bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth size and early pneumonia predict linear growth among HIV‐exposed uninfected infants
Authors: Deichsel Emily L. , Pavlinac Patricia B. , Richardson Barbra A. , Mbori‐Ngacha Dorothy , Walson Judd L. , McGrath Christine J. , Farquhar Carey , Bosire Rose , Maleche‐Obimbo Elizabeth , John‐Stewart Grace C.
Published: June 2019

Stunting remains a global health priority, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa. Identifying determinants of linear growth in HIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) infants can inform interventions to prevent stunting in this vulnerable population. HIV‐infected mothers and their uninfected infants were followed monthly from pregnancy to 12‐month post‐partum in Nairobi, Kenya. Mixed‐effects models estimated the change in length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ) from birth to 12 months by environmental, maternal, and infant characteristics. Multivariable models included factors univariately associated with LAZ. Among 372 HEU infants, mean LAZ decreased from −0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.67, −0.41]) to −1.09 (95% CI [−1.23, −0.96]) between 0 and 12 months. Declines in LAZ were associated with crowding (≥2 persons per room; adjusted difference [AD] in 0–12 month change: −0.46; 95% CI [−0.87, −0.05]), use of a pit latrine versus a flush toilet (AD: −0.29; 95% CI [−0.57, −0.02]), and early infant pneumonia (AD: −1.14; 95% CI [−1.99, −0.29]). Infants with low birthweight (<2,500 g; AD: 1.08; 95% CI [0.40, 1.76]) and birth stunting (AD: 1.11; 95% CI [0.45, 1.78]) experienced improved linear growth. By 12 months of age, 46 infants were stunted, of whom 11 (24%) were stunted at birth. Of the 34 infants stunted at birth with an available 12‐month LAZ, 68% were not stunted at 12 months. Some low birthweight and birth‐stunted HEU infants had significant linear growth recovery. Early infant pneumonia and household environment predicted poor linear growth and may identify a subgroup of HEU infants for whom to provide growth‐promoting interventions.
Relationship between the status of phospholipase A2 receptor and prognosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Li You Q , Liu Zhen Z , Lin Ke X , Liu Ren H , Ni Li , Liu Guan X , Lan Hui Y , Shi Yong J
Published: June 2019

Aim

Serum levels of phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (PLA2R; SAb) and glomerular deposits of PLA2R antigen (GAg) have been detected in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). However, the correlation between these immunologic factors and their associations with the status and prognosis of IMN remain uncertain.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients with biopsy‐proven IMN diagnosed between March of 2015 and December of 2016 were enrolled in this study. All the patients were followed until March of 2017.We used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence to measure the SAb and GAg, respectively.

Results

The positive rate of GAg was significantly higher than SAb in patients with IMN (88.24 vs 66.77%, P = 0.017). Compared with SAb− patients, SAb+ patients had a higher baseline proteinuria (6.21 vs 3.40 g/24 h), lower serum albumin (22.49 ± 6.59 vs 29.09 ± 7.40 g/L) and poorer renal function (88.96 ± 21.17 vs 107.25 ± 20.04 mL/min per 1.73 m2), as well as a higher renal IgG4 level (P < 0.05). A comparison of SAb+/GAg+ and SAb−/GAg+ tissues yielded similar results (P < 0.01). Regarding prognosis, SAb− patients had a higher rate of complete remission after immunosuppressive treatment than SAb+ patients (P = 0.042).

Conclusion

The disease status and prognosis correlated more closely with the SAb than with the GAg in our cohort of patients with IMN. Furthermore, SAb+ patients had more severe clinical symptoms and a worse prognosis, which was probably associated with increased IgG4 deposition.
A new look at phenotypic disparity and diversification rates in island plant radiations
Authors: Baldwin Bruce G.
Published: June 2019

This article is a Commentary on Nürk et al. 224: 518–531.
Characterization of spa mutants in the moss Physcomitrella provides evidence for functional divergence of SPA genes during the evolution of land plants
Authors: Artz Oliver , Dickopf Stephen , Ranjan Aashish , Kreiss Melanie , Abraham Elena Theres , Boll Vanessa , Rensing Stefan A. , Hoecker Ute
Published: June 2019

The Arabidopsis COP1/SPA complex is a key repressor of photomorphogenesis that suppresses light signaling in the dark. Both COP1 and SPA proteins are essential components of this complex. Although COP1 also exists in humans, SPA genes are specific to the green lineage.

To elucidate the evolution of SPA genes we analyzed SPA functions in the moss Physcomitrella patens by characterizing knockout mutants in the two Physcomitrella SPA genes PpSPAa and PpSPAb.

Light‐grown PpspaAB double mutants exhibit smaller gametophores than the wild‐type. In the dark, PpspaAB mutant gametophores show enhanced continuation of growth but etiolate normally. Gravitropism in the dark is reduced in PpspaAB mutant protonemata. The expression of light‐regulated genes is mostly not constitutive in PpspaAB mutants. PpSPA and PpCOP1 interact; PpCOP1 also interacts with the transcription factor PpHY5 and, indeed, PpHY5 is destabilized in dark‐grown Physcomitrella. Degradation of PpHY5 in darkness, however, does not require PpSPAa and PpSPAb.

The data suggest that COP1/SPA‐mediated light signaling is only partially conserved between Arabidopsis and Physcomitrella. Whereas COP1/SPA interaction and HY5 degradation in darkness is conserved, the role of SPA proteins appears to have diverged. PpSPA genes, unlike their Arabidopsis counterparts, are only required to suppress a subset of light responses in darkness.
Expecting the unexpected: factors influencing the emergence of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens
Authors: Corredor‐Moreno Pilar , Saunders Diane G. O.
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the number of emergent plant pathogens (EPPs) has grown substantially, threatening agroecosystem stability and native biodiversity. Contributing factors include, among others, shifts in biogeography, with EPP spread facilitated by the global unification of monocultures in modern agriculture, high volumes of trade in plants and plant products and an increase in sexual recombination within pathogen populations. The unpredictable nature of EPPs as they move into new territories is a situation that has led to sudden and widespread epidemics. Understanding the underlying causes of pathogen emergence is key to managing the impact of EPPs. Here, we review some factors specifically influencing the emergence of oomycete and fungal EPPs, including new introductions through anthropogenic movement, natural dispersal and weather events, as well as genetic factors linked to shifts in host range.
MdWRKY40 promotes wounding‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in association with MdMYB1 and undergoes MdBT2‐mediated degradation
Authors: An Jian‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , You Chun‐Xiang , Bi Si‐Qi , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: June 2019

Wounding stress leads to anthocyanin accumulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, MdWRKY40 was found to promote wounding‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in association with MdMYB1 and undergo MdBT2‐mediated degradation in apple.

We found that MdMYB1, a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, was essential for the wounding‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple. MdWRKY40 was identified as an MdMYB1‐interacting protein, and enhanced the binding of MdMYB1 to its target genes in response to wounding.

We found that MdBT2 interacted physically with MdWRKY40 and was involved in its degradation through the 26S proteasome pathway.

Our results demonstrate that MdWRKY40 is a key modulator in the wounding‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis, which provides new insights into the regulation of wounding‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis at both the transcriptional and post‐translational levels in apple.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of Ghd7 protein stability by phytochrome and OsGI in photoperiodic control of flowering in rice
Authors: Zheng Tianhui , Sun Juan , Zhou Shirong , Chen Saihua , Lu Jian , Cui Song , Tian Yunlu , Zhang Huan , Cai Maohong , Zhu Shanshan , Wu Mingming , Wang Yihua , Jiang Ling , Zhai Huqu , Wang Haiyang , Wan Jianmin
Published: June 2019

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a facultative short‐day (SD) plant, flowering early under SD and late under long‐day (LD) conditions. Ghd7 is a major regulator of flowering time in rice, which strongly delays flowering under LD. Induction of Ghd7 expression by phytochromes has been shown to contribute to photoperiodic regulation of flowering in rice. Here, we show that Ghd7 also is regulated by phytochromes at a post‐transcriptional level.

We found that constitutive expression of Ghd7 delays flowering in the wild‐type (WT) background, but not in the se5 mutant background (deficient in functional phytochromes) under LD and that Ghd7 protein fails to accumulate in the se5 mutant. We also found that co‐expressing OsGIGANTEA (OsGI) with Ghd7 causes reduced accumulation of Ghd7 protein and partially suppresses the delayed flowering phenotype in the WT background, suggesting that phytochromes and OsGI play antagonist roles in regulating Ghd7 protein stability and flowering time.

We show that OsPHYA, OsPHYB and OsGI could directly interact with Ghd7. Interestingly, OsPHYA and OsPHYB could inhibit the interaction between OsGI and Ghd7, thus helping to stabilize Ghd7 protein.

Our results revealed a new level of Ghd7 regulation by phytochromes and OsGI in photoperiodic control of flowering in rice.
Color‐matching between pollen and corolla: hiding pollen via visual crypsis?
Authors: Xiong Ying‐Ze , Jia Li‐Bing , Zhang Chuan , Huang Shuang‐Quan
Published: June 2019

Visual signals attractive to friends may also attract enemies.  The bright colors of anthers and pollen have generally been thought to attract pollinators. We hypothesize that visual crypsis of anthers, and particularly pollen, should be favored in flowering plants because protection from pollen collectors reduces the loss of male gametes.

To understand adaptive strategies relating to the color of pollen, we measured the color of pollen, undehisced anther sacs, and their background, the corolla, with a spectrometer for 104 insect‐pollinated flowering species from a natural community in Hengduan Mountains, southwest China.

The colors of anthers, pollen and corollas were diverse in these species. The color diversity of exposed pollen was significantly higher than that of concealed pollen (i.e. where anthers are enclosed or shielded by corollas). The color contrast between pollen and corolla was significantly smaller in species with exposed pollen than in those with concealed pollen. Unlike anther color, exposed pollen color tended to match its background corolla color.

Our phylogenetic comparative analysis showed contrasting effects of pollen color patterns between flowers with exposed pollen and those with concealed pollen, revealing a strategy of hiding pollen from pollen thieves via visual crypsis.
Metformin promotes mitophagy in mononuclear cells: a potential in vitro model for unraveling metformin's mechanism of action
Authors: Bhansali Shipra , Bhansali Anil , Dhawan Veena
Published: June 2019

Increased oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results in abnormalities in cell repair processes, such as mitophagy, which compromises mitochondrial function and contributes to insulin resistance and β cell failure. Metformin, widely recommended in the management of T2DM, exerts its pleiotropic effects via 5ʹ‐AMP–activated protein kinase (AMPK); however, its effect on mitophagy remains elusive. Recent evidence demonstrates that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) express insulin receptors and the human organic cation transporter protein, and they are extensively being used as a surrogate for examining mitochondrial function in T2DM. Metformin treatment increased the formation of acidic vesicles and mitophagosomes, upregulated mitophagy markers, and enhanced mitophagic flux, as indicated by increased LC3‐II expression and reduced p62 protein levels. In addition, pretreatment with compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) significantly decreased the expression of mitophagy markers in metformin‐treated cells, indicating that metformin induces mitophagy via the AMPK pathway. In conclusion, metformin‐induced mitophagy may improve cellular function, including in β cells, by restoring normal mitochondrial phenotype, which may prove beneficial in patients with T2DM and other mitochondrial‐related diseases. Moreover, PBMCs may be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker for identifying mitochondrial disorders.
The partisan–professional dichotomy revisited: Politicization and decision‐making of senior civil servants
Authors: Ebinger Falk , Veit Sylvia , Fromm Nadin
Published: June 2019

Politicization has an ambivalent reputation among public administration scholars. While considered an effective instrument to safeguard political control over ministerial bureaucracy, partisanship of senior civil servants is likewise associated with patronage and is deemed detrimental to professionalism and meritocracy. To scrutinize this contradiction, the article examines how the party‐political background of senior civil servants influences their decision‐making behaviour. Two theoretically derived conceptions of loyalty are therefore put to the test: responsiveness and responsibility. Effects are captured by using the vignette technique in 40 in‐depth interviews with former senior civil servants from ministerial departments at federal and state level in Germany. The results are surprising in so far as they reveal that politicized senior civil servants act neither more responsively nor less responsibly than their non‐politicized peers. These findings challenge common assumptions and call for a more refined analysis of the conditions under which politicization leads to negative effects.
Roles of plant volatiles in defence against microbial pathogens and microbial exploitation of volatiles
Authors: Hammerbacher Almuth , Coutinho Teresa A. , Gershenzon Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Plants emit a large variety of volatile organic compounds during infection by pathogenic microbes, including terpenes, aromatics, nitrogen‐containing compounds, and fatty acid derivatives, as well as the volatile plant hormones, methyl jasmonate, and methyl salicylate. Given the general antimicrobial activity of plant volatiles and the timing of emission following infection, these compounds have often been assumed to function in defence against pathogens without much solid evidence. In this review, we critically evaluate current knowledge on the toxicity of volatiles to fungi, bacteria, and viruses and their role in plant resistance as well as how they act to induce systemic resistance in uninfected parts of the plant and in neighbouring plants. We also discuss how microbes can detoxify plant volatiles and exploit them as nutrients, attractants for insect vectors, and inducers of volatile emissions, which stimulate immune responses that make plants more susceptible to infection. Although much more is known about plant volatile–herbivore interactions, knowledge of volatile–microbe interactions is growing and it may eventually be possible to harness plant volatiles to reduce disease in agriculture and forestry. Future research in this field can be facilitated by making use of the analytical and molecular tools generated by the prolific research on plant–herbivore interactions.
Exports and left‐behind children: Empirical evidence from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey
Authors: Chen Zexing , Li Bing , Li Tao
Published: June 2019

The opportunity for jobs and high wages induced by exports have attracted rural laborers in China to work in the cities temporarily, and some parents must leave behind their children in rural areas, called left‐behind children (LBC). Notably, the cause of LBC has not been investigated carefully. In this study, we combine the 2010 to 2015 Chinese trade data with the data from the 2010 to 2015 China Migrants Dynamic Survey(CMDS) to identify LBC based on the young children of migrants not living with their parents in the cities, and empirically test the effects of exports on LBC. The results show that under the same income level and other circumstances, the increase in export dependency significantly increases the probability of the migrants’ young children becoming LBC. We construct an instrumental variable to manage the potential endogeneity problems and conduct many other robustness checks, and all the results are consistent. We also examine the heterogeneous effects of exports on LBC and observe that migrants with low income, low education, rural hukou (area of origin) status, and in manufacturing sectors are more vulnerable to exports.Key Words: Exports; Internal Migration; Left‐behind children
Consumer arbitrage in cross‐border e‐commerce
Authors: Anson José , Boffa Mauro , Helble Matthias
Published: June 2019

In today’s internet markets consumers can search for, find and compare prices worldwide. Online, information circulates faster than offline and arbitrage opportunities such as the ones arising from currency shocks are easily unveiled. In this paper, we estimate for the first‐time exchange rate elasticities for cross‐border e‐commerce transactions. Exploiting a new high‐frequency database on international transactions of parcels, we find that a 1% appreciation of the domestic currency increases e‐commerce imports by 0.7%. Comparing the result with traditional estimates in offline markets, this implies a 50% exchange rate pass‐through online.
Implementation of a patient blood management program in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Editorial, p. 2763)
Authors: Warner Matthew A. , Jambhekar Nilesh S. , Saadeh Salwa , Jacob Eapen K. , Kreuter Justin D. , Mundell William C. , Marquez Alberto , Higgins Andrew A. , Madde Nageswar R. , Hogan William J. , Kor Daryl J.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are among the highest consumers of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) components. The impact of patient blood management (PBM) efforts on HSCT recipients is poorly understood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This observational study assessed changes in blood product use and patient‐centered outcomes before and after implementing a multidisciplinary PBM program for patients undergoing HSCT at a large academic medical center. The pre‐PBM cohort was treated from January 1 through September 31, 2013; the post‐PBM cohort was treated from January 1 through September 31, 2015.

RESULTS

We identified 708 patients; 284 of 352 (80.7%) in the pre‐PBM group and 225 of 356 (63.2%) in the post‐PBM group received allogeneic RBCs (p < 0.001). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) RBC volumes were higher before PBM than after PBM (3 [2‐4] units vs. 2 [1‐4] units; p = 0.004). A total of 259 of 284 pre‐PBM patients (91.2%) and 57 of 225 (25.3%) post‐PBM patients received RBC transfusions when hemoglobin levels were more than 7 g/dL (p < 0.001). The median (IQR) PLT transfusion quantities was 3 (2‐5) units for pre‐PBM patients and 2 (1‐4) units for post‐PBM patients (p < 0.001). For patients with PLT counts of more than 10 × 109/L, a total of 1219 PLT units (73.4%) were transfused before PBM and 691 units (48.8%) were transfused after PBM (p < 0.001). Estimated transfusion expenditures were reduced by $617,152 (18.3%). We noted no differences in clinical outcomes or transfusion‐related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Patient blood management implementation for HSCT recipients was associated with marked reductions in allogeneic RBC and PLT transfusions and decreased transfusion‐related costs with no detrimental impact on clinical outcomes.
Dysregulated expression of the key effectors of the mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway in cutaneous papillomas of dogs
Authors: Sanz Ressel Berenice L. , Massone Adriana R. , Barbeito Claudio G.
Published: June 2019

Cutaneous papillomas (CP) are one of the most common skin neoplasms in dogs. Different murine models have shown that persistent activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway has a central role in the development and progression of CP. The purpose of this study were to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression pattern of two key molecules involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, pAktSer473, and pS6Ser235/236, on 36 canine specimens of CP using a tissue microarray. The results show that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway is persistently activated in CP of dogs, pointing to this pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
Prospective randomized investigation of topical anesthesia during unilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses
Authors: Koch Drew W. , Easley Jeremiah T. , Hatzel Jennifer N. , Nelson Brad B. , Hendrickson Dean A. , Bruemmer Jason , Hackett Eileen S.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare pain‐related responses in mares receiving topical or injected anesthesia of the ovarian pedicle prior to standing unilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy.

Study design

Prospective randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled study.

Animals

Fifteen healthy research mares.

Methods

Mares were restrained in stocks and administered sedation. A right or left paralumbar ovariectomy was performed by using a laparoscopic portal and two instrument portals. Mares were divided into two treatment groups, and equal volumes of mepivacaine anesthesia were administered either topically (n = 8) or by injection into the ovarian pedicle (n = 7). Saline controls were simultaneously administered topically (n = 7) or by injection (n = 8), and surgeons were blinded to the treatment group. Ovarian removal was performed with traumatic forceps and a blunt tip vessel sealer and divider. Pain responses were measured by operative visual analog scale (VAS) scoring and perioperative serum cortisol response. Visual analog scale and serum cortisol were compared between groups by using Mann–Whitney testing. Serum cortisol concentrations were evaluated using repeated‐measures one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Ovaries were removed in all mares by using the described technique without operative complications. Quantity of sedation required to complete the procedure, operative VAS scores, and perioperative cortisol concentrations did not differ between treatment groups.

Conclusion

Application of topical mepivacaine to the ovary provided intraoperative analgesia similar to injection of the ovarian pedicle when performing unilateral standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares.

Clinical significance

Topical anesthesia application to the ovary could provide an alternative to laparoscopic needle use, reducing the risk of inadvertent trauma to the pedicle or other visceral organs during laparoscopic ovariectomy.
Correlation of distraction index with arthroscopic findings in juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia
Authors: Ulfelder Emily H. , Hudson Caleb C. , Beale Brian S.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare distraction index (DI) with hip arthroscopy findings in juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia undergoing unilateral or bilateral double pelvic osteotomy (DPO).

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Twenty dogs (36 hip joints).

Methods

Medical records from dogs undergoing unilateral or bilateral DPO (2011–2016) were reviewed. Distraction index was measured by using distraction view radiographs. Arthroscopic images were analyzed. Cartilage was graded by using the modified Outerbridge scale (0 = arthroscopically normal, 1 = chondromalacia, 2 = surface fibrillation, 3 = deep fissuring, 4 = full‐thickness cartilage loss, and 5 = eburnation of exposed subchondral bone). Dorsal acetabular rim, acetabular labrum, the ligament of head of the femur, and synovitis were graded by using a four‐point scale (normal, mild, moderate, severe). Spearman and Pearson correlations were used to compare DI between grade groups and age.

Results

Distraction index ranged from 0.4 to 1.0 (mean 0.69 ± 0.16). Most of the hips had an arthroscopically normal femoral head and acetabulum in most regions, except for the region at the insertion of the ligament of the head of the femur. There was a low positive correlation between synovitis and DI (Spearman ρ = 0.35,P= .0346). No other differences in DI were identified between grade or age groups.

Conclusion

There was a low positive correlation between synovitis and DI. No other differences in DI were identified.

Clinical significance

Arthroscopic evaluation of the coxofemoral joint prior to DPO can allow detection of joint pathology that might not be appreciated by using traditional radiographic screening criteria.
Comparison of Coordinative Abilities of Child Wrestlers and Judokas
Authors: Çoruh Yaşar , Zengin Serkan
Published: June 2019

The aim of this research is to compare the coordinative abilities of child wrestlers and judokas. Totally 52 athletes were included into the research by taking consent from their families; 26 judoka children whose age average is 13.45±0.506 years, height average is 1.52±0.090 mt and body weight average is 47.52±13.193 kg and 26 judoka whose age average is 14.75±0.639 years, height average is 1.59±0.064 mt and body weight average is 49.85±8.786 kg. All risks and benefits pertaining to the research were explained to the parents of athletes and they were asked to sign the university confirmed voluntary permission form. Numbered medicine ball running test, Backward Medicine Ball Throw Test and sprint test to the given rhythm were used for the purpose for determining the orientation, differentiation and rhythm performances in regard to coordinative abilities of the individuals participating into the research. SPSS 22 program was used for the analysis of the data obtained. It was found out according to the result of One Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed that data related with rhythm times exhibited normal distribution, data related with orientation times and differentiation scores did not exhibit normal distribution. For this reason, while Independent Samples T test was used in comparison of data related with rhythm times by the type of sports, Mann Whitney U test was used in comparison of data related with orientation times and differentiation scores by the type of sports. Once the results related with research were examined, while it was seen that the rhythm times and orientation times of wrestlers were significantly better than those of judoka, it was concluded that any significant difference was not available for the differentiation ability.In conclusion, the findings of the study do not confirm our pre-research expectations. Once the related literature is examined, it is seen that there are many various results related with the coordinative abilities pertaining to different sports branches.
A Cable Length Invariant Robotic Tail Using a Circular Shape Universal Joint Mechanism
Authors: Liu Yujiong , Wang Jiamin , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the development of a new robotic tail based on a novel cable-driven universal joint mechanism. The novel joint mechanism is synthesized by geometric reasoning to achieve the desired cable length invariance property, wherein the mechanism maintains a constant length for the driving cables under universal rotation. This feature is preferable because it allows for the bidirectional pulling of the cables which reduces the requisite number of actuators. After obtaining this new joint mechanism, a serpentine robotic tail with fewer actuators, simpler controls, and a more robust structure is designed and integrated. The new tail includes two independent macro segments (2 degrees of freedom each) to generate more complex shapes (4 degrees of freedom total), which helps with improving the dexterity and versatility of the robot. In addition, the pitch bending and yaw bending of the tail are decoupled due to the perpendicular joint axes. The kinematic modeling, dynamic modeling, and workspace analysis are then explained for the new robotic tail. Three experiments focusing on statics, dynamics, and dexterity are conducted to validate the mechanism and evaluate the new robotic tail's performance.
Understanding the asymmetrical thermoelectric performance for discovering promising thermoelectric materials
Authors: Zhu Hangtian , Mao Jun , Feng Zhenzhen , Sun Jifeng , Zhu Qing , Liu Zihang , Singh David J. , Wang Yumei , Ren Zhifeng
Published: June 2019

N-type ZrCoBi-based half-Heusler thermoelectric performance is predicted by weighted mobility ratio and experimentally verified.
Electric field–induced selective catalysis of single-molecule reaction
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Tang Chun , Li Jieqiong , Chen Li-Chuan , Zheng Jueting , Zhang Pei , Le Jiabo , Li Ruihao , Li Xiaohui , Liu Junyang , Yang Yang , Shi Jia , Chen Zhaobin , Bai Mindong , Zhang Hao-Li , Xia Haiping , Cheng Jun , Tian Zhong-Qun , Hong Wenjing
Published: June 2019

A cascade chemical reaction is selectively activated through oriented external electric field at the single-molecule scale.
2D-IR spectroscopy for oil paint conservation: Elucidating the water-sensitive structure of zinc carboxylate clusters in ionomers
Authors: Hermans Joen. J. , Baij Lambert , Koenis Mark , Keune Katrien , Iedema Piet D. , Woutersen Sander
Published: June 2019

2D-IR spectroscopy reveals the molecular structures behind important types of oil paint degradation.
Mutations in
pmrB
Confer Cross-Resistance between the LptD Inhibitor POL7080 and Colistin in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Romano Keith P. , Warrier Thulasi , Poulsen Bradley E. , Nguyen Phuong H. , Loftis Alexander R. , Saebi Azin , Pentelute Bradley L. , Hung Deborah T.
Published: June 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a major bacterial pathogen associated with a rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance. We evaluated the resistance mechanisms of
P. aeruginosa
against POL7080, a species-specific, first-in-class antibiotic in clinical trials that targets the lipopolysaccharide transport protein LptD. We isolated a series of POL7080-resistant strains with mutations in the two-component sensor gene
pmrB
.
Legionellapneumonia complicated by rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Sutarjono Bayu , Alexis Janeah , Sachidanandam Jency Cynthia
Published: June 2019

Legionnaires’ disease is a recognised but rare cause of rhabdomyolysis. It can be further complicated with renal impairment. In this case report, we describe a previously healthy, semiactive 50-year-old man who within days was reduced to having periods of dyspnea after minutes of walking in addition to near fatal acute renal failure. He was found to have the rare triad ofLegionellapneumonia, renal failure and rhabdomyolysis, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. He was treated according to guidelines with azithromycin monotherapy and aggressive fluid hydration. 20 days after admission, the patient was walking independently and discharged home.
Socioeconomic circumstances and respiratory function from childhood to early adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rocha Vânia , Soares Sara , Stringhini Silvia , Fraga Sílvia
Published: June 2019

Objective

Disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances in early life have the potential to impact lung function. Thus, this study aimed to summarise evidence on the association between socioeconomic circumstances and respiratory function from childhood to young adulthood.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines, Medline, ISI-Web of Science and Scopus were searched from inception up to January 2018. Original studies on the association between socioeconomic circumstances and respiratory function in early ages (ie, participants younger than 25 years of age) were investigated. Two investigators independently evaluated articles, applied the exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis of the standardised mean difference and 95% CI in respiratory function between participants from different socioeconomic circumstances was conducted, using a random-effects model.

Results

Thirty-three papers were included in this review and 23 showed that disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances were significantly associated with reduced respiratory function. The meta-analysis including seven papers showed a significant difference of −0.31 (95% CI −0.42 to −0.21) litres in forced expiratory volume in the first second between children, adolescents and young adults from disadvantaged versus advantaged socioeconomic circumstances. Specifically a difference of −0.31 (95% CI −0.51 to −0.10) litres in girls and −0.43 (95% CI −0.51 to −0.35) litres in boys was observed.

Conclusions

Children, adolescents and young adults from disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances had lower respiratory function, and boys presented higher respiratory health inequalities. This information contributes to explain the social patterning of respiratory diseases, and might enable health policy makers to tackle respiratory health inequalities at early ages.
Open access policies of leading medical journals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ellison Tim S , Koder Tim , Schmidt Laura , Williams Amy , Winchester Christopher C
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Academical and not-for-profit research funders are increasingly requiring that the research they fund must be published open access, with some insisting on publishing with a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence to allow the broadest possible use. We aimed to clarify the open access variants provided by leading medical journals and record the availability of the CC BY licence for commercially funded research.

Methods

We identified medical journals with a 2015 impact factor of ≥15.0 on 24 May 2017, then excluded from the analysis journals that only publish review articles. Between 29 June 2017 and 26 July 2017, we collected information about each journal’s open access policies from their websites and/or by email contact. We contacted the journals by email again between 6 December 2017 and 2 January 2018 to confirm our findings.

Results

Thirty-five medical journals publishing original research from 13 publishers were included in the analysis. All 35 journals offered some form of open access allowing articles to be free-to-read, either immediately on publication or after a delay of up to 12 months. Of these journals, 21 (60%) provided immediate open access with a CC BY licence under certain circumstances (eg, to specific research funders). Of these 21, 20 only offered a CC BY licence to authors funded by non-commercial organisations and one offered this option to any funder who required it.

Conclusions

Most leading medical journals do not offer to authors reporting commercially funded research an open access licence that allows unrestricted sharing and adaptation of the published material. The journals’ policies are therefore not aligned with open access declarations and guidelines. Commercial research funders lag behind academical funders in the development of mandatory open access policies, and it is time for them to work with publishers to advance the dissemination of the research they fund.
Severe adverse events following benzathine penicillin G injection for rheumatic heart disease prophylaxis: cardiac compromise more likely than anaphylaxis
Authors: Marantelli Shannon , Hand Robert , Carapetis Jonathan , Beaton Andrea , Wyber Rosemary
Published: June 2019

Objective

Secondary prophylaxis through long-term antibiotic administration is essential to prevent the progression of acute rheumatic fever to rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) has been shown to be the most efficacious antibiotic for this purpose; however, adverse events associated with BPG administration have been anecdotally reported. This study therefore aimed to collate case reports of adverse events associated with BPG administration for RHD prophylaxis.

Study design

A literature review was used to explore reported adverse reactions to BPG and inform development of a case report questionnaire. This questionnaire was circulated through professional networks to solicit retrospective reports of adverse events from treating physicians. Returned surveys were tabulated and thematically analysed. Reactions were assessed using the Brighton Collaboration case definition to identity potential anaphylaxis.

Results

We obtained 10 case reports from various locations, with patients ranging in age from early-teens to adults. All patients had clinical or echocardiogram-obtained evidence of valvular disease. The majority of patients (80%) had received BPG prior to the event with no previous adverse reaction. In eight cases, the reaction was fatal; in one case resuscitation was successful and in one case treatment was not required. Only three cases met Level 1 Brighton criteria consistent with anaphylaxis.

Conclusion

These results indicate that anaphylaxis is not a major cause of adverse reactions to BPG. An alternative mechanism for sudden death following BPG administration in people with severe RHD is proposed.
Biaxial proximal interphalangeal joint hyperflexions in a five‐year‐old Holstein bull
Authors: Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Snowden Robert T , Videla Ricardo , Anderson David E
Published: June 2019

A five‐year‐old Holstein bull became lame after dismount during semen collection. Swelling of the pastern of the left front limb was noted. Radiographic images showed biaxial hyperflexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints in digits III/IV without hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Conservative management (stall confinement and NSAIDs) failed to resolve the lameness. External coaptation to stabilise the joint failed to prevent hyperflexion of the joint within the cast and to improve comfort. Pressure sores developed after seven days. Surgical arthrodesis of the PIP joint was performed on each digit by application of a locking compression plate. The bull healed and arthrodesis of the joints progressed over the next 16 weeks. At that time, the bull was walking sound and was returned to semen collection. One year after surgery, the attending veterinarian reported that the bull remained sound at a walk and was still being used for semen collection.
A duplex ddPCR assay for simultaneously detectingIps sexdentatusandIps typographus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in bulk trap samples
Authors: Zink Frida A. , Tembrock Luke R. , Timm Alicia E. , Gilligan Todd M.
Published: June 2019

Bark beetles in the family Curculionidae present a growing hazard to forests worldwide. Like native bark beetles, introduced exotic species can pose a serious threat to North American forests. Ips typographus (Boerner) and Ips sexdentatus (Linnaeus), both native to Europe, are two such pests that have caused widespread forest loss in their native ranges. International trade has led to increased interceptions of Scolytine beetles at ports of entry to the United States. Most intercepted individuals are not identified to species due to lack of expert identifiers, poor specimen quality, or incomplete taxonomy. These same problems affect identification for domestic surveys. Therefore, development of molecular methods for identification of potentially invasive Ips species is essential. Because of the need to scrutinize large numbers of beetles in an efficient manner, we describe a duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay to identify I. typographus and I. sexdentatus simultaneously in bulk trap samples containing 500 Scolytinae specimens using a scalable, two-step DNA extraction. This ddPCR method is highly effective for processing the entire contents of beetle traps and identifying these potentially invasive species in a timely and definitive manner. We also describe a nondestructive DNA extraction technique that preserves specimens for morphological identification.
Westward expansion of soybean: adaptability of maturity group 00 genotypes to row spacing and seeding density under irrigation in southern Alberta
Authors: Thai Tram T.N. , Larney Francis J. , Thomas James E. , Bandara Manjula S. , Pauly Doon G.
Published: June 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production has moved rapidly westward on the Canadian prairies, most recently arriving in southern Alberta. Adjusting row spacing (RS) and seeding density (SD) to maximize soybean productivity is well-documented for rainfed conditions but not where irrigation is obligatory. A 3 yr study was conducted at two irrigated locations in southern Alberta using two early-maturity [maturity group 00] soybean genotypes planted at two RSs and three SDs. Soybean reached 95% maturity in 114–132 d and only one of six growing environments experienced a killing frost prior to maturity. Wide rows led to 1 d earlier maturity for one genotype in all six environments and increased grain yield (5%–20%) in four out of six environments compared with narrow rows. Increasing SD from 30 to 80 seeds m−2 generally led to increased pod clearance (from 5.0 to 8.4 cm in one environment) and grain (mean increase of 33%, from 2100 to 2800 kg ha−1) and straw yield, but decreased seeds plant−1 (from 94 to 46). Notwithstanding 9% lower cumulative corn heat units during the study, and an average 5 d longer maturity requirement at Lethbridge, soybean performance was equal to Bow Island in many parameters including grain yield. Our findings will help develop recommendations for new soybean growers in the irrigated region of southern Alberta.
AAC Chrome field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , McLaren Debra , Gan Yantai , Cuthbert Richard
Published: June 2019

AAC Chrome is a semi-leafless, yellow cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) variety developed at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, AB. It has high yielding potential, medium maturity, and good lodging resistance. AAC Chrome has a maturity of 95 d and thousand-seed weight of 241 g. AAC Chrome is resistant to powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi), moderately tolerant to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes), and moderately susceptible to fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum). AAC Chrome is adapted to all field pea growing regions in western Canada.
Seasonal variation in the foraging activity of desert argali (Ovis ammon) in Mongolia
Authors: Rosenbaum Barry , Reading Richard P. , Tsogtjargal Garam , Amgalanbaatar Sukh , Comte Sebastien
Published: June 2019

Debate remains whether energy maximization or time minimization strategies best explain foraging in ungulates. It has also been hypothesized that the capacity of an animal to dissipate body heat regulates animal activity. We investigated these hypotheses while measuring the daily activity of desert argali (Ovis ammon (Linnaeus,1758)) for 12 months and relating the activity pattern to environmental seasonality. We found significant seasonal cycles in argali activity, with the greatest proportion of daytime in winter spent foraging and the greatest proportion of daytime in summer spent bedding. Consistent with an energy maximization strategy, argali reduced all behaviors during the winter in favor of foraging, compensating for the increased energy demands of winter at a time of low forage quality. Consistent with a time minimization strategy, argali in summer significantly reduced foraging and spent more time bedding in shaded areas to avoid hyperthermia due to high ambient temperatures. Both optimal foraging and heat dissipation can be used to explain the observed foraging pattern. Foraging behavior in argali is best described by the extent to which the animals schedule their activities to meet their physiological demands, the way these demands are affected by environmental variables, and the time that is available to accomplish them.
KdV–Berger solution and local cluster effect of two-sided lateral gap continuum traffic flow model
Authors: Gaddam Hari Krishna , Meena Asha Kumari , Ramachandra Rao K.
Published: June 2019

This study proposes a new nonlane-based continuum model derived from a two-sided lateral gap-following theory using the relation between microscopic and macroscopic variables. The model considers the effect of lateral gaps of the leading vehicles available on both sides of the following vehicle in multilane scenario. Linear stability analysis is performed to establish the neutral stability condition for the stable traffic flow. Nonlinear analysis is carried out at neutral stability line to derive the KdV–Berger equation, which describes density wave propagation. For that, one of the traveling wave solutions is also obtained. Numerical simulation results show that the two-sided lateral gap in the model improves the stability of the traffic flow by suppressing the traffic jams even at high-density conditions. The results implies that the proposed model is successful in replicating the properties of actual traffic jams in nonlane-based traffic environment.
Parameter estimation of slow potassium dynamics in a neuron model for seizure-like activity via adaptive lag synchronization and unscented Kalman filter
Authors: Han Chunxiao , Yang Yaru , Yang Tingting , Qin Yingmei , Che Yanqiu
Published: June 2019

We introduce a method that combines the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and the adaptive lag synchronization (ALS) to estimate the unknown parameters of a neuron model with seizure-like activity using only the heavily noise-corrupted time series of membrane potentials. Although both UKF and ALS are able to estimate the parameters, UKF performs worse when the number of unknown parameters increases, while ALS requires system states that cannot be measured in practice. Therefore, we incorporate UKF as an observer of the unmeasured states into ALS method to estimate multiple parameters. The effectiveness of the combined method is guaranteed by Lyapunov stability theorem and Barbalat’s lemma in theory. Numerical simulations demonstrate that, when two parameters are estimated simultaneously, the combined approach has better performance and higher accuracy than only using UKF or ALS method. This exploration of the proposed approach may play an important role in studying new treatments in seizure control.
Transverse conductivity and the pseudogap in YBCO single crystals irradiated with fast electrons
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Vovk R. V. , Litvinov Yu. V. , Sklyar V. V. , Dobrovolskiy O. V.
Published: June 2019

Temperature dependences of the electrical resistance along the c-axis of [Formula: see text] single crystals are investigated before and after irradiation with electrons at 0.5–2.5 MeV energies. The irradiation was done at [Formula: see text] K and the irradiation dose was varied from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. An enhancement of the charge carriers localization with increase of the irradiation dose has been revealed. A crossover from the pseudogap (PG) regime to the variable-range hopping conductivity has been observed.
Numerical investigation of the skip characteristics of a disk based on the coupled FEM-SPH method
Authors: Yan Guo-Xin , Pan Guang , Shi Yao , Ma Jian-Ting
Published: June 2019

The skip phenomenon that may occur when a disk impacts water is a subject of perennial fascination for children as well as adults alike; it is also a fairly complex and highly nonlinear fluid-structure interaction problem. In this paper, the coupled FEM-SPH algorithm is used to numerically study the skip characteristics of disk impacting water. The critical conditions of the skip and the relationship between the initial velocity and the maximum skipping times are obtained. Moreover, the dissipation role of energy during the skipping process is discussed. Our conclusions can provide references for other similar issues, such as aircraft ditching, trans-medium vehicles, bouncing projectiles and so on.