bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarimetric survey of main-belt asteroids
Authors: López-Sisterna C. , García-Migani E. , Gil-Hutton R.
Published: May 2019

Aims.We present the results of a polarimetric survey of main-belt asteroids at Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito (CASLEO), San Juan, Argentina. The aims of this survey are to increase the database of asteroid polarimetry and to estimate the diversity in the polarimetric properties of asteroids.

Methods.The survey began in 1995 and a second period began in 2013 using the CASPOL polarimeter with a more sensitive detector to study small asteroids, families, and special taxonomic groups. The data were obtained using this instrument at the 2.15 m telescope of CASLEO.

Results.We present 128 observations for 82 asteroids of different taxonomic types. These results revealed phase-polarization curves and polarimetric parameters for 20 asteroids, amounting to a total of 135 objects with sufficient good data in the Catalogue of Asteroid Polarization Curves. Using the values obtained for the objects with a taxonomic classification, we obtained the mean polarimetric parameters for 19 taxonomic types and the Barbarians. The asteroids with large mean scatter separation distances have a minimum of the phase-polarization curve greater than − 1%, slopes at the inversion angle of less than 0.12−0.15% per degree, and perihelion distances 1.8 <q< 2.5 au; these measurements indicate the asteroids could have high or moderate albedos and that they are objects with perihelia in the inner asteroid belt. These large mean scatter separation distance values could be the result of an electrostatic mechanism acting on the small grains of the regolith, a manifestation of a coherent backscattering mechanism, or the result of a surface formed by a mixture of dark and bright particles.
Magnetic fields in M dwarfs from the CARMENES survey
Authors: Shulyak D. , Reiners A. , Nagel E. , Tal-Or L. , Caballero J. A. , Zechmeister M. , Béjar V. J. S. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Martin E. L. , Kaminski A. , Ribas I. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Bauer F. F. , Dreizler S. , Guenther E. W. , Henning T. , Jeffers S. V. , Kürster M. , Lafarga M. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Pedraz S.
Published: May 2019

Context. M dwarfs are known to generate the strongest magnetic fields among main-sequence stars with convective envelopes, but we are still lacking a consistent picture of the link between the magnetic fields and underlying dynamo mechanisms, rotation, and activity.

Aims. In this work we aim to measure magnetic fields from the high-resolution near-infrared spectra taken with the CARMENES radial-velocity planet survey in a sample of 29 active M dwarfs and compare our results against stellar parameters.

Methods. We used the state-of-the-art radiative transfer code to measure total magnetic flux densities from the Zeeman broadening of spectral lines and filling factors.

Results. We detect strong kG magnetic fields in all our targets. In 16 stars the magnetic fields were measured for the first time. Our measurements are consistent with the magnetic field saturation in stars with rotation periods P < 4 d. The analysis of the magnetic filling factors reveal two different patterns of either very smooth distribution or a more patchy one, which can be connected to the dynamo state of the stars and/or stellar mass.

Conclusions. Our measurements extend the list of M dwarfs with strong surface magnetic fields. They also allow us to better constrain the interplay between the magnetic energy, stellar rotation, and underlying dynamo action. The high spectral resolution and observations at near-infrared wavelengths are the beneficial capabilities of the CARMENES instrument that allow us to address important questions about the stellar magnetism.
The Ratio of Factor VIIa:Tissue Factor Content within Microvesicles Determines the Differential Influence on Endothelial Cells
Authors: Madkhali Yahya , Featherby Sophie , Collier Mary , Maraveyas Anthony , Greenman John , Ettelaie Camille
Published: May 2019

Tissue factor (TF)-positive microvesicles from various sources can promote cellular proliferation or alternatively induce apoptosis, but the determining factors are unknown. In this study the hypothesis that the ratio of fVIIa:TF within microvesicles determines this outcome was examined. Microvesicles were isolated from HepG2, BxPC-3, 786-O, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cell lines and microvesicle-associated fVIIa and TF antigen and activity levels were measured. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were incubated with these purified microvesicles, or with combinations of fVIIa-recombinant TF, and cell proliferation/apoptosis was measured. Additionally, by expressing mCherry-PAR2 on HCAEC surface, PAR2 activation was quantified. Finally, the activation of PAR2 on HCAEC or the activities of TF and fVIIa in microvesicles were blocked prior to addition of microvesicles to cells. The purified microvesicles exhibited a range of fVIIa:TF ratios with HepG2 and 786-O cells having the highest (54:1) and lowest (10:1) ratios, respectively. The reversal from proapoptotic to proliferative was estimated to occur at a fVIIa:TF molar ratio of 15:1, but HCAEC could not be rescued at higher TF concentrations. The purified microvesicles induced HCAEC proliferation or apoptosis according to this ruling. Blocking PAR2 activation on HCAEC, or inhibiting fVIIa or TF-procoagulant function on microvesicles prevented the influence on HCAEC. Finally, incubation of HCAEC with recombinant TF resulted in increased surface exposure of fVII. The induction of cell proliferation or apoptosis by TF-positive microvesicles is dependent on the ratio of fVIIa:TF and involves the activation of PAR2. At lower TF concentrations, fVIIa can counteract the proapoptotic stimulus and induce proliferation.
Achieving volumetric gain metamaterials
Authors: Ye Dexin , Li Binghui , Zhu Zhongbo , Yang Yanbin , Wang Zhiyu
Published: May 2019

Metamaterials have been attracting tremendous interests due to their exotic electromagnetic characteristics, such as sub-wavelength imaging and invisibility cloak. However, the appreciable loss arising from the inherent resonant nature of metamaterials plagues many of their engineering applications. In this paper, we derive the condition for achieving gain media based on the conservation of energy, and propose a universal approach to achieve various gain metamaterials at microwave frequencies by incorporating active devices into traditional metamaterial building blocks. Theoretical homogenization models for such gain metamaterials are obtained from quasi-static considerations. Full-wave simulations show that microwave net-gain metamaterials with negative permittivity, negative permeability or even negative refractive index are all achievable. This approach can be used in applications whose performances are limited due to material losses.
A novel fluid structure interaction model for the grooved piston-cylinder interface in axial piston pump
Authors: Jiang Jihai , Wang Kelong , Yan Weipeng , Sun Yi
Published: May 2019

In the design of high pressure and high speed axial piston pump, grooves on piston are often used to improve the lubrication condition of piston-cylinder interface. However, the position and parameters of grooves are still depending on experience and experiment. A novel fluid structure interaction (FSI) model for the grooved piston-cylinder interface is formulated in this study, which aims to reveal the performance of oil film. Based on the kinematic analysis of piston, the instantaneous pressure of displacement chamber in piston pump is calculated. Reynolds equation is discretized and solved on the oil film mesh to obtain the pressure distribution of oil film. Eccentricities of piston center is iterated out with force balance loop. Influence method is used to calculate the deformation of both piston and cylinder. Six types of piston are introduced and compared in this study. Simulation results indicate that the grooves near displacement chamber can improve the trajectory of the micro motion of piston, which finally avoid contact between piston and cylinder and reduce viscous friction power loss. The grooves far from displacement chamber could store oil and reduce the leakage flow piston-cylinder interface.
Analytical solution for the flow of second grade fluid over a stretching sheet
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Kamran Muhammad , Ahmed Naveed , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Bashir Yasir , Haider Sajjad Ali , Farwa Shabieh , Tahir Madeeha
Published: May 2019

This article addresses the phenomenon of boundary layer flow and heat transfer in respect of the motion of second grade viscous fluid over an unsteady stretchable surface. Optimal variational iteration method (OVIM) is employed to solve the governing differential equation. OVIM is the modified version of variational iteration method (VIM). The convergence of the obtained solution as well as the effect of pertinent parameters on the velocity components are discussed, tabulated, and graphed. Behaviour of coefficient of skin-friction is also tabulated and explained for different parameters. Comparison of residual errors sought via use of VIM and OVIM is also presented.
Characterization of an InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice barrier photodetector operating in the LWIR domain
Authors: Alchaar R. , Rodriguez J. B. , Höglund L. , Naureen S. , Christol P.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, structural, optical and electrical characterizations of longwave infrared barrier detectors based on the InAs/GaSb superlattice are reported and analyzed. The fabricated detectors exhibited a 50% cut-off wavelength around 10.5 μm at 80K measured by photoluminescence and spectral response. The dark current density was 8.4×10-4 A/cm2 at 80K and a performance analysis combining spectral response, dark current-voltage characteristic and capacitance-voltage measurement curves was performed to determine the operating bias and the dark current regimes at different biases. Dark current simulations were also performed to better understand limiting dark current mechanisms of the device performance.
Dual Gaussian attenuation model of ultrasonic echo and its parameter estimation
Authors: Wang Dawei , Wang Zhaoba , LI Peng , Chen Youxing , Li Haiyang
Published: May 2019

Signal de-noising and feature extraction, whose performance directly affect the evaluation of non-destructive testing (NDT) results, is essential technology for ultrasonic NDT echo processing. Aiming to solve the problem of nonlinear distortion between measured ultrasonic echo and its mathematical model, which widely used are exponential model (EM) and Gauss model (GM), a dual Gaussian attenuation model (DGAM) of ultrasonic echo signal and its parameter estimation method are proposed in this paper. The proposed dual Gaussian attenuation model parameter estimation (DGAM-PE) method is introduced in three parts: calculating mean square error between measured signal and model, optimizing mean square error by particle swarm optimization, optimum parameters extraction based on optimization result. The simulation and experiment results show that compared with the exponential model and Gaussian model, the proposed dual gaussian attenuation mathematical model of ultrasonic signal in this paper can better simulate the measured ultrasonic echo signal, with a mean square error of 0.0073 and normalized correlation coefficient of 0.9816. Additionally, an improved adaptive particle swarm optimization is proposed in order to enhance the accuracy of parameter estimation results.
Low-cost carbonized kelp for highly efficient solar steam generation
Authors: Lin Yawen , Zhou Weiping , Di Yunsong , Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Lun , Gan Zhixing
Published: May 2019

Using abundant solar energy to generate steam offers unique solution overcoming the lack of freshwater resources. Despite extensive explorations, low-cost devices with high efficiency are still critically wanting. In this work, the extremely cheap carbonized kelp with good stability, high solar absorption (∼93%), porous microstructure, and hydrophilic surface is found to be efficient for solar steam generation (SSG) and seawater desalination for the first time. A SSG device meeting the requirements of the “most stable triangle” is thus designed. The carbonized kelp is utilized as the solar absorber, with thermal insulation by an expanded polystyrene foam and water supply by a fiber cotton wick via the capillary force. A high solar to steam conversion efficiency of 84.8% and evaporation rate of 1.351 kg·m-2·h-1 are attained under 1 sun irradiation. This work develops a promising and bioinspired device with long-term stability for SSG that can be produced economically (∼3.8 $/m2).
Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes study of steady and pulsed gaseous jets with different periods for the shock-induced combustion ramjet engine
Authors: Du Zhao-bo , Huang Wei , Yan Li , Li Shi-bin
Published: May 2019

The mixing process is very important for the shock-induced combustion ramjet engine. In the current study, the steady jet, as well as pulsed jets with different periods, is investigated in order to achieve adequate fuel/air mixing in the supersonic flow. Flow field properties are studied numerically based on grid independency analysis and code validation. The influence of the hydrogen distribution, as well as the flow field parameters such as mixing efficiency, total pressure recovery coefficient, and fuel penetration depth, is deeply analyzed for different jet-to-crossflow pressure ratios, namely, 10.29 and 25.15. The obtained results predicted by the three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the two equation shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model show that the grid scale makes only a slight difference to wall pressure profiles. The pulsed jets with different periods are beneficial for the mixing process, especially when the jet-to-crossflow pressure ratio is high, and it has special advantages on reducing the total pressure loss and improving the fuel penetration depth. Among the pulsed jets considered in the current study, the T1 pulsed jet with higher frequency has the best performance, and its mixing augmentation mechanism is predicted. Its mixing enhancement mechanism is focusing on merging a mass of air around into the fuel core by the intermittent injection.
Rapid WUI growth in a natural amenity-rich region in central-western Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Godoy Maria Marcela , Martinuzzi Sebastian , Kramer H. Anu , Defossé Guillermo E. , Argañaraz Juan , Radeloff Volker C.
Published: May 2019

The wildland–urban interface (WUI) is a focal area for human environmental conflicts including wildfires. The WUI grows because new houses are built, and in developed countries, housing growth can be very rapid in areas with natural amenities. However, it is not clear if natural amenity-driven WUI growth is limited to developed countries, or also prevalent in developing countries. Amenity-driven WUI growth may be particularly rapid there, owing to a rapidly growing middle class. Our objectives were to (i) map the current WUI; (ii) quantify recent WUI growth; and (iii) analyse relationships between the WUI and both fire ignition points and wildfire perimeters in the region of El Bolson, in Central Andean Patagonia, Argentina. We mapped the current WUI based on housing information derived from census data, topographic maps, high-resolution imagery and land-cover data. We found that the WUI contained 96.6% of all buildings in 2016 even though the WUI covered only 6.4% of the study area. Between 1981 and 2016, the WUI increased in area by 76%, and the number of houses by 74%. Furthermore, 77% of the recent fires in the region occurred in the WUI, highlighting the need to balance development with wildfire risk and other human–environmental problems.
Harnessing the scientific synergy of welding and additive manufacturing
Authors: Wei H. L. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H. , David S. A. , DebRoy T.
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic materials and welding share many similarities in their physical processes and the way the microstructure and properties of the products evolve. This synergy can be a powerful driver for the scientific and technological advancements of both these important technologies for the benefit of all people. Science and Technology of Welding and Joining provides a forum for the exchange of emerging scientific and technological advancements in AM. This special issue of the journal highlights the current research in the AM processes, and the microstructure and properties of metallic components. Furthermore, it identifies some of the current challenges and opportunities for the future.
Reframing knowledge: A comparison of OECD and World Bank discourse on public governance reform
Authors: De Francesco Fabrizio , Guaschino Edoardo
Published: May 2019

As knowledge producers and transfer agents, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank (WB) rely on their own research infrastructures to promote the dissemination public governance reform. To enhance their authority and legitimacy, they frame their economic knowledge through prominent documents that set the agenda for policy advisory activities and practices. This paper suggests that the influence of epistemic communities on the extent of change in these international organisations’ agenda-setting depends on their institutional determinants, namely mandate, knowledge production processes and knowledge validation procedures. Both IOs strategically select their preferred sources of expert knowledge. The OECD refers to technical expertise to enhance its new public management agenda through adjustments. The WB is attuned to economic expertise, resulting in transformations of knowledge frames.
Proteome of the central apparatus of a ciliary axoneme
Authors: Zhao Lei , Hou Yuqing , Picariello Tyler , Craige Branch , Witman George B.
Published: May 2019

Nearly all motile cilia have a “9+2” axoneme containing a central apparatus (CA), consisting of two central microtubules with projections, that is essential for motility. To date, only 22 proteins are known to be CA components. To identify new candidate CA proteins, we used mass spectrometry to compare axonemes of wild-type Chlamydomonas and a CA-less mutant. We identified 44 novel candidate CA proteins, of which 13 are conserved in humans. Five of the latter were studied more closely, and all five localized to the CA; therefore, most of the other candidates are likely to also be CA components. Our results reveal that the CA is far more compositionally complex than previously recognized and provide a greatly expanded knowledge base for studies to understand the architecture of the CA and how it functions. The discovery of the new conserved CA proteins will facilitate genetic screening to identify patients with a form of primary ciliary dyskinesia that has been difficult to diagnose.
Compact manifolds with fixed boundary and large Steklov eigenvalues
Authors: Colbois Bruno , El Soufi Ahmad , Girouard Alexandre
Published: May 2019

Let

(
M
,
g
)

(M,g)

be a compact Riemannian manifold with boundary. Let

b
>
0

b>0

be the number of connected components of its boundary. For manifolds of dimension

≥
3

\geq 3

, we prove that for

j
=
b
+
1

j=b+1

it is possible to obtain an arbitrarily large Steklov eigenvalue

σ
j

(
M
,

e
δ

g
)

\sigma _j(M,e^\delta g)

using a conformal perturbation

δ
∈

C
∞

(
M
)

\delta \in C^\infty (M)

which is supported in a thin neighbourhood of the boundary, with

δ
=
0

\delta =0

on the boundary. For

j
≤
b

j\leq b

, it is also possible to obtain arbitrarily large eigenvalues, but the conformal factor must spread throughout the interior of

M
M

. In fact, when working in a fixed conformal class and for

δ
=
0

\delta =0

on the boundary, it is known that the volume of

(
M
,

e
δ

g
)

(M,e^\delta g)

has to tend to infinity in order for some

σ
j

\sigma _j

to become arbitrarily large. This is in stark contrast with the situation for the eigenvalues of the Laplace operator on a closed manifold, where a conformal factor that is large enough for the volume to become unbounded results in the spectrum collapsing to 0. We also prove that it is possible to obtain large Steklov eigenvalues while keeping different boundary components arbitrarily close to each other, by constructing a convenient Riemannian submersion.
Ablation of SUN2-containing LINC complexes drives cardiac hypertrophy without interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Stewart Rachel M. , Rodriguez Elisa C. , King Megan C.
Published: May 2019

The cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton, including the sarcomeric contractile apparatus, forms a cohesive network with cellular adhesions at the plasma membrane and nuclear–­cytoskeletal linkages (LINC complexes) at the nuclear envelope. Human cardiomyopathies are genetically linked to the LINC complex and A-type lamins, but a full understanding of disease etiology in these patients is lacking. Here we show that SUN2-null mice display cardiac hypertrophy coincident with enhanced AKT/MAPK signaling, as has been described previously for mice lacking A-type lamins. Surprisingly, in contrast to lamin A/C-null mice, SUN2-null mice fail to show coincident fibrosis or upregulation of pathological hypertrophy markers. Thus, cardiac hypertrophy is uncoupled from profibrotic signaling in this mouse model, which we tie to a requirement for the LINC complex in productive TGFβ signaling. In the absence of SUN2, we detect elevated levels of the integral inner nuclear membrane protein MAN1, an established negative regulator of TGFβ signaling, at the nuclear envelope. We suggest that A-type lamins and SUN2 play antagonistic roles in the modulation of profibrotic signaling through opposite effects on MAN1 levels at the nuclear lamina, suggesting a new perspective on disease etiology.
Improving data splitting for classification applications in spectrochemical analyses employing a random-mutation Kennard-Stone algorithm approach
Authors: Morais Camilo L M , Santos Marfran C D , Lima Kássio M G , Martin Francis L
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Data splitting is a fundamental step for building classification models with spectral data, especially in biomedical applications. This approach is performed following pre-processing and prior to model construction, and consists of dividing the samples into at least training and test sets; herein, the training set is used for model construction and the test set for model validation. Some of the most-used methodologies for data splitting are the random selection (RS) and the Kennard-Stone (KS) algorithms; here, the former works based on a random splitting process and the latter is based on the calculation of the Euclidian distance between the samples. We propose an algorithm called the Morais-Lima-Martin (MLM) algorithm, as an alternative method to improve data splitting in classification models. MLM is a modification of KS algorithm by adding a random-mutation factor.

Results

RS, KS and MLM performance are compared in simulated and six real-world biospectroscopic applications using principal component analysis linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). MLM generated a better predictive performance in comparison with RS and KS algorithms, in particular regarding sensitivity and specificity values. Classification is found to be more well-equilibrated using MLM. RS showed the poorest predictive response, followed by KS which showed good accuracy towards prediction, but relatively unbalanced sensitivities and specificities. These findings demonstrate the potential of this new MLM algorithm as a sample selection method for classification applications in comparison with other regular methods often applied in this type of data.

Availability and implementation

MLM algorithm is freely available for MATLAB at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.7393517.v1.
Decompositions of dependence for high-dimensional extremes
Authors: Cooley D , Thibaud E
Published: May 2019

We propose two decompositions that help to summarize and describe high-dimensional tail dependence within the framework of regular variation. We use a transformation to define a vector space on the positive orthant and show that transformed-linear operations applied to regularly-varying random vectors preserve regular variation. We summarize tail dependence via a matrix of pairwise tail dependence metrics that is positive semidefinite; eigendecomposition allows one to interpret tail dependence in terms of the resulting eigenbasis. This matrix is completely positive, and one can easily construct regularly-varying random vectors that share the same pairwise tail dependencies. We illustrate our methods with Swiss rainfall and financial returns data.
Cost-effectiveness and Budgetary Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Testing, Treatment, and Linkage to Care in US Prisons
Authors: Assoumou Sabrina A , Tasillo Abriana , Vellozzi Claudia , Eftekhari Yazdi Golnaz , Wang Jianing , Nolen Shayla , Hagan Liesl , Thompson William , Randall Liisa M , Strick Lara , Salomon Joshua A , Linas Benjamin P
Published: May 2019

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment uptake in prisons remains low. We aimed to estimate clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness (CE), and budgetary impact (BI) of HCV testing and treatment in United States (US) prisons or linkage to care at release.

Methods

We used individual-based simulation modeling with healthcare and Department of Corrections (DOC) perspectives for CE and BI analyses, respectively. We simulated a US prison cohort at entry using published data and Washington State DOC individual-level data. We considered permutations of testing (risk factor based, routine at entry or at release, no testing), treatment (if liver fibrosis stage ≥F3, for all HCV infected or no treatment), and linkage to care (at release or no linkage). Outcomes included quality-adjusted life-years (QALY); cases identified, treated, and cured; cirrhosis cases avoided; incremental cost-effectiveness ratios; DOC costs (2016 US dollars); and BI (healthcare cost/prison entrant) to generalize to other states.

Results

Compared to “no testing, no treatment, and no linkage to care,” the “test all, treat all, and linkage to care at release” model increased the lifetime sustained virologic response by 23%, reduced cirrhosis cases by 54% at a DOC annual additional cost of $1440 per prison entrant, and would be cost-effective. At current drug prices, targeted testing and liver fibrosis–based treatment provided worse outcomes at higher cost or worse outcomes at higher cost per QALY gained. In sensitivity analysis, fibrosis-based treatment restrictions were cost-effective at previous higher drug costs.

Conclusions

Although costly, widespread testing and treatment in prisons is considered to be of good value at current drug prices.
Early Signals of Vaccine-driven Perturbation Seen in Pneumococcal Carriage Population Genomic Data
Authors: Chaguza Chrispin , Heinsbroek Ellen , Gladstone Rebecca A , Tafatatha Terence , Alaerts Maaike , Peno Chikondi , Cornick Jennifer E , Musicha Patrick , Bar-Zeev Naor , Kamng’ona Arox , Kadioglu Aras , McGee Lesley , Hanage William P , Breiman Robert F , Heyderman Robert S , French Neil , Everett Dean B , Bentley Stephen D
Published: May 2019

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have reduced pneumococcal diseases globally. Pneumococcal genomic surveys elucidate PCV effects on population structure but are rarely conducted in low-income settings despite the high disease burden.

Methods

We undertook whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 660 pneumococcal isolates collected through surveys from healthy carriers 2 years from 13-valent PCV (PCV13) introduction and 1 year after rollout in northern Malawi. We investigated changes in population structure, within-lineage serotype dynamics, serotype diversity, and frequency of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and accessory genes.

Results

In children <5 years of age, frequency and diversity of vaccine serotypes (VTs) decreased significantly post-PCV, but no significant changes occurred in persons ≥5 years of age. Clearance of VT serotypes was consistent across different genetic backgrounds (lineages). There was an increase of nonvaccine serotypes (NVTs)—namely 7C, 15B/C, and 23A—in children <5 years of age, but 28F increased in both age groups. While carriage rates have been recently shown to remain stable post-PCV due to replacement serotypes, there was no change in diversity of NVTs. Additionally, frequency of intermediate-penicillin-resistant lineages decreased post-PCV. Although frequency of ABR genes remained stable, other accessory genes, especially those associated with mobile genetic element and bacteriocins, showed changes in frequency post-PCV.

Conclusions

We demonstrate evidence of significant population restructuring post-PCV driven by decreasing frequency of vaccine serotypes and increasing frequency of few NVTs mainly in children under 5. Continued surveillance with WGS remains crucial to fully understand dynamics of the residual VTs and replacement NVT serotypes post-PCV.
Clinical Impact of Rapid Species Identification From Positive Blood Cultures With Same-day Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing on the Management and Outcome of Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Ehren Kathrin , Meißner Arne , Jazmati Nathalie , Wille Julia , Jung Norma , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Hellmich Martin , Seifert Harald
Published: May 2019

Background

Timely availability of microbiological results from positive blood cultures is essential to enable early pathogen-directed therapy. The Accelerate Pheno system (ADX) is a novel technology using fluorescence in situ hybridization for rapid species identification (ID) and morphokinetic bacterial analysis for phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), with promising results. Yet the impact of this technology on clinical management and patient outcome remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a quasiexperimental before-and-after observational study and analyzed 3 groups with different diagnostic and therapeutic pathways following recent integration of ADX: conventional microbiological diagnostics with and without antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) intervention, and rapid diagnostics (ADX in addition to conventional standard) with ASP intervention. Primary endpoints were time to adequate, to optimal and to step-down antimicrobial therapy. Secondary endpoints were antimicrobial consumption, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and the incidence of Clostridioidesdifficile infection (CDI).

Results

Two hundred four patients (conventional diagnostics, n = 64; conventional diagnostics + ASP, n = 68; rapid diagnostics + ASP; n = 72) were evaluated. The use of ADX significantly decreased time from Gram stain to ID (median, 23 vs 2.2 hours, P < .001) and AST (median, 23 vs 7.4 hours, P < .001), from Gram stain to optimal therapy (median, 11 vs 7 hours, P = .024) and to step-down antimicrobial therapy (median, 27.8 vs 12 hours, P = .019). However, groups did not differ in antimicrobial consumption, duration of antimicrobial therapy, mortality, LOS, or incidence of CDI.

Conclusions

Use of ADX significantly reduced time to ID and AST as well as time to optimal antimicrobial therapy but did not affect antimicrobial consumption and clinical outcome.
Stability and Resiliency of Biological Control of the Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Hop
Authors: Iskra A E , Woods J L , Gent D H
Published: May 2019

The twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a common pest in agricultural and ornamental crops. This pest can be controlled by resident predatory arthropods in certain situations. This research quantified the stability and resiliency of established conservation biological control of the twospotted spider mite in hop over a 5-yr period associated with nitrogen fertilization rate and use of a broad-spectrum insecticide. Biological control generally was stable and resilient over a sixfold range of nitrogen fertilization rates, and in only 1 of 5 yr did elevated nitrogen rates significantly affect populations of spider mites. In contrast, one application of the insecticide bifenthrin was associated with disruption of biological control and a severe outbreak of spider mites. The complex of natural enemies suppressed the outbreak during the same year in which bifenthrin was applied, but only after populations of spider mites exceeded levels associated with economic damage. However, in the following year the system returned to an equilibrium state where spider mites were suppressed below economically damaging levels. Therefore, conservation biological control in hop appears stable and robust to factors such as nitrogen fertilization that increase reproductive rates of spider mites but may be sensitive to factors such as nonselective insecticides that are lethal to natural enemies. Conservation biological control can be considered resilient to a single use of a nonselective insecticide in the year following the application, but not within the year of application.
Improved differential diagnosis of intracardiac and extracardiac shunts using acoustic intensity mapping of saline contrast studies
Authors: Rasalingam Ravi , Novak Eric , Rifkin Robert D
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that temporal patterns of saline contrast entry into, and exit from the left heart are significantly different in intra- and extra-cardiac shunts and can be used to differentiate the shunt mechanism when Valsalva manoeuvre cannot be performed, or is of uncertain quality. We propose a novel approach of mapping the temporal changes in acoustic intensity (AI) within the left and right heart to identify and define these unique patterns.

Methods and results

We screened cases of right to left shunting on resting agitated saline contrast echocardiograms with clinical criteria that identified the origin of shunting as either a patent foramen ovale or pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Acoustic time-intensity curves were generated from the right and left heart chambers that reflected the change in saline contrast density over time. Several novel pre-specified parameters were measured from these curves, in addition to the standard heartbeat counting method, to characterize the entrance (wash-in) and exit (wash-out) patterns of saline contrast in the left heart. Statistical analysis showed that AI mapping provided superior differentiation of the two populations than did the traditional beat counting method.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of shunt mechanism from saline contrast studies can be improved over current methods through the use of AI mapping to define the rapidity that peak contrast effect develops, the speed that the contrast effect decays, and the contrast intensity late in the recording.
Minimally invasive versus conventional surgery of the ascending aorta and root: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rayner Tom A , Harrison Sean , Rival Paul , Mahoney Dominic E , Caputo Massimo , Angelini Gianni D , Savović Jelena , Vohra Hunaid A
Published: May 2019

Limited uptake of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the aorta hinders assessment of its efficacy compared to median sternotomy (MS). The objective of this systematic review is to compare operative and perioperative outcomes for MIS versus MS. Online databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception until July 2018. Both randomized and observational studies of patients undergoing aortic root, ascending aorta or aortic arch surgery by MIS versus MS were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, reoperation for bleeding, perioperative renal impairment and neurological events. Intraoperative and postoperative timing measures were also evaluated. Thirteen observational studies were included comparing 1101 MIS and 1405 MS patients. The overall quality of evidence was very low for all outcomes. Mortality and the incidence of stroke were similar between the 2 cohorts. Meta-analysis demonstrated increased length of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time for patients undergoing MS [standardized mean difference 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.58; P = 0.001]. Patients receiving MS spent more time in hospital (standardized mean difference 0.30, 95% CI 0.17–0.43; P < 0.001) and intensive care (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.27; P < 0.001). Reoperation for bleeding (risk ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.06–2.17; P = 0.024) and renal impairment (risk ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–3.46; P = 0.019) were also greater for MS patients. There was substantial heterogeneity in meta-analyses for CPB and aortic cross-clamp timing outcomes. MIS may be associated with improved early clinical outcomes compared to MS, but the quality of the evidence is very low. Randomized evidence is needed to confirm these findings.
A null allele of Dnaaf2 displays embryonic lethality and mimics human ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Cheong Agnes , Degani Rinat , Tremblay Kimberly D , Mager Jesse
Published: May 2019

The dynein axonemal assembly factor (Dnaaf) protein family is involved in preassembly and stability of dynein arms before they are transported into the cilia. In humans, mutations in DNAAF genes lead to several diseases related to cilia defects such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD; OMIM: 612518). Patients with PCD experience malfunctions in cilia motility, which can result in inflammation and infection of the respiratory tract among other defects. Previous studies have identified that a mutation in DNAAF2 results in PCD and that 40% of these patients also experience laterality defects. In an outbred genetic background, Dnaaf2 homozygotes die after birth and have left/right defects among other phenotypes. Here we characterize a novel null allele of Dnaaf2 obtained from the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium. Our data indicate that on a defined C57bl/6NJ genetic background, homozygous Dnaaf2 mouse embryos fail to progress beyond organogenesis stages with many abnormalities including left–right patterning defects. These findings support studies indicating that hypomorphic mutations of human DNAAF2 can result in ciliary dyskinesia and identify Dnaaf2 as an essential component of cilia function in vivo.
Altered calcium dynamics and glutamate receptor properties in iPSC-derived motor neurons from ALS patients with C9orf72, FUS, SOD1 or TDP43 mutations
Authors: Bursch Franziska , Kalmbach Norman , Naujock Maximilian , Staege Selma , Eggenschwiler Reto , Abo-Rady Masin , Japtok Julia , Guo Wenting , Hensel Niko , Reinhardt Peter , Boeckers Tobias M , Cantz Tobias , Sterneckert Jared , Van Den Bosch Ludo , Hermann Andreas , Petri Susanne , Wegner Florian
Published: May 2019

The fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a profound loss of motor neurons (MNs). Until now only riluzole minimally extends life expectancy in ALS, presumably by inhibiting glutamatergic neurotransmission and calcium overload of MNs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the glutamate receptor properties and key aspects of intracellular calcium dynamics in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs from ALS patients with C9orf72 (n = 4 cell lines), fused in sarcoma (FUS) (n = 9), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) (n = 3) or transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) (n = 3) mutations as well as healthy (n = 7 cell lines) and isogenic controls (n = 3). Using calcium imaging, we most frequently observed spontaneous transients in mutant C9orf72 MNs. Basal intracellular calcium levels and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-induced signal amplitudes were elevated in mutant TDP43 MNs. Besides, a majority of mutant TDP43 MNs responded to 3.5-dihydroxyphenylglycine as metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated significantly increased expression levels of AMPA and kainate receptors in mutant FUS cells compared to healthy and isogenic controls. Furthermore, the expression of kainate receptors and voltage gated calcium channels in mutant C9orf72 MNs as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors in mutant SOD1 cells was markedly elevated compared to controls. Our data of iPSC-derived MNs from familial ALS patients revealed several mutation-specific alterations in glutamate receptor properties and calcium dynamics that could play a role in ALS pathogenesis and may lead to future translational strategies with individual stratification of neuroprotective ALS treatments.
Return of the Inconsistent Application of the ‘Essential Security Interest’ Clause in Investment Treaty Arbitration: CC/Devas v India and Deutsche Telekom v India
Authors: Kabra Ridhi
Published: May 2019

Investment treaty arbitration is currently undergoing a backlash, precipitated in large measure by the problem of inconsistency in investment awards. Inconsistent reasoning and decisions have proved particularly problematic when different shareholders of an affected company pursue claims for reflective loss before different tribunals concerning the same dispute. This article examines two recent investment treaty cases—CC/Devas v India and Deutsche Telekom v India—that are a critical example of this very real problem.

The first part of this article assesses the inconsistent interpretation and application of essential security interest clauses in those cases. As this article shows, the disagreement between the tribunals is explained by contradictory assessments of the same facts.

The second part critically evaluates the impact of the two cases on the development of the precise criteria for successfully invoking an essential security interest clause. Such clauses comprise two elements: (i) the existence of such an interest; and (ii) the nexus between the interest and the measure adopted. These elements have hitherto been subject to inconsistent interpretations, leaving the exact contours of such clauses unclear. This article uncovers which security interests can qualify as ‘essential’ interests, focusing particularly on the question whether such an interest encompasses protection of strategic resources for military and non-military use. It also examines the meaning of the nexus requirement of ‘necessary’, and explores the difference(s) between the nexus requirements of ‘directed to’ and ‘necessary’.
Updating HIPAA for the electronic medical record era
Authors: Rosenbloom S Trent , Smith Jeffery R L , Bowen Rita , Burns Janelle , Riplinger Lauren , Payne Thomas H
Published: May 2019

With advances in technology, patients increasingly expect to access their health information on their phones and computers seamlessly, whenever needed, to meet their clinical needs. The 1996 passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), modifications made by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), and the recent 21st Century Cures Act (Cures) promise to make patients’ health information available to them without special effort and at no cost. However, inconsistencies among these policies' definitions of what is included in “health information”, widespread variation in electronic health record system capabilities, and differences in local health system policies around health data release have created a confusing landscape for patients, health care providers, and third parties who reuse health information. In this article, we present relevant regulatory history, describe challenges to health data portability and fluidity, and present the authors’ policy recommendations for lawmakers to consider so that the vision of HIPAA, HITECH, and Cures may be fulfilled.
Matrin3 promotes homologous recombinational repair by regulation of RAD51
Authors: Shi Lin , Sun Jiying , Kinomura Aiko , Fukuto Atsuhiko , Horikoshi Yasunori , Tashiro Satoshi
Published: May 2019

Matrin3 is a highly conserved inner nuclear matrix protein involved in multiple stages of RNA metabolism. Although Matrin3 may also play a role in DNA repair, its precise roles have remained unclear. In this study, we showed that the depletion of Matrin3 led to decreased homologous recombination (HR) efficiency and increased radiation sensitivity of cells. Matrin3-depleted cells showed impaired DNA damage-dependent focus formation of RAD51, a key protein in HR. These findings suggest that Matrin3 promotes HR by regulating RAD51.
First evidence of Cardinium (Sphingobacteria) in non-marine ostracods from Turkey
Authors: Çelen Ebru , Külköylüoğlu Okan , Yavuzatmaca Mehmet , Akdemir Derya , Yılmaz Ozan
Published: May 2019

Endosymbiotic bacteria are extremely common and diverse in arthropods. Cardinium, maternally transmitted intracellular bacteria, can contribute to the fitness of the host and can manipulate its reproduction by feminization, cytoplasmic incompatibility, and thelytokous parthenogenesis. Non-marine ostracods can reproduce asexually as well as sexually. We studied the presence of Cardinium in non-marine ostracods collected from 43 sites in Turkey between 2014 and 2017. The presence of Cardinium in 64 specimens belonging to 24 ostracod species were tested by PCR protocol using 16S rRNA-specific primers. A total of 59 specimens belonging to 22 species showed positive result for the presence of Cardinium, with the sequences of the partial 16S rRNA assigned to the bacteria. Results showed that that majority (92 %) of ostracod species tested were found to be infected by Cardinium. It appears that the bacteria can be seen in both sexes depending on species. We report the first evidence of the presence of Cardinium in non-marine ostracods.
The Role of Minor Pheromone Components in Segregating 14 Species of Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the Subfamily Cerambycinae
Authors: Hanks Lawrence M , Mongold-Diers Judith A , Mitchell Robert F , Zou Yunfan , Wong Joseph C H , Meier Linnea R , Johnson Todd D , Millar Jocelyn G
Published: May 2019

We present research on the chemical ecology of 14 species of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), in four tribes of the subfamily Cerambycinae, conducted in east-central Illinois over 8 yr. Adult males produce aggregation-sex pheromones that attract both sexes. Twenty independent field bioassays explored the pheromone chemistry of the species and tested the possible attractive or antagonistic effects of compounds that are not produced by a given species, but are pheromone components of other species. Analyses of beetle-produced volatiles revealed compounds that had not been reported previously from several of the species. The most common pheromone component was (R)-3-hydroxyhexan-2-one, but pheromones of some species included isomers of the related 2,3-hexanediols. Males of the congeners Phymatodes amoenus (Say) and Phymatodes testaceus (L.) produced pure (R)-2-methylbutan-1-ol. Enantiomers of 2-methylbutan-1-ol also proved to be powerful synergists for Megacyllene caryae (Gahan), Sarosesthes fulminans (F.), and Xylotrechus colonus (F.). The major components of pheromone blends were consistently present in collections of headspace volatiles from male beetles, and only the major components were inherently attractive to a subset of species when tested as single components. Minor components of some species acted as powerful synergists, but in other cases appeared not to influence attraction. Among the minor components identified in headspace extracts from males, 2,3-hexanedione and 2-hydroxyhexan-3-one appeared to be analytical artifacts or biosynthetic by-products, and were neither attractants nor synergists. The antagonistic effects of minor compounds produced by heterospecific males suggest that these compounds serve to maintain prezygotic reproductive isolation among some species that share pheromone components.