bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial redox activity mediated anaerobic pyrite oxidation under circumneutral conditions
Authors: Liu Tong , Hu Yutian , Chen Nan , Ma Linlin , He Qiaochong , Feng Chuanping
Published: February 2020

In modern Earth, anaerobic pyrite oxidation under circumneutral conditions also has great impact on the fate of nitrate in aquifers and sediments, as well as the transportation of toxic metals. However, the mechanism of how microbes mediated this process is still being debated. Electrochemical analysis on pyrite cubic electrode showed that, its oxidation threshold under anaerobic circumneutral conditions (ca. 200 mV) was much lower than that at aerobic acidic conditions (ca. 650 mV), implying possible direct pyrite oxidation by high redox potential cellular components. Sole substrate (pyrite) microbial enrichment cultures with EDTA addition showed higher oxidation rate (0.092 d-1) than that of EDTA-free cultures (0.019 d-1), suggesting that ligands producing pathway was much preferred by microbes than maintaining acidic micro-environments. This hypothesis was supported by amplicon and metagenomic sequencing data, which demonstrated discrepant bacteria involving iron-sulfur oxidation and metabolic potentials in cultures with/without EDTA addition. A concept model was proposed based on experimental data considering different reaction stages and microbial communities. The results shed lights on the potential interactions between microbes and pyrite, which may serve as a model for explaining subsurface pyrite oxidation and optimizing anaerobic pyrite oxidation-based pollutant removal processes.

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Recruitment of Upper-Limb Motoneurons with Epidural Electrical Stimulation of the Primate Cervical Spinal Cord
Authors: Greiner Nathan , Barra Beatrice , Schiavone Giuseppe , James Nicholas , Fallegger Florian , Borgognon Simon , Lacour Stéphanie , Bloch Jocelyne , Courtine Grégoire , Capogrosso Marco
Published: February 2020

Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of lumbosacral sensorimotor circuits improves leg motor control in animals and humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Upper-limb motor control involves similar circuits, located in the cervical spinal cord, suggesting that EES could also improve arm and hand movements after quadriplegia. However, the ability of cervical EES to selectively modulate specific upper-limb motor nuclei remains unclear. Here, we combined a realistic computational model of EES of the cervical spinal cord with experiments in macaque monkeys to explore the mechanisms of this modulation and characterize the recruitment selectivity of cervical stimulation interfaces. Our results indicate that interfaces with lateral electrodes can target individual posterior roots and achieve selective modulation of arm motoneurons via the direct recruitment of pre-synaptic pathways. Intraoperative recordings suggested similar properties in humans. These results provide a framework for the design of neuro-technologies to improve arm and hand control in humans with quadriplegia.
Non-apoptotic role of Cleaved Caspase 3 in Rat Gonocyte
Authors: Nunes Marina , Arantes Anelise Diniz , Tesser Renato Borges , da Silva Priscila Henriques , da Silva Leticia Rocha , de Oliva Samara Urban , Flávia Popi Ana , Stumpp Taiza
Published: February 2020

Germ cells emerge from the epiblast and migrate to the gonads, where they become gonocytes. The gonocytes are the precursors of the spermatogonial stem cells, but little is known about their differentiation. The rigid control of gonocyte proliferation, quiescence and pluripotency marker expression is crucial for spermatogonia development. We have previously suggested that cleaved caspase-3 (Casp3) might play a non-apoptotic role in gonocyte quiescence. Here we describe when rat fetal gonocyte enter mitotic arrest and show that Casp3 inhibition in these cells affects the expression of cell cycle genes. The expression of Ki67, p27Kip, Retinoblastoma 1 (pRb1), NANOG and CASP3 was investigated in 15, 17 and 19 days post coitum rat embryo gonads. The results show that Ki67 and pRB1 proteins are downregulated from 15 days post coitum to 19 days post coitum, whereas p27Kip, NANOG and CASP3 are upregulated. This suggests that rat germ cells start to enter quiescence around 15dpc and that CASP3 and NANOG seem to play a role in this process. CASP3 labelling formed a ring in gonocyte cytoplasm, which is clearly distinct from apoptotic cell labelling, and coincided with NANOG labelling. CASP3 inhibition lead to an increase ofPcnaexpression and to a decrease ofp27kipandp21cipexpression. These results suggest that cleaved CASP3 has a role in rat male germ cell development which can be related to the control of the cell cycle genes.
Spinning gasodynamic projectile system identification experiment design
Authors: Lichota Piotr , Jacewicz Mariusz , Szulczyk Joanna
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology that was used to design a system identification experiment of a generic spinning gasodynamic projectile. For this object, because the high-speed spinning motion, it was not possible to excite the aircraft motion along body axes independently. Moreover, it was not possible to apply simultaneous multi-axes excitations because of the short time in which system identification experiments can be performed (multi-step inputs) or because it is not possible to excite the aircraft with a complex input (multi-sine signals) because of the impulse gasodynamic engines (lateral thrusters) usage.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear projectile model was used to obtain information about identifiability regions of stability and control derivatives. On this basis various sets of lateral thrusters’ launching sequences, imitating continuous multi-step inputs were used to excite the nonlinear projectile model. Subsequently, the nonlinear model for each excitation set was identified from frequency responses, and the results were assessed. For comparison, the same approach was used for the same projectile exited with aerodynamic controls.

Findings

It was found possible to design launching sequences of lateral thrusters that imitate continuous multi-step input and allow to obtain accurate system identification results in specified frequency range.

Practical implications

The designed experiment can be used during polygonal shooting to obtain a true projectile aerodynamic model.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a novel approach to gasodynamic projectiles system identification and can be easily applied for similar cases.
Ulterior motives in peer and expert supplementary online reviews and consumers' perceived deception
Authors: Siddiqi Umar Iqbal , Sun Jin , Akhtar Naeem
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study aims to examine the effects of ulterior motives in peer and expert supplementary online hotel reviews on consumers' perceived deception, dissatisfaction, and its downstream effects on altruistic response and repurchase intentions. The research also examines the moderating role of hotel attribute performance on perceived deception and its consequents.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used convenient non-probability sampling and collected data from 448 inbound tourists in China. It used partial least square structural equation modeling technique and SmartPLS 3.0 for analyzing the main and moderating effects of the variables.

Findings

The ulterior motives in peer and expert supplementary reviews significantly affect perceived deception, further leading to consumers' dissatisfaction and engagement in altruistic response. Noticeably, consumers' dissatisfaction is positively associated with repeat purchase intentions. Hotel attribute performance significantly moderates the relationship between the ulterior motives in supplementary reviews and consumers' perceived deception.

Originality/value

The study examines the key issue in online hotel reviews using the expectancy disconfirmation theory and identifies consumers' altruistic behavior because of their dissatisfaction, contributing to ethics and consumer behavior literature. Moreover, the research offers prolific implications for hotel and travel websites and hoteliers in the study context.
Viscoelastic-viscoplastic combined constitutive model for glassy amorphous polymers under loading/unloading/no-load states
Authors: Matsubara Seishiro , Terada Kenjiro , Maeda Ryusei , Kobayashi Takaya , Murata Masanobu , Sumiyama Takuya , Furuichi Kenji , Nonomura Chisato
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel viscoelastic–viscoplastic combined constitutive model for glassy amorphous polymers within the framework of thermodynamics at finite strain that is capable of capturing their rate-dependent inelastic mechanical behavior in wide ranges of deformation rate and amount.

Design/methodology/approach

The rheology model whose viscoelastic and viscoplastic elements are connected in series is set in accordance with the multi-mechanism theory. Then, the constitutive functions are formulated on the basis of the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient implicated by the rheology model within the framework of thermodynamics. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and loading/unloading/no-load tests for polycarbonate (PC) are conducted to identify the material parameters and demonstrate the capability of the proposed model.

Findings

The performance was validated in comparison with the series of the test results with different rates and amounts of deformation before unloading together. It has been confirmed that the proposed model can accommodate various material behaviors empirically observed, such as rate-dependent elasticity, elastic hysteresis, strain softening, orientation hardening and strain recovery.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel rheological constitutive model in which the viscoelastic element connected in series with the viscoplastic one exclusively represents the elastic behavior, and each material response is formulated according to the multiplicatively decomposed deformation gradients. In particular, the yield strength followed by the isotropic hardening reflects the relaxation characteristics in the viscoelastic constitutive functions so that the glass transition temperature could be variant within the wide range of deformation rate. Consequently, the model enables us to properly represent the loading process up to large deformation regime followed by unloading and no-load processes.
A conceptual framework for improving effectiveness of risk management in supply networks
Authors: Chaudhuri Atanu , Ghadge Abhijeet , Gaudenzi Barbara , Dani Samir
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop a conceptual framework for improving the effectiveness of risk management in supply networks following a critical literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of 91 scholarly journal articles published between 2000 and 2018 supports the development of an integrated conceptual framework.

Findings

The findings emphasize that supply chain integration (SCI) can have both a positive and negative impact on the effectiveness of risk management in supply networks. It is possible to have a positive effect when SCI can be used to develop competencies in joint risk planning within the organization and with wider supply network members and, in turn, to develop collaborative risk management capabilities. Supply network characteristics can influence whether and the extent to which SCI has a positive or negative impact on risk management effectiveness.

Research implications

The conceptual framework can be used to empirically assess the role of SCI for effective risk management. Dynamic evaluation of the effectiveness of risk management and potential redesign of the supply network by considering other contingent factors are some future research avenues.

Practical implications

There is a need for developing specific competencies in risk planning within organizations and joint risk planning with supply network members which, in turn, can help develop collaborative risk management capabilities to improve the effectiveness of risk management in supply networks. Network characteristics will influence whether and the extent to which SCI results in the effectiveness of risk management.

Originality value

Moving beyond recent (systematic) reviews on supply chain risk management, this study develops a novel conceptual framework interlinking SCI and the effectiveness of risk management while considering network characteristics.
Trading Refugees: The Governance of Refugee Settlement in a Decentralized Welfare State
Authors: Askim Jostein , Steen Anton
Published: February 2020

In a decentralized welfare state, central and local governments need each other to settle refugees. Using the case of Norway, the article studies how these interdependencies have been governed over time, including through the 2015–2016 refugee crisis. Norway's refugee settlement programme is a conscious hybrid of market and network governance and it has remained essentially stable for more than 20 years, despite several changes in government, large fluctuations in the number of refugees, and long periods of poor performance vis‐à‐vis settlement targets. This surprising programme stability is explained by a combination of extraordinary political adherence to the democratic value of local government autonomy, the cupidity of local governments, and abundant state economic resources during the period under study.
Dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin add‐on to metformin reduces liver fat and adipose tissue volume in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Johansson Lars , Hockings Paul D. , Johnsson Eva , Dronamraju Nalina , Maaske Jill , Garcia‐Sanchez Ricardo , Wilding John P. H.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To assess the effects of dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin versus glimepiride plus metformin on liver fat (proton density fat fraction) and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes over 52 weeks of treatment.

Materials and methods

This was a magnetic resonance imaging substudy of a 52‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin 10 mg/day plus saxagliptin 5 mg/day versus titrated glimepiride 1–6 mg (1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 mg) in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 7.5%–10.5%) on metformin ≥1500 mg/day background. Analyses were exploratory and not controlled for multiplicity; P‐values are nominal.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 59 patients; liver fat and adipose tissue volumes were analysed for 59 and 57 patients, respectively. There was a significant >30% reduction from baseline in liver fat (P = 0.007) and >10% reduction in adipose tissue volumes (P < 0.01) with dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin at week 52 versus glimepiride plus metformin. In the full‐study population, dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin plus metformin decreased body weight and serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels over 52 weeks.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin significantly decreased liver fat and adipose tissue volume versus glimepiride, and reduced serum liver enzyme levels, indicating a favourable metabolic profile of dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin therapy.
Simple in‐field evaluation of moisture content in curing forage using normalized differece vegetation index (NDVI)
Authors: Lim Jihyun , Watanabe Nariyasu , Yoshitoshi Rena , Kawamura Kensuke
Published: February 2020

Production of hay at a proper moisture level is critical to reduce the spontaneous heating and nutrient loss during the preservation phase. Herein, we explored a new method for estimating the moisture content (MC) of field curing forages that uses a portable spectroradiometer (400–900 nm) and a hand‐held normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) meter. The spatial distributions were assessed by a multispectral camera with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. Field spectral measurements were conducted daily at 10 random plots over six trials at four forage fields across the entire curing period. Multispectral imagery acquisition by UAV flights was conducted at one trial. The MC (wet basis) was determined using a forced‐air oven. For 400–900 nm spectral reflectance measured by the spectroradiometer, we conducted linear regression analyses between the MC and all available combinations of a normalized difference spectral index (NDSI(Band1, Band2) = (ρBand1 − ρBand2)/(ρBand1 + ρBand2), where ρλ is the apparent reflectance and λ is the wavelength in nm). The combinations that are generally used as greenness indices showed high coefficients of determination, for example, red and near infrared (R2 = .76, RMSE = 10.66%) and green and red (R2 = .81, RMSE = 9.57%). The NDVI meter and multispectral imagery showed the feasibility of NDVI (R2 = .79, RMSE = 8.58% and R2 = .89, RMSE = 6.74%, respectively) as a parameter to estimate the MC. We were able to verify the spatial variability of the MC in the field based on the NDVI imagery, which indicates that our method provides information for site‐specific management (e.g., partial swath manipulation) and for decision‐making regarding the harvest time and location.
Development and usability of a Hands‐On Assessment Tool for Child Health: The HATCH
Authors: Shon Soonyoung , Shin Hyunsook , Lee Yu‐nah , Ma Hyunhee , Rim Dahae
Published: February 2020

Aim

To develop a comprehensive, hands‐on assessment tool for assessing health in children under five in underserved regions.

Design

Methodological study design and usability testing were used.

Sample

Eight nurses working at two health posts and 261 children under five living in the migrant villages participated in the study.

Measurement

The developed tool was evaluated using 10 items of a questionnaire based on the honeycomb model of Morville (2004). Community nurses administered the questionnaire then followed with a focus group interview after completing a child health exam using the developed tool. Data were collected during July 2017.

Results

The Hands‐on Assessment Tool for Child Health is composed of developmental screening, identification of risk factors and clinical signs, growth measurement, diagnostic tests and interpretation of each subdomain, and final impressions. Management strategies include parent education, resource networking, referral to a paediatrician, and follow‐up plans. Usability testing revealed high scores on the facets “valuable,” “useful,” “desirable,” and “findable.”

Conclusions

Considering the demand for hands‐on tools in underserved regions, the developed tool can provide nurses with resources for competent management of child assessment, interpretation, and nurses' intervention strategies, fortified with clinical judgement processes.
Infection in neuro‐muscular scoliosis deformity correction
Authors: Haleem Shahnawaz , Edwin John , Bashir Muhammad A. , Soltani Scheherezade , Nadarajah Ramesh , Kieser David C.
Published: February 2020

Assess the outcome of a standardised protocol for the treatment of post‐operative wound infection in patients undergoing deformity correction for neuro‐muscular scoliosis (NMS). Retrospective review of 443 consecutive patients with a minimum 18 months’ follow‐up, following a primary posterior deformity correction for NMS. In patients who developed a wound complication, the patient demographic and comorbidities, causative pathogen, number of re‐operations, length of stay (LOS), rate of cure, and complications were analysed. Forty‐four patients (9.9%) developed a wound infection. Marginally more infections were mono‐microbial (23) than poly‐microbial (21). Coagulase negative staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most commonly cultured pathogens. Seventeen patients were treated with antibiotics alone, while 27 patients also required surgical debridement. The average LOS for those treated with antibiotics alone was 12 days (range: 9‐15 days), in contrast to those requiring debridement, which was 35 days (range: 35‐70 days). All patients were cured from their infection and ultimately achieved fusion. Infection is common in NMS deformity correction. This is marginally more common as a mono‐microbial than poly‐microbial infection with most pathogens being staphylococcal in origin. Our defined treatment strategy resulted in a cure for all patients and capacity for all patients to achieve fusion.
Circ_PUM1 promotes the development of endometrial cancer by targeting the miR‐136/NOTCH3 pathway
Authors: Zong Zhi‐Hong , Liu Yao , Chen Shuo , Zhao Yang
Published: February 2020

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies and the sixth most common cause of cancer‐related death among women. Here, we define the role and molecular mechanism of circ_0000043 (hereafter referred to as circ_PUM1) in the development and progression of endometrial carcinoma. QRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of circ_PUM1 in normal endometrial tissue and endometrial carcinoma tissues. Changes in cell function and tumorigenicity in nude mice were examined after circ_PUM1 overexpression or knockdown. Bioinformatic analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and analyse the miRNAs that circ_PUM1 binds. Gene expression changes were analysed using Western blot. Circ_PUM1 was expressed at significantly higher levels in endometrial cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Up‐regulation of circ_PUM1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of endometrial carcinoma cells. Opposite results were observed with circ_PUM1 knockdown, and the tumorigenic ability of endometrial cancer cells after circ_PUM1 knockdown was reduced compared to control cells. Circ_PUM1 is capable of binding to miR‐136, and up‐regulating its target gene NOTCH3, which can be reversed by overexpression of miR‐136. Circ_PUM1 can compete with miR‐136, leading to up‐regulation of NOTCH3, and thereby promote the development of endometrial cancer.
Development of the Brief Personal Values Inventory for Sense of Values
Authors: Ozawa Sachiyo , Iijima Yudai , Ando Shuntaro , Okada Naohiro , Kawashima Tomoko , Ohta Kazusa , Yamasaki Syudo , Kasai Kiyoto , Nishida Atsushi , Nakatani Hironori , Koike Shinsuke
Published: February 2020

The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) is a widely used questionnaire for assessing sense of values; however, it is difficult to apply for children and adolescents. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a questionnaire for sense of values, called the Brief Personal Values Inventory (BPVI), consisting of simple questions and fewer items compared to the PVQ. We first created 12 items for the BPVI and then tested criterion‐related validity with values in the PVQ‐57 in 167 Japanese general population participants (81 males, mean age [SD], range: 23.4 [8.2], 15–57 years). Each of these items was correlated with one or more of the values in the PVQ‐57 and covered all higher‐order values in Schwartz's theory (openness to change, self‐enhancement, conservation, and self‐transcendence). In summary, the BPVI adequately corresponded with Schwartz's value theory, indicating an acceptable criterion‐related validity. This questionnaire is applicable to a wide population, including adolescents, and will be a useful tool for researchers to elucidate the developmental pathway of personal sense of values.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the Chinese endemic species Sorbus setschwanensis (Rosaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Wang Qin , Niu Zhengyang , Li Jiabao , Zhu Kailin , Chen Xin
Published: February 2020

Sorbus setschwanensis Koehne is a pinnate‐leaved Sorbus s.str. species endemic to China with narrow distribution and intriguing phylogeny that needs wider attention. In this paper, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of S. setschwanensis is reported, and its phylogenetic position is analyzed. The complete cp genome of S. setschwanensis is 160 064 bp in size with 36.50% GC content. It has a typical quadripartite structure including a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26 378 bp that separates a large single copy (LSC) region of 86 013 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 19 295 bp. The cp genome encodes 108 genes, comprising 76 protein‐coding genes, 28 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. Additionally, 52 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 43 dispersed repeats were identified. Comparison of the whole cp genome with those of other Sorbus species showed an overall high degree of sequence similarity, but there are six highly variable regions (trnR‐atpA, petN‐psbM, ndhC‐trnV, trnE‐trnT, trnT‐trnL and rpl32‐trnL) located in intergenic spacers that may be useful as molecular markers in future population genetic and phylogenetic studies in the genus. Phylogenetic analyses based on 108 coding genes from 25 species in Rosaceae revealed that S. setschwanensis is nested within Sorbus sect. Sorbus together with other pinnately leaved species, but does not form a sister lineage to S. rufopilosa belonging to the same series Multijugae. Thus, the systematic position of S. setschwanensis and relationships with other species in the genus needs to be further studied.
Analysis of the genetic structure and morphology of Polygonatum cyrtonema in Anhui Province, eastern China revealed three distinct genetic groups
Authors: Ji Rongrong , Sheng Yajuan , Chen Longsheng , Li Xiaohong , Shao Jianwen
Published: February 2020

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, a rhizome‐propagating herb endemic to China, is used in many traditional Chinese medicines and foods. The hilly mountains in western and southern Anhui province is one of its main natural distribution and artificial cultivation areas. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of P. cyrtonema germplasm resources in Anhui by nine pairs of SSR primers and selected morphological characters. The results showed that the 13 sampled populations of P. cyrtonema possessed normal levels of genetic diversity but could be clustered into three distinct genetic groups. The levels of within‐group genetic diversity was similar among the three groups, but their distribution areas and morphological characters were remarkably different. Group I was confined to the Tianmu (including Jiuhua) Mountains, group II was distributed in the Huangshan Mountains, and group III was restricted to the Dabie Mountains. Furthermore, the leaf length:width ratio significantly differed among groups, and the peduncle length of group I was significantly shorter than that of the other two groups. Levels of genetic differentiation among the three groups was close to that between different species within the genus. Thus, the three genetic groups of P. cyrtonema should be considered as independent units for conservation and breeding management in the Anhui region.
Diehard singles: Bachelorhood as a terror management strategy among avoidant men
Authors: Seagel Hagai , Lifshin Uri , Hirschberger Gilad
Published: February 2020

This research examines the motivational underpinnings of late bachelorhood through the lens of terror management and attachment theory. It was hypothesized that, although close relationships reduce existential concerns for most people, for avoidantly attached singles, thoughts of marriage may increase existential concerns. These hypotheses were tested in two studies among Israeli men. In Study 1, thoughts about getting married increased death thought accessibility (DTA) among avoidant singles compared to thoughts about being alone or a neutral control condition. For nonavoidant singles, thinking about future marriage reduced DTA. In Study 2, mortality salience reduced motivations for being in a relationship among avoidant singles and increased such motivation among those low in avoidant attachment. Results suggest that marriage may cause angst among avoidant single men.
Civil War and Democratization: A Micro‐Level Analysis
Authors: Gurses Mehmet , Celik Ayse Betul , Balta Evren
Published: February 2020

Objective

In this study we draw on the conflict between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkey to explore how exposure to violence can engender support for democracy at the individual level.

Methods

We rely on two nationwide representative surveys carried out in Turkey and estimate a series of ordered logistic and logistic regression models.

Results

We find that exposure to violence during civil war is a significant predictor of embracing positive attitudes toward democracy. Wartime experiences are associated with a conceptualization of democracy that underscores equality and greater tolerance toward others.

Conclusion

Being a member of a repressed minority is not sufficient to explain support for democracy. The link between wartime experiences and holding positive attitudes toward democracy is conditioned by the degree of exposure to violence or which political party is supported.
Group Presence, Population, and Interest Group Theory: A Case Study of the American Anti‐Slavery Society
Authors: Chamberlain Adam
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study seeks to learn about the development of large, federated voluntary associations in the antebellum era by combining insights from historical work and neopluralist interest group theory. The American Anti‐Slavery Society (AASS) is the case study.

Methods

Summary statistics and logistic regression models are used to investigate what variables predict the presence of an AASS local group in a town.

Results

Total population of a town is the key predictor of AASS group presence across states, though the percentage of people employed in learned professions and the number of primary common schools per capita are also important in select states.

Conclusion

Population itself was the modernizing force behind group formation in the antebellum era, creating contexts conducive to the mobilization of interests.
Metabolite/phytohormone–gene regulatory networks in soybean organs under dehydration conditions revealed by integration analysis
Authors: Maruyama Kyonoshin , Urano Kaoru , Kusano Miyako , Sakurai Tetsuya , Takasaki Hironori , Kishimoto Miho , Yoshiwara Kyouko , Kobayashi Makoto , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Saito Kazuki , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: February 2020

Metabolites, phytohormones, and genes involved in dehydration responses/tolerance have been predicted in several plants. However, metabolite/phytohormone–gene regulatory networks in soybean organs under dehydration conditions remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the organ specificity of metabolites, phytohormones, and gene transcripts and revealed the characteristics of their regulatory networks in dehydration‐treated soybeans. Our metabolite/phytohormone analysis revealed the accumulation of raffinose, trehalose, and cis‐zeatin (cZ) specifically in dehydration‐treated roots. In dehydration‐treated soybeans, raffinose, and trehalose might have additional roles not directly involved in protecting the photosynthetic apparatus; cZ might contribute to root elongation for water uptake from the moisture region in soil. Our integration analysis of metabolites–genes indicated that galactinol, raffinose, and trehalose levels were correlated with transcript levels for key enzymes (galactinol synthase, raffinose synthase, trehalose 6‐phosphate synthase, trehalose 6‐phosphate phosphatase) at the level of individual plants but not at the organ level under dehydration. Genes encoding these key enzymes were expressed in mainly the aerial parts of dehydration‐treated soybeans. These results suggested that raffinose and trehalose are transported from aerial plant parts to the roots in dehydration‐treated soybeans. Our integration analysis of phytohormones–genes indicated that cZ and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were correlated with transcript levels for key enzymes (cytokinin nucleoside 5′‐monophosphate phosphoribohydrolase, cytokinin oxidases/dehydrogenases, 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase) at the level of individual plants but not at the organ level under dehydration conditions. Therefore, processes such as ABA and cZ transport, among others, are important for the organ specificity of ABA and cZ production under dehydration conditions.
Development of a Soft Robotic Wearable Device to Assist Infant Reaching
Authors: Kokkoni Elena , Liu Zhichao , Karydis Konstantinos
Published: February 2020

Existing devices to assist upper extremity (UE) movement in infants with or at risk for motor impairments remain limited and are mainly passive devices. The aim of this project was to develop and assess the validity and reliability of the first-actuated wearable device for this population. A wearable device consisting of four pneumatic actuators (two per arm) was developed and tested on a custom-built physical model with articulated joints (four degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) per arm) based on an average 12-month-old infant's upper body. The device actively controls 2DOFs per arm (one at the elbow and one at the shoulder) and does not prohibit motion about the remaining non-actuated DOFs. Three distinct device actuator synergies, that resemble muscle recruitment strategies, were evaluated in a vertical reaching task using one arm and both arms. The device was assessed for its performance, wearability, and safety. Performance was assessed via the average duration, smoothness, and repeatability of reaching movements, and maximum range of motion per actuated joint. Wearability was assessed via kinematic compatibility to infant reaching trajectories. Safety was assessed via actuator durability. Results demonstrate the efficacy of the device and reveal key insights for further improvements.
Task-Based Knee Rehabilitation With Assist-as-Needed Control Strategy and Recovery Tracking System
Authors: Yihun Yimesker , Adhikari Visharath , Majidirad Amirhossein , Desai Jaydip
Published: February 2020

This research aims to design and implement a novel task-based knee rehabilitation strategy through kinematic synthesis, assist-as-needed control strategy, and recovery tracking system. Experimental kinematic data collected through motion capture system are utilized as an input to the mechanism synthesis procedure. Parallel mechanisms with single degree-of-freedom are considered to generate the complex three-dimensional (3D) motions of the lower leg. An exact workspace synthesis approach is utilized, in which the implicit description of the workspace is made to be a function of the structural parameters of the serial chains of the parallel mechanism, making it easy to relate those parameters to the desired trajectory from the motion capture. The synthesis procedure resulted an exoskeleton which can guide the complex motion of the human knee without the need of mimicking the joint by the exoskeleton counterpart. This can potentially reduce the improper alignment problems arising due to the constantly varying axis of rotation of human joint, which is often very difficult to predict. An assist-as-needed control and recovery tracking strategy is outlined based on an electromyography (EMG) signals and force sensing resistors (FSRs) mounted on the user and exoskeleton, respectively. The EMG signal is captured from the user leg and FSRs are applied at the attachment area of the exoskeleton and the leg, this helps to get the amount of force applied by the exoskeleton to the leg as well as for the recovery tracking. The assist-as-needed controller eliminates the need of constant supervision, and hence saves time and reduces cost of the rehabilitation process. Similarly, the real-time progress tracking system will motivate and actively engage users
Liver stiffness increases in patients with severe pericardial effusion, especially in the presence of cardiac tamponade
Authors: Koca Hasan , Koc Ayse Selcan , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem , Koc Mevlut
Published: February 2020

Aims: Liver stiffness (LS) is associated with central venous pressure and pericardial effusion (PE) may be associated with these increased pressures. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in LS obtained by liver elastography (LE) in patients with severe PE and its usefulness for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade.Materials and methods: Forty-patients with severe-PE were included in this study. All patients underwent LE examination in addition to echocardiography. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with and without cardiac tamponade.Results: In patients with cardiac tamponade, LS values, inspiratory-expiratory vena cava inferior (VCI) diameters and presence of <50% inspiratory-VCI collapse was significantly higher. LS value and inspiratory-VCI diameter before pericardiocentesis independently determined the risk of cardiac tamponade. Each 1kPa increase in LS value and 1mm increase in inspiratory-VCI diameter increased the risk of cardiac tamponade by 4.9-times and 40.8%, respectively. When the cut-off value of 10kPa for LS was analyzed, it determined the presence of cardiac tamponade with ≥90% sensitivity and specificity. The higher LS before pericardiocentesis and the decrease in LS after pericardiocentesis (Δ-Liver stiffness of 5.91±1.79 kPa in first group and 2.31±1.25 kPa in the second group) was interpreted to be directly related to the pathophysiology of systemic congestion due to PE.Conclusion: In all patients with severe PE, and especially in patients with cardiac tamponade, the LS is significantly increased and this modification can be explained by the systemic congestion. However, this being the first study to evaluate LS in patients with severe PE and cardiac tamponade, the data should be confirmed by multicenter prospective studies.
Characterization of the high harmonics source for the VUV ellipsometer at ELI Beamlines
Authors: Espinoza Shirly , Samparisi Fabio , Frassetto Fabio , Richter Steffen , Rebarz Mateusz , Finke Ondrej , Albrecht Martin , Jurkovic Matej , Hort Ondrej , Fabris Nicola , Zymaková Anna , Mai Dong Du , Antipenkov Roman , Nejdl Jaroslav , Poletto Luca , Andreasson Jakob
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the authors present the characterization experiments of a 20 fs vacuum ultraviolet beam from a high harmonic generation source. The beam hits a silicon sample and passes a triple reflection gold polarizer located inside an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. The polarizer’s Malus curve was obtained; the total acquisition time for each point of the curve was 30 s. This aims to be the first vacuum ultraviolet time-resolved user station dedicated to ellipsometry. The high harmonic beam is generated by a 12 mJ, 1 kHz, 20 fs, in-house-developed laser and detected by a back-illuminated charge-coupled device.
Natural sound estimation in shallow water near shipping lanes
Authors: Mustonen Mirko , Klauson Aleksander , Folégot Thomas , Clorennec Dominique
Published: February 2020

Underwater ambient sound has been recently re-addressed in regard to the impact of anthropogenic sound from commercial shipping on marine life. Passive acoustic monitoring provides the overall ambient sound levels at a given location and is often used to calibrate the sound propagation modeling for assessing ambient sound levels in larger marine areas. To quantify the pressure on the environment, the proportion of the anthropogenic component in the total measured levels of the monitored sound should be properly assessed. The present paper addresses the methodology for categorisation of the measured sound into its wind-driven natural and anthropogenic components.
Genetic Characterization of a Glycyl Radical Microcompartment Used for 1,2-Propanediol Fermentation by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073
Authors: Lundin Alex P. , Stewart Katie L. , Stewart Andrew M. , Herring Taylor I. , Chowdhury Chiranjit , Bobik Thomas A.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial MCPs have a number of potential biotechnology applications and have been linked to bacterial pathogenesis, cancer, and heart disease. Glycyl radical MCPs are a large but understudied class of bacterial MCPs. Here, we show that uropathogenic
E. coli
CFT073 uses a glycyl radical MCP for 1,2-PD fermentation, and we conduct a comprehensive genetic analysis of the genes involved. Studies suggest significant functional differences between the glycyl radical MCP of
E. coli
CFT073 and better-studied MCPs. They also provide a foundation for building a deeper general understanding of glycyl radical MCPs in an organism where sophisticated genetic methods are available.
Paradox of glycemic management: multimorbidity, glycemic control, and high-risk medication use among adults with diabetes
Authors: McCoy Rozalina G , Lipska Kasia J , Van Houten Holly K , Shah Nilay D
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Glycemic targets and glucose-lowering regimens should be individualized based on multiple factors, including the presence of comorbidities. We examined contemporary patterns of glycemic control and use of medications known to cause hypoglycemia among adults with diabetes across age and multimorbidity.

Research design and methods

We retrospectively examined glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and rates of insulin/sulfonylurea use as a function of age and multimorbidity using administrative claims and laboratory data for adults with type 2 diabetes included in OptumLabs Data Warehouse, 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Comorbidity burden was assessed by counts of any of 16 comorbidities specified by guidelines as warranting relaxation of HbA1ctargets, classified as being diabetes concordant (diabetes complications or risk factors), discordant (unrelated to diabetes), or advanced (life limiting).

Results

Among 194 157 patients with type 2 diabetes included in the study, 45.2% had only concordant comorbidities, 30.6% concordant and discordant, 2.7% only discordant, and 13.0% had ≥1 advanced comorbidity. Mean HbA1cwas 7.7% among 18–44 year-olds versus 6.9% among ≥75 year-olds, and was higher among patients with comorbidities: 7.3% with concordant only, 7.1% with discordant only, 7.1% with concordant and discordant, and 7.0% with advanced comorbidities compared with 7.4% among patients without comorbidities. The odds of insulin use decreased with age (OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.54) for age ≥75 vs 18–44 years) but increased with accumulation of concordant (OR 5.50 (95% CI 5.22 to 5.79) for ≥3 vs none), discordant (OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.60 to 1.86) for ≥3 vs none), and advanced (OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.68) for ≥2 vs none) comorbidities. Conversely, sulfonylurea use increased with age (OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.44) for age ≥75 vs 18–44 years) but decreased with accumulation of concordant (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.79) for ≥3 vs none), discordant (OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.76) for ≥3 vs none), but not advanced (OR 0.86 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.01) for ≥2 vs none) comorbidities.

Conclusions

The proportion of patients achieving low HbA1clevels was highest among older and multimorbid patients. Older patients and patients with higher comorbidity burden were more likely to be treated with insulin to achieve these HbA1clevels despite potential for hypoglycemia and uncertain long-term benefit.
Utility of the methylated SEPT9 test for the early detection of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Hariharan Rohit , Jenkins Mark
Published: February 2020

Background

Circulating tumour DNA from colorectal cancer (CRC) is a biomarker for early detection of the disease and therefore potentially useful for screening. One such biomarker is the methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) gene, which occurs during CRC tumourigenesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to establish the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of mSEPT9 tests for the early diagnosis of CRC.

Methods

A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted using Medline and Embase databases. Data were extracted from the eligible studies and analysed to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic test accuracy.

Results

Based on 19 studies, the pooled estimates (and 95% CIs) for mSEPT9 to detect CRC were: sensitivity 69% (62–75); specificity 92% (89–95); positive likelihood ratio 9.1 (6.1–13.8); negative likelihood ratio 0.34 (0.27–0.42); diagnostic OR 27 (15–48) and area under the curve 0.89 (0.86–0.91). The test has a positive predictive value of 2.6% and negative predictive value of 99.9% in an average risk population (0.3% CRC prevalence), and 9.5% (positive predictive value) and 99.6% (negative predictive value) in a high-risk population (1.2% CRC prevalence).

Conclusion

The mSEPT9 test has high specificity and moderate sensitivity for CRC and is therefore a potential alternative screening method for those declining faecal immunochemical test for occult blood (FIT) or other screening modalities. However, it is limited by its poor diagnostic performance for precancerous lesions (advanced adenomas and polyps) and its relatively high costs, and little is known about its acceptability to those declining to use the FIT.
Influence of age on real-life effects of doxycycline for acute exacerbations among COPD outpatients: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Bos Jens H , Boezen H Marike , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C , van Boven J F M , Schuiling-Veninga Catharina C M , Wilffert Bob , Hak Eelko
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Although bacteria contribute significantly to acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), the added value of antibiotics remains controversial, especially in outpatient settings. Age may affect antibiotic effectiveness, but real-world evidence is lacking. We aimed to assess the influence of age on the effectiveness of doxycycline for AECOPD.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study among outpatients with the first recorded AECOPD treated with oral corticosteroids was conducted using a large pharmacy dispensing database. The primary outcome was treatment failure within 15–31 days after treatment start. Secondary outcome was time to second exacerbation. All analyses were stratified by age groups.

Results

We identified 6300 outpatients with the first AECOPD. 2261 (36%) received doxycycline and 4039 (64%) did not receive any antibiotic (reference group). Overall, there was no difference in treatment failure (adjusted OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.12) between two groups. Similarly, no difference in treatment failure was observed in younger groups. However, in patients with advanced age (≥75 years), treatment failure was significantly reduced by doxycycline compared with reference (16% vs 20%, adjusted OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.97). Overall, median time to second exacerbation was 169 days (95% CI: 158 to 182 days) in doxycycline group compared with 180 days (95% CI: 169 to 191 days) in reference group (adjusted HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.12). Although in older patients there was a trend within 3 months towards longer time of next exacerbation by doxycycline, it did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

Our findings showed short-term treatment benefit of doxycycline added to oral corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with advanced age. This value remains unclear for persons aged under 75 years in current primary care. Long-term preventive benefits of doxycycline for the next exacerbation were not observed, irrespective of age.