroke and mechanical thrombectomy in patients with COVID-19: technical observations and patient characteristics
Authors: Wang Arthur , Mandigo Grace K , Yim Peter D , Meyers Philip M , Lavine Sean D
Published: May 2020

Background

COVID-19 infections have been shown to be associated with a range of thromboembolic disease.

Objective

To describe our endovascular experience in a consecutive series of patients with COVID-19 who presented with large vessel occlusions, and to describe unique findings in this population.

Methods

Mechanical thrombectomy was performed on five consecutive patients with COVID-19 with large vessel occlusions. A retrospective study of these patients was performed. Patient demographics, laboratory values, mechanical thrombectomy technique, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Four patients with COVID-19 presented with anterior circulation occlusions and one patient with COVID-19 presented with both anterior and posterior circulation occlusions. All patients had coagulation abnormalities. Mean patient age was 52.8 years. Three patients presented with an intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion. Two patients presented with an intracranial occlusion and a tandem thrombus in the carotid bulb. One patient presented with an occlusion in both the internal carotid and basilar arteries. Clot fragmentation and distal emboli to a new vascular territory were seen in two of five (40%) patients, and downstream emboli were seen in all five (100%) patients. Patient clinical outcome was generally poor in this series of patients with COVID-19 large vessel occlusion.

Conclusion

Our series of patients with COVID-19 demonstrated coagulation abnormalities, and compared with our previous experience with mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion, this group of patients were younger, had tandem or multiple territory occlusions, a large clot burden, and a propensity for clot fragmentation. These patients present unique challenges that make successful revascularization difficult.