bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating maize phenotypic variance, heritability, and yield relationships at multiple biological scales across agronomically relevant environments
Authors: Tucker Sarah L. , Dohleman Frank G. , Grapov Dmitry , Flagel Lex , Yang Sean , Wegener Kimberly M. , Kosola Kevin , Swarup Shilpa , Rapp Ryan A. , Bedair Mohamed , Halls Steven C. , Glenn Kevin C. , Hall Michael A. , Allen Edwards , Rice Elena A.
Published: November 2019

A challenge to improve an integrative phenotype, like yield, is the interaction between the broad range of possible molecular and physiological traits that contribute to yield and the multitude of potential environmental conditions in which they are expressed. This study collected data on 31 phenotypic traits, 83 annotated metabolites, and nearly 22,000 transcripts from a set of 57 diverse, commercially relevant maize hybrids across three years in central U.S. Corn Belt environments. Although variability in characteristics created a complex picture of how traits interact produce yield, phenotypic traits and gene expression were more consistent across environments, while metabolite levels showed low repeatability. Phenology traits, such as green leaf number and grain moisture and whole plant nitrogen content showed the most consistent correlation with yield. A machine learning predictive analysis of phenotypic traits revealed that ear traits, phenology, and root traits were most important to predicting yield. Analysis suggested little correlation between biomass traits and yield, suggesting there is more of a sink limitation to yield under the conditions studied here. This work suggests that continued improvement of maize yields requires a strong understanding of baseline variation of plant characteristics across commercially‐relevant germplasm to drive strategies for consistently improving yield.
Sourcing from conflict regions: Policies to improve transparency in international supply chains
Authors: Herzberg Julika , Lorz Oliver
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study how unilateral policies concerning certain conflict raw materials influence prices, illegal mining activities, and welfare. Firms in the North import natural resources from the South to produce final consumption goods. In one of the countries in the South, local groups attempt to access natural resources, which results in rent‐seeking conflicts with the government and in illegal mining. We find that a unilateral embargo against the conflict country as well as certification of legal mines can reduce rent‐seeking and illegal mining with different welfare consequences in the countries involved.
The formation of a somatic mutation in the HLA‐B gene throughout the development of the disease from severe aplastic anaemia to acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Jana Neupauerová , Milena Vraná , Eva Ratajová , Sara Nazarova , Šárka Půbalová , Cyril Šálek , Pietro Crivello , Jana Březinová , Monika Beličková , Evangelista Dyr J.
Published: November 2019

We detected a somatic mutation in the HLA‐B gene in a Czech hematooncological patient. We followed the development of this somatic mutation during the transition from severe aplastic anaemia through to myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myeloid leukaemia until haploidentical related transplantation. The somatic mutation differs from HLA‐B*14:02 in exon 3 resulting in an exchange from cysteine to serine at position 101 of the mature protein. Homology modelling of mutated S101 in HLA‐B*14 indicated possible conformational changes, which might also result in an aberrant expression. The assumption is that somatic mutation arose as a possible result of a selection mediated by a protective immune response against leukaemia.
Mutation of the chloroplast‐localized phosphate transporter OsPHT2;1 reduces flavonoid accumulation and UV tolerance in rice
Authors: Liu Xiu‐li , Wang Lan , Wang Xiao‐wen , Yan Yan , Yang Xiao‐li , Xie Meng‐yang , Hu Zhi , Shen Xing , Ai Hao , Lin Hong‐hui , Xu Guo‐hua , Yang Jian , Sun Shu‐bin
Published: November 2019

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant development and production. The mechanisms regulating phosphate (Pi) uptake are well established, but the function of chloroplast Pi homeostasis is poorly understood in Oryza sativa (rice). PHT2;1 is one of the transporters/translocators mediating Pi import into chloroplasts. In this study, to gain insight into the role of OsPHT2;1‐mediated stroma Pi, we analyzed OsPHT2;1 function in Pi utilization and photoprotection. Our results showed that OsPHT2;1 was induced by Pi starvation and light exposure. Cell‐based assays showed that OsPHT2;1 localized to the chloroplast envelope and functioned as a low‐affinity Pi transporter. The ospht2;1 had reduced Pi accumulation, plant growth and photosynthetic rates. Metabolite profiling revealed that 52.6% of the decreased metabolites in ospht2;1 plants were flavonoids, which was further confirmed by 40% lower content of total flavonoids compared with the wild type. As a consequence, ospht2;1 plants were more sensitive to UV‐B irradiation. Moreover, the content of phenylalanine, the precursor of flavonoids, was also reduced, and was largely associated with the repressed expression of ADT1/MTR1. Furthermore, the ospht2;1 plants showed decreased grain yields at relatively high levels of UV‐B irradiance. In summary, OsPHT2;1 functions as a chloroplast‐localized low‐affinity Pi transporter that mediates UV tolerance and rice yields at different latitudes.
Comparative analysis of epigenetic inhibitors reveals different degrees of interference with transcriptional gene silencing and induction of DNA damage
Authors: Nowicka Anna , Tokarz Barbara , Zwyrtková Jana , Dvořák Tomaštíková Eva , Procházková Klára , Ercan Ugur , Finke Andreas , Rozhon Wilfried , Poppenberger Brigitte , Otmar Miroslav , Niezgodzki Igor , Krečmerová Marcela , Schubert Ingo , Pecinka Ales
Published: November 2019

Repetitive DNA sequences and some genes are epigenetically repressed by transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). When genetic mutants are not available or problematic to use, TGS can be suppressed by chemical inhibitors. However, informed use of epigenetic inhibitors is partially hampered by the absence of any systematic comparison. In addition, there is emerging evidence that epigenetic inhibitors cause genomic instability, but the nature of this damage and its repair remain unclear. To bridge these gaps, we compared the effects of 5‐azacytidine (AC), 2′‐deoxy‐5‐azacytidine (DAC), zebularine and 3‐deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) on TGS and DNA damage repair. The most effective inhibitor of TGS was DAC, followed by DZNep, zebularine and AC. We confirmed that all inhibitors induce DNA damage and suggest that this damage is repaired by multiple pathways with a critical role of homologous recombination and of the SMC5/6 complex. A strong positive link between the degree of cytidine analog‐induced DNA demethylation and the amount of DNA damage suggests that DNA damage is an integral part of cytidine analog‐induced DNA demethylation. This helps us to understand the function of DNA methylation in plants and opens the possibility of using epigenetic inhibitors in biotechnology.
Method validation, reference values, and characterization of acute‐phase protein responses to experimentally induced inflammation and bluetongue virus infection in the Iberian ibex
Authors: Pastor Josep , Bach Ester , Ráez‐Bravo Arián , López‐Olvera Jorge Ramón , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Granados José Enrique , Espinosa José , Pérez Jesús , Lavín Santiago , Cuenca Rafaela
Published: November 2019

Background

Acute phase protein (APP) concentrations can change due to inflammation and be used to monitor disease in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica).

Objectives

This study aimed to validate Haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) analytes, establish reference values, and characterize Hp and SAA responses in the Iberian ibex after experimentally induced inflammation and experimental bluetongue virus (BTV) infection.

Methods

Sera from 40 free‐ranging box‐trapped ibexes were used to establish Hp and SAA reference values. Six healthy ibexes were subcutaneously injected with 5 mL of turpentine, then, blood samples were taken, and clinical evaluations were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 postinjection. Another seven ibexes were challenged with BTV. Serum Hp and SAA concentrations were quantified using commercial assays following the manufacturer's instructions.

Results

Intra‐assay precision and linearity were acceptable for both Hp and SAA. Intra‐assay variation for high and low concentration of Hp and SAA were 9.74% and 17.31% and 16.49% and 12.89%, respectively. Inter‐assay variation was higher for the low APP concentrations. Reference values for the healthy Iberian ibexes were (median, minimum, and maximum values) 0.2 (0.12‐0.64) g/L for Hp and 4.74 (0.05‐29.54) mg/L for SAA. Both Hp and SAA acted as a moderate and a major APP, respectively, and each could distinguish animals with turpentine‐induced inflammation from those without. Hp and SAA did not change in asymptomatic BTV‐infected animals.

Conclusion

This study validated Hp and SAA analytes and provided basal reference values for these analytes in the Iberian ibex. Both APPs were able to discriminate between healthy and diseased Iberian ibexes animals during turpentine‐induced inflammatory processes.
Once in a blue moon: Lipid keratopathy and intrastromal hemorrhage in a Mission golden‐eyed tree frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)
Authors: Moore Bret A. , Gjeltema Jenessa
Published: November 2019

Mimicking natural anuran biology is a major challenge faced in the husbandry management of frogs, and the quandary of lipid keratopathy in frogs under human care has plagued keepers and practitioners for decades. Unlike corneal lipid dystrophy or lipidosis secondary to degeneration, where there is limited or no vascular in‐growth or inflammatory response, lipid keratopathies are associated with vascularization, most often following the appearance of lipid. Hemorrhage from stromal neovascularization has not been described in a frog; however, the presence of vessels in lipid keratopathy certainly heralds the possibility. We report a rather unique case of lipid keratopathy in a 6‐year‐old female Mission golden‐eyed tree frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix) that not only had concurrent intrastromal hemorrhage, but blue plasmoid staining of the corneal stroma. Current views on both the function of blue plasma in several species and lipid keratopathy are briefly discussed. Overall, evidence suggests that the cause of lipid keratopathy is probably multifactorial and will not successfully be rectified until anuran biology and husbandry are better understood.
Blood, ideology, science and the birth of the ISBT
Authors: Heier Hans Erik
Published: November 2019

The ISBT/SITS was founded at the second international congress of blood transfusion in Paris in 1937. The world was influenced heavily by totalitarian ideologies, which a.o. tried to use science to confirm their superiority. The Nazi ideology was built on peculiar speculations on human blood, race and heritage, but although similar ideas were widespread, our society was founded as a purely scientific organization independent of ideological influence. The designation ‘International’ initially signified ‘European’, but after the end of World War 2, our society has become more and more of a global one.
Two new feather mites (Acari: Analgoidea) isolated from the grey-headed woodpecker, Picus canus (Piciformes: Picidae) in Korea

Authors: Han Yeong-deok , Mironov Sergey V. , Min Gi-sik
Published: November 2019

Two new species of feather mites from the superfamily Analgoidea are described from the grey-headed woodpecker, Picus canus, in Korea: Neopteronyssus koreanus sp. nov. (Pteronyssidae) and Proterothrix picinus sp. nov. (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae). Feather mites of the genera Neopteronyssus Mironov, 2002 and Proterothrix Gaud, 1968 are described for the first time in Korea. Morphological descriptions of both new species are complemented with partial sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as DNA barcodes.
Interaction of Communication From the Sport Organization, Media, and Public Perspectives: How Does Messaging Relate and Differ?
Authors: McGehee Glynn M. , Cianfrone Beth A. , Kellison Timothy
Published: November 2019

Sport organizations, the media, and the public frequently interact. Messages conveyed by organizations and the media likely impact both groups’ communication strategies to reach target audiences and control messaging. This triad of communication—team–media–public—is often examined in segments (e.g., media framing or public reaction to media), even though the three interact. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in message themes and responses from all perspectives on a common topic. Following a major announcement from a professional sport organization, the researchers conducted a content analysis of communication from three perspectives: the team, local press, and citizens. The results showed that each of the three sources provided distinct, original content that became increasingly linked to that of the other sources over time. Sport practitioners could use the findings to better understand the influence of outside sources of communication and utilize social media in their public relations efforts.
Topological charge transport by mobile dielectric-ferroelectric domain walls
Authors: Takehara R. , Sunami K. , Miyagawa K. , Miyamoto T. , Okamoto H. , Horiuchi S. , Kato R. , Kanoda K.
Published: November 2019

Resistivity and NMR measurements demonstrate an electrical conduction mechanism by topological domain walls and solitons.
Triboemission of hydrocarbon molecules from diamond-like carbon friction interface induces atomic-scale wear
Authors: Wang Yang , Yamada Naohiro , Xu Jingxiang , Zhang Jing , Chen Qian , Ootani Yusuke , Higuchi Yuji , Ozawa Nobuki , Bouchet Maria-Isabel De Barros , Martin Jean Michel , Mori Shigeyuki , Adachi Koshi , Kubo Momoji
Published: November 2019

Triboemission of hydrocarbon molecules such as methane and ethylene induces chemical and mechanical wear of diamond-like carbon.
Dynamic palmitoylation controls the microdomain localization of the DKK1 receptors CKAP4 and LRP6
Authors: Sada Ryota , Kimura Hirokazu , Fukata Yuko , Fukata Masaki , Yamamoto Hideki , Kikuchi Akira
Published: November 2019

DKK1 stimulates depalmitoylation of its receptors CKAP4 and LRP6, causing their movement from lipid rafts.
Redox Engineering by Ectopic Overexpression of NADH Kinase in Recombinant Pichia pastoris (
Komagataella phaffii
): Impact on Cell Physiology and Recombinant Production of Secreted Proteins
Authors: Tomàs-Gamisans Màrius , Andrade Cristiane Conte Paim , Maresca Francisco , Monforte Sergi , Ferrer Pau , Albiol Joan
Published: November 2019

Recombinant protein overproduction often results in oxidative stress, causing deviations from the optimal redox cofactor regeneration balance. This becomes one of the limiting factors in obtaining high levels of heterologous protein production. Overexpression of redox-affecting enzymes has been explored in other organisms, such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, as a means to fine tune the cofactor regeneration balance in order to obtain higher protein titers. In the present work, this strategy is explored in
P. pastoris
. In particular, one NADH kinase enzyme from
S. cerevisiae
(Pos5) is used, either in the cytosol or in mitochondria of
P. pastoris
, and its impact on the production of a model protein (antibody fragment) is evaluated. A significant improvement in the production of the model protein is observed when the kinase is directed to the cytosol. These results are significant in the field of heterologous protein production in general and in particular in the development of improved metabolic engineering strategies for
P. pastoris
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting
Streptomyces
sp. Strain 6-11-2
Authors: Ztouti Ayman , Saito Natsumi , Sasaki Junna , Yamaguchi Takashi , Araki Nobuo , Oshiki Mamoru
Published: November 2019

A genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain 6-2-11, a bacterium capable of promoting plant growth, was determined using the Illumina NovaSeq and MinION sequencers. An 8.9-Mb genome sequence composed of 3 contigs was successfully assembled, where 7,980 gene-coding regions, 6
rrn
operons, and 86 tRNA genes were located.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain PH698, Infecting Penaeid Shrimp in the Philippines
Authors: Saloma Cynthia P. , Penir Sarah Mae U. , Azanza Joseph Matthew R. , dela Pena Leobert D. , Usero Roselyn C. , Cabillon Nikko Alvin R. , Bilbao Angela Denise P. , Amar Edgar C.
Published: November 2019

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in diverse settings has been reported globally. In the Philippine shrimp aquaculture industry, antibiotics are used for the treatment of bacterial diseases during the production cycle. We report the draft genome of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
PH698, a multidrug-resistant strain isolated from a Philippine shrimp farm.
Petrogenesis of the Cretaceous granitoids in Zhejiang, northeast South China Block and their implications for episodic retreat and roll-back of the Paleo-Pacific Plate
Authors: Tao Lu , Pan Fa-Bin , Liu Rong , Jin Chong , Jia Bao-Jian , He Xiaobo
Published: November 2019

Two Cretaceous granitoid belts (i.e., the northwest and southeast belts) have been identified in Zhejiang, northeast South China Block. In this study, seven granitoid plutons from both the two belts were collected for zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotope, and zircon Hf isotope analyses. Chronologically, the Longyou (132 Ma), Sucun (136 Ma), Shanghekou (131 Ma), and Huangshitan (ca. 126 Ma) plutons from the northwest belt display older magma crystallization age than those of the Xiaoxiong (100 Ma), Zhujiajian (108 Ma), and Qingbang island (108 Ma) plutons from the southeast belt. The Sucun quartz monzonite and the Longyou, Shanghekou, Zhujiajian, and Qingbang island granites therein are fractionated I-type granites (i.e., partial melting of meta-igneous rocks) with relatively moderate-low Zr saturation temperature (723–823 °C) and pronouncedly evolved Nd and Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = –8.17 to –5.67 and εHf(t) = –15.07 to –5.67), indicating that they are derivatives of ancient crustal melt-dominated magmas. The Huangshitan granite shows A-type granitic (i.e., granites that are alkaline and anhydrous and from anorogenic setting) features with high Ga/Al (3.47–5.58), rare earth element (REE) content (271–402 ppm), and Zr saturation temperature (781–889 °C). It holds less enriched Nd and Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = –4.13 to –3.60 and εHf(t) = –5.90 to –2.16) and is attributed to partial melting of mature crustal materials with minor basaltic magma incorporation. The Xiaoxiong (quartz) syenitic porphyry is characterized by moderate SiO2 content (60.68–69.92 wt%), high alkali (9.03–11.66 wt%) and REE contents with fractionated REE pattern [(La/Yb)N = 13.8–26.1]. Its relatively depleted Nd and Hf isotopic compositions (εNd(t) = –3.67 to –3.42 and εHf(t) = –5.76 to –2.25) imply that it could be a derivative of basaltic magma from K-rich metasomatized mantle. Available geochronological data indicate that there were two episodic magmatic pulses at ca. 140–120 Ma and ca. 110–85 Ma associated with the Paleo-Pacific Plate underthrusting beneath the northeast South China Block. Here we put forward an episodic slab retreat and roll-back model to account for generation of these magmatic rocks. Firstly, the subducting Paleo-Pacific slab roll-back initiated at ca. 140 Ma and reached climax at ca. 130–120 Ma, which led to formation of the Longyou, Sucun, and Shanghekou I-type granites and the Huangshitan A-type granite, respectively. Subsequently, a flat slab subduction stage occurred with eastward trench retreat, causing a period of magmatic quiescence from ca. 120 to 110 Ma. The following second slab roll-back started at ca. 110 Ma and reached climax at ca. 100 Ma, giving rise to the earlier Zhujiajian and Qingbang island I-type granites and the later Xiaoxiong (quartz) syenitic porphyry.
Smartphone aiding in analysis of Hamman’s sign
Authors: Thakeria Priyanka , Danda Nita , Gupta Anudeep , Anand Dharmesh
Published: November 2019

Hamman’s sign refers to an unusual click that occurs in synchrony with heart sounds, and is pathognomonic for left-sided pneumothorax and spontaneous mediastinum. In this case, a 17-year-old man living in a rural area used his smartphone to record an audible clicking sound emanating from his thorax. This occurred following coughing episodes secondary to an upper respiratory tract infection. Initially, this prompted a request for an echocardiogram to exclude structural cardiac anomalies; however, Hamman’s sign was also considered. This facilitated the timely diagnosis of pneumothorax to be made via a simple chest radiograph, one of the only imaging modalities available at the patient’s rural health service. To promote awareness of this rare clinical phenomenon, this report also presents the patient’s own sound recording of Hamman’s sign and corresponding chest radiographs.
Metastasis of carcinoma of buccal mucosa to small intestine causing ileal perforation
Authors: Deshpande Swanit Hemant , Kini Sangeeta , Nawalkar Parag Ramesh , Pandya Jayashri Sanjay
Published: November 2019

Oral cancers rarely metastasize to the small intestines. In a previously operated case of squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa without any known preoperative distant metastases, we report a case of solitary ileal perforation 3 months after the surgery. The edge of the ileal perforation was positive for squamous cell carcinoma on histopathology. It is important to remember metastases as a cause of acute abdomen in the prior history of oral malignancies.
Tuberculosis presenting as dacryoadenitis in the USA
Authors: Powers Harry Ross , Diaz Mark Anthony , Mendez Julio C
Published: November 2019

A 25-year-old Filipino woman living in the USA was evaluated for a 5-month history of left eye pain and a subsequent orbital mass. Histopathological analysis of the lacrimal mass showed a mixed inflammatory process with necrotising granulomas and positive cultures forMycobacterium tuberculosis. She was treated with antituberculosis therapy, with resolution of symptoms. Tuberculosis dacryoadenitis is extremely rare in the USA and other developed countries. It requires a high degree of clinical suspicion with special attention to the patient’s history to make the correct diagnosis. It can be treated successfully with antituberculosis therapy.
Retained neonatal ureteral stent post-ureteric reimplantation: a 26-year saga
Authors: Nesbitt Alexander Luke , Joshi Andre , Perera Marlon , Clubb Adrian
Published: November 2019

Ureteral stents are an essential tool in modern day adult and paediatric urology. They are usually placed with the intention of removal or replacement after a specific time but may occasionally be forgotten or unintentionally retained. We present the case of a young man who presented with symptoms caused by a retained ureteric stent placed 26 years earlier during reconstructive ureteric surgery as an infant.
Splenic artery aneurysm as a rare cause of an upper GIT bleed
Authors: Morare Nolitha Makapi Tisetso , Bosman Charl , Ogunrombi Akinwumi Babatunde
Published: November 2019

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common life-threatening presentation in the emergency department. Causes are typically divided into variceal and non-variceal bleeds. Non-variceal pathologies typically include bleeding peptic ulcers, haemorrhagic gastritis and Mallory Weiss Tears. Occassionally, less common pathologies are encountered such as Dieulafoy’s lesions, haemosuccus pancreas, haemobilia or aorto-enteric fistula. The following report documents the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with an UGIB. His risk factors included a history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, smoking and ethanol abuse. Despite his typical presentation and risk factors, investigation revealed an unusual and rare pathology. He was found to have a giant splenic artery aneurysm, abutting and eroding the gastric mucosa. Diagnosis was made using a combination of gastro-oesophagoscopy and CT scan. Successful treatment consisted of angio-embolisation of the aneurysm.
Stable wormholes solutions in the background of Rastall theory
Authors: Mustafa G. , Shahzad M. R. , Abbas G. , Xia T.
Published: November 2019

In this study, we explore the spherically symmetric static wormhole solutions in the Rastall modified theory of gravity. For this, we consider the anisotropic fluid distribution to construct the field equations for Rastall background. Further, we calculate the matter density function and pressure components for anisotropic fluid from the field equations. Furthermore, we employ the traceless fluid by using a particular equation of state (EoS) to analyze the necessary properties of shape function for wormholes and behavior of energy bounds. However, the major purpose of this study is to acquire the wormhole solutions for traceless fluid in the Rastall background. Moreover, we examine the stability of different forces acting on the system. At the end, it is concluded that our solutions under this current scenario are physically acceptable.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of crystalline DyFe1−xMnxO3
Authors: Cao Fengze , Chen Hongwei , Lu Yi , Zhao Jianjun , Su Taichao , Jin Xiang
Published: November 2019

DyFe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O3(x[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]0, 0.025, 0.075, 0.15) polycrystalline samples were prepared using a traditional solid-state reaction route. The structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of these samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the samples exist as single-phase crystallines without peaks. The results of the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the average size of the polycrystalline particles decreased from 4.34 to 3.00 [Formula: see text]m as the Mn doping amount increased from 0.00 to 0.15. The magnetization versus temperature (M[Formula: see text]−[Formula: see text]T[Formula: see text]) plots showed that the order temperature of dysprosium (Dy) ions gradually decreased and the Morin-like transition temperature moved to the high-temperature region as x increased. The T[Formula: see text] gradually decreased from 13 to 10 K and the isotropic interaction of Fe[Formula: see text]-Fe[Formula: see text] was weakened as x increased from 0.00 to 0.15. The polycrystalline samples appeared as pre-formed clusters. The magnetization (M[Formula: see text]−[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]) plots revealed that all the samples underwent a first-order magnetic phase transition. The maximum magnetic entropy change, occurring near the Curie temperature, obtained at a magnetic-field span of 7 T, was 18.2 J/kg K. The maximum cooling capacity of the polycrystalline DyFe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O3(x[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]0, 0.025, 0.075, 0.15) samples was 441 J/kg.
Query fresh
Authors: Wang Tianzheng , Johnson Ryan , Pandis Ippokratis
Published: November 2019

Hot standby systems often have to trade safety (i.e., not losing committed work) and freshness (i.e., having access to recent updates) for performance. Guaranteeing safety requires synchronous log shipping that blocks the primary until the log records are durably replicated in one or multiple backups; maintaining freshness necessitates fast log replay on backups, but is often defeated by the dual-copy architecture and serial replay: a backup must generate the "real" data from the log to make recent updates accessible to read-only queries.

This paper proposes
Query Fresh
, a hot standby system that provides both safety and freshness while maintaining high performance on the primary. The crux is an append-only storage architecture used in conjunction with fast networks (e.g., InfiniBand) and byte-addressable, non-volatile memory (NVRAM). Query Fresh avoids the dual-copy design and treats the log as the database, enabling lightweight, parallel log replay that does not block the primary.

Experimental results using the TPC-C benchmark show that under Query Fresh, backup servers can replay log records faster than they are generated by the primary server, using one quarter of the available compute resources. With a 56Gbps network, Query Fresh can support up to 4--5 synchronous replicas, each of which receives and replays ∼1.4GB of log records per second, with up to 4--6% overhead on the primary compared to a standalone server that achieves 620kTPS without replication.
Agonism of the TMEM16A calcium-activated chloride channel modulates airway smooth muscle tone
Authors: Danielsson Jennifer , Kuforiji Aisha S. , Yocum Gene T. , Zhang Yi , Xu Dingbang , Gallos George , Emala Charles W.
Published: November 2019

TMEM16A (anoctamin 1) is an important calcium-activated chloride channel in airway smooth muscle (ASM). We have previously shown that TMEM16A antagonists such as benzbromarone relax ASM and have proposed TMEM16A antagonists as novel therapies for asthma treatment. However, TMEM16A is also expressed on airway epithelium, and TMEM16A agonists are being investigated as novel therapies for cystic fibrosis. There are theoretical concerns that agonism of TMEM16A on ASM could lead to bronchospasm, making them detrimental as airway therapeutics. The TMEM16A agonist Eact induced a significant contraction of human ASM and guinea pig tracheal rings in an ex vivo organ bath model. Pretreatment with two different TMEM16A antagonists, benzbromarone or T16Ainh-A01, completely attenuated these Eact-induced contractions. Pretreatment with Eact alone augmented the maximum acetylcholine contraction. Pretreatment of A/J mice in vivo with nebulized Eact caused an augmentation of methacholine-induced increases in airway resistance measured by the forced oscillatory technique (flexiVent). Pretreatment with the TMEM16A antagonist benzbromarone significantly attenuated methacholine-induced increases in airway resistance. In in vitro cellular studies, TMEM16A was found to be expressed more abundantly in ASM compared with epithelial cells in culture (8-fold higher in ASM). Eact caused an increase in intracellular calcium in human ASM cells that was completely attenuated by pretreatment with benzbromarone. Eact acutely depolarized the plasma membrane potential of ASM cells, which was attenuated by benzbromarone or nifedipine. The TMEM16A agonist Eact modulates ASM contraction in both ex vivo and in vivo models, suggesting that agonism of TMEM16A may lead to clinically relevant bronchospasm.
Near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy tracks changes in oxygen delivery and utilization during exercise with and without isolated arterial compression
Authors: Tucker Wesley J. , Rosenberry Ryan , Trojacek Darian , Sanchez Belinda , Bentley Robert F. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Tian Fenghua , Nelson Michael D.
Published: November 2019

Near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy (NIR-DCS) is an emerging technology for simultaneous measurement of skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen delivery and utilization during exercise. The extent to which NIR-DCS can track acute changes in oxygen delivery and utilization has not yet been fully established. To address this knowledge gap, 14 healthy men performed rhythmic handgrip exercise at 30% maximal voluntary contraction, with and without isolated brachial artery compression, designed to acutely reduce convective oxygen delivery to the exercising muscle. Radial artery blood flow (Duplex Ultrasound) and NIR-DCS derived variables [blood flow index (BFI), tissue oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]), and metabolic rate of oxygen ([Formula: see text])] were simultaneously measured. During exercise, both radial artery blood flow (+51.6 ± 20.3 mL/min) and DCS-derived BFI (+155.0 ± 82.2%) increased significantly ( P < 0.001), whereas [Formula: see text] decreased −7.9 ± 6.2% ( P = 0.002) from rest. Brachial artery compression during exercise caused a significant reduction in both radial artery blood flow (−32.0 ± 19.5 mL/min, P = 0.001) and DCS-derived BFI (−57.3 ± 51.1%, P = 0.01) and a further reduction of [Formula: see text] (−5.6 ± 3.8%, P = 0.001) compared with exercise without compression. [Formula: see text] was not significantly reduced during arterial compression ( P = 0.83) due to compensatory reductions in [Formula: see text], driven by increases in deoxyhemoglobin/myoglobin (+7.1 ± 6.1 μM, P = 0.01; an index of oxygen extraction). Together, these proof-of-concept data help to further validate NIR-DCS as an effective tool to assess the determinants of skeletal muscle oxygen consumption at the level of the microvasculature during exercise.
Role of the carotid chemoreceptors in insulin-mediated sympathoexcitation in humans
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K. , Johnson Blair D. , Mozer Michael T. , Holbein Walter W. , Curry Timothy B. , Prabhakar Nanduri R. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2019

We examined the contribution of the carotid chemoreceptors to insulin-mediated increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in healthy humans. We hypothesized that reductions in carotid chemoreceptor activity would attenuate the sympathoexcitatory response to hyperinsulinemia. Young, healthy adults (9 male/9 female, 28 ± 1 yr, 24 ± 1 kg/m2) completed a 30-min euglycemic baseline followed by a 90-min hyperinsulinemic (1 mU·kg fat-free mass−1·min−1), euglycemic infusion. MSNA (microneurography of the peroneal nerve) was continuously measured. The role of the carotid chemoreceptors was assessed at baseline and during hyperinsulinemia via 1) acute hyperoxia, 2) low-dose dopamine (1–4 µg·kg−1·min−1), and 3) acute hyperoxia + low-dose dopamine. MSNA burst frequency increased from baseline during hyperinsulinemia ( P < 0.01). Acute hyperoxia had no effect on MSNA burst frequency at rest ( P = 0.74) or during hyperinsulinemia ( P = 0.83). The insulin-mediated increase in MSNA burst frequency ( P = 0.02) was unaffected by low-dose dopamine ( P = 0.60). When combined with low-dose dopamine, acute hyperoxia had no effect on MSNA burst frequency at rest ( P = 0.17) or during hyperinsulinemia ( P = 0.85). Carotid chemoreceptor desensitization in young, healthy men and women does not attenuate the sympathoexcitatory response to hyperinsulinemia. Our data suggest that the carotid chemoreceptors do not contribute to acute insulin-mediated increases in MSNA in young, healthy adults.
Sensorimotor impairment from a new analog of spaceflight-altered neurovestibular cues
Authors: Dixon Jordan B. , Clark Torin K.
Published: November 2019

Exposure to microgravity during spaceflight causes central reinterpretations of orientation sensory cues in astronauts, leading to sensorimotor impairment upon return to Earth. Currently there is no ground-based analog for the neurovestibular system relevant to spaceflight. We propose such an analog, which we term the “wheelchair head-immobilization paradigm” (WHIP). Subjects lie on their side on a bed fixed to a modified electric wheelchair, with their head restrained by a custom facemask. WHIP prevents any head tilt relative to gravity, which normally produces coupled stimulation to the otoliths and semicircular canals, but does not occur in microgravity. Decoupled stimulation is produced through translation and rotation on the wheelchair by the subject using a joystick. Following 12 h of WHIP exposure, subjects systematically felt illusory sensations of self-motion when making head tilts and had significant decrements in balance and locomotion function using tasks similar to those assessed in astronauts postspaceflight. These effects were not observed in our control groups without head restraint, suggesting the altered neurovestibular stimulation patterns experienced in WHIP lead to relevant central reinterpretations. We conclude by discussing the findings in light of postspaceflight sensorimotor impairment, WHIP’s uses beyond a spaceflight analog, limitations, and future work.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose, implement, and demonstrate the feasibility of a new analog for spaceflight-altered neurovestibular stimulation. Following extended exposure to the analog, we found subjects reported illusory self-motion perception. Furthermore, they demonstrated decrements in balance and locomotion, using tasks similar to those used to assess astronaut sensorimotor performance postspaceflight.
Functional Olfactory Nerve Regeneration Demonstrated by Thallium-201 Olfacto-Scintigraphy in Patients with Traumatic Anosmia: A Case Report
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Lu Yu-Yu
Published: November 2019

Head trauma is one of the most common etiologies of olfactory dysfunction. It is difficult to use either the olfactory function test or magnetic resonance imaging to directly assess the course of damage to olfactory nerves. Thallium-201 (201Tl) olfacto-scintigraphy has been shown to be an able means for objectively assessing the olfactory nerve transport function. It is expected to be used to evaluate olfactory nerve regeneration after damage to the olfactory nerves. However, no such result has been reported. We present a patient who lost his olfactory function after experiencing head trauma. When his olfactory function remained anosmic, a 201Tl olfacto-scintigraphy showed no migration of 201Tl from the nasal mucosa to the olfactory bulb. After treatment with medicines and olfactory training, his olfactory function improved. A second 201Tl olfacto-scintigraphy showed an increased migration of 201Tl from the nasal mucosa to the olfactory bulb.
Different Therapeutic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Upper and Lower Limb Recovery of Stroke Patients with Motor Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bai Xi , Guo Zhiwei , He Lin , Ren Long , McClure Morgan A. , Mu Qiwen
Published: November 2019

Objective. To explore the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the motor recovery of stroke patients and the effect differences between the upper limb and lower limb. Methods. Randomized control trials published until January 2019 were searched from PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated separately for upper and lower limb motor outcomes to understand the mean effect size. Results. Twenty-nine studies with 664 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The overall analyses of tDCS demonstrated significant effect size both for the upper limb (SMD=0.26, P=0.002) and the lower limb (SMD=0.47, P=0.002). Compared with acute and subacute stroke patients, chronic stroke patients obtained significant effects after tDCS (SMD=0.25, P=0.03) in upper limb function. Furthermore, both anode and cathode stimulations produced significant effect size for stroke patients after ≤10 sessions of tDCS (anode: SMD=0.40, P=0.001; cathode: SMD=0.79, P<0.0001) with >0.029 mA/cm2 of density (anode: SMD=0.46, P=0.002; cathode: SMD=0.79, P<0.0001). But for lower limb function, more prominent effects were found in subacute stroke patients (SMD=0.56, P=0.001) with bilateral tDCS (SMD=0.59, p=0.009). Conclusion. tDCS is effective for the recovery of stroke patients with motor dysfunction. In addition, upper limb and lower limb functions obtain distinct effects from different therapeutic parameters of tDCS at different stages, respectively.
Parallel Offset Crack Interactions in Rock under Unloading Conditions
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Chen Zhonghui
Published: November 2019

Rock slopes contain numerous nonpenetrating intermittent joints which maintain stability under excavation disturbance. The tip interaction coefficient (IC) of parallel offset double cracks in a typical rock mass under unloading conditions was calculated in this study based on the superposition principle and fracture mechanics to determine the meso-influence law of intermittent joint interaction in the slope under the action of excavation. The influence of many factors on the said interaction was also analyzed theoretically. Lateral unloading tests were conducted on rock-like specimens with parallel offset cracks in addition to RFPA2D numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The results show that a smaller length of rock bridge or staggered distance between the cracks results in more severe and sensitive interactions at the crack tip. The Type I interaction strength of the tip of the crack is not affected by the inclination angle of the crack, but shear failure gradually weakens as the angle changes. The shear failure of the tip of the crack is more sensitive to changes in the inclination angle when the cracks are closer to each other; the change is the most intense when α is about 60°. Lateral unloading test and RFPA2D numerical simulation results are in close agreement with the theoretical analysis, which validates the theoretical results. The current study shows the interaction of the parallel offset cracks in rock under unloading conditions and is conducive to the study of the meso-failure mechanism of the jointed rock slope in an open-pit mine under the action of excavation.
Fine‐Grained Fault Diagnosis Method of Rolling Bearing Combining Multisynchrosqueezing Transform and Sparse Feature Coding Based on Dictionary Learning
Authors: Sun Guodong , Gao Yuan , Lin Kai , Hu Ye
Published: November 2019

To accurately diagnose fine‐grained fault of rolling bearing, this paper proposed a new fault diagnosis method combining multisynchrosqueezing transform (MSST) and sparse feature coding based on dictionary learning (SFC‐DL). Firstly, the high‐resolution time‐frequency images of raw vibration signals, including different kinds of fine‐grained faults of rolling bearing, were constructed by MSST. Then, the basis dictionary was trained through nonnegative matrix factorization with sparseness constraints (NMFSC), and the trained basis dictionary was employed to extract features from time‐frequency matrixes by using nonnegative linear equations. Finally, a linear support vector machine (LSVM) was trained with features of training samples, and the trained LSVM was employed to diagnosis the fault classification of test samples. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art fault diagnosis methods, the proposed method, which was tested on the bearing dataset from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), achieved the fine‐grained classification of 10 mixed fault states. Meanwhile, the proposed method was applied on the dataset from the Machinery Failure Prevention Technology (MFPT) Society and realized the classification of 3 fault states under different working conditions. These results indicate that the proposed method has great robustness and could better meet the needs of practical engineering.
The Efficacy and Safety of High-Frequency Deep Sclerotomy in Treatment of Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Abushanab Mokhtar Mohamed Ibrahim , El-Shiaty Ayman , El-Beltagi Tarek , Hassan Salah Shaymaa
Published: November 2019

Purpose. Highlights the high-frequency deep sclerotomy as a competing ab interno surgery in open-angle glaucoma patients and evaluates the efficacy of high-frequency deep sclerotomy in lowering IOP of chronic open-angle glaucoma patients, in addition to the evaluation of the safety of the procedure on the corneal endothelium. Design. A prospective study. It was performed in the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo. Participants. 43 eyes were enrolled for the study. All eyes were diagnosed with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Methods. The procedure was performed using the abee® glaucoma tip of Oertli phacoemulsification machine (OS3, Switzerland) and goniolens performing nasal six pockets penetrating 1 mm deep into the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal. Patients were followed up regarding vision and intraocular pressure (IOP) for 9 months. Endothelial cell count and coefficient of variation were calculated using specular microscopy preoperatively and 9 months postoperatively. Results. The mean preoperative IOP was 31.4 ± 4.71 mmHg (range: 22 to 42 mmHg). All patients were followed up for nine months. The mean IOP was 19.06 ± 1.907 mmHg (range: 15 to 26 mmHg) by the end of the study. The reduction across the follow-ups was statistically significant (P<0.0001). The percentage of total success was 90.7% (39 eyes). Four eyes (9.3%) had IOP > 21 (failed) after surgery and continued on antiglaucoma therapy. Conclusion. High-frequency deep sclerotomy is a safe and promising minimally invasive procedure which successfully achieves a lower IOP for chronic open-angle glaucoma patients, but not adequate for advanced glaucoma patients. This trial is registered with PACTR201910823824561.
Change and Stability in Sibling Resemblance in Obesity Markers: The Portuguese Sibling Study on Growth, Fitness, Lifestyle, and Health
Authors: Pereira Sara , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Hedeker Donald , Maia José
Published: November 2019

Background/Objectives. Obesity markers evolve over time and these changes are shared within the family orbit and governed by individual and environmental characteristics. Available reports often lack an integrated approach, in contrast to a multilevel framework that considers their concurrent influence. Hence, this study aims to (1) describe mean changes in obesity markers (body fat (%BF), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC)) across sib-ships; (2) analyze tracking of individuals within their sib-ship in these markers during 2 years of follow-up; (3) probe consistency in sibling resemblance in these markers; and (4) analyze the joint influence of individual and familial characteristics in these markers. Subjects/Methods. The sample comprises 168 biological Portuguese siblings (brother-brother (BB), sister-sister (SS), and brother-sister (BS)) aged 9–17 years. %BF, BMI, and WC were measured using standardized protocols, and biological maturation was assessed. Physical activity, diet, screen time, and familial characteristics were obtained by questionnaires. Multilevel models were used to analyze the clustered longitudinal data. Sibling resemblance was estimated with the intraclass correlation. Results. On average, all sib types increased in BMI and WC over 2 years of follow-up, and SS pairs increased in %BF. Individuals within sib-ships track high in all obesity markers across time. Consistency in siblings’ resemblance was also noted, except for BB pairs in %BF which decreased at follow-up. More maturing siblings tend to have higher values in all markers. Greater screen time was associated with higher %BF, whereas those consuming more sugary drinks had lower %BF and BMI values. Siblings whose mothers had less qualified occupations tended to have lower BMI values. Conclusions. Longitudinal individual tracking and sibling resemblance for obesity markers were found. Yet, different trajectories were also identified depending on the marker and sib type. Individual and familial characteristics exert different influences on each obesity marker.