bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamate dehydrogenase deficiency disrupts glutamate homeostasis in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and impairs recognition memory
Authors: Lander Sharon Sima , Chornyy Sergiy , Safory Hazem , Gross Amit , Wolosker Herman , Gaisler‐Salomon Inna
Published: January 2020

Glutamate Dehydrogenase 1 (GDH), encoded by the Glud1 gene in rodents, is a mitochondrial enzyme critical for maintaining glutamate homeostasis at the tripartite synapse. Our previous studies indicate that the hippocampus may be particularly vulnerable to GDH deficiency in central nervous system (CNS). Here, we first asked whether mice with a homozygous deletion of Glud1 in CNS (CNS‐Glud1 −/− mice) express different levels of glutamate in hippocampus, and found elevated glutamate as well as glutamine in dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and increased glutamine in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). l‐serine and d‐serine, which contribute to glutamate homeostasis and NMDA receptor function, are increased in ventral but not dorsal hippocampus, and in mPFC. Protein expression levels of the GABA synthesis enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) GAD67 were decreased in the ventral hippocampus as well. Behavioral analysis revealed deficits in visual, spatial and social novelty recognition abilities, which require intact hippocampal‐prefrontal cortex circuitry. Finally, hippocampus‐dependent contextual fear retrieval was deficient in CNS‐Glud1 −/− mice, and c‐Fos expression (indicative of neuronal activation) in the CA1 pyramidal layer was reduced immediately following this task. These data point to hippocampal subregion‐dependent disruption in glutamate homeostasis and excitatory/inhibitory balance, and to behavioral deficits that support a decline in hippocampal‐prefrontal cortex connectivity. Together with our previous data, these findings also point to different patterns of basal and activity‐induced hippocampal abnormalities in these mice. In sum, GDH contributes to healthy hippocampal and PFC function; disturbed GDH function is relevant to several psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Unifying NAPL Drawdown and Transmissivity Testing in Unconfined, Confined, Perched, and Fractured Settings using the Z‐Factor and MH Principles
Authors: Kirkman Andrew J. , Koons Brad
Published: January 2020

Light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) flow in in fractured rock is governed by the same physics as porous media, but LNAPL discharge to a well from fractured rock is subject to the unique geometry of the fractures within the rock and the degree of interconnectivity between the factures. Previous conceptualization and definition of drawdown of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL) has employed a single drawdown value to represent the entire vertical interval of mobile NAPL. Application of the single drawdown model may result in erroneous calculation of NAPL transmissivity in fractured rock settings. This work illustrates how drawdown in multiphase systems can be variable over the vertical interval of mobile NAPL. In settings with discrete fracture networks, it is clear that consistently applying a single drawdown value will not accurately represent the pressure gradients. This work presents the multiphase head (MH) model, which is proposed as a comprehensive methodology for evaluating NAPL drawdown in fractured rock, and unconsolidated porous media. The MH model utilizes fluid statics and physical principles to accurately represent pressure differences in the formation and convert those into NAPL drawdown for discrete elevations. This first principles approach to describing how drawdown varies with NAPL‐production zone elevations and fluid levels, resulting in a more accurate representation of discharge vs. fluid elevation behavior. Application of the MH model to various scenarios has identified that dissimilar scenarios can represent similar behavior during recovery from a NAPL removal event or baildown test. The resulting understanding improves the selection of representative portions of baildown test data to use in NAPL transmissivity analysis. Proper conceptualization of drawdown in bedrock identifies an alternate analysis method, the Z‐factor, to estimate NAPL transmissivity. The resulting drawdown calculations and transmissivity analysis method result in a comprehensive approach to calculating NAPL transmissivity in both bedrock and unconsolidated porous media.
Preservation of Epstein–Barr virus status and mismatch repair protein status along the metastatic course of gastric cancer
Authors: Dislich Bastian , Blaser Nicola , Berger Martin D , Gloor Beat , Langer Rupert
Published: January 2020

Aims

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in‐situ hybridisation and mismatch repair (MMR) protein immunohistochemistry identifies two subgroups of gastric cancer (GC) with high immunogenicity and likelihood for response to immune check‐point inhibition. As tumour biology may change during the metastatic course, which can negatively influence the success of therapeutic decisions made on primary tissue, we investigated the consistency of GC EBV and MMR status within primary tumours and metastases.

Methods and results

We investigated a cohort of 415 primary resected GC, including 111 cases with corresponding distant metastases and 297 cases with lymph node metastases. Tumours were analysed by EBV in‐situ hybridisation and MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray technique. Primary tumours were grouped as EBV‐positive MMR‐proficient, EBV‐negative MMR‐deficient and EBV‐negative MMR‐proficient. Eleven of 415 (2.7%) of primary tumours were EBV‐positive MMR‐proficient, whereas 49 of 415 (11.8%) of tumours were EBV‐negative MMR‐deficient. EBV and MMR protein status showed full concordance with that of the primary tumours. MMR‐deficient tumours were of lower pT‐category (P < 0.001), had fewer lymph node metastases [24 of 49 (49%) versus 273 of 361 (75.6%) cases; P < 0.001] and a lower rate of distant metastases [six of 49 (12.2%) versus 105 of 366 (28.7%) cases; P = 0.015].

Conclusion

We demonstrate a strong correlation of EBV and MMR status between primary tumours, lymph node and distant metastases in a large series of primary resected GC. The cases showed the expected frequency of EBV‐positive MMR‐deficient and EBV‐negative MMR‐proficient tumours. We conclude that tissue testing for molecular subtyping for therapeutic decision‐making can be reliably performed on primary tumours and metastases in GC.
Is negative the new positive? Secondary transfer effect of exposure to LGBT portrayals in TV entertainment programs
Authors: Lissitsa Sabina , Kushnirovich Nonna
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the primary effect of positive, neutral, and negative exposure to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) TV portrayals in entertainment programs on attitudes toward the LGBT community and the Secondary Transfer Effect (STE) of such exposure on attitudes toward people with Asperger's Disorder (the secondary out‐group), controlling for face‐to‐face and online contacts with both out‐groups. Research was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative Study 1 used an online survey of 716 Israeli Jews, to investigate primary and secondary effects of TV exposure to LGBT portrayals. The positive primary effect of TV exposure was shown—regardless of LGBT portrayals perceived as positive, neutral, or negative. STE of TV exposure to neutral and negative LGBT portrayals is likely to diminish social distance to people with Asperger's Disorder, while no STE was found with positive LGBT portrayals. Full mediation effect of attitudes toward the LGBT community was found. Qualitative Study 2, based on 52 in‐depth interviews, was conducted in order to reveal the hidden mechanisms of these effects, examining the parasocial experience and its interpretations by the viewers. According to qualitative findings, the positive primary and secondary effects of negative exposure may be explained by varied interpretations of gay portrayals on TV by different people depending on social background and life experience, opposite reaction on stereotypical gay portrayals on TV, and asymmetrical negative‐positive heuristic. Given the important role of TV in fostering more positive intergroup relations, this research revealed sources of prejudice reduction and increase in tolerance toward “others” for society at large.
Management of aging skin: A questionnaire‐based study among Indian dermatologists
Authors: Agarwal Madhuri , Poojary Priya , Panda Madhumita , Gogtay Jaideep
Published: December 2019

Introduction

With increased life expectancy, the desire to look younger has increased. Hence, many patients approach dermatologists for antiaging treatment. However, data regarding management of skin aging in India are scarce.

Aims

To understand management patterns for skin aging among dermatologists in India.

Methods

Overall, 147 Indian dermatologists were administered a questionnaire‐based survey about patient characteristics, signs of skin aging, treatment options, and cost.

Results

Among all the patients coming for dermatologists' consultation, 10%‐40% were for antiaging treatment. About 70% dermatologists opined that majority of patients aged 30‐40 years consulted for antiaging treatment, and the male to female ratio was 3:7. Approximately 46% of dermatologists felt that antiaging treatment should be initiated by the age of 30. Common signs of aging were wrinkles, pigmentation, dull skin or complexion, and dry skin. Based on patient's age and sex, dermatologists prescribed a combination of 2‐4 products, which included antioxidants, retinoids, growth factors, and moisturizers. Improvement was assessed by photographic and clinical evaluation, and by patients' satisfaction (55%). Effect of the antiaging products was evident within 4‐6 months. Earliest improvement was noted in dry skin and dull complexion. Average extent of improvement noted by 6 months was approximately 20%‐30%. The average monthly expenditure on antiaging treatments was 2000‐4000 INR.

Conclusion

Both men and women seek clinical treatment for skin aging in India. Dermatologists prescribe a combination of 2‐4 products, including antioxidants, retinoids, growth factors, and moisturizers. Available antiaging therapies show an average improvement of up to 30% by 6 months.
End of life in acute hospital setting—A systematic review of families' experience of spiritual care
Authors: Hennessy Nora , Neenan Kathleen , Brady Vivienne , Sullivan Melissa , Eustace-Cooke Jessica , Timmins Fiona
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To systematically review qualitative studies exploring families' experiences of spiritual care at the end of life in acute hospital settings.

Background

Although there is a widespread belief that the consideration of spiritual and religious needs is outdated in the context of secularism, from a practical perspective patients and families appear to benefit from spiritual support at the end of life.

Methods

Six key databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health Library, Web of Science and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), were searched, and three reviewers independently extracted the data and coded them into themes and subthemes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) was used as a reporting framework.

Results

Five main themes emerged: anticipating needs; honouring the family by honouring the patient; personal connection; lack of sensitivity; and making space for religious and spiritual practices.

Conclusions

Families experiencing end‐of‐life care in acute hospital settings may benefit from spiritual care. While this can also be considered as fundamental care, understanding this through the lenses of spiritual care allows for incorporation of religious and spiritual practices that many seek at this time, irrespective of their faith perspectives.

Relevance to clinical practice

Although hospice care is well established internationally, many families experience end‐of‐life care in acute hospital settings. Nurses usually get to know families well during this time; however, the demands of the clinical environment place restrictions on family care and perceptions of lack of communication, limited support and/or limited sensitivity can compound families' suffering. Consideration of families' spiritual needs can help to support families during this time. Nurses are ideally placed for this and can anticipate and plan for patient and family needs in this regard, or refer to a specialist, such as the Healthcare Chaplain.
The pressure injury predictive model: A framework for hospital‐acquired pressure injuries
Authors: Tschannen Dana , Anderson Christine
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite decades of research, pressure injuries continue to be a source of significant pain and delayed recovery for patients and substantial quality and cost issues for hospitals. Consideration of the current thinking around pressure injury risk must be evaluated to improve risk assessments and subsequent nursing interventions aimed at reducing hospital‐acquired pressure injuries.

Design

This is a discursive paper using Walker and Avant’s (2005) theory synthesis framework to examine the relevance of existing pressure injury models as they align with the current literature.

Methods

PubMed and CINAHL indexes were searched, first for conceptual models and then for pressure injury research conducted on hospitalised patients for the years 2006–2016. A synthesis of the searches culminated into a new pressure injury risk model.

Conclusions

Gaps in previous models include lack of attention to the environment, contributing episode‐of‐care factors and the dynamic nature of injury risk for patients. Through theory synthesis, the need for a new model representing the full risk for pressure injury was identified. The Pressure Injury Predictive Model is a representation of the complex and dynamic nature of pressure injury risk that builds on previous models and addresses new patient, contextual and episode‐of‐care process influences. The Pressure Injury Predictive Model (PIPM) provides a more accurate picture of the complexity of contextual and process factors associated with pressure injury development.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Using the PIPM to determine risk can result in improved risk identification. This information can be used to implement targeted, evidence‐based pressure injury prevention interventions specific to the patient risk profile, thus limiting unwarranted and unnecessary care.
Treatment limitation and advance planning: Hospital‐wide audit of paediatric death
Authors: Audigé Manon , Gillam Lynn , Stark Zornitza
Published: January 2020

Aim

To examine paediatric deaths following withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment (WWMT) from a hospital‐wide perspective and identify changes over a 10 year period.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for all paediatric inpatient deaths at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne from April 2015 to April 2016, and results were compared to 2007 data from our centre. χ2 tests were used for comparisons.

Results

A total of 101 deaths occurred in the inpatient setting in 2015–2016. Most deaths followed WWMT (88/101, 87%) and occurred in children with pre‐existing chronic conditions (85/101, 85%). There was a shift to earlier discussions with parents regarding WWMT compared to 10 years prior. Cases where discussions began prior to the last admission increased from 4 to 19% (P = 0.004). There was increased paediatric palliative care (PPC) involvement (10 vs. 37%, P < 0.001), and a slightly greater proportion of children died outside of intensive care (16 vs. 22%, P = 0.25). In 2015–2016, subgroup analysis showed that children who died as inpatients but outside of intensive care were 76% more likely to have PPC involved than those who died in intensive care (P < 0.001). Their families were 51% more likely to have discussed WWMT with medical staff before the last admission (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The last decade has seen an increase in PPC involvement and advance discussions around WWMT at our centre. Both of these are associated with death outside of intensive care.
Arabidopsis halleri shows hyperbioindicator behaviour for Pb and leaf Pb accumulation spatially separated from Zn
Authors: Höreth Stephan , Pongrac Paula , van Elteren Johannes T. , Debeljak Marta , Vogel‐Mikuš Katarina , Weber Michael , Braun Manuel , Pietzenuk Björn , Pečovnik Matic , Vavpetič Primož , Pelicon Primož , Arčon Iztok , Krämer Ute , Clemens Stephan
Published: January 2020

Lead (Pb) ranks among the most problematic environmental pollutants. Background contamination of soils is nearly ubiquitous, yet plant Pb accumulation is barely understood. In a survey covering 165 European populations of the metallophyte Arabidopsis halleri, several field samples had indicated Pb hyperaccumulation, offering a chance to dissect plant Pb accumulation.

Accumulation of Pb was analysed in A. halleri individuals from contrasting habitats under controlled conditions to rule out aerial deposition as a source of apparent Pb accumulation. Several elemental imaging techniques were employed to study the spatial distribution and ligand environment of Pb.

Regardless of genetic background, A. halleri individuals showed higher shoot Pb accumulation than A. thaliana. However, dose–response curves revealed indicator rather than hyperaccumulator behaviour. Xylem sap data and elemental imaging unequivocally demonstrated the in planta mobility of Pb. Highest Pb concentrations were found in epidermal and vascular tissues. Distribution of Pb was distinct from that of the hyperaccumulated metal zinc. Most Pb was bound by oxygen ligands in bidentate coordination.

A. halleri accumulates Pb whenever soil conditions render Pb phytoavailable. Considerable Pb accumulation under such circumstances, even in leaves of A. thaliana, strongly suggests that Pb can enter food webs and may pose a food safety risk.
“When the Battle's Lost and Won:” Narratives of Peace in the Afghanistan Film A War
Authors: Heck Axel
Published: December 2019

This article examines the ways in which cinematic film underscores the latency of structural violence in its visualization of peace, specifically through the juxtaposition of the life world of the two main protagonists in the Danish film A War (2016): Captain Claus Pedersen who serves as a Danish soldier in Afghanistan and his wife Maria who takes care of the family in peaceful Denmark. The analysis centers on the internationally acclaimed film A War, directed by Thomas Lindholm, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language film. In contrast to many other films about war in general and the Afghanistan war in particular, it intimately portrays how the young family struggles with the consequences of a war taking place in faraway country and right in the middle of their life.
Tackling the Performance Regime Paradox: A Problem‐Solving Approach Engages Professional Goal‐Based Learning
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , Baekgaard Martin , Jakobsen Mads Leth
Published: December 2019

Public performance regimes are bedeviled by a paradox: they must engage the specialized knowledge of professionals who often perceive those very regimes as a threat to their autonomy. The authors use a mixed‐method analysis of performance management in Danish hospitals, with separate data for managers and frontline professionals, to offer two insights into this challenge. First, the study shows that managerial behavior—in the form of performance information use—matters to the way frontline professionals engage in goal‐based learning. Second, it shows that the way managers use performance data matters. When managers use data in ways that reinforce the perception of performance management as an externally imposed tool of control, professionals withdraw effort. However, when managers use data in ways that solve organizational problems, professionals engage in goal‐based learning. The threat to professional values that performance regimes pose can therefore be mitigated by managers using data in ways that complements those values.
Comparison of chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay, indirect immunofluorescence assay, linear immunoassay and multiple microbead immunoassay detecting autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wei Qiujing , Jiang Yutong , Xiao Min , Zhang Xi , Qi Jun , Xie Jiewen , Wu Jialing , Wu Zhongming , Gu Jieruo
Published: January 2020

The aim of study was to detect antinuclear antibodies (ANA) using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA), linear immunoassay (LIA), chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), multiple microbead immunoassay (MBI) and to compare these four methods in the performance of diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum ANA were detected in 147 SLE cases and 42 healthy controls (HCs). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and agreement, the area under the curve of four methods in diagnosing were calculated. Finally, a diagnostic model through logistic regression was constructed. The sensitivity of CMIA and IIFA in diagnosing SLE was 89.08% and 89.12%, higher than other two methods (P < .01), while highest specificity lied in CMIA (95.24%) and LIA (95.24%). The accuracy was highest in CMIA (91.01%), and lowest in LIA (83.07%). CMIA and the other three methods had good agreement, especially with LIA (κ = .798, 95% CI, 0.708‐0.88). ANA‐IIFA (OR = 1.016, P < .001) and anti‐SSA antibodies (OR = 1.017, P = .043) were finally included in the SLE diagnostic model, with AUC value of 0.964 (95% CI, 0.936‐0.991). SLE patients exhibited 14 various ANA patterns, especially AC‐1, AC‐4, and AC‐5. Antibodies against SSA and dsDNA were mostly seen with AC‐1 and AC‐4 patterns, while antibodies against RNP, Sm, SSA, dsDNA, nucleosome and PO were most frequently observed with AC‐5 pattern in SLE. CMIA method is a reliable screening test for detections of antibodies related to SLE. Using ANA‐IIFA and anti‐SSA antibodies by CMIA can discriminate SLE patients from HCs effectively.
Adaptive estimating function inference for nonstationary determinantal point processes
Authors: Lavancier Frédéric , Poinas Arnaud , Waagepetersen Rasmus
Published: December 2019

Estimating function inference is indispensable for many common point process models where the joint intensities are tractable while the likelihood function is not. In this article, we establish asymptotic normality of estimating function estimators in a very general setting of nonstationary point processes. We then adapt this result to the case of nonstationary determinantal point processes, which are an important class of models for repulsive point patterns. In practice, often first‐ and second‐order estimating functions are used. For the latter, it is a common practice to omit contributions for pairs of points separated by a distance larger than some truncation distance, which is usually specified in an ad hoc manner. We suggest instead a data‐driven approach where the truncation distance is adapted automatically to the point process being fitted and where the approach integrates seamlessly with our asymptotic framework. The good performance of the adaptive approach is illustrated via simulation studies for non‐stationary determinantal point processes and by an application to a real dataset.
Place cookies and setting spiders in dream cartography
Authors: Iosifescu Enescu Cristina M. , Bär Hans‐Rudolf , Beilstein Matthias , Hurni Lorenz
Published: January 2020

This article contributes to understanding the difference between objective space and subjective place. New data models and visual methods, which make possible the comparison between dream settings, are necessary to an exploratory analysis of dreams. The subjective perception of settings is decomposed by studying dream reports, by applying a survey, and by considering related scientific literature. This leads to the construction of two data models, which are applied in dream cartography. The place cookie model features the dreamer's familiarity with the setting, being visualized in the form of concentric circles. The setting spider model is based on 26 variables, extensively characterizing the setting. These are grouped into eight factors, and visualized in a compact radar chart with eight “legs.” As a superordinate system of the setting spider, the event spider is developed, describing the whole dream scene. The proposed models and visualization methods can be transferred for real‐life events (settings).
Integrative taxonomy uncovers hidden species diversity in the rheophilic genus Potamometra (Hemiptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Zheng Chenguang , Ye Zhen , Zhu Xiuxiu , Zhang Haiguang , Dong Xue , Chen Pingping , Bu Wenjun
Published: December 2019

The genus Potamometra Bianchi, 1896 represents big rheophilic semi‐aquatic bugs that typically inhabit middle‐altitude mountainous streams. Here, we integrated molecular and morphological data for delimiting species boundaries and understanding the evolutionary history of the genus Potamometra. Twenty‐seven complete mitochondrial genomes of Potamometra were sequenced, with samples representing most of the known geographically distributed locations around the Sichuan Basin. The results of different species delimitation methods (ABGD, bPTP, GMYC and BPP) based on the monolocus or multilocus data strongly supported the existence of two cryptic new species (Potamometra anderseni Zheng, Ye & Bu, sp. nov. and Potamometra zhengi Zheng, Ye & Bu, sp. nov.) although more entities were found in the tree‐based delimitation methods. The two new species were successfully validated using morphological characters within a detailed taxonomic framework. Phylogenetic analyses supported the reciprocal monophyly of the seven highly node‐supported clades, which were matched with the five known species and two new taxa. A novel gene arrangement pattern that two trnF (trnF1 and trnF2) genes separated by an intergenic spacer (IGS) were found in all the species except the sister group of Potamometra berezowskii Bianchi, 1896 and Potamometra linnavuorii Chen, Nieser & Bu, 2016. This gene rearrangement event could be explained by the tandem duplication and random loss (TDRL) model. Our study emphasized that the combination of molecular sequence data, morphological characters and mitochondrial structural information could improve the accuracy of species delimitation.
Investigation of Multistage Combustion Inside a Heavy-Duty Natural-Gas Spark-Ignition Engine Using Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations and the Wiebe-Function Combustion Model
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Dumitrescu Cosmin E.
Published: January 2020

The conversion of existing heavy-duty diesel engines to lean natural-gas (NG) spark ignition can be achieved by replacing the diesel injector with a spark plug and fumigating the NG into the intake manifold. While the original fast-burn diesel chamber will offset the lower NG flame speed, it will result in a two-stage combustion process (a stage inside and another outside the bowl). However, experimental data at more advanced spark timing, equivalence ratio of 0.8, and mean piston speed of 6.5 m/s suggested an additional combustion stage (i.e., three combustion stages). A three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and a zero-dimensional triple Wiebe-function model were used to better understand the phenomena. While 78% fuel burned inside the bowl, burning rate reduced significantly when the flame approached the squish entrance and the bowl bottom. Moreover, the triple Wiebe-function indicated that the burn inside the squish was also divided into two separate combustion stages, due to the particularities of in-cylinder flow before and after top dead center. The first stage was fast and took place inside the compression stroke. The second took place in the expansion stroke and produced a short-lived increase in the burning rate, probably due to the increasing squish height during the expansion stroke and the increased combustion-induced turbulence, hence the third heat-release peak. Overall, these findings support the need for further investigations of combustion characteristics in such converted engines, to benefit their efficiency and emissions.
Size Scaling of Plastic Deformation in Simple Shear: Fractional Strain-Gradient Plasticity and Boundary Effects in Conventional Strain-Gradient Plasticity
Authors: Dahlberg Carl F. O. , Ortiz Michael
Published: January 2020

A recently developed model based on fractional derivatives of plastic strain is compared with conventional strain-gradient plasticity (SGP) models. Specifically, the experimental data and observed model discrepancies in the study by Mu et al. (2016, “Dependence of Confined Plastic Flow of Polycrystalline Cu Thin Films on Microstructure,” MRS Com. Res. Let. 20, pp. 1–6) are considered by solving the constrained simple shear problem. Solutions are presented both for a conventional SGP model and a model extension introducing an energetic interface. The interface allows us to relax the Dirichlet boundary condition usually assumed to prevail when solving this problem with the SGP model. We show that the particular form of a relaxed boundary condition does not change the underlying size scaling of the yield stress and consequently does not resolve the scaling issue. Furthermore, we show that the fractional strain-gradient plasticity model predicts a yield stress with a scaling exponent that is equal to the fractional order of differentiation.
Field-effect passivation of metal/n-GaAs Schottky junction solar cells using atomic layer deposited Al2O3/ZnO ultrathin films
Authors: Ghods Amirhossein , Saravade Vishal G. , Zhou Chuanle , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a novel field-effect passivation technique is used to improve the photovoltaic properties of metal/n-GaAs Schottky junction solar cells. In this technique, a relatively large density of positive or negative fixed charges existing at the top surface of the dielectric thin films is used to create an electric field gradient to prevent the photogenerated charge carriers from recombining. Atomic layer deposition is used to grow high-quality Al2O3 and ZnO ultrathin films that are used as passivating materials. Electrical measurements demonstrate an improvement in both diodelike and photovoltaic properties of Schottky solar cells in the proposed stacked Al2O3/ZnO passivation structure compared to the single Al2O3 layer. This can be attributed to both higher equivalent capacitance/permittivity of the stacked passivation layer and increased density of negative fixed charges at the interface of the passivation layer and the semiconductor.
Demonstration of spiral wave front sonar for active localization
Authors: Dzikowicz Benjamin R. , Tressler James F. , Brown David A.
Published: December 2019

Spiral wave front sonar is a non-imaging, active sonar technique for remote target localization. It operates by transmitting a reference signal and a spiral signal whose phase varies by 2π over the transducer's azimuthal plane. Range is given by time-of-flight, and azimuthal aspect by computing the phase difference between reference and spiral echoes across a range of frequencies on a single receive channel. In addition, the spectral response of the target is available for classification algorithms. Two prototype spiral sonar systems (spiral transducer array, hydrophone receiver, amplifiers, and data acquisition) are tested in a series of laboratory experiments where fixed targets are tracked as the systems are rotated through 360°. The first prototype system uses an array designed for navigation and communications applications. This system demonstrates aspect errors less than 20° where shadowing of the receive hydrophone is not present. Experiments with a second system, utilizing transducers designed for higher frequency, active sonar applications, are performed in a bistatic scattering configuration. These experiments yielded errors less than 10° after calibration.
Source localization in range-dependent and time-varying shallow water: The Shallow Water 2006 experimental results
Authors: Yang T. C.
Published: December 2019

In a range-dependent and time-varying environment, such as at the Shallow Water 2006 (SW06) experimental site, matched field processing often has difficulty localizing a moving source emitting a narrowband signal when signal mismatch is difficult to mitigate given only the nominal sound speed profile and bottom properties along the source track. Based on the range-averaged mode wavenumbers and depth functions estimated from data received on a vertical line array by synthetic beamforming (without any environmental information) using Doppler shift as a reference, a method is proposed in this paper to search for the source depth first and then the source range. Source localization is demonstrated with the SW06 data for two source runs along and oblique to the shelf. Robustness is achieved by minimizing/breaking the coupling between range and depth, when one of them can be estimated using non-environment-related input.
Bathymetry-aided underwater acoustic localization using a single passive receiver
Authors: Dubrovinskaya Elizaveta , Casari Paolo , Diamant Roee
Published: December 2019

This paper considers the problem of estimating the trajectory of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) via a single passive receiver, without any anchor nodes or receiving arrays, and with the only help of a sequence of known acoustic signals emitted by the AUV. This scenario is of interest in case multilateration-based alternatives would require the deployment of many receivers and imply exceedingly high costs, e.g., for the coverage of wide areas. The proposed method exploits the knowledge of environmental parameters such as the sound speed profile, bathymetry and bottom sediments in order to estimate the location of the AUV, taking advantage of the spatial dependency of channel impulse responses that arises from the diverse bathymetry around the receiver. This dependency is captured by comparing channel estimates against a database of channel responses, pre-computed through an acoustic propagation model. This yields multiple likely AUV locations, which are filtered via a path tracking method similar to the Viterbi algorithm, in order to estimate the trajectory of the AUV. Results obtained both from simulations and from a sea experiment show that the proposed method can estimate node locations and paths with a small error, especially considering the use of a single receiver.
Effectiveness of Novel Ankle Prophylactic Compared With Lace-Up Brace or Tape
Authors: Ihmels Wyatt D. , Seymore Kayla D. , Brown Tyler N.
Published: January 2020

Context: Conventional ankle prophylactics restrict harmful ankle inversion motions that lead to injury. But these existing prophylactics also limit other ankle motions, potentially leading to detriments in functional joint capacity. The ankle roll guard (ARG) may alleviate the prevailing issues of existing ankle prophylactics and prevent harmful ankle inversion, while allowing other joint motions. Objective: This technical report sought to compare the ARG’s ability to prevent ankle inversion, but not restrict other ankle motions with existing prophylactics. Design: Repeated-measures study. Setting: Motion capture laboratory. Participants: Thirty participants. Intervention: Each participant had dominant limb ankle kinematics recorded during 5 successful trials of a sudden inversion event and 30-cm drop landing task with each of 4 conditions (ARG, ASO ankle stabilizer [brace], closed-basket weave athletic tape [tape], and unbraced [control]). Main Outcome Measures: Peak ankle inversion angle, range of inversion motion (ROM), and time to peak inversion during the sudden inversion event, and ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM during the drop landing were submitted to a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance to test the main effect of prophylaxis. Results: Participants exhibited greater inversion ROM with control compared with tape (P = .001), and greater plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM with ARG and control compared with brace (P = .02, P = .001) and tape (P = .02, P < .001). It took significantly longer to reach peak ankle inversion with brace and tape compared with ARG (P < .001, P = .001) and control (P = .01, P = .01). No significant difference in peak ankle inversion was observed between any condition (P > .05). Conclusion: The ARG may prevent ankle inversion angles where injury is thought to occur (reportedly >41°), but is less restrictive than existing prophylactics. The less restrictive ARG may make its use ideal during rehabilitation as it allows ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion motions, while preventing inversion related to injury.
Fighting words
Authors: Starr Douglas
Published: January 2020

Virologist Roberto Burioni has become a celebrity in Italy by sparring with vaccine skeptics.
Building a carnivorous trap
Authors: Moulton Derek E. , Goriely Alain
Published: January 2020

Experiments and computations reveal developmental origins of cup-shaped leaves
Evolution of Listeria monocytogenes in a Food Processing Plant Involves Limited Single-Nucleotide Substitutions but Considerable Diversification by Gain and Loss of Prophages
Authors: Harrand Anna Sophia , Jagadeesan Balamurugan , Baert Leen , Wiedmann Martin , Orsi Renato H.
Published: January 2020

Knowledge about the genetic evolution ofL. monocytogenesin food processing facilities over multiple years is generally lacking. This information is critical to interpret WGS findings involving food or food-associated isolates. This study suggests thatL. monocytogenesthat persists in processing facilities may evolve with a low single-nucleotide mutation rate mostly driven by negative (i.e., purifying) selection but with rapid diversification of prophages. Hence, isolation ofL. monocytogeneswith few single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences in different locations (e.g., supplier plants and receiving plants) is possible, highlighting the importance of epidemiological and detailed isolate metadata for interpreting WGS data in traceback investigation. Our study also shows how advanced WGS data analyses can be used to support root cause analysis efforts and may, for example, pinpoint the time when a persistence event started (which then potentially could be linked to facility changes, introduction of new equipment, etc.).
Detection of Immunoglobulin G and A Antibodies to Rubella Virus in Urine and Antibody Responses to Vaccine-Induced Infection
Authors: Takahashi Shigeo , Machikawa Fusaichi , Noda Atsunari , Oda Tetsuya , Tachikawa Tetsuya
Published: December 2019

Urine and serum samples from 89 healthy volunteers and three healthy individuals who underwent rubella vaccination were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM to rubella virus (RV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Subjects with positive (
n
= 68) or negative (
n
= 21) results for serum IgG were exactly the same as those with the corresponding results for urinary IgG. Both urinary and serum IgG levels remained elevated from the 3rd or 4th week after vaccination until the end of the study. Both urinary IgA and serum IgM levels tended to increase rapidly between the 3rd and 5th week and then gradually decrease until the end of the study, but the levels of both remained positive except for one sample each at the end (26th week). On the other hand, the ratio of anti-RV IgA titer to anti-RV IgG titer in urine (urinary anti-RV IgA/IgG ratio) increased rapidly between the 3rd and 4th week after vaccination and then rapidly returned to the ratio levels of the subjects positive for serum IgG from among the healthy volunteers. In summary, detection of urinary anti-RV IgG should be useful for screening for previous RV infection, and measurement of urinary anti-RV IgA/IgG ratio might be useful for diagnosing recent infection.
AIDS Vaccination Studies Using an Ex Vivo Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Model: Homologous Erythrocytes as a Delivery System for Preferential Immunization with Putative Protective Antigens
Authors: Chiarantini Laura , Matteucci Donatella , Pistello Mauro , Mancini Umberto , Mazzetti Paola , Massi Claudia , Giannecchini Simone , Lonetti Isabella , Magnani Mauro , Bendinelli Mauro
Published: December 2019

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a useful model for testing of criteria for AIDS vaccine development. In the protocol we adopted, we used a primary isolate of FIV as a source of antigen and, for challenge, plasma from cats infected with the homologous virus never passaged in vitro. Cat erythrocytes (RBC) were coated with the surface components of freshly harvested and purified FIV by means of biotin-avidin-biotin bridges and used to immunize specific-pathogen-free cats (four doses at monthly intervals; total amount of FIV antigen administered per cat, approximately 14 μg). Immunized cats developed moderate levels of antibodies directed mainly to surface components of the virion and clearly evident lymphoproliferative responses. Four months after the last dose of immunogen, FIV-immunized cats and control cats immunized with bovine serum albumin-coated RBC were challenged. Judged from the results of the subsequent 12-month follow-up, FIV-immunized cats exhibited at least some degree of protection. However, following rechallenge, most of the FIV-immunized animals became virus positive in spite of a booster immunogen dose given 2 months before the second challenge.
Evaluation of Recombinant Dense Granule Antigen 7 (GRA7) ofToxoplasma gondiifor Detection of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies and Analysis of a Major Antigenic Domain
Authors: Jacobs Dirk , Vercammen Martine , Saman Eric
Published: December 2019

Dense granule protein 7 (GRA7) ofToxoplasma gondiiwas expressed inEscherichia colias a fusion protein. The leader peptide contained a 25-amino-acid mouse tumor necrosis factor fragment and six histidyl residues. After purification by metal chelate affinity chromatography, the antigen was evaluated in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG). For two sets of IgG-positive human serum samples, obtained from routine screening, an overall sensitivity of 81% was obtained. For chronic-phase sera, the sensitivity of detection was 79%, but chronic-phase sera with low titers were more difficult to detect (65% sensitivity for sera with immunofluorescence titer of 1/64). When GRA7 was combined with Tg34AR (rhoptry protein 2 C-terminal fragment), the sensitivity rose to 96%. For a set of acute-phase serum samples tested on GRA7, the sensitivity of detection was 94%, and high-titer IgM-positive sera were detected at an especially high rate. In contrast, when Tg34AR was used, the sensitivity was only 85% for this latter set of serum samples. Three truncated GRA7 fragments containing the same leader peptide as that of recombinant GRA7 were produced. The shortest fragment (97 N-terminal amino acids) was not reactive with human sera or with a specific anti-GRA7 monoclonal antibody, while the two larger fragments were reactive. The most important antigenic domain of GRA7 for human sera was localized between residues 97 and 146. The epitope for the specific monoclonal antibody could be further narrowed down by the use of synthetic peptides, but this epitope is not recognized by sera fromT. gondii-infected humans. These results indicate that GRA7 may be considered as an additional tool for studying the immune response toT. gondii.
Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Quantitation of Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Proteins
Authors: Gan J. , Kendra K. , Ricci M. , Hank J. A. , Gillies S. D. , Sondel P. M.
Published: December 2019

Preliminary testing has shown in vitro and in vivo that antitumor activity can be obtained with fusion proteins linking tumor-reactive monoclonal antibodies to cytokines, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or interleukin 2 (IL-2). Preclinical and clinical testing of these reagents requires their in vitro and in vivo quantitation and pharmacokinetic evaluation. We have focused on the detection of a fusion protein which links one human IL-2 molecule to the carboxy terminus of each heavy chain of the tumor-reactive human-mouse chimeric anti-GD2 antibody, ch14.18. We have developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to evaluate intact tumor-reactive fusion proteins. By these ELISAs we can reliably measure nanogram quantities of intact ch14.18-IL-2 fusion protein and distinguish the intact protein from its components (ch14.18 and IL-2) in buffer, mouse serum, and human serum with specificity and reproducibility. The measurement of intact ch14.18-IL-2 fusion protein is not confounded by free IL-2 or free ch14.18 when 100 ng or less of total immunoglobulin per ml is used during the assay procedure. Our results indicate that these ELISAs are suitable for preclinical and clinical testing and with slight modifications are applicable to the analysis of a variety of other fusion proteins.
Predictive Value of CD19 Measurements for Bacterial Infections in Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Betensky Rebecca A. , Calvelli Theresa , Pahwa Savita
Published: December 2019

We investigated the predictive value of CD19 cell percentages (CD19%) for times to bacterial infections, using data from six pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocols and adjusting for other potentially prognostic variables, such as CD4%, CD8%, immunoglobulin (IgA) level, lymphocyte count, prior infections, prior zidovudine treatment, and age. In addition, we explored the combined effects of CD19% and IgG level in predicting time to infection. We found that a low CD19% is associated with a nonsignificant 1.2-fold increase in hazard of bacterial infection (95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.49). In contrast, a high IgG level is associated with a nonsignificant 0.87-fold decrease in hazard of infection (95% confidence interval: 0.68, 1.12). CD4% was more prognostic of time to bacterial infection than CD19% or IgG level. Low CD19% and high IgG levels together lead to a significant (P< 0.01) 0.50-fold decrease in hazard (95% confidence interval: 0.35, 0.73) relative to low CD19% and low IgG levels. Similarly, in a model involving assay result changes (from baseline to 6 months) as well as baseline values, the effect of CD19% by itself is reversed from its effect in conjunction with IgG. In this model, CD19% that are increasing and high are associated with decreases in hazard of infection (P< 0.01), while increasing CD19% and increasing IgG levels are associated with significant (at theP= 0.01 level) fourfold increases in hazard of infection relative to stable CD19% and decreasing, stable, or increasing IgG levels. Our data suggest that CD19%, in conjunction with IgG level, provides a useful prognostic tool for bacterial infections. It is highly likely that T-helper function impacts on B-cell function; thus, inclusion of CD4% in such analyses may greatly enhance the assessment of risk for bacterial infection.
Cardiotoxic and Lethal Effects of
Listeria monocytogenes
Hemolysin
Authors: Kingdon G. Charles , Sword C. P.
Published: January 2020

Cardiotoxic and lethal effects of
Listeria monocytogenes
hemolysin were studied in CD-1 mice injected with varying doses of hemolysin. Intravenous injection of 100 complete hemolytic units (CHU) caused 100% lethality within 4 to 5 min. Doses ranging from 40 to 50 CHU caused death of approximately 50% of the animals. Adrenergic blocking agents and antihistamine failed to protect mice against lethality and thereby suggested that death was not due to release of vasoactive agents by hemolysin. Plasma levels of creatine phosphokinase increased after intravenous administration of hemolysin and suggested myopathy, possibly of the myocardium. Electrocardiograms from hemolysin-treated mice indicated serious alterations in heart rate and rhythm, suggesting damage to contractile and pacemaker cardiac tissue. In addition, there were indications of increased potassium levels influencing the heart. Presumably, death was due to functional damage to heart muscle and electrical arrest. The cardiotoxic and lethal effects could be prevented by prior incubation of hemolysin with cholesterol, heating, or failure to reactivate the preparation with cysteine.