bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated thermal flaw detection technology of complex spatial composite structures in operation
Authors: Kozelskaya S
Published: October 2020

The paper presents a complex technology of thermal flaw detection of small-size discontinuity type defects of composite structures. The integrated flaw detection technology is based on the identification of internal defects as sources of heat caused by the use of additional sources of stimulation. The use of complex technology makes it possible to identify types of defects that cannot be detected by the existing methods, for example, defects of small sizes, closed cracks, microcracks, etc. and determine their location in the material. It is shown that the error in determining the depth of defects in the material when using the proposed integrated technology does not exceed 10-15%, which is quite acceptable for practical use.
Modeling the beam profile of an infrared laser to create optical tweezers in high pressure cells
Authors: Bulatov K M , Khramov N A , Vinogradov M A , Nosov P A , Zinin P V
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a modeling of a laser optical system for heating samples in a high-pressure cell was performed, in which the laser heating system and the optical system for measuring the temperature distribution are separated. It is shown that a setup with separate heating and temperature measurement systems allows one to: (i) adjust the optical temperature measurement system regardless of the alignment of the IR laser; (ii) obtain the optimal spot of the IR laser beam and control the beam in the future using a movable lens and an acousto-optical deflector.
Control of the conducting surface by terahertz surface electromagnetic waves
Authors: Nikitin A K , Gerasimov V V , Knyazev B A , Lien N T H , Trang T T
Published: October 2020

The paper considers the possibilities of quality control of the conductive surface and detection of objects on it beyond the horizon, as well as microscopy of flat faces of semiconductor products using surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) of the terahertz (THz) range. The conditions under which such methods of control can be implemented are determined; schemes of devices that implement such measurements are elaborated; estimates of the possibilities of the developed methods for monitoring metal and semiconductor products probed by monochromatic THz radiation in the form of SEWs are given.
Quality control of solid surfaces by the method of surface plasmon interferometry in the terahertz range
Authors: Nikitin A K , Khitrov O V , Gerasimov V V
Published: October 2020

The article considers the possibility of controlling the quality of a conducting surface using a Michelson interferometer, in which the information carrier is surface plasmon-polaritons (a type of surface electromagnetic waves) of the terahertz range. It is shown that using such an interferometer, it is possible both to control the uniformity of the dielectric coating on the surface of a metal product, and to detect inhomogeneities on the controlled surface, as well as to evaluate their geometric and optical characteristics.
Method for in situ measuring the thickness of a lithium layer
Authors: Kasatov D. , Kolesnikov Ia. , Koshkarev A. , Makarov A. , Sokolova E. , Shchudlo I. , Taskaev S.
Published: October 2020

This work describes a new method for in situ measuring the lithium layer thickness. The method is based on the registration of the yield of 478 keV gamma-quanta of 7Li(p,p'γ)7Li reaction. The results of measuring the radial distribution of the thickness of a lithium layer thermally deposited in vacuum on a cooled copper substrate are presented. The possibility of using this method for certification of lithium targets used for boron neutron capture therapy is noted.
When adaptation increases energy demand: A systematic map of the literature
Authors: Viguié V , Juhel S , Ben-Ari T , Colombert M , Ford J D , Giraudet L G , Reckien D
Published: October 2020

Adaptation is a central component of climate policy, helping manage and reduce risks. Sometimes, however, adaptation to climate change may consume energy, threatening efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Examples are numerous, and include the use of air conditioning or water desalination. Nevertheless, no clear view exists on how energy demand globally can be impacted by climate change. In this paper we systematically map existing evidence on how and to what extent adaptation responses to climate change may impact energy demand. The literature is large, fast-growing and spans several disciplines, but we identify several research gaps. First, the literature focuses almost exclusively on heating and cooling demand, while overlooking other potential sectors. It also focuses heavily on a few world regions, while local specific climate and socio-economic conditions may highly influence the impacts, and focuses largely on average demand, while often disregarding peak energy demand. Finally, and most importantly, only a handful of papers—most of them with a specific geographical scope—consider that different adaptation possibilities may lead to different impacts on energy demand, which is an important prerequisite if the impact of adaptation on energy demand is to be lowered and maladaptation to be avoided. The reviewed papers study for the most part similar options, and most adaptation possibilities are conversely studied by just one or two papers.
Why has no new record-minimum Arctic sea-ice extent occurred since September 2012?
Authors: Francis Jennifer A , Wu Bingyi
Published: October 2020

One of the clearest indicators of human-caused climate change is the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice. The summer minimum coverage is now approximately half of its extent only 40 yr ago. Four records in the minimum extent were broken since 2000, the most recent occurring in September 2012. No new records have been set since then, however, owing to an abrupt atmospheric shift during each August/early-September that brought low sea-level pressure, cloudiness, and unfavorable wind conditions for ice reduction. While random variability could be the cause, we identify a recently increased prevalence of a characteristic large-scale atmospheric pattern over the northern hemisphere. This pattern is associated not only with anomalously low pressure over the Arctic during summer, but also with frequent heatwaves over East Asia, Scandinavia, and northern North America, as well as the tendency for a split jet stream over the continents. This jet-stream configuration has been identified as favoring extreme summer weather events in northern mid-latitudes. We propose a mechanism linking these features with diminishing spring snow cover on northern-hemisphere continents that acts as a negative feedback on the loss of Arctic sea ice during summer.
Online monitoring of volatile organic compounds emitted from human bronchial epithelial cells as markers for oxidative stress
Authors: Cassagnes L E , Leni Z , Håland A , Bell D M , Zhu L , Bertrand A , Baltensperger U , El Haddad I , Wisthaler A , Geiser M , Dommen J
Published: October 2020

Particulate air pollution is associated with adverse respiratory effects and is a major factor for premature deaths. In-vitro assays are commonly used for investigating the direct cytotoxicity and inflammatory impacts due to particulate matter (PM) exposure. However, biological tests are often labor-intensive, destructive and limited to endpoints measured offline at single time points, making it impossible to observe the progression of cell response upon exposure. Here we explored the potential of a high-resolution proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) upon exposure to PM. Cells were exposed to single components (1,4-naphthoquinone and Cu(II)) known to induce oxidative stress. We also tested filter extracts of aerosols generated in a smog chamber, including fresh and aged wood burning emissions, as well as α-pinene secondary organic aerosol (SOA). We found that 1,4-naphthoquinone was rapidly internalized by the cells. Exposing cells to each of these samples induced the emission of VOCs, which we tentatively assigned to acetonitrile, benzaldehyde and dimethylbenzaldehyde, respectively. Emission rates upon exposure to fresh and aged OA from α-pinene oxidation and from biomass burning significantly exceeded those observed after exposure to similar doses of Cu(II), a proxy for transition metals with high oxidative potential. Emission rates of biomarkers from cell exposure to α-pinene SOA exhibited a statistically significant, but weak dose dependence. The emission rates of benzaldehyde scaled with cell death, estimated by measuring the apical release of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase. Particle mass doses delivered to the BEAS-2B cells match those deposited in the human tracheobronchial tract after several hours of inhalation at elevated ambient air pollution. The results presented here show that our method has the potential to determine biomarkers of PM induced pulmonary damage in toxicological and epidemiological research on air pollution.
3D printed titanium scaffolds with homogeneous diamond-like structures mimicking that of the osteocyte microenvironment and its bone regeneration study
Authors: Pei Xuan , Wu Lina , Zhou Changchun , Fan Hongyuan , Gou Maling , Li Zhengyong , Zhang Boqing , Lei Haoyuan , Sun Huan , Liang Jie , Jiang Qing , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: October 2020

Biofabrication of personalized titanium scaffold mimicking that of the osteocyte microenvironment is challenging due to its complex geometrical cues. The effect of scaffolds geometrical cues and implantation sites on osteogenesis is still not clear. In this study, personalized titanium scaffolds with homogeneous diamond-like structures mimicking that of the osteocyte microenvironment were precisely designed and fabricated by selected laser melting method. The effects of different geometric cues, including porosity, pore sizes and interconnection properties, on cellular behavior were investigated. Biomimetic mechanical properties of porous titanium alloy scaffold were predesigned and simulated by finite element analysis. In vitro experiment revealed that homogeneous diamond-like structures mimicking that of the osteocyte microenvironment triggered osteocyte adhesion and migration behavior. Typical implantation sites, including rabbit femur, beagle femur, and beagle skull, were used to study the implantation sites effects on bone regeneration. In vivo experimental results indicated that different implantation sites showed significant differences. This study helps to understand the scaffolds geometrical microenvironment and implantation sites effects on osteogenesis mechanism. And it is beneficial to the development of bone implants with better bone regeneration ability.
Diabetes Distress Among Dyads of Patients and Their Health Supporters: Links With Functional Support, Metabolic Outcomes, and Cardiac Risk
Authors: Lee Aaron A , Heisler Michele , Trivedi Ranak , Obrosky D Scott , Mor Maria K , Piette John D , Rosland Ann-Marie
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with diabetes (PWD) often experience diabetes distress which is associated with worse self-management and glycemic control. In contrast, PWD who receive support from family and friends (supporters) have better diabetes outcomes.

Purpose

To examine the associations of PWD diabetes distress and supporters’ distress about PWDs’ diabetes with supporters’ roles and PWD cardiometabolic outcomes.

Methods

We used baseline data from 239 adults with Type 2 diabetes and their supporters participating in a longitudinal trial. PWD and supporter diabetes distress (high vs. low) were determined using the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale-5. Outcomes included PWD-reported help from supporters with self-care activities, supporter-reported strain, PWD metabolic outcomes (glycemic control [HbA1c], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and non-HDL cholesterol) and 5 and 10 year risk of cardiac event (calculated using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study algorithm).

Results

PWDs with high diabetes distress were more likely to report that their supporters helped with taking medications, coordinating medical care, and home glucose testing (p’s < .05), but not more likely to report help with diet or exercise. High supporter distress was associated with greater supporter strain (p < .001). High supporter diabetes distress was associated with higher PWD HbA1c (p = .045), non-HDL cholesterol (p = .011), and 5 (p = .002) and 10 year (p = .001) cardiac risk.

Conclusions

Adults with high diabetes distress report more supporter help with medically focused self-management but not with diet and exercise. Supporter distress about PWD diabetes was consistently associated with worse outcomes. PWD diabetes distress had mixed associations with their diabetes outcomes.
How to design a hypertension treatment trial that informs care of older people with frailty: a survey of clinicians in Ireland and the UK
Authors: Veenhuizen Miriam , Todd Oliver , Anand Atul , Whiteley Will
Published: October 2020

Introduction

At all ages, randomised trials demonstrate lower mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence with blood pressure (BP) lowering. However, this may not generalise to older people with frailty. We aimed to determine the acceptability to clinicians of key aspects of trial designs using different BP targets and strategies to better manage hypertension in the context of frailty.

Methods

We conducted a multinational survey of clinicians managing hypertension in older people, distributed using an online survey link amongst professional societies and social networks. Questions described case histories of patients who were frail with different systolic blood pressures (SBP), treatment target, strategy and target trial population.

Results

In total, 114 responses were received (48 primary care, 66 secondary care). A majority would consider recruiting patients to a trial of relaxing treatment in those whose SBP < 130 mm Hg; a majority would consider recruiting to a trial intensifying treatment in patients with SBP > 150 mm Hg. Respondents elected to intensify treatment by: choosing the next step by NICE guidelines, adding a new treatment agent at full dose, or adding two agents at half dose.

Conclusion

A majority of clinicians surveyed would recruit older people to a trial intensifying treatment where SBP is more than 150 mm Hg and where patients have high cardiovascular risk or to a trial relaxing treatment where the SBP is below 130 mm Hg and where the patient has frailty.
Incidence of and Trends in the Leading Cancers With Elevated Incidence Among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, 2012–2016
Authors: Melkonian Stephanie C , Weir Hannah K , Jim Melissa A , Preikschat Bailey , Haverkamp Donald , White Mary C
Published: October 2020

Cancer incidence varies among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, as well as between AI/AN and White populations. This study examined trends for cancers with elevated incidence among AI/AN compared with non-Hispanic White populations and estimated potentially avoidable incident cases among AI/AN populations. Incident cases diagnosed during 2012–2016 were identified from population-based cancer registries and linked with the Indian Health Service patient registration databases to improve racial classification of AI/AN populations. Age-adjusted rates (per 100,000) and trends were calculated for cancers with elevated incidence among AI/AN compared with non-Hispanic White populations (rate ratio of >1.0) according to region. Trends were estimated using joinpoint regression analyses. Expected cancers were estimated by applying age-specific cancer incidence rates among non-Hispanic White populations to population estimates for AI/AN populations. Excess cancer cases among AI/AN populations were defined as observed minus expected cases. Liver, stomach, kidney, lung, colorectal, and female breast cancers had higher incidence rates among AI/AN populations across most regions. Between 2012 and 2016, nearly 5,200 excess cancers were diagnosed among AI/AN populations, with the largest number of excess cancers (1,925) occurring in the Southern Plains region. Culturally informed efforts could reduce cancer disparities associated with these and other cancers among AI/AN populations.
Clinical pharmacist input on HIV management may improve antiretroviral prescribing for psychiatric patients
Authors: Margulis Alice , Uhlyar Stepan , Chin-Beckford Nafeesa , DeRonde Kailynn , Salazar Veronica , Abbo Lilian , Vega Ana
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The results of a study to determine the difference in HIV management with clinical pharmacist input in an adult psychiatric hospitalized patient population are reported.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective study of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital on antiretroviral (ARV) medication(s) from October 2016 to March 2017 (phase I: no pharmacist involvement), October 2017 to March 2018 (phase II: partial pharmacist involvement), and November 2018 to January 2019 (phase III: consistent pharmacist involvement). Patients were excluded if less than 18 years of age, pregnant, incarcerated, or taking ARV medication(s) for non-HIV indications. The primary outcome was difference in appropriateness of ARV therapy prior to and during pharmacist involvement. Secondary outcomes were appropriateness of opportunistic infection (OI) prophylaxis, laboratory testing, and comprehensive HIV management.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were included per phase. An increased number of appropriate ARV regimens were initiated in phase II compared to phase I (62% vs 32%; P = 0.01) and in phase III compared to phase II (84% vs 62%; P = 0.036). Increased laboratory monitoring was seen with partial and consistent pharmacist involvement. Among the patients requiring OI prophylaxis, appropriate prophylaxis was initiated in more patients in phase III (57%) than in phase II (50%) or phase I (11%). More patients had comprehensive HIV management in phase II compared to phase I (38% vs 5%; P < 0.001) and in phase III compared to phase II (46% vs 38%; P = 0.48).

Conclusion

Pharmacist involvement in HIV management in a psychiatric patient population increased appropriateness of ARV therapy, laboratory testing, and OI prophylaxis.
The Utility of an Occupational Contact Dermatitis Patch Test Database in the Analysis of Workplace Prevention Activities in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Holness D Linn , Kudla Irena , DeKoven Joel G , Skotnicki Sandra
Published: October 2020

Background

Occupational skin diseases are common suggesting that there are still gaps in workplace prevention. Patch test surveillance systems provide an opportunity to collect work related information in addition to clinical information and patch test results.

Objectives

To examine 5 years of data related to workplace prevention by industry sector in a patch test surveillance database for workers with a diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis.

Methods

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of St Michael’s Hospital. Information including demographics, clinical history, healthcare utilization, and workplace characteristics and prevention practices in addition to patch test results was collected from consenting patients.

Results

Workers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors were more likely to report workplace training including skin protection training, whereas those in services and construction were less likely to report training.

Conclusions

Collecting basic workplace information with patch test surveillance databases can inform the occupational health and safety system about prevention practices in the workplace and identify areas for focussed intervention.
Non-invasive quantification of inflammation, axonal and myelin injury in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schiavi Simona , Petracca Maria , Sun Peng , Fleysher Lazar , Cocozza Sirio , El Mendili Mohamed Mounir , Signori Alessio , Babb James S , Podranski Kornelius , Song Sheng-Kwei , Inglese Matilde
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of diffusion basis spectrum imaging in multiple sclerosis at 7 T and to investigate the pathological substrates of tissue damage in lesions and normal-appearing white matter. To this end, 43 patients with multiple sclerosis (24 relapsing-remitting, 19 progressive), and 21 healthy control subjects were enrolled. White matter lesions were classified in T1-isointense, T1-hypointense and black holes. Mean values of diffusion basis spectrum imaging metrics (fibres, restricted and non-restricted fractions, axial and radial diffusivities and fractional anisotropy) were measured from whole brain white matter lesions and from both lesions and normal appearing white matter of the corpus callosum. Significant differences were found between T1-isointense and black holes (P ranging from 0.005 to <0.001) and between lesions’ centre and rim (P < 0.001) for all the metrics. When comparing the three subject groups in terms of metrics derived from corpus callosum normal appearing white matter and T2-hyperintense lesions, a significant difference was found between healthy controls and relapsing-remitting patients for all metrics except restricted fraction and fractional anisotropy; between healthy controls and progressive patients for all metrics except restricted fraction and between relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis patients for all metrics except fibres and restricted fractions (P ranging from 0.05 to <0.001 for all). Significant associations were found between corpus callosum normal-appearing white matter fibres fraction/non-restricted fraction and the Symbol Digit Modality Test (respectively, r = 0.35, P = 0.043; r = −0.35, P = 0.046), and between black holes radial diffusivity and Expanded Disability Status Score (r = 0.59, P = 0.002). We showed the feasibility of diffusion basis spectrum imaging metrics at 7 T, confirmed the role of the derived metrics in the characterization of lesions and normal appearing white matter tissue in different stages of the disease and demonstrated their clinical relevance. Thus, suggesting that diffusion basis spectrum imaging is a promising tool to investigate multiple sclerosis pathophysiology, monitor disease progression and treatment response.
Platelet-derived growth factor beta is a potent inflammatory driver in paediatric high-grade glioma
Authors: Ross James L , Chen Zhihong , Herting Cameron J , Grabovska Yura , Szulzewsky Frank , Puigdelloses Montserrat , Monterroza Lenore , Switchenko Jeffrey , Wadhwani Nitin R , Cimino Patrick J , Mackay Alan , Jones Chris , Read Renee D , MacDonald Tobey J , Schniederjan Matthew , Becher Oren J , Hambardzumyan Dolores
Published: October 2020

Paediatric high-grade gliomas (HGGs) account for the most brain tumour-related deaths in children and have a median survival of 12–15 months. One promising avenue of research is the development of novel therapies targeting the properties of non-neoplastic cell-types within the tumour such as tumour associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs are immunosuppressive and promote tumour malignancy in adult HGG; however, in paediatric medulloblastoma, TAMs exhibit anti-tumour properties. Much is known about TAMs in adult HGG, yet little is known about them in the paediatric setting. This raises the question of whether paediatric HGGs possess a distinct constituency of TAMs because of their unique genetic landscapes. Using human paediatric HGG tissue samples and murine models of paediatric HGG, we demonstrate diffuse midline gliomas possess a greater inflammatory gene expression profile compared to hemispheric paediatric HGGs. We also show despite possessing sparse T-cell infiltration, human paediatric HGGs possess high infiltration of IBA1+ TAMs. CD31, PDGFRβ, and PDGFB all strongly correlate with IBA1+ TAM infiltration. To investigate the TAM population, we used the RCAS/tv-a system to recapitulate paediatric HGG in newborn immunocompetent mice. Tumours are induced in Nestin-positive brain cells by PDGFA or PDGFB overexpression with Cdkn2a or Tp53 co-mutations. Tumours driven by PDGFB have a significantly lower median survival compared to PDGFA-driven tumours and have increased TAM infiltration. NanoString and quantitative PCR analysis indicates PDGFB-driven tumours have a highly inflammatory microenvironment characterized by high chemokine expression. In vitro bone marrow-derived monocyte and microglial cultures demonstrate bone marrow-derived monocytes are most responsible for the production of inflammatory signals in the tumour microenvironment in response to PDGFB stimulation. Lastly, using knockout mice deficient for individual chemokines, we demonstrate the feasibility of reducing TAM infiltration and prolonging survival in both PDGFA and PDGFB-driven tumours. We identify CCL3 as a potential key chemokine in these processes in both humans and mice. Together, these studies provide evidence for the potent inflammatory effects PDGFB has in paediatric HGGs.
Decoding Odor Mixtures in the Dog Brain: An Awake fMRI Study
Authors: Prichard Ashley , Chhibber Raveena , King Jon , Athanassiades Kate , Spivak Mark , Berns Gregory S
Published: October 2020

In working and practical contexts, dogs rely upon their ability to discriminate a target odor from distracting odors and other sensory stimuli. Using awake functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 18 dogs, we examined the neural mechanisms underlying odor discrimination between 2 odors and a mixture of the odors. Neural activation was measured during the presentation of a target odor (A) associated with a food reward, a distractor odor (B) associated with nothing, and a mixture of the two odors (A+B). Changes in neural activation during the presentations of the odor stimuli in individual dogs were measured over time within three regions known to be involved with odor processing: the caudate nucleus, the amygdala, and the olfactory bulbs. Average activation within the amygdala showed that dogs maximally differentiated between odor stimuli based on the stimulus-reward associations by the first run, while activation to the mixture (A+B) was most similar to the no-reward (B) stimulus. To clarify the neural representation of odor mixtures in the dog brain, we used a random forest classifier to compare multilabel (elemental) versus multiclass (configural) models. The multiclass model performed much better than the multilabel (weighted-F1 0.44 vs. 0.14), suggesting the odor mixture was processed configurally. Analysis of the subset of high-performing dogs’ brain classification metrics revealed a network of olfactory information-carrying brain regions that included the amygdala, piriform cortex, and posterior cingulate. These results add further evidence for the configural processing of odor mixtures in dogs and suggest a novel way to identify high-performers based on brain classification metrics.
Latanoprost Quantification in Ocular Implants and Tissues: HPLC-Fluorescence vs HPLC-UV
Authors: Soliman Karim , Jirjees Feras , Sonawane Rahul , Sheshala Ravi , Wang Yujing , Jones David , Singh Thakur Raghu Raj
Published: October 2020

Anti-glaucoma latanoprost-loaded ocular implants provide prolonged delivery and enhanced bioavailability relative to the conventional eye drops. This study aims at the development and validation of a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantitative analysis of nanogram levels of latanoprost in the eye, and for the first time, compares the use of fluorescence vs ultraviolet (UV) detectors in latanoprost quantification. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile:0.1% v/v formic acid (60:40, v/v) with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and separation was done using a C18 column at temperature 40°C. The fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 265 and 285 nm, respectively, while the UV absorption was measured at 200 nm. The latanoprost concentration-peak area relationship maintained its linearity (R2 = 0.9999) over concentration ranges of 0.063–10 μg/mL and 0.212–10 μg/mL for the fluorescence and UV detectors, respectively. The UV detector showed better precision, while the fluorescence detector exhibited higher robustness and greater sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.021 μg/mL. The fluorescence detector was selected for quantification of latanoprost released from ocular implants in vitro and in porcine ocular tissues. The developed method is a robust, rapid and cost-effective alternative to liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for routine analysis of latanoprost released from ocular implants.
Odorous House Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Colony Movement in Response to Moisture, Shade, and Food Proximity
Authors: Toennisson T Aurora , Klingeman William E , Vail Karen M
Published: October 2020

Tapinoma sessile (Say) is a common ant throughout the United States that frequently relocates portions of its nests to form large polydomous colonies in urban areas. Despite widespread research on the control of T. sessile as a nuisance pest, relatively little work has focused on the biology of its nesting behavior and movement. We evaluated shade, moisture, and proximity to food as factors triggering colony movement in laboratory assays. Initially, T. sessile colonies moved to shaded artificial nest sites irrespective of arena moisture. Then, workers and brood were increasingly moved to moist artificial nest sites over time. Colonies moved workers and brood to near-food artificial nest sites over both 1 m and 6 m distances. Queens relocated to near-food nest sites over 1 m distances, but not 6 m distances, during the 49-d study. Results suggest that an increase either in moisture or food in proximity to a residence is likely to account for observed increases in T. sessile abundance near structures.
The impact of early life antibiotic use on atopic and metabolic disorders
Authors: Bejaoui Semeh , Poulsen Michael
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives

The impact of antibiotics use early in life on later-in-life morbidities has received substantial attention as explanations for atopic and metabolic disorders with a surge as modern lifestyle diseases. The objective of this study was to perform meta-analyses to determine if antibiotics administration during the first 2 years of infant life is associated with increased risks of atopic or metabolic disorders later in life.

Methodology

We screened more than 100 English-language prospective and retrospective studies published between January 2002 and March 2020 and assessed study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. We performed overall and subgroup meta-analyses on 31 high-quality comparable studies on atopic and 23 on metabolic disorders, involving more than 3.5 million children.

Results

Antibiotic exposure prenatally and during the first 2 years of life significantly impacts the risk of developing atopic and metabolic disorders. Exposure during the first 6 months of life appears most critical, consistent with this being the time when the microbiome is most susceptible to irreversible perturbations. The presence of dose−response associations and stronger impacts of broad- than narrow-spectrum antibiotics further point to effects being mediated by microbiota-induced changes.

Conclusions and implications

Our findings support that antibiotics use is a mismatch to modernity that can negatively affect the symbiotic associations we rely on for proper immune function and metabolism. Improving our understanding of these associations, the underlying proximate mechanisms and the impact of antibiotics use on future human−symbiont evolution will be important to improve human health.

Lay Summary

The use of antibiotics in infancy has been suggested to increase the risks of atopic and metabolic disorders later in life. Through meta-analyses of more than 100 studies of >3.5 million children, we confirm these risks, and show that patterns are consistent with effects being due to microbiota-driven changes.
Supplemental selenium source on gut health: insights on fecal microbiome and fermentation products of growing puppies
Authors: Pereira Ana Margarida , Pinna Carlo , Biagi Giacomo , Stefanelli Claudio , Maia Margarida R G , Matos Elisabete , Segundo Marcela A , Fonseca António J M , Cabrita Ana Rita J
Published: October 2020

Selenium is an essential trace element that can modulate the gut microbiome with an impact on host health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic (selenium-enriched yeast) vs inorganic (sodium selenite) selenium source on fecal end-fermentation products and gut microbiome of puppies from 20 to 52 weeks of age. Alpha and beta diversity of the gut bacterial community were affected by age but not by gender or selenium source. The relative abundance of taxa was differently affected by age, and the DNA concentration of all selected bacterial groups increased with age, although total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, propionate, caproate and lactate concentrations decreased. Organic selenium was associated with a higher concentration of total VFA, propionate and butyrate, a higher number of DNA copies of Lactobacillus, and a trend to lower DNA copies of Escherichia coli. Effects on fecal microbiome during growth differed with selenium source. Females had higher fecal end-fermentation products related to protein degradation, whereas males had higher DNA concentration of Bifidobacterium. Organic selenium might be beneficial over inorganic for dog food supplementation due to the positive modulation of the gut microbiome observed in puppies.
Stump removal and tree species composition promote a bacterial microbiome that may be beneficial in the suppression of root disease
Authors: Modi Dixi , Simard Suzanne , Lavkulich Les , Hamelin Richard C , Grayston Sue J
Published: October 2020

Stumping is an effective forest management practice for reducing the incidence of Armillaria root-rot in regenerating trees, but its impact on the soil bacterial community has not been ascertained. This study investigated the long-term impact of stumping and tree species composition in a 48-year-old trial at Skimikin, British Columbia, on the relative abundance, diversity and taxonomic composition of bacterial communities by sequencing the v4 region of 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. A total of 108 samples were collected from the forest floor (fermented (F) and humus (H) layers) and mineral soil (A (0–10 cm) and B (10–20 cm) horizons) of 36 plots (half each stumped or unstumped) that were planted with pure stands and admixtures of Douglas-fir, western redcedar and paper birch. Bacterial α-diversity in the B horizon declined with stumping whereas β-diversity was affected both by tree species and stumping treatments, with fir and birch supporting distinct bacterial communities. All horizons of stumped plots of birch and its admixtures were significantly enriched with potential plant growth-promoting bacteria. In conclusion, stumping along with planting birch alone or in admixture with other species promotes a bacterial microbiome that appears beneficial in the suppression of root disease.
Portiera Gets Wild: Genome Instability Provides Insights into the Evolution of Both Whiteflies and Their Endosymbionts
Authors: Santos-Garcia Diego , Mestre-Rincon Natividad , Ouvrard David , Zchori-Fein Einat , Morin Shai
Published: October 2020

Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) are a superfamily of small phloem-feeding insects. They rely on their primary endosymbionts "Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum" to produce essential amino acids not present in their diet. Portiera has been codiverging with whiteflies since their origin and therefore reflects its host’s evolutionary history. Like in most primary endosymbionts, the genome of Portiera stays stable across the Aleyrodidae superfamily after millions of years of codivergence. However, Portiera of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci has lost the ancestral genome order, reflecting a rare event in the endosymbiont evolution: the appearance of genome instability. To gain a better understanding of Portiera genome evolution, identify the time point in which genome instability appeared and contribute to the reconstruction of whitefly phylogeny, we developed a new phylogenetic framework. It targeted five Portiera genes and determined the presence of the DNA polymerase proofreading subunit (dnaQ) gene, previously associated with genome instability, and two alternative gene rearrangements. Our results indicated that Portiera gene sequences provide a robust tool for studying intergenera phylogenetic relationships in whiteflies. Using these new framework, we found that whitefly species from the Singhiella, Aleurolobus, and Bemisia genera form a monophyletic tribe, the Aleurolobini, and that their Portiera exhibit genome instability. This instability likely arose once in the common ancestor of the Aleurolobini tribe (at least 70 Ma), drawing a link between the appearance of genome instability in Portiera and the switch from multibacteriocyte to a single-bacteriocyte mode of inheritance in this tribe.
Genome Size Versus Genome Assemblies: Are the Genomes Truly Expanded in Polyploid Fungal Symbionts?
Authors: Kooij Pepijn W , Pellicer Jaume
Published: October 2020

Each day, as the amount of genomic data and bioinformatics resources grows, researchers are increasingly challenged with selecting the most appropriate approach to analyze their data. In addition, the opportunity to undertake comparative genomic analyses is growing rapidly. This is especially true for fungi due to their small genome sizes (i.e., mean 1C = 44.2 Mb). Given these opportunities and aiming to gain novel insights into the evolution of mutualisms, we focus on comparing the quality of whole genome assemblies for fungus-growing ants cultivars (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) and a free-living relative. Our analyses reveal that currently available methodologies and pipelines for analyzing whole-genome sequence data need refining. By using different genome assemblers, we show that the genome assembly size depends on what software is used. This, in turn, impacts gene number predictions, with higher gene numbers correlating positively with genome assembly size. Furthermore, the majority of fungal genome size data currently available are based on estimates derived from whole-genome assemblies generated from short-read genome data, rather than from the more accurate technique of flow cytometry. Here, we estimated the haploid genome sizes of three ant fungal symbionts by flow cytometry using the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. (1871) as a calibration standard. We found that published genome sizes based on genome assemblies are 2.5- to 3-fold larger than our estimates based on flow cytometry. We, therefore, recommend that flow cytometry is used to precalibrate genome assembly pipelines, to avoid incorrect estimates of genome sizes and ensure robust assemblies.
Dynamics in Secondary Metabolite Gene Clusters in Otherwise Highly Syntenic and Stable Genomes in the Fungal GenusBotrytis
Authors: Valero-Jiménez Claudio A , Steentjes Maikel B F , Slot Jason C , Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , Scholten Olga E , van Kan Jan A L
Published: October 2020

Fungi of the genus Botrytis infect >1,400 plant species and cause losses in many crops. Besides the broad host range pathogen Botrytis cinerea, most other species are restricted to a single host. Long-read technology was used to sequence genomes of eight Botrytis species, mostly pathogenic on Allium species, and the related onion white rot fungus, Sclerotium cepivorum. Most assemblies contained <100 contigs, with the Botrytis aclada genome assembled in 16 gapless chromosomes. The core genome and pan-genome of 16 Botrytis species were defined and the secretome, effector, and secondary metabolite repertoires analyzed. Among those genes, none is shared among all Allium pathogens and absent from non-Allium pathogens. The genome of each of the Allium pathogens contains 8–39 predicted effector genes that are unique for that single species, none stood out as potential determinant for host specificity. Chromosome configurations of common ancestors of the genus Botrytis and family Sclerotiniaceae were reconstructed. The genomes of B. cinerea and B. aclada were highly syntenic with only 19 rearrangements between them. Genomes of Allium pathogens were compared with ten other Botrytis species (nonpathogenic on Allium) and with 25 Leotiomycetes for their repertoire of secondary metabolite gene clusters. The pattern was complex, with several clusters displaying patchy distribution. Two clusters involved in the synthesis of phytotoxic metabolites are at distinct genomic locations in different Botrytis species. We provide evidence that the clusters for botcinic acid production in B. cinerea and Botrytis sinoallii were acquired by horizontal transfer from taxa within the same genus.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mortality in Late Midlife: Have They Narrowed in Recent Years?
Authors: Doza Adit , Jensen Gail A , Tarraf Wassim
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To examine whether racial/ethnic differences in mortality rates have changed in recent years among adults in late midlife, and if so, how.

Methods

We analyze Health and Retirement Study data on non-Hispanic Whites (Whites), non-Hispanic Blacks (Blacks), and English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanics (Hispanic-English and Hispanic-Spanish), aged 50–64 from 2 periods: 1998–2004 (Period 1, n = 8,920) and 2004–2010 (Period 2, n = 7,224). Using survey-generalized linear regression techniques, we model death-by-end-of-period as a function of race/ethnicity and sequentially adjust for a series of period-specific baseline risk factors including demographics, health status, health insurance, health behaviors, and social networks. Regression decomposition techniques are used to assess the contribution of these factors to observed racial/ethnic differences in mortality rates.

Results

The odds ratio for death (ORD) was not statistically different for Blacks (vs. Whites) in Period 1 but was 33% higher in Period 2 (OR = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.69). The adjusted ORD among Hispanic-English (vs. Whites) was not statistically different in both periods. The adjusted ORD among Hispanic-Spanish (vs. Whites) was lower (ORD = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.22–0.59) in Period 1 but indistinguishable in Period 2. In Period 1, 50.1% of the disparity in mortality rates among Blacks was explained by baseline health status, 53.1% was explained by financial factors. In Period 2, 55.8% of the disparity in mortality rates was explained by health status, 40.0% by financial factors, and 16.2% by health insurance status.

Discussion

Mortality rates among Blacks and Hispanic-Spanish have risen since the mid-1990s. Hispanic-Spanish may be losing their advantageous lower risk of mortality, long known as the “Hispanic Paradox.”
The Effects of Age Stereotypes on Physical and Mental Health Are Mediated by Self-perceptions of Aging
Authors: Brothers Allyson , Kornadt Anna E , Nehrkorn-Bailey Abigail , Wahl Hans-Werner , Diehl Manfred
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Although the evidence linking views on aging (VoA) with aging outcomes is robust, little is known about how different types of VoA may interact to influence such outcomes. Therefore, this study examined two types of VoA, age stereotypes (AS), representing general VoA, and self-perceptions of aging (SPA), representing personal VoA. We operationalized SPA in terms of awareness of age-related change (AARC), distinguishing between gain- and loss-related SPA (e.g., awareness of positive and negative age-related changes, respectively). Based on theoretical reasoning, we hypothesized that AS would be an antecedent of SPA, and that the effect of AS on physical and mental health would be mediated by SPA.

Method

A total of 819 German and U.S. adults aged 40–98 completed a survey on VoA, physical health, and mental health at baseline and 2.5 years later. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to examine the effects of Time 1 AS (predictor) and Time 2 gain- and loss-related SPA (mediators) on physical and mental health outcomes.

Results

As hypothesized, AS predicted later SPA. Loss-related SPA mediated the effect of AS on physical health; both gain- and loss-related SPA mediated the effect of AS on mental health.

Discussion

Congruent with theoretical assumptions, our findings provide empirical support for a directional pathway by which AS shape later SPA. We conclude that AS and SPA may affect physical health outcomes more strongly than mental health outcomes. Studies that assess both types of VoA are needed to illuminate the pathways by which VoA influence aging outcomes.
Efficient probabilistic inversion using the rejection sampler—exemplified on airborne EM data
Authors: Hansen Thomas M
Published: October 2020

Probabilistic inversion methods, typically based on Markov chain Monte Carlo, exist that allow exploring the full uncertainty of geophysical inverse problems. The use of such methods is though limited by significant computational demands, and non-trivial analysis of the obtained set of dependent models. Here, a novel approach, for sampling the posterior distribution is suggested based on using pre-calculated lookup tables with the extended rejection sampler. The method is (1) fast, (2) generates independent realizations of the posterior, and (3) does not get stuck in local minima. It can be applied to any inverse problem (and sample an approximate posterior distribution) but is most promising applied to problems with informed prior information and/or localized inverse problems. The method is tested on the inversion of airborne electromagnetic data and shows an increase in the computational efficiency of many orders of magnitude as compared to using the extended Metropolis algorithm.
Defending the Spanish Match in early Stuart England
Authors: Turnbull Emma C
Published: October 2020

This article broadens our understanding of the Spanish Match crisis of the early 1620s by analysing pro-marriage contributions to the public debate. It argues that anti-popery was a key feature of the language of pro-match literature, but that, crucially, supporters of the match dissociated Spain from the wider threat of popish tyranny. The article provides a detailed, contextualized reading of three pamphlets. It considers the complex ways that religious and political views interacted to form subtle anti-papal rhetorical strategies, which challenged the dominant anti-papal narrative aligning Spain with Rome. It thus significantly adds to the literature on early Stuart anti-popery.