bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Far‐red light promotes Botrytis cinerea disease development in tomato leaves via jasmonate‐dependent modulation of soluble sugars
Authors: Courbier Sarah , Grevink Sanne , Sluijs Emma , Bonhomme Pierre‐Olivier , Kajala Kaisa , Van Wees Saskia C. M. , Pierik Ronald
Published: August 2020

Plants experience a decrease in the red:far‐red light ratio (R:FR) when grown at high planting density. In addition to eliciting the shade avoidance response, low R:FR also enhances plant susceptibility to pathogens via modulation of defense hormone‐mediated responses. However, other mechanisms, also affected by low R:FR, have not been considered as potential components in FR‐induced susceptibility. Here, we identify FR‐induced accumulation of leaf soluble sugars as a novel component of FR‐induced susceptibility. We observed that phytochrome inactivation by FR or phytochrome B mutation was associated with elevated leaf glucose and fructose levels and enhanced disease severity caused by Botrytis cinerea. By experimentally manipulating internal leaf sugar levels, we found that the FR‐induced susceptibility in tomato was partly sugar‐dependent. Further analysis revealed that the observed sugar accumulation in supplemental FR occurred in a jasmonic acid (JA)‐dependent manner, and the JA biosynthesis mutant def1 also displayed elevated soluble sugar levels, which was rescued by exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application. We propose that the reduced JA responsiveness under low R:FR promotes disease symptoms not only via dampened induction of defense responses, but also via increased levels of soluble sugars that supports pathogen growth in tomato leaves.
More than just a pair of blue genes: how cyanobacteria adapt to changes in their light environment
Authors: Calderon Robert H.
Published: August 2020

Cyanobacteria require light to perform photosynthesis, but not all colors of light are equally useable for them. In particular, blue light‐grown cyanobacterial strains, including the well‐studied model organism Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis), have been observed to exhibit slower growth rates than white or red light‐grown cells. In this issue of Physiologia Plantarum, Luimstra et al. (2020) have attempted to understand why cyanobacterial cells suffer under blue light. They measured the molecular and genetic responses of Synechocystis cells to being shifted from white light to blue light. They found that blue light‐grown cells make changes that lead to a redistribution of energy flow between the two photosystems that power photosynthesis. These findings could help researchers identify avenues for optimizing photosynthesis in cyanobacterial species, a group of organisms which show great promise as potential solar‐powered factories for the production of biofuels and other high‐value products.
Disease Surveillance Investments and Administration: Limits to Information Value in Pakistan Polio Eradication
Authors: Scott Ryan P. , Cullen Alison C. , Chabot‐Couture Guillaume
Published: August 2020

In Pakistan, annual poliovirus investment decisions drive quantities of supplemental immunization campaigns districts receive. In this article, we assess whether increased spending on poliovirus surveillance is associated with greater likelihood of correctly identifying districts at high risk of polio with assignment of an elevated “risk ranking.” We reviewed programmatic documents from Pakistan for the period from 2012–2017, recording whether districts had been classified as “high risk” or “low risk” in each year. Through document review, we developed a decision tree to describe the ranking decisions. Then, integrating data from the World Health Organization and Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we constructed a Bayesian decision network reflecting investments in polio surveillance and immunization campaigns, surveillance metrics, disease incidence, immunization rates, and occurrence of polio cases. We test these factors for statistical association with the outcome of interest—a change in risk rank between the beginning and the end of the one‐year time period. We simulate different spending scenarios and predict their impact on district risk ranking in future time periods. We find that per district spending increases are associated with increased identification of cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). However, the low specificity of AFP investment and the largely invariant ranking of district risk means that even large increases in surveillance spending are unlikely to promote major changes in risk rankings at the current stage of the Pakistan polio eradication campaign.
Poor oral health status and short‐term outcome of kidney transplantation
Authors: Sarmento Dmitry José de Santana , Caliento Rubens , Maciel Rafael Fábio , Braz‐Silva Paulo Henrique , Pestana José Osmar Medina de Abreu , Lockhart Peter B. , Gallottini Marina
Published: August 2020

Aims

This study aims to know whether poor oral health increases the risk of acute rejection and hospitalization in kidney allograft recipients.

Methods and results

This is a prospective cohort study. The same dentist followed participants for 2 months after renal transplant for monitoring oral health (clinical evaluation, DTMF index, and CPITN index), signs of graft rejection, infection, and hospitalization. We compiled rates and reasons for hospital readmission or extended hospital stay. The CPITN had a mean score of 0.38 ± 0.71, increasing to 0.90 ± 0.84, 60 days after transplant (P < .001). No one rejected the graft in the period of study. Patients with older age (P = .009; OR: 1.07; CI 95% 1.01–1.12) were at higher risk of hospitalization at each year of age and patients presenting pretransplant dental focus (P = .001; OR: 7.23; CI 95% 2.13–24.56) had 7.23 times more chance to be hospitalized in the first 2 months after the transplant. One participant was hospitalized due to acute foci of dental infection.

Conclusion

There was an association between dental focus and hospital readmission/stay. However, our methods do not provide conclusive proof of causality. Hospitalization due to acute dental infection was rare.
Does Distance Matter? Evaluating the Impact of Drop Boxes on Voter Turnout
Authors: McGuire William , Gonzalez O'Brien Benjamin , Baird Katherine , Corbett Benjamin , Collingwood Loren
Published: August 2020

Objective

This article examines the impact that reducing the distance to a voter's nearest ballot drop box has on turnout.

Methods

The placement of five new ballot drop boxes was randomized among six potential sites identified based on similar criteria. The randomization of the five boxes across the six sites created natural Treatment (those sites that received a new box) and Placebo (the site that did not receive a new box) groups. We then employed a difference‐in‐difference design to determine whether voters in the Treatment group were more likely to vote in the 2017 general election compared to those in the Placebo group.

Results

We find that a decrease of one mile to the nearest drop box increased the probability of voting by 0.64 percent.

Conclusion

Our finding indicates that drop boxes have a positive effect on voter turnout and that decreasing the distance to these boxes can lead to an increased likelihood of voting.
Bullshit, Pseudoscience and Pseudophilosophy
Authors: Moberger Victor
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In this article I give a unified account of three phenomena:bullshit,pseudoscienceandpseudophilosophy. My aims are partly conceptual, partly evaluative. Drawing on Harry Frankfurt's seminal analysis of bullshit, I give an account of the three phenomena and of how they are related, and I use this account to explain what isbadabout all three. More specifically, I argue that what is defective about pseudoscience and pseudophilosophy is precisely that they are special cases of bullshit. Apart from raising interesting philosophical issues, gaining a clearer understanding of these phenomena is also ofpracticalimportance, in that it bears on how best to tackle the threat that they pose.
Caracterização das Assinaturas de Radar e da Atividade Elétrica de Relâmpagos de Tempestades com Granizo no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: De Abreu Eduardo Ximenes , Mattos Enrique Vieira , Sperling Vinicius Banda
Published: August 2020

Tempestades com granizo tipicamente estão associadas à nuvens de grande desenvolvimento vertical (Cumulonimbus), com intensas taxas de precipitação e ventos fortes em superfície, que podem causar diversos prejuízos ao meio urbano e rural. Este trabalho analisou a evolução de alguns parâmetros provenientes das assinaturas do radar meteorológico e atividade elétrica de nove tempestades que causaram precipitação de granizo em superfície no estado de São Paulo, entre dezembro de 2016 e março de 2017. Os parâmetros de radar analisados foram: Conteúdo de Água Líquida Verticalmente Integrado (VIL), densidade de VIL (DVIL), altura máxima do eco de 20 dBZ (Ecotop20dBZ), altura máxima do eco de 35 dBZ (Ecotop35dBZ), Altura de Waldvogel (AW) e máximo valor da refletividade em toda coluna de precipitação iluminada pelo radar (MAXPIX). Esses parâmetros foram calculados através dos dados de refletividade (Z) do radar meteorológico Doppler de São Roque (São Paulo). As informações sobre a ocorrência de descargas de retorno intra-nuvem (IN) e nuvem-solo (NS) foram obtidas da rede Earth Network. Dentre os resultados, foi possível analisar a evolução dos parâmetros de radar e atividade elétrica, antes, durante e depois do momento em que se registrou o granizo em superfície para cada tempestade selecionada. O parâmetro AW acusou com 20 min de antecedência uma alta probabilidade de ocorrência de precipitação de granizo para todas as tempestades.
Aplicação de Modelo de Tendência Direcional de Transporte ao Longo de uma Ilha-Barreira: Restinga da Marambaia (RJ, SE Brasil)
Authors: Carvalho Breylla Campos , Guerra Josefa Varela
Published: August 2020

Diferentes métodos de estudo foram desenvolvidos para definir os padrões de transporte de sedimentos, sendo um deles o modelo de tendência direcional de transporte de sedimentos (GSTA), que se baseia na análise da variabilidade espacial dos parâmetros granulométricos – média (μ), desvio-padrão (σ) e assimetria (Sk). Neste trabalho, o complemento GisedTrend, que opera em ambiente de Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), foi implementado para analisar a dinâmica sedimentar da margem interna da restinga da Marambaia. Esta feição isola parcialmente a baía de Sepetiba do oceano adjacente, localizando-se no litoral sul do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados mostram que os sedimentos da área emersa da ilha-barreira são predominantemente compostos por areias médias bem selecionadas, enquanto que as amostras coletadas a partir da isóbata de 2 m exibem progressivo afinamento em direção às áreas mais profundas, de areia fina para silte fino, tornando-se mal selecionadas na mesma direção. Quatro casos de tendência direcional foram avaliados e os resultados permitiram identificar áreas de remoção e acumulação de sedimentos, bem como inferir os mecanismos responsáveis pelos padrões observados, como correntes geradas pelo vento, marés e dispersão de plumas de sedimentos em suspensão.
Caracterização Petrográfica dos Calcários Ornamentais da Formação Caatinga (BA)
Authors: Santos Rafael Martins de Oliveira , Rodrigues Amanda Goulart , Bó Patrick Führ Dal’
Published: August 2020

Os calcários da Formação Caatinga (Paleógeno-Quaternário, Bacia de Irecê), conhecidos popularmente como Bege Bahia ou Travertino Nacional, estão amplamente distribuídos pelo centro-norte do estado da Bahia e consistem em importantes rochas ornamentais no Brasil. Apesar da relevância comercial, esses carbonatos carecem de estudos geológicos detalhados sobre suas características macro e microscópicas de modo a contribuir com o entendimento dos aspectos evolutivos dessa unidade. A partir do estudo detalhado de placas ornamentais adquiridas em diferentes marmorarias do estado do Rio de Janeiro, pôde-se identificar que estes carbonatos consistem em calcretes desenvolvidos em um substrato original majoritariamente carbonático, com pouca influência de aporte siliciclástico e com diferentes feições macro e microscópicas resultantes de processos bióticos e abióticos formados em condições vadosas e freáticas. As principais texturas e estruturas identificadas são: (1) nódulos; (2) vênulas; e (3) brechas. Além disso, observa-se uma contribuição siliciclástica (areia média a grânulo) organizada em níveis horizontais, que por vezes preenchem vênulas oblíquas, além de ocorrerem dispersos na matriz micrítica. Os nódulos, vênulas e brechas se formaram a partir de processos essencialmente abióticos enquanto que a presença de grãos siliciclásticos com envelopes micríticos sugerem que processos bióticos foram atuantes. A ocorrência de bioclastos de ostracodes e carófitas indicam um paleoambiente com disponibilidade de água, porém as fraturas de dessecação, brechas e os argilominerais fibrosos autigênicos sugerem momentos de exposição associados a períodos mais secos. As feições macro e microscópicas descritas indicam que os calcretes da Formação Caatinga possuem uma evolução complexa e dinâmica formada sob condições de sazonalidade entre períodos secos e úmidos.
Carta Geotécnica de Aptidão à Urbanização de Cataguases (MG): Levantamento do Histórico de Ocupação Territorial e Proposta Para a Expansão Urbana
Authors: Ribeiro Rafael Silva , Dias Gilmar Pauli
Published: August 2020

O plano diretor é uma ferramenta de gestão territorial que orienta a expansão do perímetro urbano municipal através de estudos que indiquem a adequabilidade do terreno à ocupação. Entretanto, o plano diretor de Cataguases de 2006 não apresenta estudos referentes a caracterização geológico-geotécnica, descrição do meio físico e indicações de regiões favoráveis e desfavoráveis à ocupação. Esta pesquisa apresenta a Carta Geotécnica de Aptidão à Urbanização de Cataguases (MG), com definição das classes de aptidão e unidades geotécnicas que formam a área de estudo situada no entorno da sede municipal. Os estudos se basearam nos vetores de crescimento, geomorfologia do terreno e o mapeamento geológico-geotécnico. Com este documento é possível que o gestor público possa ordenar de maneira segura a expansão urbana e evitar o surgimento de novas áreas com riscos geológicos e hidrológicos.
Aplicação de Modelagem Estocástica para a Previsão da Precipitação em Diferentes Regiões na Amazônia
Authors: Chagas Glayson Francisco Bezerra das , Silva Cláudio Moisés Santos e , Lúcio Paulo Sérgio
Published: August 2020

Neste estudo, foram identificadas com base nas propriedades dos modelos de séries temporais a chuva acumulada mensalmente para três regiões na Amazônia (setentrional, oriental e meridional). Foram utilizados modelos de séries temporais Auto-Regressivo Integrado de Médias Móveis (ARIMA) e Holt-Winters (HW). A autocorrelation function (ACF) e a partial autocorrelation function (PACF) das séries selecionadas revelaram o comportamento sazonal dos acumulados de chuvas mensais. O modelo ARIMA multiplicativo [ARIMA(p,d,q) x (P,D,Q)12] foi montado em todas as séries temporais e em todas foi observado uma componente sazonal marcante, além do que, por não terem sido atendidos os pressupostos de variância constante e normalidade dos dados, foi aplicado nas séries originais a transformação Box-Cox. Através das medidas de qualidade dos ajustes dos modelos pelo método Box-Jenkins, temos que o modelo ARIMA (1,1,1) x (1,1,1)12 evidenciou como melhor ajuste aos dados analisados nesta pesquisa, sendo o que apresentou menores valores para os critérios de informação AIC.
Modelagem Prospectiva Mineral com Base em Lógica Fuzzy: Avaliação do Distrito Ferrífero de Quiterianópolis/CE
Authors: Uchoa Elenilton Bezerra , Duarte Cynthia Romariz , Magini Christiano , Mirianda Mateus De Paula
Published: August 2020

Nos últimos anos, o estado do Ceará, participou do mercado internacional como produtor e exportador de minério de ferro, principalmente através de uma usina de beneficiamento da mina Bandarra localizada em Quiterianópolis/CE. Neste município são conhecidas cinco ocorrências de ferro: Calixto, Bandarra, São Francisco, Olho D’água e Pintada. A mina de ferro Bandarra produziu e exportou para China aproximadamente 1,2 milhões de toneladas de minério de ferro com teor de 60%. Esses depósitos de ferro estão contextualizados na Província Borborema Setentrional, Domínio Ceará Central, entre o Lineamento Transbrasiliano e a zona de cisalhamento Tauá, no Subdomínio Acaraú, onde predominam gnaisses do Complexo Canindé do Ceará, rochas metassedimentares do Grupo Novo Oriente, granitoides do Complexo Tamboril-Santa Quiteria e depósitos cenozoicos. A pesquisa propõe uma integração pelo método da Lógica Fuzzy (knowledge-driven), envolvendo dados aerogeofísicos (magnetometria e gamaespctrometria) e de sensoriamento remoto com dados Landsat ETM+(Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus), para elaboração de um modelo de prospectividade ferrífera para região de Quiterianópolis/CE. A Lógica Fuzzy consiste na simplificação de dados raster por meio da aplicação de funções de pertinência Fuzzy e posterior integração pelos operadores Fuzzy. O modelo prospectivo foi gerado através das imagens Amplitude do Gradiente Horizontal Total (AGHT), Amplitude do Sinal Analítico (ASA), %K, eTh, eU, Contagem Total (CT), PC1, PC3, PC5, PC6 e Razão ETM 3/1, 4/1 e 5/7. A imagem do mapa de prospectividade ferrífera apresentou três classes de prospectividade: baixa, média e alta prospectividade. As ocorrências de ferro localizam-se sobre áreas de alta prospectividade, servindo como referência para validação do modelo proposto. Através do modelo apresentado foi possível concluir que a técnica Fuzzy é uma ferramenta poderosa nas etapas iniciais de uma pesquisa mineral.
Caracterização do Ortognaisse Brejo Alegre e sua Inserção no Contexto Evolutivo do Cinturão Mineiro, Cráton do São Francisco
Authors: Silva Marize Muniz da , Ávila Ciro Alexandre , Barbosa Natali Da Silva , Teixeira Wilson
Published: August 2020

O ortognaisse Brejo Alegre corresponde a um pequeno pluton alongado, aflora nos arredores da cidade de Dores de Campos – Minas Gerais e está inserido no contexto evolutivo do Cinturão Mineiro localizado na porção meridional do Cráton do São Francisco. O ortognaisse é leucocrático, tonalítico e porfirítico com fenocristais de oligoclásio-andesina envoltos por matriz equigranular fina a média, representada por plagioclásio, quartzo, biotita e raro feldspato potássico. Varia de cálcio-alcalino a cálcio-alcalino de alto-K, de metaluminoso a peraluminoso e apresenta enriquecimento nos elementos terras raras leves em relação aos pesados, com incipiente anomalia positiva de Eu. Possui idade de cristalização U-Pb SHRIMP de 2166 ± 5 Ma e 2166 ± 14 Ma, idade TDM entre 2,26 e 2,31 Ga e ƐNd(2,17) levemente positivo, apontando gênese relacionada à fusão de uma fonte juvenil paleoproterozoica com curta residência crustal. Sua idade de cristalização está associada ao intervalo do quarto pulso magmático do Cinturão Mineiro e é semelhante àquela de outros ortognaisses que ocorrem no Arco Ritápolis.
Paleoambiente Deposicional de Folhelhos da Formação Pimenteiras da Borda Oeste da Bacia do Parnaíba, NE - Brasil
Authors: Abreu Neila Caldas , Andrade Consuelo Lima Navarro de , Cerqueira José Roberto , Garcia Karina Santos , Oliveira Olívia Maria Cordeiro de , Ribeiro Hélio Jorge Portugal Severiano
Published: August 2020

Os folhelhos da Formação Pimenteiras depositados em ambiente marinho durante o Devoniano (Frasniano), são ricos em matéria orgânica e constituem a principal rocha geradora da Bacia do Parnaíba. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar o paleoambiente deposicional da Formação Pimenteiras com base no estudo de Geoquímica Orgânica e Palinofácies. Foram coletadas 21 amostras de rocha em um afloramento próximo ao município de Aparecida do Rio Negro, na borda Oeste da Bacia, no estado de Tocantins, onde havia aspecto estratigráfico do contato entre as Formações Cabeças (Fameniano) e Pimenteiras (Frasniano). Os teores de carbono orgânico total (COT) variaram de 0,21 a 2,43 % e os resultados da pirólise Rock Eval indicam querogênio predominantemente dos tipos II e III, potencial gerador de hidrocarbonetos (S2) variando de pobre a médio (0,41 - 6,13 mgHC/g rocha), baixa concentração de hidrocarbonetos livres (S1) e imaturidade térmica (Tmáx) para a geração de petróleo. O estudo de palinofácies permitiu identificar e quantificar os componentes particulados da matéria orgânica dos grupos dos palinomorfos, fitoclastos e matéria orgânica amorfa (MOA). Um número considerável de prasinófitas dos gêneros Pterospermella, Cymatiosphaera, Durvenaysphaera, Leiosphaeridia, Tasmanites, Hemiruptia e Maranhites foram identificadas, sugerindo as superfícies da inundação possivelmente da idade do Frasniano. Ao longo do afloramento as amostras apresentaram variação quantitativa de componentes orgânicos de origem terrestre, caracterizando regressões marinhas, e outras amostras, sugerindo transgressões marinhas, com o aumento de prasinófitas e acritarcas. A razão dos isótopos de carbono orgânico (δ13C: -25,9 a -29,5‰) e os biomarcadores saturados (esteranos regulares C27-C28-C29 e razão TPP/(TPP+DIA)), também sugerem uma alternância no “input” da matéria orgânica terrestre e marinha.
Performance Analysis of a Solar–Biogas Hybrid Micro Gas Turbine for Power Generation
Authors: Alshahrani Saad , Engeda Abraham
Published: August 2020

A performance assessment was conducted for a solar–biogas hybrid micro gas turbine integrated with a solar power tower technology. The considered system is a solar central receiver integrated with a micro gas turbine hybrid with biogas fuel as a backup. The Brayton cycle is designed to receive a dual integrated heat source input that works alternatively to keep the heat input to the system continuous. The study considered several key performance parameters including meteorological condition effects, recuperator existence and effectiveness, solar share, and gas turbine components performance. This study shows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions due to the utilization and hybridization of the renewable energies, solar, and biogas. The study reveals that the solar–biogas hybrid micro gas turbine for 100-kW power production has a CO2 emission less than a conventional fossil fuel gas turbine. Finally, the study shows that the method of power generation hybridization for solar and biogas gas turbines is a promising technique that leads to fuel-savings and lower CO2 emissions.
Influence of Gap Detailing on Calculated Unsteady Non-Adjacent Blade Row Aero-Forcing in a Transonic Compressor Stage
Authors: Gezork Tobias , Petrie-Repar Paul
Published: August 2020

Resonant or close to resonant forced response excitation of compressor blades limits component life time and can potentially lead to high-cycle fatigue failure if the exciting forces are large and damping is insufficient. When numerically quantifying the forcing function by means of simulations, simplifications are typically made in the analysis to reduce complexity and computational cost. In this paper, we numerically investigate how the blade forcing function is influenced by the rotor tip gap flow and by flow across gaps in the upstream variable inlet guide vane row. Unsteady simulations are made using a test rig geometry where a forcing crossing with an excitation from a non-adjacent blade row had previously been measured. The effects of the gaps on the forcing function for the first torsion mode are presented for both the non-adjacent blade row excitation (changes compared with a case without gaps indicating a 20% reduction) and an adjacent excitation (changes indicating an 80% increase in terms of forcing function amplitude comparing with a case without gaps).
Fabrication and characterization of inkjet-printed 2D perovskite optoelectronic devices
Authors: Min Misook , Hossain Ridwan F. , Ma Liang-Chieh , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: August 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have recently drawn significant interest due to their excellent optoelectronic and photoabsorption properties. Here, we present the large scale synthesis of solution-processed 2D (CH3(CH2)3NH3)2(CH3NH3)n − 1PbnI3n + 1 (n = 2, 3, and 4) perovskites, a family of layered compounds with composition-tunable bandgap, where inkjet printing was used to fabricate heterostructure, flexible photodetector devices. The crystal structure for n = 2, 3, and 4 perovskite was measured using optical absorption spectroscopy, which showed the peak absorption at 563.8, 601.4, and 609.4 nm. The inkjet-printed photodetector devices (n = 2) were photoresponsive to broadband incoming radiation in the visible regime, where the photoresponsivity was calculated to be R ∼ 21 mA/W at a low light intensity of F ∼ 0.6 mW/cm2. The flexible, inkjet-printed perovskite 2D heterostructures have significant potential for optoelectronic devices, which can enable broad possibilities with compositional tunability and versatility of the organohalide perovskites.
Atomic layer epitaxy of InAs with high silicon doping concentration
Authors: Cohen Elias Doron , Cohen Guy M. , Memram David , Saad Shmuel , Bloom Arnold , Shusterman Sergey Shay , Katz Moti , Hopstaken Marinus , Saccomanno Michael , Spratt Will , Lee Sanghoon , Lavoie Christian , Mo Renee
Published: August 2020

We report on the growth and doping of InAs by atomic layer epitaxy (ALE). The InAs layers were grown using ALE cycles in a metal organic chemical vapor deposition reactor, and Si doping of the films was studied for different SiH4 flow sequences. When SiH4 was added to trimethylindium during the group-III step, the silicon concentration in the film was above 5 × 1019 cm−3. When SiH4 was added to tertiarybutylarsine during the group-V step, much lower incorporation of Si was observed. Conformal Si doped InAs layers were selectively grown by ALE on In0.47Ga0.53As patterned layers made on silicon substrates, demonstrating the suitability of the growth method for III-V device technology on silicon.
Acoustics of the Lascaux cave and its facsimile Lascaux IV
Authors: Commins Daniel E. , Coppens Yves , Hidaka Takayuki
Published: August 2020

Access to the original Lascaux cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 18 000 year old paintings, has been restricted since 1963. In 2016, an accurate facsimile, Lascaux IV, was designed and built. In the original cave, Lascaux I, classical contemporary room acoustics measurement systems could not be used. However, it has been possible to perform simplified measurements in a few minutes. Similar measurements were made in Lascaux IV once completed. The data provide a unique insight of the acoustic behavior of the Lascaux cave: it shows that the two caves, the original and the copy, have similar acoustical characteristics. In both cases, in the famed Hall of Bulls, the impulse response is smooth, reverberation time is relatively long, and speech intelligibility is fair; this environment is suitable for the ceremonies that presumably took place there. Because of the precision of the copy, Lascaux IV could be used as a 1/1 scale-model of Lascaux I. Therefore, sophisticated acoustical tests could be undertaken in Lascaux IV to help specialists in their archeological investigations. For example, resonances could be precisely documented to explore the potential relationship between parietal painting positions and echoes or sound effects that may have been used in ritual ceremonies.
The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on a Major Event Legacy: The 2020 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Final Four
Authors: Cianfrone Beth A. , Kellison Timothy
Published: August 2020

Following the cancellation of the 2020 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Final Four, the Atlanta Basketball Host Committee faced the unique challenge of executing a “postevent” wind-down amid a global health emergency and citywide stay-at-home mandate. While a significant portion of the host committee’s tasks were completed in the days and weeks after the cancellation, one key component that lingered was event legacy. In this study, the authors examined how a local organizing committee’s legacy planning was disrupted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Based on interviews with National Collegiate Athletic Association and host committee officials, direct and participant-based observation, and an analysis of local and social media reporting, the authors described the Atlanta Basketball Host Committee’s pre- and postpandemic legacy plans. This study underscores the potential enduring nature of legacy plans, even during unprecedented crises that threaten the headlining event.
Stigma Consciousness and Work Outcomes of Senior Woman Administrators: The Role of Workplace Incivility
Authors: Wells Janelle E. , Sartore-Baldwin Melanie , Walker Nefertiti A. , Gray Cheryl E.
Published: August 2020

Stigmas and incivility are common across all facets of sport, yet empirical examination is lacking, especially when it comes to women in leadership positions. In intercollegiate athletics, the senior woman administrator position is designated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as the highest ranking woman serving the athletic department, so this study examined the extent to which stigma consciousness and workplace incivility impact the work outcomes of 234 senior woman administrators. Structural equation modeling and open-ended responses demonstrated that stigma consciousness is associated with higher perceived incivility, which is associated with lower job satisfaction and perceived organizational opportunity. Thus, stigma consciousness and workplace incivility not only operate as influential independent factors within the workplace setting, but stigma consciousness also serves as an antecedent to workplace incivility. Managerial strategies empowering professionals may help reduce stigmas, prevent uncivil behaviors in the workplace, and ultimately, improve outcomes.
In Vitro
Activity of Manogepix against Multidrug-Resistant and Panresistant Candida auris from the New York Outbreak
Authors: Zhu YanChun , Kilburn Shannon , Kapoor Mili , Chaturvedi Sudha , Shaw Karen Joy , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: August 2020

An ongoing
Candida auris
outbreak in the New York metropolitan area is the largest recorded to date in North America. Laboratory surveillance revealed NY
C. auris
isolates are resistant to fluconazole, with variable resistance to other currently used broad-spectrum antifungal drugs, and that several isolates are panresistant. Thus, there is an urgent need for new drugs with a novel mechanism of action to combat the resistance challenge. Manogepix (MGX) is a first-in-class agent that targets the fungal Gwt1 enzyme.
Fungal-Associated Molecules Induce Key Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of the Antifungal Secondary Metabolites Nunamycin and Nunapeptin in the Biocontrol Strain Pseudomonas fluorescens In5
Authors: Christiansen Line , Alanin Katrine Skov , Phippen Christopher B. W. , Olsson Stefan , Stougaard Peter , Hennessy Rosanna C.
Published: August 2020

Cyclic lipopeptide (CLP) synthesis gene clusters in pseudomonads display a high degree of synteny, and the structures of the peptides synthesized are very similar. Accordingly, the genomic island encoding the synthesis of syringomycin and syringopeptin in
P. syringae
pv.
syringae
closely resembles that of
P. fluorescens
In5, which contains genes coding for synthesis of the antifungal and anti-oomycete peptides nunamycin and nunapeptin, respectively. However, the regulation of syringomycin and syringopeptin synthesis is different from that of nunamycin and nunapeptin synthesis. While CLP synthesis in the plant pathogen
P. syringae
pv.
syringae
is induced by plant signal molecules, such compounds do not significantly influence synthesis of nunamycin and nunapeptin in
P. fluorescens
In5. Instead, fungal-associated molecules positively regulate antifungal peptide synthesis in
P. fluorescens
In5, while the synthesis of the global regulator GacA in
P. fluorescens
In5 is positively regulated by plant signal molecules but not fungal-associated molecules.
Evaluation of the Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of an Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli CFA/I Adhesin–Heat-Labile Toxin Chimera
Authors: O'Dowd Aisling , Maciel Milton , Poole Steven T. , Jobling Michael G. , Rollenhagen Julianne E. , Woods Colleen M. , Sincock Stephanie A. , McVeigh Annette L. , Gregory Michael J. , Maves Ryan C. , Prouty Michael G. , Holmes Randall K. , Savarino Stephen J.
Published: August 2020

Recent efforts to develop an enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) vaccine have focused on the antigenically conserved tip adhesins of colonization factors. We showed previously that intranasal immunization with dsc
19
CfaE, a soluble variant of the in
cis
donor strand-complemented tip adhesin of a colonization factor of the class 5 family (CFA/I) fimbria, is highly immunogenic and protects against oral challenge with CFA/I-positive (CFA/I
+
) ETEC strain H10407 in the
Aotus nancymaae
nonhuman primate.
Evaluation of Cysteine Protease C of Leishmania donovani in Comparison with Glycoprotein 63 and Elongation Factor 1α for Diagnosis of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis and for Posttreatment Follow-Up Response
Authors: Didwania Nicky , Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Chhajer Rudra , Sabur Abdus , Mazumder Saumyabrata , Kamran Mohd , Kar Raunak , Pandey Krishna , Das Vidya Nand Ravi , Das Pradeep , Rahaman Mehebubar , Goswami Rama Prosad , Ali Nahid
Published: August 2020

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a threat in many developing countries. Much effort has been put to eliminating this disease, for which serodiagnosis remains the mainstay for VL control programs. New and improved antigens as diagnostic candidates are required, though, as the available antigens fail to demonstrate equal optimum performance in all areas of endemicity. Moreover, these diagnoses are dependent on invasive serum sampling. In the current study, we cloned and expressed
Leishmania donovani
cysteine protease C (CPC) and evaluated its diagnostic and test-of-cure possibilities by detecting the antibody levels in human serum and urine through ELISA and immunoblot assays.
Epstein-Barr Virus gH/gL and Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus gH/gL Bind to Different Sites on EphA2 To Trigger Fusion
Authors: Chen Jia , Schaller Samantha , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Longnecker Richard
Published: August 2020

Virus entry into target cells is the first step for virus infection. Understanding the overall entry mechanism, including the binding mechanism of specific virus glycoproteins with cellular receptors, can be useful for the design of small molecule inhibitors and vaccine development. Recently, EphA2 was identified as an important entry receptor for both KSHV and EBV. In the present study, we investigated the required binding sites within EphA2 and EBV gH/gL that mediate the interaction of these two proteins allowing entry into epithelial cells and found that it differed in compared to the interaction of KSHV gH/gL with EphA2. Our discoveries may uncover new potential interventional strategies that block EBV and KSHV infection of target epithelial cells.
Cereulide Synthetase Acquisition and Loss Events within the Evolutionary History of Group III
Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato
Facilitate the Transition between Emetic and Diarrheal Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Carroll Laura M. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: August 2020

B. cereus
is responsible for thousands of cases of foodborne disease each year worldwide, causing two distinct forms of illness: (i) intoxication via cereulide (i.e., emetic syndrome) or (ii) toxicoinfection via multiple enterotoxins (i.e., diarrheal syndrome). Here, we show that emetic
B. cereus
is not a clonal, homogenous unit that resulted from a single cereulide synthetase gain event followed by subsequent proliferation; rather, cereulide synthetase acquisition and loss is a dynamic, ongoing process that occurs across lineages, allowing some group III
B. cereus
sensu lato
populations to oscillate between diarrheal and emetic foodborne pathogens over the course of their evolutionary histories. We also highlight the care that must be taken when selecting a reference genome for whole-genome sequencing-based investigation of emetic
B. cereus
sensu lato
outbreaks, since some reference genome selections can lead to a confounding loss of resolution and potentially hinder epidemiological investigations.
In Vivo
Genome and Methylome Adaptation of
cag
-Negative Helicobacter pylori during Experimental Human Infection
Authors: Estibariz Iratxe , Ailloud Florent , Woltemate Sabrina , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Overmann Jörg , Aebischer Toni , Meyer Thomas F. , Josenhans Christine , Suerbaum Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Exceptional genetic diversity and variability are hallmarks of
Helicobacter pylori
, but the biological role of this plasticity remains incompletely understood. Here, we had the rare opportunity to investigate the molecular evolution during the first weeks of
H. pylori
infection by comparing the genomes and epigenomes of
H. pylori
strain BCS 100 used to challenge human volunteers in a vaccine trial with those of bacteria reisolated from the volunteers 10 weeks after the challenge. The data provide molecular insights into the process of establishment of this highly versatile pathogen in 10 different human individual hosts, showing, for example, selection for changes in host-interaction molecules as well as changes in epigenetic methylation patterns. The data provide important clues to the early adaptation of
H. pylori
to new host niches after transmission, which we believe is vital to understand its success as a chronic pathogen and develop more efficient treatments and vaccines.
Benchmarking Bacterial Promoter Prediction Tools: Potentialities and Limitations
Authors: Cassiano Murilo Henrique Anzolini , Silva-Rocha Rafael
Published: August 2020

The correct mapping of promoter elements is a crucial step in microbial genomics. Also, when combining new DNA elements into synthetic sequences, predicting the potential generation of new promoter sequences is critical. Over the last years, many bioinformatics tools have been created to allow users to predict promoter elements in a sequence or genome of interest. Here, we assess the predictive power of some of the main prediction tools available using well-defined promoter data sets. Using
Escherichia coli
as a model organism, we demonstrated that while some tools are biased toward AT-rich sequences, others are very efficient in identifying real promoters with low false-negative rates. We hope the potentials and limitations presented here will help the microbiology community to choose promoter prediction tools among many available alternatives.
Coarse sediment dynamics in a large glaciated river system: Holocene history and storage dynamics dictate contemporary climate sensitivity
Authors: Anderson Scott W. , Jaeger Kristin L.
Published: August 2020

The gravel-bedded White River drains a 1279 km2 basin in Washington State, with lowlands sculpted by continental glaciation and headwaters on an actively glaciated stratovolcano. Chronic aggradation along an alluvial fan near the river’s mouth has progressively reduced flood conveyance. In order to better understand how forecasted climate change may influence coarse sediment delivery and aggradation rates in this lowland depositional setting, we assessed the contemporary delivery and routing of coarse sediment through the watershed; this assessment was based on a rich set of topographic, sedimentologic, and hydrologic data from the past century, with a focus on repeat high-resolution topographic surveys from the past decade.

We found that most of the lower river’s contemporary bed-load flux originates from persistent erosion of alluvial deposits in the lower watershed. This erosion is a response to a drop in local base level caused by a major avulsion across the fan in 1906 and then augmented by subsequent dredging. The 1906 avulsion and modern disequilibrium valley profiles reflect landscape conditioning by continental glaciation and a massive mid-Holocene lahar. In the proglacial headwaters, infrequent large sediment pulses have accomplished most of the observed coarse sediment export, with exported material blanketing downstream valley floors; during typical floods, transported bed material is largely sourced from erosion of these valley floor floods. Throughout the watershed, we observe decadal-scale coarse sediment dynamics strongly related to the filling or emptying of valley-scale sediment storage over 102–104 yr time scales, often in response to major disturbances that either emplace large deposits or influence their redistribution. Paraglacial responses in large watersheds are suggested to be inherently complicated and punctuated as a result of internal landform interactions and stochastic/threshold-dependent events. We argue that, in combination, Holocene disturbance, storage dynamics, and human flow modification make coarse sediment fluxes in the lower White River relatively insensitive to decadal climate variability. Results highlight the degree to which river sensitivity to contemporary disturbance, climatic or otherwise, may be contingent on local and idiosyncratic watershed histories, underscoring the need to unpack those histories while demonstrating the utility of watershed-scale high-resolution topography toward that end.
Evaluation of the clinical utility of optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Cavichini Melina , Dans Kunny C , Jhingan Mahima , Amador-Patarroyo Manuel J , Borooah Shyamanga , Bartsch Dirk-Uwe , Nudleman Eric , Freeman William R
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

To evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to identify the presence or absence of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) and CNV activity in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

Clinical parameters, fundus fluorescein angiogram and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used as the gold standard to determine disease activity. OCTA imaging was performed on the same day and was graded by two masked retina specialists for the presence or absence of CNV. Traditional multimodal imaging and OCTA findings were compared.

Results

One hundred and fifty-two eyes of 106 patients with AMD were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 59 eyes had wet AMD and 93 had dry AMD with high-risk drusen. OCTA had 85.4% and 79.3% specificity and sensitivity, respectively, in determining the presence or absence of CNV. OCTA was 69.5% accurate in determining active CNV. False positives and negatives were 21.6% and 8.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggests that en-face OCTA images allow a moderate ability to identify CNV and that OCTA alone is weak at recognising active CNV requiring treatment in AMD.
Association of physical activity with risk of hepatobiliary diseases in China: a prospective cohort study of 0.5 million people
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Lv Jun , Kartsonaki Christiana , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Du Huaidong , Bennett Derrick , Bian Zheng , Chen Yiping , Yang Ling , Turnbull Iain , Wang Hao , Li Hui , Holmes Michael V , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming
Published: August 2020

Objective

There is limited prospective evidence on the association of physical activity with hepatobiliary cancer subtypes and other major hepatobiliary diseases, especially in China. We aimed to quantify the associations with risk of these diseases.

Methods

The study population involved 460 937 participants of the prospective China Kadoorie Biobank aged 30–79 years from 10 diverse areas in China without history of cancer or hepatobiliary disease at baseline. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for each disease associated with self-reported total and domain-specific physical activity (occupational and non-occupational, ie, leisure time, household and commuting).

Results

During ~10 years of follow-up, 22 012 incident cases of hepatobiliary diseases were recorded. The overall mean (SD) total physical activity was 21.2 (13.9) metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours/day, with 62% from occupational activity. Total physical activity was inversely associated with hospitalised non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (HR comparing top vs bottom quintile: 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.72), viral hepatitis (0.73, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.87), cirrhosis (0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88) and liver cancer (0.81, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.93), as well as gallstone disease (0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90), gallbladder cancer (0.51, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.80) and biliary tract cancer (0.55, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78). The associations for occupational physical activity were similar to those for total physical activity, but for non-occupational physical activity they differed by disease subtype. For leisure-time physical activity, there was an inverse association with liver cancer and an inverse trend for gallstone disease (HR comparing ≥7.5 MET-hours/day with none: 0.83, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.91 and 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.01).

Conclusion

Among Chinese adults, high total physical activity, particularly occupational physical activity, was inversely associated with risk of major hepatobiliary cancers and diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and certain types of cancer.
Chronic complications in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: prevalence and related metabolic and clinical features: the Verona Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Study (VNDS) 9
Authors: Bonora Enzo , Trombetta Maddalena , Dauriz Marco , Travia Daniela , Cacciatori Vittorio , Brangani Corinna , Negri Carlo , Perrone Fabrizia , Pichiri Isabella , Stoico Vincenzo , Zoppini Giacomo , Rinaldi Elisabetta , Da Prato Giuliana , Boselli Maria Linda , Santi Lorenza , Moschetta Federica , Zardini Monica , Bonadonna Riccardo C
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We explored the presence of chronic complications in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes referred to the Verona Diabetes Clinic. Metabolic (insulin secretion and sensitivity) and clinical features associated with complications were also investigated.

Research design and methods

The comprehensive assessment of microvascular and macrovascular complications included detailed medical history, resting ECG, ultrasonography of carotid and lower limb arteries, quantitative neurological evaluation, cardiovascular autonomic tests, ophthalmoscopy, kidney function tests. Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were assessed by state-of-the-art techniques (insulin clamp and mathematical modeling of glucose/C-peptide curves during oral glucose tolerance test).

Results

We examined 806 patients (median age years, two-thirds males), of whom prior clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) was revealed in 11.2% and preclinical CVD in 7.7%. Somatic neuropathy was found in 21.2% and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in 18.6%. Retinopathy was observed in 4.9% (background 4.2%, proliferative 0.7%). Chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was found in 8.8% and excessive albuminuria in 13.2% (microalbuminuria 11.9%, macroalbuminuria 1.3%).

Isolated microvascular disease occurred in 30.8%, isolated macrovascular disease in 9.3%, a combination of both in 9.1%, any complication in 49.2% and no complications in 50.8%.

Gender, age, body mass index, smoking, hemoglobin A1c and/or hypertension were independently associated with one or more complications. Insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction were associated with macrovascular but not microvascular disease.

Conclusions

Despite a generally earlier diagnosis for an increased awareness of the disease, as many as ~50% of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes had clinical or preclinical manifestations of microvascular and/or macrovascular disease. Insulin resistance might play an independent role in macrovascular disease.

Trial registration number

NCT01526720.