bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A practical guide to biologically relevant molecular simulations with charge scaling for electronic polarization
Authors: Duboué-Dijon E. , Javanainen M. , Delcroix P. , Jungwirth P. , Martinez-Seara H.
Published: August 2020

Molecular simulations can elucidate atomistic-level mechanisms of key biological processes, which are often hardly accessible to experiment. However, the results of the simulations can only be as trustworthy as the underlying simulation model. In many of these processes, interactions between charged moieties play a critical role. Current empirical force fields tend to overestimate such interactions, often in a dramatic way, when polyvalent ions are involved. The source of this shortcoming is the missing electronic polarization in these models. Given the importance of such biomolecular systems, there is great interest in fixing this deficiency in a computationally inexpensive way without employing explicitly polarizable force fields. Here, we review the electronic continuum correction approach, which accounts for electronic polarization in a mean-field way, focusing on its charge scaling variant. We show that by pragmatically scaling only the charged molecular groups, we qualitatively improve the charge–charge interactions without extra computational costs and benefit from decades of force field development on biomolecular force fields.
Everyone has their limits: reproductive mode drives amphibian responses to land use in coastal areas
Authors: Moreira Leonardo F. B. , da Silva Jéssica B. , Knauth Débora S. , Ribeiro Soraya , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: August 2020

Small wetlands are strongly bound to surrounding terrestrial habitats, so understanding their suitability after conversion to human land uses is critically important to produce an ecologically centred planning for amphibian species. Here, we explored how responses of amphibian assemblage to habitat conversion were influenced by reproductive modes in freshwater coastal wetlands in southern Brazil. We also assessed whether species from different biomes are affected in different ways by land conversion. Using data from tadpole assemblages in a transition zone between Atlantic Forest and Pampa, we tested the hypothesis that aquatic modes would be more affected by habitat conversion than are foam-nest species. Overall, quantitative data were influenced by the percentage of crop area, whereas assemblage structure derived from presence–absence data was associated with biome type. Species with aquatic egg-laying were influenced by the percentage of crop area, and many species were more abundant in ponds surrounded by up to 15% crop area in a 1000-m radius. However, foam-nest species were not influenced by any variable investigated (crops, planted pastures, urban areas and biome). This study has highlighted that agricultural conversion poses environmental filters to amphibian communities, selecting species according to some traits (adult reproductive strategies and tadpole plasticity).
Young Aboriginal people's sexual health risk reduction strategies: a qualitative study in remote Australia
Authors: Bell Stephen , Ward James , Aggleton Peter , Murray Walbira , Silver Bronwyn , Lockyer Andrew , Ferguson Tellisa , Fairley Christopher K. , Whiley David , Ryder Nathan , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca , Kaldor John , Maher Lisa
Published: August 2020

Background
Surveillance data indicate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are more likely than their non-Indigenous counterparts to experience sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancy. Despite increasing emphasis on the need for strengths-based approaches to Aboriginal sexual health, limited published data document how young Aboriginal people reduce sexual health risks encountered in their everyday lives. Methods: In-depth interviews with 35 young Aboriginal women and men aged 16–21 years in two remote Australian settings were conducted; inductive thematic analysis examining sexual health risk reduction practices was also conducted. Results: Participants reported individual and collective STI and pregnancy risk reduction strategies. Individual practices included accessing and carrying condoms; having a regular casual sexual partner; being in a long-term trusting relationship; using long-acting reversible contraception; having fewer sexual partners; abstaining from sex; accessing STI testing. More collective strategies included: refusing sex without a condom; accompanied health clinic visits with a trusted individual; encouraging friends to use condoms and go for STI testing; providing friends with condoms. Conclusion: Findings broaden understanding of young Aboriginal people’s sexual health risk reduction strategies in remote Aboriginal communities. Findings signal the need for multisectoral STI prevention and sexual health programs driven by young people’s existing harm minimisation strategies and cultural models of collective support. Specific strategies to enhance young people’s sexual health include: peer condom distribution; accompanied health service visits; peer-led health promotion; continued community-based condom distribution; enhanced access to a fuller range of available contraception in primary care settings; engaging health service-experienced young people as ‘youth health workers’.
Fermentable fibers upregulate suppressor of cytokine signaling1 in the colon of mice and intestinal Caco-2 cells through butyrate production
Authors: Sitolo Gertrude Cynthia , Mitarai Aya , Adesina Precious Adedayo , Yamamoto Yoshinari , Suzuki Takuya
Published: August 2020

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the microbial metabolites of fermentable dietary fibers exert multiple beneficial effects on mammals including humans. We examined the effects of fermentable dietary fibers on suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), a negative regulator of inflammatory signaling, on the intestinal epithelial cells of the mouse colon and human intestinal Caco-2 cells, specifically focusing on the role of SCFAs. Feeding fermentable fibers, guar gum (GG) and partially hydrolyzed GG (PHGG) increased SOCS1 expression in the colon and the cecal pool of some SCFAs including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The antibiotic administration abolished the GG-mediated SOCS1 expression in the colon. In Caco-2 cells, butyrate, but not other SCFAs, increased SOCS1 expression. Taken together, fermentable fibers such as GG and PHGG upregulate the colonic SOCS1 expression, possibly through the increased production of butyrate in mice and can be a potential tool in the fight against inflammatory diseases.

Abbreviations: GG: Guar gum; GPR: G protein-coupled receptor; IL: Interleukin; JAK: Janus kinase; NF- κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; PHGG: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum; SCFA: Short chain fatty acid; SOCS: Suppressor of cytokine signaling; STAT: Signal transducer and activator of transcription; TLR: Toll-like receptor.
A review of potential taxonomic barriers to the effective management of Gulf elasmobranch fisheries
Authors: Henderson Aaron C.
Published: August 2020

Species-specific biological data are commonly combined with fishery operational data to model exploited stocks and determine appropriate levels of exploitation. However, this approach to fishery management is predicated on the ability of fishery data collectors to correctly identify exploited species. Sharks and other elasmobranch fishes (Elasmobranchii) can be particularly difficult to identify in the field, due to the close physical similarity to other species and/or a lack of taxonomic resolution in some lineages. This paper provides an overview of the difficulties surrounding the field identification of a number of elasmobranch species found in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, where they are heavily exploited and in urgent need of careful management.
Rang clauses in modern mandarin Chinese: a Cardiff Grammar approach
Authors: Xiang Dajun
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the rang clauses in modern mandarin Chinese from the Cardiff Grammar approach with the aim to answer a central question concerning the clauses, i.e., what are the syntactic functions of rang in the clauses? After reviewing previous studies and clarifying the basic notions established in the Cardiff Grammar, the study analyzes and discusses the syntax of the generally recognized four types of the clauses with the objective to match semantic functions to syntactic elements. The study shows that when rang expresses “concession,” it functions as a main verb, which expounds the Predicator of the clause; when it means “causation,” it is a causative verb, which expresses an “influential process,” with the nominal group following rang as the Subject of the embedded clause; when rang is equal to Chinese “bei,” it is a preposition, whose function is to introduce the Agent of the action and syntactically it together with its following nominal group forms a prepositional group, expounding the Complement of the clause; when rang expresses “wishes,” it functions as a Mood marker and syntactically it is analyzed as the direct element of the clause, i.e., Let Element.
G1/S transcription factors assemble in increasing numbers of discrete clusters through G1 phase
Authors: Black Labe , Tollis Sylvain , Fu Guo , Fiche Jean-Bernard , Dorsey Savanna , Cheng Jing , Ghazal Ghada , Notley Stephen , Crevier Benjamin , Bigness Jeremy , Nollmann Marcelo , Tyers Mike , Royer Catherine Ann
Published: August 2020

In budding yeast, the transcription factors SBF and MBF activate a large program of gene expression in late G1 phase that underlies commitment to cell division, termed Start. SBF/MBF are limiting with respect to target promoters in small G1 phase cells and accumulate as cells grow, raising the questions of how SBF/MBF are dynamically distributed across the G1/S regulon and how this impacts the Start transition. Super-resolution Photo-Activatable Localization Microscopy (PALM) mapping of the static positions of SBF/MBF subunits in fixed cells revealed each transcription factor was organized into discrete clusters containing approximately eight copies regardless of cell size and that the total number of clusters increased as cells grew through G1 phase. Stochastic modeling using reasonable biophysical parameters recapitulated growth-dependent SBF/MBF clustering and predicted TF dynamics that were confirmed in live cell PALM experiments. This spatio-temporal organization of SBF/MBF may help coordinate activation of G1/S regulon and the Start transition.
Pneumatic gauge pressure comparison from 700 kPa to 7 000 kPa
Authors: Cruz Leonardo De la , Torres Jorge , Solano Adrián , Espinoza Marcial , Neyra Maria , Constantino Pablo , Aranzolo Jesús , Sánchez Ricardo
Published: August 2020

This report presents the final results of the supplementary comparison SIM.M.P-S10 for pneumatic gauge pressure from 700 kPa to 7 000 kPa. This comparison was carried out in the period from November 2014 to January 2015, by using a digital pressure manometer with uncertainty 0.010 % of the reading as the transfer standard for the comparison. The reference value for this comparison was given by the Centro Nacional de Metrologia de Mexico (CENAM, Mexico).

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Phase space mixing in an external gravitational central potential
Authors: Rioseco Paola , Sarbach Olivier
Published: August 2020

This article is devoted to the study of the dynamical behavior of a collisionless kinetic gas in d = 1, 2, 3 space dimensions which is trapped in a rotationally symmetric potential well. Although at the microscopic level the trajectories of individual gas particles are quasi-periodic and characterized by their d fundamental frequencies, at the macroscopic level the gas relaxes in time to a stationary state, provided the potential satisfies a certain non-degeneracy condition. In this article, we provide a mathematically precise formulation for this relaxation process which is due to phase space mixing. In particular, we prove that a physically relevant class of macroscopic observables computed from the one-particle distribution function, such as particle and energy densities, pressure and stress tensors, converge in time to the corresponding observables associated with an averaged distribution function. The latter can be determined from the initial datum and depends only on integrals of motion. Thus, the final state of the gas is described by an effective distribution function depending only on integrals of motion, which considerably reduces the degrees of freedom of the gas configuration. We discuss some applications to gravitational physics, including the propagation of a collisionless gas in typical potentials arising in stellar dynamics and the modeling of dark matter halos, and we also generalize our results to a relativistic gas whose individual particles follow bound timelike trajectories in the exterior region of a static, spherically symmetric black hole spacetime.
Real-time physiological sensor-based liver-on-chip device for monitoring drug toxicity
Authors: Farooqi Hafiz Muhammad Umer , Khalid Muhammad Asad Ullah , Kim Kyung Hwan , Lee Sun Ryung , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: August 2020

Organ-on-chip models, known as microphysiological systems, are created to mimic the anatomy and physiology of a human organ at the micro-level. Besides being pivotal in the reverse engineering of human organs and pathogenesis studies, they serve as an alternative to animal testing and the development of pharmaceutics. Monitoring the extracellular stromal environment is the basis for gaining in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of cell culture. Hence, it is extensively employed as an essential tool in the fields of organ-on-chip and in vitro toxicology. In this study, we explore the vitality of a microfluidic system for the automated, online detection of drug-induced physical changes in cellular viability by continual monitoring of a microfluidic 2D monolayer cell culture. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values and pH changes of the immortal HepG2 cell line were measured continuously using microfluidic-based electrical and photoelectric sensors. A chip-embedded transparent, flat, non-toxic sensor and in-house 3D manufactured portable digital microscope supersedes the conventional manual, expensive confocal microscopic assays, and off-line operated isolated sensor systems. The cytotoxicity was induced by various concentrations of doxorubicin, epirubicin and lapatinib, and the acute metabolic and physical response of cells was examined by detecting the variations in TEER, pH and other biological markers. Thus, our liver-on-chip device provides real-time online data on drug-induced liver injury in vitro.
Influence of interparticle friction on the magneto-rheological effect for magnetic fluid: a simulation investigation
Authors: Pei Lei , Xuan Shouhu , Pang Haoming , Gong Xinglong
Published: August 2020

This work studied the effect of interparticle friction force on the magnetorheological properties for magnetic fluid using particle-level dynamic simulations. A novel numerical model considering the friction force and elastic normal force between coarse microspheres was developed. The analysis revealed the relationship between magnetic fluid microstructure and friction coefficient (μ) of particles for the first time. Under steady shear flow, plate-like aggregations were formed under a moderate friction coefficient (μ≈ 0.2), while thick chains with large inclinations were observed under strong friction forces (μ > 1.5). When 0.2 ≤ μ ≤ 1.5, the friction forces hardly affected the rheological properties. If μ > 1.5, friction forces could enhance the shear stress by 102%. Friction force hampered the relative movement of magnetic particles in the thick chains and enlarged the average dip angle of microstructures. The magnetic dipolar force between microspheres generated stronger shear stress in such particle aggregations. The optimal friction coefficient was determined as 2 ≤ μ ≤ 2.75 in simulations by considering the saturation magnetizations, external fields, shear rates, and particle concentrations. The enhancement of shear stress was relevant to the relative strength between magnetic force and friction interaction. Simulated shear stress in magnetic field sweep matched well with experiments in the literature. This work will open a promising avenue in the development of high-performance magnetic fluid.
Spectroscopic signature of the Stark-shifted Tamm-type surface state of La(0001)
Authors: Schreyer Dominik , Kim Howon , Wiesendanger Roland
Published: August 2020

We have studied the Tamm-type surface state of La(0001) by tunneling spectroscopy within a wide range of tunneling currents from 0.1 nA to 8000 nA, thereby tuning the electric-field strength in a tip-vacuum-sample tunnel junction. We observe a significant shift of the unoccupied Tamm-type surface state toward the Fermi energy with increasing electric-field strength, accompanied by a broadening of the width of the resonance peak indicating a decrease of the surface-state lifetime. Our experimental results are contrary to previous reports for Stark-shifted Shockley-type surface states of noble metal (111) surfaces.
Exploring physical properties of compact stars in f(R,T)-gravity: An embedding approach
Authors: Singh Ksh. Newton , Errehymy Abdelghani , Rahaman Farook , Daoud Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Solving field equations exactly in

gravity is a challenging task. To do so, many authors have adopted different methods such as assuming both the metric functions and an equation of state (EoS) and a metric function. However, such methods may not always lead to well-behaved solutions, and the solutions may even be rejected after complete calculations. Nevertheless, very recent studies on embedding class-one methods suggest that the chances of arriving at a well-behaved solution are very high, which is inspiring. In the class-one approach, one of the metric potentials is estimated and the other can be obtained using the Karmarkar condition. In this study, a new class-one solution is proposed that is well-behaved from all physical points of view. The nature of the solution is analyzed by tuning the

coupling parameter

, and it is found that the solution leads to a stiffer EoS for

than that for

. This is because for small values of

, the velocity of sound is higher, leading to higher values of

in the

curve and the EoS parameter

. The solution satisfies the causality condition and energy conditions and remains stable and static under radial perturbations (static stability criterion) and in equilibrium (modified TOV equation). The resulting

diagram is well-fitted with observed values from a few compact stars such as PSR J1614-2230, Vela X-1, Cen X-3, and SAX J1808.4-3658. Therefore, for different values of

, the corresponding radii and their respective moments of inertia have been predicted from the

curve.
New measurements and reanalysis of 14N elastic scattering on 10B target *
Authors: Nassurlla Marzhan , Burtebayev N. , Sadykov T. Kh. , Boztosun I. , Amangeldi N. , Alimov D. , Kerimkulov Zh. , Burtebayeva J. , Nassurlla Maulen , Kurakhmedov A. , Sakuta S.B. , Karakoc Mesut , Ibraheem Awad A. , Kemper K.W. , Hamada Sh.
Published: August 2020

The angular distributions of elastic scattering of 14N ions on 10B targets have been measured at incident beam energies of 21.0 and 24.5 MeV. Angular distributions at higher energies 38–94.0 MeV (previously measured) were also included in the analysis. All data were analyzed within the framework of the optical model and the distorted waves Born approximation method. The observed rise in cross sections at large angles was interpreted as a possible contribution of the α-cluster exchange mechanism. Spectroscopic amplitudes SA
2 and SA
4 for the configuration 14N→ 10B +α were extracted. Their average values are 0.58±0.10 and 0.81±0.12 for SA
2 and SA
4, respectively, suggesting that the exchange mechanism is a major component of the elastic scattering for this system. The energy dependence of the depths for the real and imaginary potentials was found.
Titanium, zirconium and vanadium conversion coatings (TZVCCs) on AZ91D magnesium alloy sheets
Authors: Zhu Wen , Chen Furui , Yi Aihua , Liao Zhongmiao , Li Wenfang , Li Kang , Chen Ken , Liang Guofeng , Guo JinTao , Wu Qing
Published: August 2020

This paper reports the preparation, characterization, and corrosion resistance of an eco-friendly titanium/zirconium/vanadium-based conversion coating (TZVCC) on an AZ91D magnesium alloy sheet. The TZVCC microstructure and composition were investigated by SEM, EDS, and XPS. The corrosion behavior of treated and untreated magnesium alloy sheets was observed by potentiodynamic polarization and EIS. The coatings are found to be rapidly formed on the alloy exterior within 90 s and optimal conversion treatment time at 50 s. The primary components of the TZVCC were MgO, Mg(OH)2, V2O5, V2O3, MgF2, TiO2, ZrO2 and metal-organic complexation. The coating was also shown to markedly enhance the corrosion resistance performance of magnesium alloys.
Superconductivity of superhydride CeH10 under high pressure
Authors: Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong , Pinsook Udomsilp , Luo Wei , Ahuja Rajeev , Bovornratanaraks Thiti
Published: August 2020

A large class of metal superhydrides was found to be a conventional BCS superconductor under high pressures. In this work, we focused on cerium decahydride, CeH10. Ce is a member of the so–called lability belt in the periodic table, where the physical properties can be largely affected by pressure. It was reported and we confirmed that CeH10 can be formed with the Fm-3m structure, where a cerium atom is embedded in a H32 clathrate cage. Our phonon calculations show that it is dynamically stable at around 300 GPa onwards. We examined the evolution under pressures of the phonons, the electronic states, the Fermi surface, and the electron localization function (ELF). There exists a small van Hove singularity (vHs), and it gradually moves to below the Fermi surface as pressure increases. This behaviour associating with the reducing value of the electron-phonon coupling strength (λ), causes the superconductivity transition temperature (Tc) to gradually reduce under pressures. The maximum T c is 45 K at 300 GPa.
Elasto-Visco behavior of Al7075-T6 using a numerical technique
Authors: Abhinav  , Ribeiro Rahul , Raghav Rajul
Published: August 2020

The transition in temperature and associated stress induced during machining, may affect the structural integrity of the Al7075-T6 alloy. In the present study, Steinberg Guinan material parameters were used to investigate the dynamic behaviour viz chip morphology (fracture mechanism), temperature change and flow stress in the elasto-visco material Al7075-T6. An explicit algorithm, was adopted to investigate the outcomes. Results showed chip formation and the mode of fracture was closely related with depth of cut and can influence the temperature and flow stress during the machining process. Work hardening and edge dislocation slip in the secondary shear zone was observed to have a notable influence. An optimal machining condition was found between 0.6 and 0.7 mm depth of cut.
Behavioral Medicine in the COVID-19 Era: Dawn of the Golden Age
Authors: Ruiz John M , Revenson Tracey A
Published: August 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to stem its transmission highlights the essential role of behavioral medicine in contemporary healthcare. As a result, the Annals of Behavioral Medicine instituted a COVID-19 rapid review process in mid-April to bring new knowledge to publication. This editorial describes the first two papers accepted through this mechanism and issues a broader call to recognize the human element in transmission and mitigation, and for behavioral medicine to play a central role in all phases of research, care, and public messaging.
Let’s be Liberal: An Alternative to Aesthetic Hedonism
Authors: Peacocke Antonia
Published: August 2020

Aesthetic value empiricism claims that the aesthetic value of an object is grounded in the value of a certain kind of experience of it. The most popular version of value empiricism, and a dominant view in contemporary philosophical aesthetics more generally, is aesthetic hedonism. Hedonism restricts the grounds of aesthetic value to the pleasure enjoyed in the right kind of experience. But hedonism does not enjoy any clear advantage over a more permissive alternative version of value empiricism. This alternative is aesthetic liberalism. On this view, an object’s aesthetic value is fully grounded in any value—not just the hedonic value—of a correct and complete experience of its sensory features. To demonstrate the advantages of liberalism over hedonism, I apply both views to analyze the aesthetic value of the Spring Temple Buddha and Anselm Kiefer’s Seraphim. I detail four advantages of liberalism over hedonism, and I conclude by defending liberalism from two kinds of objection.
Extended application of genomic selection to screen multiomics data for prognostic signatures of prostate cancer
Authors: Li Ruidong , Wang Shibo , Cui Yanru , Qu Han , Chater John M , Zhang Le , Wei Julong , Wang Meiyue , Xu Yang , Yu Lei , Lu Jianming , Feng Yuanfa , Zhou Rui , Huang Yuhan , Ma Renyuan , Zhu Jianguo , Zhong Weide , Jia Zhenyu
Published: August 2020

Prognostic tests using expression profiles of several dozen genes help provide treatment choices for prostate cancer (PCa). However, these tests require improvement to meet the clinical need for resolving overtreatment, which continues to be a pervasive problem in PCa management. Genomic selection (GS) methodology, which utilizes whole-genome markers to predict agronomic traits, was adopted in this study for PCa prognosis. We leveraged The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to evaluate the prediction performance of six GS methods and seven omics data combinations, which showed that the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) model outperformed the other methods regarding predictability and computational efficiency. Leveraging the BLUP-HAT method, an accelerated version of BLUP, we demonstrated that using expression data of a large number of disease-relevant genes and with an integration of other omics data (i.e. miRNAs) significantly increased outcome predictability when compared with panels consisting of a small number of genes. Finally, we developed a novel stepwise forward selection BLUP-HAT method to facilitate searching multiomics data for predictor variables with prognostic potential. The new method was applied to the TCGA data to derive mRNA and miRNA expression signatures for predicting relapse-free survival of PCa, which were validated in six independent cohorts. This is a transdisciplinary adoption of the highly efficient BLUP-HAT method and its derived algorithms to analyze multiomics data for PCa prognosis. The results demonstrated the efficacy and robustness of the new methodology in developing prognostic models in PCa, suggesting a potential utility in managing other types of cancer.
Adenylate kinase 1 deficiency disrupts mouse sperm motility under conditions of energy stress†
Authors: Xie Minyu , Zhang Guofei , Zhang Hanbin , Chen Feilong , Chen Yan , Zhuang Yuge , Huang Zicong , Zou Feng , Liu Min , An Geng , Kang Xiangjin , Chen Zhenguo
Published: August 2020

Mammalian spermatozoa are highly polarized cells characterized by compartmentalized cellular structures and energy metabolism. Adenylate kinase (AK), which interconverts two ADP molecules into stoichiometric amounts of ATP and AMP, plays a critical role in buffering adenine nucleotides throughout the tail to support flagellar motility. Yet the role of the major AK isoform, AK1, is still not well characterized. Here, by using a proteomic analysis of testis biopsy samples, we found that AK1 levels were significantly decreased in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. This result was further verified by immunohistochemical staining of AK1 on a tissue microarray. AK1 was found to be expressed in post-meiotic round and elongated spermatids in mouse testis and subsequent mature sperm in the epididymis. We then generated Ak1 knockout mice, which showed that AK1 deficiency did not induce any defects in testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm morphology and motility under physiological conditions. We further investigated detergent-modeled epididymal sperm and included individual or mixed adenine nucleotides to mimic energy stress. When only ADP was available, Ak1 disruption largely compromised sperm motility, manifested as a smaller beating amplitude and higher beating frequency, which resulted in less effective forward swimming. The energy restriction/recover experiments with intact sperm further addressed this finding. Besides, decreased AK activity was observed in sperm of a male fertility disorder mouse model induced by cadmium chloride. These results cumulatively demonstrate that AK1 was dispensable for testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm motility under physiological conditions, but was required for sperm to maintain a constant adenylate energy charge to support sperm motility under conditions of energy stress.
Altrenogest affects the development and endocrine milieu of ovarian follicles in prepubertal and mature gilts†
Authors: Ziecik Adam J , Drzewiecka Klaudia , Gromadzka-Hliwa Katarzyna , Klos Jan , Witek Patrycja , Knapczyk-Stwora Katarzyna , Gajewski Zdzislaw , Kaczmarek Monika M
Published: August 2020

Altrenogest with gonadotropins is commonly used to synchronize the estrous cycle, but it can also lead to follicular cyst formation, especially in prepubertal gilts. Here, we aimed to investigate how maturity and altrenogest treatment affect the development, endocrine milieu, and molecular control of ovarian follicles. Crossbred prepubertal and mature gilts were challenged or not (control) with altrenogest, and ovaries were collected in the morning on the first day of behavioral estrus. In prepubertal gilts, altrenogest decreased the percentage of primordial and atretic small follicles, but increased large antral follicles when compared with controls. In mature gilts, altrenogest reduced the percentage of primary follicles and elevated the total number of antral follicles. Maturity affected the estradiol level in the follicular fluid of preovulatory follicles, luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation, and LH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in granulosa. Moreover, cytochrome P45017A1 (CYP17A1) mRNA levels in the theca layer were affected and correlated with follicular androstendione and estradiol concentration. Altrenogest negatively affected follicular fluid progesterone concentration and decreased levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 in prepubertal gilts and PGF2alpha metabolite in mature gilts. LH-stimulated cAMP release in granulosa cells of mature gilts as well as human chorionic gonadotropin- and forskolin-induced cAMP were also affected. In addition, altrenogest downregulated CYP17A1 mRNA in the prepubertal theca layer and PGF2alpha synthase expression in the granulosa and theca layer of mature gilts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report multiple effects of maturity and altrenogest on the endocrine milieu and molecular regulations governing ovarian follicle development in gilts.
The Hierarchy-of-Hypotheses Approach from a Philosophy of Science Perspective
Authors: Schurz Gerhard
Published: August 2020

I investigate Heger and Jeschke's account of hierarchies of hypotheses (HoHs) from a philosophy of science perspective. HoHs can be theory driven or evidence driven. Theory-driven HoHs fit well with standard representations of hierarchical theory nets (HTNs) in the philosophy of science. A disadvantage of the development of theory-driven HoHs is that they neglect hypotheses describing the effects of combinations of causes; this disadvantage can be removed by adding an additional layer of system conditions. Evidence-driven HoHs additionally include kinds of empirical tests by means of which certain hypotheses in the HoH are tested. This aspect of HoHs goes beyond standard HTNs in the philosophy of science and is highly fruitful; however, it leads to certain problems concerning the relation between causal hypotheses and empirically testable correlation claims.
Use of micronucleus assays for the prediction and detection of cervical cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Setayesh Tahereh , Kundi Michael , Nersesyan Armen , Stopper Helga , Fenech Michael , Krupitza Georg , Knasmüller Siegfried
Published: August 2020

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women; the survival rates depend strongly on its early detection. The Pap test is the most frequently used diagnostic tool, but due to its limited sensitivity/specificity, additional screening tests are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the use of micronucleus (MN) assays with cervical cells for the prediction and diagnosis of CC. MN reflects structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations. A search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, Thomson ISI and Google Scholar. Subsequently, meta-analyses were performed for different grades of abnormal findings in smears and biopsies from patients which were diagnosed with CC. Results of 21 studies in which findings of MN experiments were compared with data from Pap tests show that higher MN frequencies were found in women with abnormal cells that are indicative for increased cancer risks. MN frequency ratios increased in the order inflammation (2.1) < ASC-US and ASC-H (3.3) < LGSIL (4.4) < HGSIL (8.4). Furthermore, results are available from 17 investigations in which MN were scored in smears from patients with neoplasia. MN rates increased with the degree of neoplasia [CIN 1 (4.6) < CIN 2 (6.5) and CIN 3 (10.8)] and were significantly higher (8.8) in CC patients. Our meta-analysis indicates that the MN assay, which is easy to perform in combination with Pap tests, may be useful for the detection/prediction of CC. However, standardization (including definition of the optimal cell numbers and stains) and further validation is necessary before the MN test can be implemented in routine screening.
Incidence of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Influenza Among Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bénet Thomas , Amour Sélilah , Valette Martine , Saadatian-Elahi Mitra , Aho-Glélé Ludwig Serge , Berthelot Philippe , Denis Marie-Agnès , Grando Jacqueline , Landelle Caroline , Astruc Karine , Paris Adeline , Pillet Sylvie , Lina Bruno , Vanhems Philippe ,   AFP Study Group, Bardou Marc , Bour Jean-Baptiste , Fontana Luc , Mallaret Marie-Reine , Lupo Julien , Morand Patrice , Pothier Pierre , Pozzetto Bruno , Robert Olivier , Smolik Henri Jacques
Published: August 2020

Background

Influenza is an important cause of viral hospital-acquired infection involving patients, healthcare workers (HCW), and visitors. The frequency of asymptomatic influenza among HCW with possible subsequent transmission is poorly described. The objective is to determine the cumulative incidence of asymptomatic, paucisymptomatic, and symptomatic influenza among HCW.

Method

A multicenter prospective cohort study was done in 5 French university hospitals, including 289 HCW during the 2016–2017 influenza season. HCW had 3 physical examinations (time [T] 0, before epidemic onset; T.1, before epidemic peak; T.2, T.3, after epidemic peak). A blood sample was taken each time for influenza serology and a nasal swab was collected at T1 and T2 for influenza detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive influenza was defined as either a positive influenza PCR, and/or virus-specific seroconversion against influenza A, the only circulating virus, with no vaccination record during follow-up. Symptoms were self-reported daily between T1 and T2. Cumulative incidence of influenza was stratified by clinical presentation per 100 HCW.

Results

Of the 289 HCW included, 278 (96%) completed the entire follow-up. Overall, 62 HCW had evidence of influenza of whom 46.8% were asymptomatic, 41.9% were paucisymptomatic, and 11.3% were symptomatic. Cumulative influenza incidence was 22.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.4%–27.2%). Cumulative incidence of asymptomatic influenza was 5.8% (95% CI: 3.3%–9.2%), 13.7% (95% CI: 9.9%–18.2%) for paucisymptomatic influenza, and 2.9% (95% CI: 1.3%–5.5%) for symptomatic influenza.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic and paucisymptomatic influenza were frequent among HCW, representing 47% and 42% of the influenza burden, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of systematic implementation of infection control measures among HCW regardless of respiratory symptoms from preventing nosocomial transmission of influenza.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02868658.
Sleep patterns and physical function in older adults attending primary health care
Authors: Arias-Fernández Lucía , Smith-Plaza Andrea M , Barrera-Castillo María , Prado-Suárez Jessica , Lopez-Garcia Esther , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Lana Alberto
Published: August 2020

Background

Sleep disturbances may contribute to physical function impairment among older adults.

Objective

To examine the associations between sleep quality and duration and impaired physical function among older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional study involving 392 non-institutionalized adults aged ≥65 years, who were recruited from primary health care centres in Spain. Sleep quality and duration were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The FRAIL scale was used to identify physical frailty, the short physical performance battery to assess lower extremity functional impairment (LEFI) and grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer to assess muscle weakness. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Participants with poor sleep quality (PSQI global score ≥10) were more likely to have functional limitations; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.90 (1.10–7.64) for physical frailty, 2.73 (1.34–5.58) for LEFI and 2.32 (1.14–4.75) for muscle weakness. Sleep quality components associated with frailty were sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication and daytime dysfunction. The only quality component associated with LEFI was poor sleep efficiency, while subjective poor sleep quality and daytime dysfunction were linked to muscle weakness. No associations were observed between night-time sleep duration and physical function indicators.

Conclusions

Poor self-reported sleep quality, but not sleep duration, was associated with an increased frequency of physical frailty, LEFI and muscle weakness. Interventions to improve sleep quality could contribute to healthy ageing.
Nondestructive Tree Stem and Crown Volume Allometry in Hybrid Poplar Plantations Derived from Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Chianucci Francesco , Puletti Nicola , Grotti Mirko , Ferrara Carlotta , Giorcelli Achille , Coaloa Domenico , Tattoni Clara
Published: August 2020

Accurate and frequently updated tree volume estimates are required for poplar plantations, which are characterized by fast growth rate and short rotation. In this study, we tested the potential of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) as a reliable method for developing nondestructive tree volume allometries in poplar plantations. The trial was conducted in Italy, where 4- to 10-year-old hybrid plantations were sampled to develop tree crown volume allometry in leaf-on conditions, tree stem volume, and height-diameter allometries in leaf-off conditions. We tested one-entry models based on diameter and two-entry models based on both diameter and height. Model performance was assessed by residual analysis. Results indicate that TLS can provide accurate models of tree stem and crown volume, with percentage of root-mean-square error of about 20 percent and 15 percent, respectively. The inclusion of height does not bring relevant improvement in the models, so that only diameter can be used to predict tree stem and crown volume. The TLS-measured stem volume estimates agreed with an available formula derived from harvesting. We concluded that TLS is a reliable method for developing nondestructive volume allometries in poplar plantations and holds great potential to enhance conventional tree inventory and monitoring.

Study Implications: Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a technique that allows nondestructive measurement of the three-dimensional structure of a tree with high precision and low cost. The ability of TLS to measure both tree crown volume and tree position can be effective to test optimal spacing requirements and also to test innovative schemes such as mixed or polycyclic poplar plantations. The spatially explicit nature of TLS measurements allows better integration with different remotely sensed sensors, which can be used in combination with TLS, enabling a multiscale assessment of poplar plantation structure with different levels of detail, enhancing conventional tree inventory and supporting effective management strategies.
Is patient navigation a solution to the problem of "leaving no one behind"? A scoping review of evidence from low-income countries
Authors: Louart Sarah , Bonnet Emmanuel , Ridde Valéry
Published: August 2020

Patient navigation interventions, which are designed to enable patients excluded from health systems to overcome the barriers they face in accessing care, have multiplied in high-income countries since the 1990s. However, in low-income countries (LICs), indigents are generally excluded from health policies despite the international paradigm of universal health coverage (UHC). Fee exemption interventions have demonstrated their limits and it is now necessary to act on other dimensions of access to healthcare. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the interventions implemented in LICs to support the indigents throughout their care pathway. The aim of this paper is to synthesize what is known about patient navigation interventions to facilitate access to modern health systems for vulnerable populations in LICs. We therefore conducted a scoping review to identify all patient navigation interventions in LICs. We found 60 articles employing a total of 48 interventions. Most of these interventions targeted traditional beneficiaries such as people living with HIV, pregnant women and children. We utilized the framework developed by Levesque et al. (Patient-centred access to health care: conceptualising access at the interface of health systems and populations. Int J Equity Health 2013;12:18) to analyse the interventions. All acted on the ability to perceive, 34 interventions on the ability to reach, 30 on the ability to engage, 8 on the ability to pay and 6 on the ability to seek. Evaluations of these interventions were encouraging, as they often appeared to lead to improved health indicators and service utilization rates and reduced attrition in care. However, no intervention specifically targeted indigents and very few evaluations differentiated the impact of the intervention on the poorest populations. It is therefore necessary to test navigation interventions to enable those who are worst off to overcome the barriers they face. It is a major ethical issue that health policies leave no one behind and that UHC does not benefit everyone except the poorest.
5. Germany: A German Europe or a Europeanized Germany?
Authors: Beichelt Timm , Bulmer Simon
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines Germany’s profile as a European Union member state. It is divided into two parts, looking at EU-Germany relations from both bottom-up and top-down perspectives. The first considers Germany’s increasing influence on the EU, notably during the eurozone and refugee crises. It considers the question of whether Germany has assumed the role of the EU’s hegemon. At the same time the chapter argues that Germany is a very Europeanized member state. It uses the comparative politics paradigm by considering public opinion on Europe, the European dimension of party politics, and the Federal Republic’s major political institutions and their role in European policy. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the two perspectives, seeking a balance between the arguments for a German Europe and a Europeanized Germany.
7. Spain: Pragmatic Europeanism or the End of Unconditional Support for European Integration?
Authors: Pasarín Ana Mar Fernández , Morata Francesc
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines the different aspects of Spain’s adaptation to the European Union, and more specifically how Europe became a source of benefits and modernization for the country. Spain is the only country among all those which have joined the EU after 1958 whose political parties and citizenry were in full support of acccession. Europeanization has affected most policy areas, particularly economic and social policies in response to EU pressures during the financial crisis. The chapter first considers the pattern of Spain’s relations with the EU before discussing the overall assessment of its EU membership among public opinion and political parties. It then analyses the impact of EU membership on Spain’s political institutions and governance, judicial politics, and policy adaptation in areas such as the Common Agricultural Policy and environmental policy. The chapter concludes by exploring how Spain’s unconditional support for integration has become more conditional since the financial crisis.
1. Tensions in the Grand Alliance and Growing Confrontation, 1945–7
Authors: Young John W. , Kent John
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines tensions in the grand alliance between Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union as well as the growing confrontation involving the three countries during the period 1945–7. It begins with a discussion of the Yalta Conference held in February 1945, taking into account the US, Soviet, and British approach to Yalta as well as the conference proceedings. It then considers the Potsdam Conference and how the issue of atomic bombs was addressed at the Council of Foreign Ministers meetings in 1945. It also analyses the growing confrontation in the Near East and Mediterranean, focusing on the crises in Iran and Turkey. Finally, it explores containment, confrontation, and the Truman Doctrine during the years 1946–7.
4. The Cold War Intensifies: Containment Superseded, 1948–53
Authors: Young John W. , Kent John
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines the intensification of the Cold War and the decision of the US to abandon ‘containment’ in favour of ‘liberation’ during the period 1948–53. By 1948, the dominant relationship between the Soviet Union, the US, and Britain had moved from one of cooperation to confrontation, and then to hostility and conflict. In this situation, the Cold War required a clearly defined strategy for fighting it. Western interpretations of this strategy have largely been based on the idea of containment and especially about the form of containment that should be adopted. The chapter discusses the origins of Cold War fighting; armaments and militarization; the Cold War and European integration; the NSC 68 memorandum, rearmament, and the Cold War offensive controversy; and the growing importance of communist China and the conflict in Korea.
11. Other Regional Conflicts
Authors: Young John W. , Kent John
Published: August 2020

This chapter examines conflicts in Latin America, South-East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East during the Cold War in which the United States and the Soviet Union were involved. Lyndon B. Johnson’s decision to escalate the war in Vietnam may have been encouraged in the spring of 1965 by events in the Caribbean, where armed intervention by US Marines put a quick end to a supposed communist menace in the Dominican Republic. Arguably, this action reflected a change of priorities from the Eisenhower and Kennedy presidencies, when there were hopes of the US stimulating Latin American economic development. The chapter first considers US intervention in the Dominican Republic before discussing the Malaysia–Indonesia ‘confrontation’ of 1963–1966, the Indo–Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, and the Six Day War in 1967 between Arabs and Israelis.