bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usual dietary anthocyanin intake, sources and their association with blood pressure in a representative sample of Australian adults
Authors: Igwe E. O. , Charlton K. E. , Probst Y. C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Anthocyanins represent an important subgroup of non‐nutritive components of food as evidence continues to build related to their beneficial bioactive effects. Using a recently developed Australian anthocyanin database, the present study aimed to estimate the intake of both total anthocyanins and their subclasses, identify food sources of anthocyanins, and determine associations between anthocyanin intake and measured blood pressure (BP).

Methods

The present study comprised a secondary analysis of the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity component of the Australian Health Survey. Anthocyanin intake was estimated using an Australian anthocyanin database. Usual anthocyanin intake, as estimated from 24‐h diet recall data, was computed using multiple source methods, whereas food sources were determined by calculating contribution of food groups to total anthocyanin intake. Regression analysis, adjusted for covariates (age, gender, body mass index, high BP diagnosis, smoking status and physical activity) assessed the relationship between anthocyanin intake and BP in adults aged ≥50 years.

Results

Mean anthocyanin intake was 24.17 ± 0.32 mg day−1. Across age groups, berries were the top sources: blackberry (5–65%), cherry (2–24%), blueberry (2–13%) and raspberry (3–12%). There was a significant inverse association between anthocyanin intake and systolic BP (β = −0.04, F = 16.8, d.f. = 6, r2 = 0.05, P < 0.01) and diastolic BP (β = 0.01, F = 5.35, d.f. = 6, R2 = 0.013, P < 0.01), in models that adjusted for covariates.

Conclusions

In comparison with the world composite database, anthocyanin intake in the Australian population was above average [mean (SD): 24.17 (0.32) mg day−1 versus 18.05 (21.14) mg day−1]. Berries were the primary source of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin intake in older adults aged ≥50 years was inversely associated with BP.
Glucose supplementation effect on the acidogenicity, viability, and extracellular matrix of Candida single‐ and dual‐species biofilms
Authors: Bezerra Natanael V. F. , Brito Arella C. M. , de Medeiros Mariana M. D. , de França Leite Karla L. , Bezerra Isis M. , de Almeida Leopoldina F. D. , Aires Carolina P. , Cavalcanti Yuri W.
Published: March 2019

Aim

Evidence of glucose supplementation effect on Candida biofilm metabolism has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of glucose concentration on Candida biofilms.

Methods

Single‐ and dual‐species biofilms of Candida were grown on saliva‐coated poly(methyl‐methacrylate) disks for 72 hours. Biofilms (N = 8/group) were exposed to the following concentrations of glucose: 100 mmol/L (G100), 300 mmol/L (G300), and no glucose (G0: control). Biofilms were collected to determine the acidogenicity, viability, amount of soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (IEPS), and surface roughness. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α < 0.05).

Results

Single‐ and dual‐species biofilms from G300 were more acidogenic at 48 and 72 hours compared to G100 and G0 (P < 0.05). The viability of the G100 and G300 groups did not differ (P > 0.05), but differed statistically from G0. The amount of IEPS in the G300 group was statistically higher than the G0 and G100 groups (P < 0.05). The G300 group also presented a higher IEPS proportion per number of viable cells compared to others. G300 presented greater surface roughness for both single‐ (mean roughness = 1460 μm) and dual‐species (mean roughness = 1990 μm) biofilms.

Conclusions

Higher glucose concentration (300 mmol/L) during biofilm development favors the growth of single‐ and dual‐species biofilms of Candida.
Exploring the molecular basis of heterosis for plant breeding
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Mengjie , Zhang Qi , Wei Xin , Huang Xuehui
Published: March 2019

Since approximate a century ago, many hybrid crops have been continually developed by crossing two inbred varieties. Owing to heterosis (hybrid vigor) in plants, these hybrids often have superior agricultural performances in yield or disease resistance succeeding their inbred parental lines. Several classical hypotheses have been proposed to explain the genetic causes of heterosis. During recent years, many new genetics and genomics strategies have been developed and used for the identifications of heterotic genes in plants. Heterotic effects of the heterotic loci and molecular functions of the heterotic genes are being investigated in many plants such as rice, maize, sorghum, Arabidopsis and tomato. More and more data and knowledge coming from the molecular studies of heterotic loci and genes will serve as a valuable resource for hybrid breeding by molecular design in future. This review aims to address recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of heterosis in plants. The remaining scientific questions on the molecular basis of heterosis and the potential applications in breeding are also proposed and discussed.
Behavioural and emotional problems among school children in Pakistan: A telephonic survey for prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Malik Tamkeen A , Siddiqui Salma , Mahmood Ayeshah
Published: March 2019

Aim

Escalating rates of childhood mental health disorders constitute a serious issue for countries like Pakistan. However, due to a scarce number of studies on childhood behavioural problems, understanding the magnitude and gap of the problem is a challenge. Thus, the present study is intended to bridge this gap. This study provides estimates for prevalence, associated demographic risk factors and the impact of behavioural and emotional problems among school children.

Methods

A sample of children (n = 800) from public schools of Islamabad were selected using two‐stage cluster random sampling. Data were collected from parents through telephonic interviews using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

Prevalence of overall behaviour problems accounted for 15.9%. For conduct problems, estimates were around 26.6%, for emotional problems 22.5%, for peer problems 13%, for hyperactivity 10.6% and for social problems 3% in the initial analysis. Mother's education also appeared to be a significant predictor for mental health problems of youth, where low maternal education was associated with high prevalence and higher impact of emotional and behavioural problems in the present sample.

Conclusions

Prevalence estimates of the current study call for attention towards improving mental health services and access to children who are at risk or are having mental health problems. In the context of scarcity of the data from countries like Pakistan, the findings should be considered a call for mental health service providers, researchers and policymakers to scale up mental health services for youth in Pakistan.
Efficacy of orally administered sodium benzoate and sodium phenylbutyrate in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts
Authors: van Straten Giora , van Dalen Diewke , Mesu Sietske J. , Rothuizen Jan , Teske Erik , Spee Bart , Favier Robert P. , van Geijlswijk Ingeborg M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Hyperammonemia can result in hepatic encephalopathy, which in severe cases eventually can lead to coma and death. In dogs, congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are the most common cause for hyperammonemia. Conservative treatment consists of a protein modified diet, nonabsorbable disaccharides, antibiotics, or some combinations of these. Sodium benzoate (SB) and sodium phenylbutyrate (SPB) both are used in the acute and long‐term treatment of humans with hyperammonemia caused by urea cycle enzyme deficiencies. Both treatments are believed to lower blood ammonia concentrations by promoting excretion of excess nitrogen via alternative pathways.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PO treatment with SB and SPB on hyperammonemia and clinical signs in CPSS dogs.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial. Concentrations of blood ammonia and bile acids were measured in CPSS dogs before and after a 5‐day treatment with SB, SPB, and placebo. A wash‐out period of 3 days was used between treatments. A standard questionnaire was developed and distributed to owners to evaluate clinical signs before and after each treatment.

Results

Blood ammonia concentrations were not influenced by any of the treatments and were comparable to those observed during placebo treatment. In addition, SB and SPB treatment did not result in improvement of clinical signs. Adverse effects during treatment included anorexia, vomiting, and lethargy.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Based on our results, we conclude that SB or SPB are not useful in the conservative treatment of hyperammonemia in dogs with CPSS.
A gene for resistance to the Varroa mite (Acari) in honey bee (Apis mellifera) pupae
Authors: Conlon Benjamin H. , Aurori Adriana , Giurgiu Alexandru‐Ioan , Kefuss John , Dezmirean Daniel S. , Moritz Robin F. A. , Routtu Jarkko
Published: March 2019

Social insect colonies possess a range of defences which protect them against highly virulent parasites and colony collapse. The host–parasite interaction between honey bees (Apis mellifera) and the mite Varroa destructor is unusual, as honey bee colonies are relatively poorly defended against this parasite. The interaction has existed since the mid‐20th Century, when Varroa switched host to parasitize A. mellifera. The combination of a virulent parasite and relatively naïve host means that, without acaricides, honey bee colonies typically die within 3 years of Varroa infestation. A consequence of acaricide use has been a reduced selective pressure for the evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bee colonies. However, in the past 20 years, several natural‐selection‐based breeding programmes have resulted in the evolution of Varroa‐resistant populations. In these populations, the inhibition of Varroa's reproduction is a common trait. Using a high‐density genome‐wide association analysis in a Varroa‐resistant honey bee population, we identify an ecdysone‐induced gene significantly linked to resistance. Ecdysone both initiates metamorphosis in insects and reproduction in Varroa. Previously, using a less dense genetic map and a quantitative trait loci analysis, we have identified Ecdysone‐related genes at resistance loci in an independently evolved resistant population. Varroa cannot biosynthesize ecdysone but can acquire it from its diet. Using qPCR, we are able to link the expression of ecdysone‐linked resistance genes to Varroa's meals and reproduction. If Varroa co‐opts pupal compounds to initiate and time its own reproduction, mutations in the host's ecdysone pathway may represent a key selection tool for honey bee resistance and breeding.
Ethical and moral considerations of (patient) centredness in nursing and healthcare: Navigating uncharted waters
Authors: O'Rourke Deanne J. , Thompson Genevieve N. , McMillan Diana E.
Published: March 2019

This discussion paper aims to explore potential ethical and moral implications of (patient) centredness in nursing and healthcare. Healthcare is experiencing a philosophical shift from a perspective where the health professional is positioned as the expert to one that re‐centres care and service provision central to the needs and desires of the persons served. This centred approach to healthcare delivery has gained a moral authority as the right thing to do. However, little attention has been given to its moral and ethical theoretical grounding and potential implications for nurses, persons served and the healthcare system. Based upon a review of academic and grey literature, centredness is proposed as a value‐laden concept in nursing inquiry. Potential moral and ethical implications of centredness on nurses/healthcare providers, persons served and the healthcare system are discussed. These challenges are then considered within the context of normative and relational ethical theories. These perspectives may offer guidance relative to how one should act in those circumstances as well as an understanding as to how interdependency and engagement with the other person(s) can help navigate the challenges of a centred care approach. Viewing centredness through an ethical theoretical lens provides a valuable discourse to nursing in efforts to expand the knowledge base and integrate centred approaches into practice and policy.
Varying screen size for passive video distraction during induction of anesthesia in low‐risk children: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rodriguez Samuel T. , Jang Olivia , Hernandez Jessica Maya , George Alexandria Joseph , Caruso Thomas J. , Simons Laura E.
Published: March 2019

Background

Preoperative anxiety affects up to 65% of children who undergo anesthesia induction and often results in uncooperative behavior. Electronic devices have been used to distract children to reduce anxiety and create a more enjoyable preoperative experience. Few studies have compared the effects of different video delivery systems on preoperative anxiety.

Aims

The primary aim was to determine if a large projection‐based video screen mounted to a patient's bed decreased anxiety when compared to a tablet during mask induction of anesthesia in children from 4‐10 years of age.

Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized trial to determine differences in our primary outcome, preoperative anxiety, between the large Bedside Entertainment and Relaxation Theater (BERT) and a smaller tablet screen. Secondary outcomes included (a) induction compliance; (b) child fear; (c) frequency of emergence delirium; and (d) satisfaction.

Results

In examining the primary outcome for 52 patients, there was a main effect for time on mYPAS scores, f(2, 51) = 13.18, P < 0.01. mYPAS scores significantly increased across time for both groups. The interaction for time (T0, T1 or T2) × group (BERT vs Tablet) was not significant, f(2, 51) = 1.96, P = 0.15; thus changes in mYPAS scores across time did not differ by group status. There was no significant difference in induction compliance, child fear, emergence delirium, or satisfaction between the two groups.

Conclusion

In a low‐risk population, preoperative anxiety was low and induction compliance was high when pairing screen‐based distraction interventions, regardless of size, with parental presence at induction of anesthesia.
Transplantation of adult‐size kidneys in small pediatric recipients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Muramatsu Masaki , Mizutani Toshihide , Hamasaki Yuko , Takahashi Yusuke , Itabashi Yoshihiro , Kubota Mai , Hashimoto Junya , Oguchi Hideyo , Sakurabayashi Kei , Hyodo Yoji , Shinoda Kazunobu , Kawamura Takeshi , Sakai Ken , Shishido Seiichiro
Published: March 2019

RTx of adult‐size kidneys presents a size mismatch in small pediatric recipients, and there are potential surgical complications. This study reveals the outcomes of intra‐ and extraperitoneal RTx in low‐weight (less than 15 kg) pediatric recipients. We studied 51 pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kg who received a living‐related donor renal transplant between 2009 and 2017. The intraperitoneal (group A, n = 24) and extraperitoneal (group B, n = 27) approaches were compared. In group A, the mean age, Ht, and weight were 3.8 ± 1.6 years, 83.7 ± 6.5 cm, 10.5 ± 1.8 kg; in group B, 5.0 ± 1.9 years, 95.3 ± 7.3 cm, and 13.0 ± 1.4 kg. Single renal artery grafts (21 in group A and 16 in group B) and double renal artery grafts (three in group A and 11 in group B) were performed. Of the patients with double renal artery transplants, one in group A and six in group B underwent ex vivo arterial reconstruction. The eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) at 1‐week post‐transplant in group A was significantly higher than that in group B; the eGFRs at 4 weeks post‐transplant did not differ. One graft was lost in group B because of vascular thrombosis. Post‐transplant complications included ileus and transplant ureteral stenosis. There was no significant difference in 5‐year graft survival rate (group A 100%, group B 91.7%). Both transplant approaches are feasible to adapt to a size mismatch between the adult‐size donor kidney and low‐weight pediatric recipients.
Voters’ Partisan Responses to Politicians’ Immoral Behavior
Authors: Walter Annemarie S. , Redlawsk David P.
Published: March 2019

Politicians’ moral behaviors affect how voters evaluate them. But existing empirical research on the effects of politicians’ violations of moral standards pays little attention to the heterogeneous moral foundations of voters in assessing responses to violations. It also pays little attention to the ways partisan preferences shape responses. We examine voters’ heterogeneous evaluative and emotional responses to presumably immoral behaviors by politicians. We make use of moral foundation theory’s argument that people vary in the extent to which they endorse, value, and use the five universally available moral intuitions: care, fairness, loyalty, authority and sanctity. We report on a 5 × 3 between‐subjects experiment asking a random sample of 2,026 U.S. respondents to respond to politicians’ violations of different moral foundations. We randomly vary which of the five foundations is violated and the partisanship of the actor (Republic/Democrat/Nonpartisan). Results suggest that partisanship rather than moral foundations drives most of U.S. voters’ responses to moral foundations violations by politicians. These foundations seem malleable when partisan actors are involved. While Democrats in this sample show stronger negative emotional response to moral violations than Republicans, partisans of both parties express significantly greater negativity when a politician of the other party violates a moral foundation.
Building Productive Collaborations: Creation of A Technological Research and Development Unit (UIDT) of the ICAT in the General Hospital of Mexico
Authors: González Luis Roberto Vega , Segundo Crescencio García
Published: March 2019

Nearly seven years after the signing of the Collaboration Agreement for the establishment of a Research and Technological Development Unit (UIDT, from Spanish) of the Applied Sciences and Technology Institute (ICAT, from Spanish), previously Applied Sciences and Technological Development Center (ICAT, from Spanish) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM, from Spanish) within the General Hospital of Mexico “Eduardo Liceaga” (HGMEL, from Spanish), in this article we propose that there have been diverse human and organizational factors that allowed a smooth and nice birth of the institution and it seems there are good medium term consolidation perspectives. In a first exploration the UIDT has favored the processes of interchange of information and interdisciplinary communication between physicians and specialists of the health sector with the UNAM’s physicists and engineers to reach agreements for the development of R&D trans-disciplinary projects with high social impact potential. Through the results that are observed up to now, we note that the joint work between the parties has led to the development of different projects whose protocols have been approved by the corresponding medical, ethical and academic committees. Besides the conventional academic results there are emerging some specific technological results in the fields of medical devices, computer programs and a pair of technological transfers very promising in terms of the wide number of patients that will use them, as the cranial prostheses case or a hepatic pre-diagnostics auxiliary software method. This paper reviews various relevant organizational aspects resulting from the establishment of the UIDT and the lessons learned during the process.
A Mechanistic Model of Liquid Film Movements in Pipe Elbows for Annular Flow
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Liu Haixiao
Published: March 2019

A mechanistic model of film movements is developed based on the treatments on the annular flow field. The initial conditions at the inlet are determined by adopting a validated film thickness correlation of fully developed upward annular flow in vertical pipes. The overall pressure gradient is assumed to be uniform all along the axial distance within the elbow and the static pressure is also uniform on every cross section. The axial velocities of the liquid film and the core region are both uniform on the cross-sectional plane. The droplets are assumed to travel in straight lines normal to the inlet plane until colliding on and absorbed by the liquid film surface. The liquid film motion is divided into the axial and radial directions. Energy conservation law and Newton's second law are, respectively, used in the two directions. The film motion calculation is executed by using a discrete method with an explicit solution. The average film thickness and the circumferential thickness distribution on an arbitrary cross section can be obtained for the given flow conditions. The mechanistic model is verified by comparing the predicted circumferential distribution of film thickness with three series of experimental data from the literature. Parametric studies are also conducted to investigate the parameter effects and the range of application. The present work proves that the variation and distribution of film thickness within the elbows can be efficiently described by the mechanistic model.
Estimation and Use of the Radiation Distribution Factor Median for Predicting Uncertainty in the Monte Carlo Ray-Trace Method
Authors: Yarahmadi Mehran , Mahan J. Robert , Priestley Kory J.
Published: March 2019

In a recent contribution, the authors show that the uncertainty in heat transfer results obtained using the Monte Carlo ray-trace (MCRT) method is related to the median of the radiation distribution factor probability density function (PDF). The value of this discovery would be significantly enhanced if the median could be known a priori without first computing the distribution factors. This would allow the user to determine the number of rays required to achieve the desired accuracy of a subsequent heat transfer analysis. The current contribution presents a correlation for the median of the distribution factor PDF as a function of emissivity and the number of surface elements defining an enclosure. The correlation involves a single parameter whose value is unique for a given enclosure geometry. We find that the radiation behavior of a given enclosure can be classified on a scale ranging from reflection-dominated to geometry-dominated. The correlation is shown to work well for reflection-dominated enclosures but less well for geometry-dominated enclosures.
A Flexible Chain Proposal for Winch-Based Point Absorbers
Authors: Andersson Kjell , Hagnestål Anders , Sellgren Ulf
Published: March 2019

Ocean wave power is a promising renewable energy source. It has, however, been difficult to find a cost-effective solution to convert wave energy into electricity. The harsh marine environment and the fact that wave power is delivered with large forces at low speed make design of durable mechanical structures and efficient energy conversion challenging. The dimensioning forces strongly depend on the wave power concept, the wave energy converter (WEC) implementation, and the actual power take-off (PTO) system. A WEC with a winch as a power take-off system, i.e., a winch-based point absorber (WBPA), could potentially enable a low levelized cost of energy (LCOE) if a low-cost, durable and efficient winch that can deal with peak loads can be developed. A key challenge for realizing such a winch is to find a force transmitting solution that can deal with these peak loads and that can handle up to 80 million cycles during its life. In this article, we propose a design solution for a force transmitting chain with elastomer bearings connecting the links of the chain. With this solution no sliding is present, and the angular motion is realized as elastic shear deformations in the elastomer bearings when the chain is wound onto the winch drum. The elastomer bearings were designed for low shear stiffness and high compression stiffness, and the links were designed primarily to minimize the number of joints in the chain. Thereby, the maximum allowed relative angle between the links when rolled up over the drum should be as large as possible within practical limits. Finite element-based topological optimization was performed with the aim to increase the link strength to weight ratio. A test rig for a first proof of concept testing has been developed, and preliminary test results indicate that this chain concept with elastomer bearings can be a potential solution for a durable chain and should be analyzed and tested further for fatigue and sea operations.
Investigating the Influence of Designers’ Cognitive Characteristics and Interaction Behaviors in Design Concept Generation
Authors: Jablokow Kathryn W. , Sonalkar Neeraj , Edelman Jonathan , Mabogunje Ade , Leifer Larry
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates relationships among the cognitive characteristics, interaction behaviors, and ideation outcomes of 14 engineering design teams engaged in concept generation. Cognitive characteristics were measured using the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), which assesses an individual’s cognitive preference for structure in generating and working with ideas in problem solving. Team interactions were assessed using the Interaction Dynamics Notation (IDN), which allows interaction behaviors to be quantitatively analyzed, while team outcomes were measured in terms of ideation utterances (ideas and unique ideas). Our analyses revealed that cognitive style (KAI) did not correlate significantly with interaction response behaviors (IDN) or with the quantity of ideas/unique ideas produced. However, the cognitive style diversity of the teams did influence the number of topics they discussed, as well as the interconnectedness of those topics. In addition, several specific interaction responses were associated with the occurrence of ideas/unique ideas, although the sequences associated with those responses varied widely; the more adaptive teams also had greater position specificity in these sequences than the more innovative teams. Our findings highlight the importance of forming cognitively diverse design teams and suggest that specific interaction behaviors should be encouraged or taught as a means to increase the occurrence of ideas and/or unique ideas during team concept generation.
Numerical Analysis of Influence of Roughness of Material Surface on High-Speed Liquid Droplet Impingement
Authors: Sasaki Hirotoshi , Iga Yuka
Published: March 2019

This study explains why the deep erosion pits are formed in liquid droplet impingement erosion even though the droplets uniformly impinge on the entire material surface. Liquid droplet impingement erosion occurs in fluid machinery on which droplets impinge at high speed. In the process of erosion, the material surface becomes completely roughened by erosion pits. In addition, most material surface is not completely smooth and has some degree of initial roughness from manufacturing and processing and so on. In this study, to consider the influence of the roughness on the material surface under droplet impingement, a numerical analysis of droplets impinging on the material surface with a single wedge and a single bump was conducted with changing offsets between the droplet impingement centers and the roughness centers on each a wedge bottom and a bump top. As results, two mechanisms are predicted from the present numerical results: the erosion rate accelerates and transitions from the incubation stage to the acceleration stage once roughness occurs on the material surface; the other is that deep erosion pits are formed even in the case of liquid droplets impinging uniformly on the entire material surface.
The historical development of complex global trafficking networks for marine wildlife
Authors: Miller Emily A. , McClenachan Loren , Uni Yoshikazu , Phocas George , Hagemann Molly E. , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: March 2019

One hundred and fifty years of marine wildlife trafficking records precede and predict modern IUU fishing patterns.
Self-driving cars: A city perspective
Authors: Duarte Fabio
Published: March 2019

The future of self-driving lies in the technologies embedded in the fabric of cities.
Autonomous vehicles: An imperfect path to saving millions of lives
Authors: Jacobstein Neil
Published: March 2019

Autonomous vehicles will eventually save millions of lives, underscoring the importance of accelerating research, development, engineering, and testing.
A farnesyltransferase inhibitor activates lysosomes and reduces tau pathology in mice with tauopathy
Authors: Hernandez Israel , Luna Gabriel , Rauch Jennifer N. , Reis Surya A. , Giroux Michel , Karch Celeste M. , Boctor Daniel , Sibih Youssef E. , Storm Nadia J. , Diaz Antonio , Kaushik Susmita , Zekanowski Cezary , Kang Alexander A. , Hinman Cassidy R. , Cerovac Vesna , Guzman Elmer , Zhou Honjun , Haggarty Stephen J. , Goate Alison M. , Fisher Steven K. , Cuervo Ana M. , Kosik Kenneth S.
Published: March 2019

Targeting farnesylation of Rhes induces lysosomal-mediated tau degradation and reduces tau pathology in mice with tauopathy.
In utero and postnatal VX-770 administration rescues multiorgan disease in a ferret model of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sun Xingshen , Yi Yaling , Yan Ziying , Rosen Bradley H. , Liang Bo , Winter Michael C. , Evans T. Idil Apak , Rotti Pavana G. , Yang Yu , Gray Jaimie S. , Park Soo Yeun , Zhou Weihong , Zhang Yulong , Moll Shashanna R. , Woody Lisa , Tran Dao M. , Jiang Licong , Vonk Annelotte M. , Beekman Jeffrey M. , Negulescu Paul , Van Goor Fred , Fiorino Dennis F. , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Engelhardt John F.
Published: March 2019

In utero and early postnatal functional rescue of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator improves survival in cystic fibrosis ferrets.
Teaching an old antibody response new tricks
Authors: Hickman Heather D.
Published: March 2019

The human antibody repertoire against influenza virus is shaped by prior infection and vaccination.
B cell lymphoma R-CHOPped by metabolic inhibitors
Authors: Yang Ming
Published: March 2019

Some patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma are resistant to conventional combination therapy but respond to metabolic inhibitors.
High Prevalence of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant
Campylobacter
Bacteria in Sheep and Increased
Campylobacter
Counts in the Bile and Gallbladders of Sheep Medicated with Tetracycline in Feed
Authors: Xia Jing , Pang Jinji , Tang Yizhi , Wu Zuowei , Dai Lei , Singh Kritika , Xu Changyun , Ruddell Brandon , Kreuder Amanda , Xia Lining , Ma Xiaoping , Brooks Kelly S. , Ocal Melda M. , Sahin Orhan , Plummer Paul J. , Griffith Ronald W. , Zhang Qijing
Published: March 2019

Campylobacter
is a major cause of foodborne illness in humans, and antibiotic-resistant
Campylobacter
is considered a serious threat to public health in the United States and worldwide. As a foodborne pathogen,
Campylobacter
commonly exists in the intestinal tract of ruminant animals, such as sheep and cattle. Results from this study reveal the predominant genotypes and high prevalence of tetracycline (TET) and fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance in sheep
Campylobacter
. The finding on fluoroquinolone resistance in sheep
Campylobacter
is unexpected, as this class of antibiotics is not used for sheep in the United States, and it may suggest the transmission of fluoroquinolone-resistant
Campylobacter
from cattle to sheep. Additionally, the results demonstrate that in-feed medication with tetracycline increases
Campylobacter
counts in gallbladders, suggesting that the antibiotic promotes
Campylobacter
colonization of the gallbladder. These findings provide new information on
Campylobacter
epidemiology in sheep, which may be useful for curbing the spread of antibiotic-resistant
Campylobacter
in animal reservoirs.
Biochemical Characterization of the Methylmercaptopropionate:Cob(I)alamin Methyltransferase from Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Fu He , Goettge Michelle N. , Metcalf William W.
Published: March 2019

Methylmercaptopropionate (MMPA) is an environmentally significant molecule produced by degradation of the abundant marine metabolite dimethylsulfoniopropionate, which plays a significant role in the biogeochemical cycles of both carbon and sulfur, with ramifications for ecosystem productivity and climate homeostasis. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms for MMPA production and consumption is key to understanding steady-state levels of this compound in the biosphere. Unfortunately, the biochemistry required for MMPA catabolism under anoxic conditions is poorly characterized. The data reported here validate the suggestion that the MtpA protein catalyzes the first step in the methanogenic catabolism of MMPA. However, the enzyme does not catalyze a proposed second step required to produce the key intermediate, methyl coenzyme M. Therefore, the additional enzymes required for methanogenic MMPA catabolism await discovery.
Genotyping of Pneumocystis jirovecii by Use of a New Simplified Nomenclature System Based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions and 5.8S rRNA Gene of the rRNA Operon
Authors: Xue Ting , Ma Zhuang , Liu Fan , Du Wei-Qin , He Li , Ma Liang , An Chun-Li
Published: March 2019

Genotyping based on internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS2 of the rRNA operon has played an important role in understanding the transmission and epidemiology of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
, one of the major opportunistic pathogens in individuals with AIDS and other immunocompromised individuals. The widespread use of this typing system has resulted in several problems, including inconsistent genotype nomenclatures, difficult data transferability, and complicated interpretation of the length variation in multiple homopolymeric tracts.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus lehensis M136, Isolated from the Manleluag Hyperalkaline Spring in Pangasinan, Philippines
Authors: Manalang Aprill P. , Montecillo Andrew D. , Berdos Lorren Myriccar G. , Franco Rose Ann G. , Bosito Eula Francia M. , Sabino Noel G. , Diaz Maria Genaleen Q. , Lantican Nacita B.
Published: March 2019

Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequence of
Bacillus lehensis
M136, isolated from a hyperalkaline spring located in Pangasinan, Philippines. From 24 scaffolds, the total genome assembly length is 3,985,437 bp.
Complete Sequence and Annotation of the Mycoplasma phocirhinis Strain 852
T
Genome
Authors: Frasca Salvatore , Castellanos Gell Jessy , Kutish Gerald F. , Michaels Dina L. , Brown Daniel R.
Published: March 2019

The genome of
Mycoplasma phocirhinis
strain 852
T
was examined for determinants of tropism or virulence. It encodes multiple orthologs of an immunosuppressor that may predispose susceptibility to infection or influence outcomes of intercurrent diseases in marine mammals.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cluster O Mycobacterium smegmatis Bacteriophage Ryadel
Authors: Miller Travis , Bachhofer Danielle , Cooper Ashleigh , Doty Jessica , Katuri Josh , Musgrave Jonathan , Palumbo Aleksey , Spann Heidi , Stone Amanda , Emmert Keith , Edwards Julie , Meik Jesse , Pierce James , Edwards Dustin
Published: March 2019

Mycobacteriophage Ryadel is a newly isolated cluster O
Siphoviridae
bacteriophage, characterized by an unusual prolate capsid, containing a 72,658-base-pair double-stranded DNA genome with 132 predicted protein-coding genes. Conserved among cluster O bacteriophages, the Ryadel genome contains 31 copies of a unique 17-bp sequence with dyad symmetry.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Shewanella
sp. Strain TH2012, Isolated from Shrimp in a Cultivation Pond Exhibiting Early Mortality Syndrome
Authors: Wechprasit Piyanuch , Panphloi Muthita , Thitamadee Siripong , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Prachumwat Anuphap
Published: March 2019

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a
Shewanella
isolate, TH2012, from a shrimp pond in which shrimp exhibited early mortality syndrome (EMS)/acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). The complete genome of TH2012 has a prophage-like element and a number of potential virulence factors, making TH2012 a possible contributing factor to EMS outbreaks.
Combined Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis of Immortalized Human Keratinocytes Expressing Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) Oncogenes Reveals Novel Key Factors and Networks in HPV-Induced Carcinogenesis
Authors: Yang Ruwen , Klimentová Jana , Göckel-Krzikalla Elke , Ly Regina , Gmelin Nadine , Hotz-Wagenblatt Agnes , Řehulková Helena , Stulík Jiří , Rösl Frank , Niebler Martina
Published: March 2019

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers still remain a big health problem, especially in developing countries, despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines. Although HPV oncogenes have been intensively investigated for decades, a study applying recent advances in RNA-Seq and quantitative proteomic approaches to a precancerous model system with well-defined HPV oncogene expression alongside HPV-negative parental cells has been missing until now. Here, combined omics analyses reveal global changes caused by the viral oncogenes in a less biased way and allow the identification of novel factors and key cellular networks potentially promoting malignant transformation. In addition, this system also provides a basis for mechanistic research on novel key factors regulated by HPV oncogenes, especially those that are confirmed
in vivo
in cervical cancer as well as in head and neck cancer patient samples from TCGA data sets.
Cryptogenic adrenal infarction: a rare case of unilateral adrenal infarction in a pregnant woman
Authors: Agarwal Krishna Adit , Soe Myat Han
Published: March 2019

Adrenal infarction is a rare event, especially in pregnancy. The diagnosis is challenging because patients present with acute abdomen and initial workup are usually unrevealing. We present a case of unilateral adrenal infarction in a pregnant young woman without any other causes of thrombophilia, who presented with acute abdominal pain and an unremarkable initial workup. MRI and contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a non-haemorrhagic infarct of the right adrenal gland. Our case highlights the importance of considering this rare diagnosis in the differential for a pregnant woman with acute abdomen without any obvious surgical cause.
A combination of mupirocin and acidic fibroblast growth factor for nipple fissure and nipple pain in breastfeeding women: protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial
Authors: Lv Xiaofang , Feng Rui , Zhai Jingbo
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Nipple fissure and nipple pain are common complaints among breastfeeding mothers. Studies found that mupirocin was effective in preventing and treating infections of damaged nipple and nipple pain. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) plays an important role in wound healing. However, current evidence on the efficacy and safety of mupirocin plus aFGF for nipple fissure and nipple pain in breastfeeding women is inconclusive due to the lack of well-designed randomised controlled trials on this topic. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that mupirocin plus aFGF is more effective than mupirocin alone for nipple fissure and nipple pain in breastfeeding women.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised, double-blind, single-centre, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 120 breastfeeding women with nipple fissure and nipple pain will be randomly assigned to either mupirocin plus aFGF group or mupirocin plus placebo group according to a computer-generated random allocation sequence. The treatment period lasts 14 days. The primary outcome is nipple pain intensity measured by the Visual Analogue Scale on day 14 during the treatment period. Secondary outcome measures include time to complete nipple pain relief, changes in the Nipple Trauma Score, time to complete healing of nipple trauma, quality of life measured by the Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life (MAPP-QOL) Questionnaire, the frequency of breast feeding, the rate of breastfeeding discontinuation, weight change in infants and adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has gained approval from the Ethics Review Committee of Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynaecology Obstetrics on 22 January 2018 (approval no. 2018KY001). We plan to publish our research findings in a peer-reviewed academic journal and disseminate these findings in international conferences. This study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800017248.
How does returning to work after retirement influence older workers’ health? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lecours Alexandra , Lord Marie-Michèle , Negrini Alessia , Robitaille Rosalie
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The return to the labour market after retirement is an increasing phenomenon in the North American population. It is the subject of a growing number of studies, whose conclusions seem inconsistent. As returning to working life after retirement is not neutral for individuals, the aim of this article is to present the protocol of a scoping review about its effects on older workers’ health.

Methods and analysis

The methodology of Arksey and O’Malley, including the recommendations of Levacet aland Daudtet alwill be used. The process is composed of seven steps, from the identification of the research question, to the planning of knowledge transfer activities. Documents dealing with retirees returning to work in connection with health will be explored and analysed using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been obtained for the consultation step of the protocol (ethics board of the Centre intégré universitaire en santé et servicessociaux de la Capitale Nationale, project #2019-1753). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols checklist will be used to support transparency and guide translation of findings. Findings will be shared with various stakeholders involved in older workers’ health. Findings will also be disseminated in workshops, peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Lean construction and BIM in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in construction: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tezel Algan , Taggart Martin , Koskela Lauri , Tzortzopoulos Patricia , Hanahoe John , Kelly Mark
Published: March 2019

Lean construction (LC) and building information modeling (BIM) are two of the prominent concepts challenging the traditional practices in construction management. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often constitute the largest group in construction supply chains. Increasing BIM and LC adoption amongst SMEs is a key condition for achieving the transformation of the construction industry through BIM and LC. The paper presents a systematic literature review of the adoption of (i) LC, (ii) BIM, and (iii) both LC and BIM in SMEs to evaluate the current literature, and 114 papers were included in the review. The bibliographic and content characteristics of the literature were discussed in detail. It was found that despite the importance of SMEs, the current LC and BIM literature falls short in terms of both number of publications and content of publications. The paper concludes with some generic suggestions for future research and action.
Thermodynamic properties of light mesons and phase transition in an extended SU(2) NJL model
Authors: Ibarra J. R. Morones , Aguirre A. J. Garza , Flores-Baez Francisco V.
Published: March 2019

In this work, we study the temperature and chemical potential dependence of the masses of sigma and pion mesons as well as the quark condensate by using a SU(2) flavor version of the Nambu–Jona–Lassino model, introducing a prescription that mimics confinement. We have found that as the temperature increases, the mass of sigma shifts down, while the pion mass remains almost constant. On the other hand, the quark condensate decreases as the temperature and chemical potential increases. We have also analyzed the temperature and chemical potential dependence of the spectral function of the sigma meson, from which we observe at low values of T and [Formula: see text] an absence of a peak. Furthermore, as the Mott temperature is reached, its value increases abruptly and a distinct peak emerges, which is related with the dissociation of the sigma. For the case of [Formula: see text], the Mott dissociation is exhibited about the temperature of 189 MeV. We have also obtained the chiral phase diagram and the meson dissociation for different values of [Formula: see text]. From these results, we can state a relation between chiral symmetry restoration and Mott dissociation.
A Novel On-Chip Task Scheduler for Mixed-Criticality Real-Time Systems
Authors: Kohútka Lukáš , Nagy Lukáš , Stopjaková Viera
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a novel design of a coprocessor that performs hardware-accelerated task scheduling for embedded real-time systems consisting of mixed-criticality real-time tasks. The proposed solution is based on the Robust Earliest Deadline (RED) algorithm and previously developed hardware architectures used for scheduling of real-time tasks. Thanks to the HW implementation of the scheduler in the form of a coprocessor, the scheduler operations (i.e., instructions) are always completed in two clock cycles regardless of the actual or even maximum task amount within the system. The proposed scheduler was verified using simplified version of UVM and applying billions of randomly generated instructions as inputs to the scheduler. Chip area costs are evaluated by synthesis for Intel FPGA Cyclone V and for 28-nm TSMC ASIC. Three versions of real-time task schedulers were compared: EDF-based scheduler designed for hard real-time tasks only, GED-based scheduler and the proposed RED-based scheduler, which is suitable for tasks of various criticalities. According to the synthesis results, the RED-based scheduler consumes LUTs and occupies larger chip area than the original EDF-based scheduler with equivalent parameters used. However, the RED-based scheduler handles variations of task execution times better, achieves higher CPU utilization and can be used for the scheduling of hard real-time, soft real-time and nonreal-time tasks combined in one system, which is not possible with the former algorithms.
Nonlinear Instability Analysis of Functionally Graded Sandwich Truncated Conical Shells Reinforced by Stiffeners Resting on Elastic Foundations
Authors: Hoa Le Kha , Trung Nguyen-Thoi , Hoan Pham Van , Ben Pham Le
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the nonlinear instability of eccentrically stiffened functionally graded (ES-FG) sandwich truncated conical shells subjected to the axial compressive load. The core of the FG sandwich truncated conical shells, assumed to be thin, is made of pure metal or ceramic materials and the two skin layers are made of a FG material. The shell reinforced by orthogonal stiffeners (stringers) is also made of FG materials. The change of spacing between the stringers in the meridional direction is considered. The governing equations are derived using the Donnell shell theory with von Karman geometrical nonlinearity along with the smeared technique for stiffeners. The resulting coupled set of three nonlinear partial differential equations with variable coefficients in terms of displacement components are solved by the Galerkin’s method. The closed-form expressions for determining the critical buckling load and for analyzing the postbucking load–deflection curves are obtained. The accuracy of present formulation is verified by comparing the results obtained with available ones in the literature. The effects of various parameters such stiffeners, foundations, material properties, geometric dimensions on the stability of the shells are studied in detail.