bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic stabilization and destabilization of nonlinear and time‐varying hybrid systems by noise
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Deng Feiqi , Fu Minyue
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is to design a suitable strength function g(t,x,r(t)) such that the Wiener noise g(t,x(t),r(t))dw(t) either stabilizes or destabilizes a given nonlinear and time‐varying hybrid system . To this end, the basic properties, including the existence and uniqueness of the local and global solutions and the nonzero property of solutions of the nonlinear and time‐varying hybrid stochastic systems, are first investigated as the theoretical basis of the article. Second, two theorems and the corresponding corollaries on the stability and instability of the hybrid stochastic systems are established. Third, the design method for the noise strength g(t,x,r(t)) is then proposed based on the established theorems. We also point out that the Markov jump r(t) may have a stabilizing (respectively, destabilizing) effect when we design the noise strength g(t,x,r(t)) so that the introduced noise g(t,x(t),r(t))dw(t) stabilizes (respectively, destabilizes) the corresponding hybrid system. Finally, we illustrate our method using two examples. Compared with the existing literature, our method is suitable for a wider class of nonlinear and time‐varying systems with weaker conditions than quasi‐linear systems.
Inadequate in the Best of Times: Reevaluating Provider Networks in Light of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Haeder Simon F.
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus has affected billions of people worldwide. As of early June, estimates of infections exceeded six million individuals, about double the number from early May. The United States has experienced more cases than Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Canada, Japan, and Russia combined. To make things worse, the structure of the U.S. health‐care system may significantly impede access to needed medical services while exposing patients to financial liabilities. One particularly concerning feature may be the limitations on access imposed by provider networks. This article briefly reviews what we know about the narrowing of provider networks, and how findings from a series of recent articles illustrating the often‐severe restrictions imposed by these networks may be particularly detrimental in the middle of a global health emergency. I also highlight how the actions taken by policymakers to temporarily mitigate these problems have fallen short and what potential long‐term solutions might look like.
Clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament injury: panther symposium ACL injury clinical outcomes consensus group
Authors: Svantesson Eleonor , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Webster Kate E. , Karlsson Jón , Diermeier Theresa , Rothrauff Benjamin B. , Meredith Sean J. , Rauer Thomas , Irrgang James J. , Spindler Kurt P. , Ma C. Benjamin , Musahl Volker ,   The Panther Symposium ACL Injury Clinical Outcomes Consensus Group, Fu Freddie H. , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Della Villa Francesco , Della Villa Stefano , Dye Scott , Ferretti Mario , Getgood Alan , Järvelä Timo , Kaeding Christopher C , Kuroda Ryosuke , Lesniak Bryson , Marx Robert G. , Maletis Gregory B , Pinczewski Leo , Ranawat Anil , Reider Bruce , Seil Romain , van Eck Carola , Wolf Brian R , Yung Patrick , Zaffagnini Stefano , Zheng Minghao
Published: August 2020

Purpose

A stringent outcome assessment is a key aspect for establishing evidence-based clinical guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. The aim of this consensus statement was to establish what data should be reported when conducting an ACL outcome study, what specific outcome measurements should be used and at what follow-up time those outcomes should be assessed.

Methods

To establish a standardized approach to assessment of clinical outcome after ACL treatment, a consensus meeting including a multidisciplinary group of ACL experts was held at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA; USA, in June 2019. The group reached consensus on nine statements by using a modified Delphi method.

Results

In general, outcomes after ACL treatment can be divided into four robust categories—early adverse events, patient-reported outcomes, ACL graft failure/recurrent ligament disruption and clinical measures of knee function and structure. A comprehensive assessment following ACL treatment should aim to provide a complete overview of the treatment result, optimally including the various aspects of outcome categories. For most research questions, a minimum follow-up of 2 years with an optimal follow-up rate of 80% is necessary to achieve a comprehensive assessment. This should include clinical examination, any sustained re-injuries, validated knee-specific PROs and Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaires. In the mid- to long-term follow-up, the presence of osteoarthritis should be evaluated.

Conclusion

This consensus paper provides practical guidelines for how the aforementioned entities of outcomes should be reported and suggests the preferred tools for a reliable and valid assessment of outcome after ACL treatment.

Level of evidence

V.
Eradication of Benign Skin Lesions of the Face by Voltaic Arc Dermabrasion (Atmospheric Plasma): Postoperative Pain Assessment by Thermal Infrared Imaging
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Carinci Francesco , Candotto Valentina , Lorusso Felice
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The face aging processes are associated with physiologic and biochemical alteration that produces wrinkles, skin pigmentation and benign growths. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of voltaic arc dermabrasion with plasma to remove benign facial skin lesions.

Study Design

Voltaic arc dermabrasion plasma technique was used to remove the facial benign skin lesions. The study involved 45 patients (26 females;19 males) treated for benign facial skin lesions with voltaic arc dermabrasion also called plasma exeresis technique. The subjects age ranged between 43 and 65 years. The clinical observations and comparison of pretreatment and post-treatment photographs of the treated regions were performed by a joint examiner at each follow-up visit.

Results

During plasma irradiation, the average temperature of the skin was 290.3 ± 21.7 °C, while immediately after it was 90.6 ± 21.8 °C. Overall clinical improvement was 100% in six lesions with complete resolution of all lesions. Three patients observed a transient post-inflammatory pigmentation with a peak at 1 month after VAD treatment, gradually fading spontaneously over 2 to 3 months.

Conclusions

The voltaic arc dermabrasion technique (atmospheric plasma) should be considered for lesions, especially relatively superficial ones, and small lesions that are located on the face.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Veränderungspotenziale durch die Digitalisierung der gewerkübergreifenden Kooperation von kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen im Baugewerbe in Richtung Building Information Modeling (BIM) – Eine Fallanalyse
Authors: Rothenbusch Sandra , Kauffeld Simone
Published: August 2020

In diesem Fallbeispiel der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation (GIO)“ wird abgeleitet, wie sich die unternehmens- und gewerkübergreifende Kooperation im Baugewerbe durch die Einführung eines digitalen Tools zur 3D-Modellierung von Gebäuden verändern könnte. Die Digitalisierung durchdringt das Baugewerbe (Naegele et al. 2015) und soll im Fall von Building Information Modeling (BIM) Potenziale zur Optimierung der Planung, Fertigung und Wartung von Gebäuden bieten (z. B. Fischer et al. 2017). Im Fallbeispiel wird ein digitales Tool entwickelt, mit dem auch kleine und mittlere Unternehmen, die momentan über keine Kompetenzen und Ressourcen zur computerbasierten Modellierung von Gebäuden im mehrdimensionalen Raum verfügen, diesem Digitalisierungstrend folgen können. Zur erfolgreichen Integration eines digitalen Tools in die kooperativen Arbeitsprozesse bedarf es einer proaktiven, gemeinsamen und menschenzentrierten Betrachtung der Technologie und der Arbeitsgestaltung im Sinne des soziotechnischen Ansatzes (z. B. Parker und Grote 2020). Im Fokus des Beitrags steht die mögliche Veränderung der Arbeitsprozesse und der Arbeitsgestaltung der unternehmens- und gewerkübergreifenden Kooperation eines mittelgroßen Holzbauunternehmens in der Planungsphase des Gebäudebaus durch die Technologieeinführung. Der Ist- und Soll-Zustand sowie die möglichen Konsequenzen der Einführung des digitalen Tools werden diskutiert. Das digitale Tool verspricht eine Intensivierung der gemeinsamen Arbeit in der Planungsphase, durch die Probleme in der Ausführungsphase reduziert werden können. Neben erwünschten Veränderungen, wie den verbesserten Möglichkeiten zum Informationsaustausch und zur Abstimmung, sind vielfältige weitere Konsequenzen möglich, die durch eine frühzeitige Aufdeckung in der Entwicklungsphase eines digitalen Tools proaktiv gestaltbar werden.
A comparison of business meeting practices in Germany and Spain
Authors: König Cornelius J. , Lehmann-Willenbrock Nale , Meinecke Annika L. , Winter Jasmin
Published: August 2020

This article in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) presents a study on meetings, an important part of contemporary organizational life. What happens in meetings affects individual employee experiences, team processes, and organizational functioning. However, to date little is known regarding cross-cultural differences in meeting practices. This study leverages an organizational sample (N = 488) with a German and a Spanish site to compare how pre-meeting talk, meeting design, voice in meetings, and meeting follow-up actions differ across the two cultures. Hypotheses were derived from prior intercultural theory (i.e., the GLOBE study). Following Open Science principles, the study was pre-registered. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant differences in meeting practices between monocultural German and Spanish workplace meetings. These findings suggest that cultural differences in workplace attitudes and work practices may be diminishing in an increasingly global workplace. We sketch implications for meeting science and cross-cultural research on business practices more broadly.
Gattungsgeschichte als transnationale Funktionsgeschichte literarisch-sozialer Institutionen
Authors: Twellmann Marcus
Published: August 2020

Der germanistische Ansatz einer Funktionsgeschichte literarisch-sozialer Institutionen ist im Zuge der transnationalen Wende der Literaturwissenschaften zu revidieren. Das Problem wird am Beispiel der Gattung »Bildungsroman« aufgezeigt, deren Entstehung vielfach als eine nationale Sonderentwicklung angesehen wird. Dagegen mehren sich neuerdings Hinweise auf die starke transnationale Verbreitung einer offenbar doch reisenden Form. Wie ließe der Prozess einer national und kulturell grenzüberschreitenden Bewegung sich funktionsgeschichtlich beschreiben?
A regularity result for a class of elliptic equations with lower order terms
Authors: Capone Claudia , Radice Teresa
Published: August 2020

In this paper we establish the higher differentiability of solutions to the Dirichlet problem$$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \text {div} (A(x, Du)) + b(x)u(x)=f &{} \text {in}\, \Omega \\ u=0 &{} \text {on} \, \partial \Omega \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$div(A(x,Du))+b(x)u(x)=finΩu=0on∂Ωunder a Sobolev assumption on the partial map$$x \rightarrow A(x, \xi )$$x→A(x,ξ). The novelty here is that we take advantage from the regularizing effect of the lower order term to deal with bounded solutions.
A Review of Urologic Conditions in Remote and Austere Environments: Presentation, Evaluation, and Management
Authors: Moynihan Matthew J. , Manganiello Marc D.
Published: August 2020

The objective of this review is to provide recommendations on the evaluation and management of urologic conditions in a resource-poor or austere setting from the perspective of the urological literature. The material was synthesized predominantly from urologic society guidelines and journals to bring additional urology-focused insight to the topic to complement the currently available literature, which is largely based on recommendations from nonurologic specialties. We sought to provide a reference guide from a urology-based framework that encourages a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to the development of a resource that serves those in a wilderness, austere, or resource-poor setting.
Psychiatry NCHD referrals to the local emergency department in the context of an in-house primary care service
Authors: Carey C. , Doody E. , McCafferty R. , Madden M. , Clendennen N. , Lyons D.
Published: August 2020

Objectives.

Patients with psychiatric illness are at increased risk of developing non-psychiatric medical illnesses. There have been positive reports regarding the integration of primary care services into mental health facilities. Here, we evaluate the appropriateness of psychiatry non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD) transfers to the local emergency department (ED) in the context of an in-house primary care service.

Methods.

We reviewed the inpatient transfers from St Patrick’s University Hospital (SPUH) to the local ED at St James’ Hospital (SJH) from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017. We used inpatient admission to SJH as our primary marker of an appropriate transfer.

Results.

246 inpatients were transferred from SPUH to the SJH ED for medical review in the years 2016 and 2017. 27 (11%) of these were referred to the ED by the primary care service. 51% of those referred were admitted with similar rates of admission for both general practitioner (n = 27, 54% admitted) and NCHD initiated referrals (n = 219, 51% admitted). Acute neurological illness, concern regarding a cardiac illness, and deliberate self-harm were the most common reasons for referral.

Conclusion.

Our primary finding is that, of those transferred to ED by either primary care or a psychiatry NCHD, a similar proportion was judged to be in need of inpatient admission. This indicates that as a group, psychiatry NCHD assessment of acuity and need for transfer was similar to that of their colleagues in primary care.
The Early Stage of Perception of Contemporary Art Music: A matter of time
Authors: Santarcangelo Vincenzo , Wanke Riccardo
Published: August 2020

By way of a multidisciplinary approach, this article advances the idea that our listening to certain practices of contemporary art music (electroacoustic, classical contemporary, and electronic music) relies on precise connections to the early stage of perception. These styles of music are characterised by essential sound configurations that evolve in time, thus eliciting a sensorial impact which transcends features regarding sound sources and affective responses. Listeners grasp what Scruton calls ‘pure events’ in a ‘world of sound’, being able to distinguish, separate and sort acoustic stimuli. The article establishes a key parallel among seminal works of Bregman, McAdams, Kubovy, Bayle and other authors, highlighting a fundamental agreement of perceptual studies in psychology, neurophysiology and musicology for the understanding of the early stage of sound perception. Music practices typical of this perspective develop certain sound configurations, such as figure/ground arrangements, recurrent elements and morphological distinction, that closely mirror our innate mechanisms of prediction in perception. A parallel is made between studies in the philosophy of perception and the neurophysiology which allows us to postulate the idea that these styles of music are essentially based on pure temporal proto-objects.
Dynamic changes in the epigenomic landscape regulate human organogenesis and link to developmental disorders
Authors: Gerrard Dave T. , Berry Andrew A. , Jennings Rachel E. , Birket Matthew J. , Zarrineh Peyman , Garstang Myles G. , Withey Sarah L. , Short Patrick , Jiménez-Gancedo Sandra , Firbas Panos N. , Donaldson Ian , Sharrocks Andrew D. , Hanley Karen Piper , Hurles Matthew E. , Gomez-Skarmeta José Luis , Bobola Nicoletta , Hanley Neil A.
Published: August 2020

How the genome activates or silences transcriptional programmes governs organ formation. Little is known in human embryos undermining our ability to benchmark the fidelity of stem cell differentiation or cell programming, or interpret the pathogenicity of noncoding variation. Here, we study histone modifications across thirteen tissues during human organogenesis. We integrate the data with transcription to build an overview of how the human genome differentially regulates alternative organ fates including by repression. Promoters from nearly 20,000 genes partition into discrete states. Key developmental gene sets are actively repressed outside of the appropriate organ without obvious bivalency. Candidate enhancers, functional in zebrafish, allow imputation of tissue-specific and shared patterns of transcription factor binding. Overlaying more than 700 noncoding mutations from patients with developmental disorders allows correlation to unanticipated target genes. Taken together, the data provide a comprehensive genomic framework for investigating normal and abnormal human development.
Entropy-stabilized single-atom Pd catalysts via high-entropy fluorite oxide supports
Authors: Xu Haidi , Zhang Zihao , Liu Jixing , Do-Thanh Chi-Linh , Chen Hao , Xu Shuhao , Lin Qinjing , Jiao Yi , Wang Jianli , Wang Yun , Chen Yaoqiang , Dai Sheng
Published: August 2020

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted considerable attention in the catalysis community. However, fabricating intrinsically stable SACs on traditional supports (N-doped carbon, metal oxides, etc.) remains a formidable challenge, especially under high-temperature conditions. Here, we report a novel entropy-driven strategy to stabilize Pd single-atom on the high-entropy fluorite oxides (CeZrHfTiLa)Ox (HEFO) as the support by a combination of mechanical milling with calcination at 900 °C. Characterization results reveal that single Pd atoms are incorporated into HEFO (Pd1@HEFO) sublattice by forming stable Pd–O–M bonds (M = Ce/Zr/La). Compared to the traditional support stabilized catalysts such as Pd@CeO2, Pd1@HEFO affords the improved reducibility of lattice oxygen and the existence of stable Pd–O–M species, thus exhibiting not only higher low-temperature CO oxidation activity but also outstanding resistance to thermal and hydrothermal degradation. This work therefore exemplifies the superiority of high-entropy materials for the preparation of SACs.
Polymer/molecular semiconductor all-organic composites for high-temperature dielectric energy storage
Authors: Yuan Chao , Zhou Yao , Zhu Yujie , Liang Jiajie , Wang Shaojie , Peng Simin , Li Yushu , Cheng Sang , Yang Mingcong , Hu Jun , Zhang Bo , Zeng Rong , He Jinliang , Li Qi
Published: August 2020

Dielectric polymers for electrostatic energy storage suffer from low energy density and poor efficiency at elevated temperatures, which constrains their use in the harsh-environment electronic devices, circuits, and systems. Although incorporating insulating, inorganic nanostructures into dielectric polymers promotes the temperature capability, scalable fabrication of high-quality nanocomposite films remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report an all-organic composite comprising dielectric polymers blended with high-electron-affinity molecular semiconductors that exhibits concurrent high energy density (3.0 J cm−3) and high discharge efficiency (90%) up to 200 °C, far outperforming the existing dielectric polymers and polymer nanocomposites. We demonstrate that molecular semiconductors immobilize free electrons via strong electrostatic attraction and impede electric charge injection and transport in dielectric polymers, which leads to the substantial performance improvements. The all-organic composites can be fabricated into large-area and high-quality films with uniform dielectric and capacitive performance, which is crucially important for their successful commercialization and practical application in high-temperature electronics and energy storage devices.
Cryo-EM structures of intact V-ATPase from bovine brain
Authors: Wang Rong , Long Tao , Hassan Abdirahman , Wang Jin , Sun Yingyuan , Xie Xiao-Song , Li Xiaochun
Published: August 2020

The vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPase) hydrolyze ATP to pump protons across the plasma or intracellular membrane, secreting acids to the lumen or acidifying intracellular compartments. It has been implicated in tumor metastasis, renal tubular acidosis, and osteoporosis. Here, we report two cryo-EM structures of the intact V-ATPase from bovine brain with all the subunits including the subunit H, which is essential for ATPase activity. Two type-I transmembrane proteins, Ac45 and (pro)renin receptor, along with subunit c”, constitute the core of the c-ring. Three different conformations of A/B heterodimers suggest a mechanism for ATP hydrolysis that triggers a rotation of subunits DF, inducing spinning of subunit d with respect to the entire c-ring. Moreover, many lipid molecules have been observed in the Vo domain to mediate the interactions between subunit c, c”, (pro)renin receptor, and Ac45. These two structures reveal unique features of mammalian V-ATPase and suggest a mechanism of V1-Vo torque transmission.
Metasurface-assisted massive backscatter wireless communication with commodity Wi-Fi signals
Authors: Zhao Hanting , Shuang Ya , Wei Menglin , Cui Tie Jun , Hougne Philipp del , Li Lianlin
Published: August 2020

Conventional wireless communication architecture, a backbone of our modern society, relies on actively generated carrier signals to transfer information, leading to important challenges including limited spectral resources and energy consumption. Backscatter communication systems, on the other hand, modulate an antenna’s impedance to encode information into already existing waves but suffer from low data rates and a lack of information security. Here, we introduce the concept of massive backscatter communication which modulates the propagation environment of stray ambient waves with a programmable metasurface. The metasurface’s large aperture and huge number of degrees of freedom enable unprecedented wave control and thereby secure and high-speed information transfer. Our prototype leveraging existing commodity 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signals achieves data rates on the order of hundreds of Kbps. Our technique is applicable to all types of wave phenomena and provides a fundamentally new perspective on the role of metasurfaces in future wireless communication.
Author Correction: Low-frequency spin qubit energy splitting noise in highly purified 28Si/SiGe
Authors: Struck Tom , Hollmann Arne , Schauer Floyd , Fedorets Olexiy , Schmidbauer Andreas , Sawano Kentarou , Riemann Helge , Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Cywiński Łukasz , Bougeard Dominique , Schreiber Lars R.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Increased future occurrences of the exceptional 2018–2019 Central European drought under global warming
Authors: Hari Vittal , Rakovec Oldrich , Markonis Yannis , Hanel Martin , Kumar Rohini
Published: August 2020

Since the spring 2018, a large part of Europe has been in the midst of a record-setting drought. Using long-term observations, we demonstrate that the occurrence of the 2018–2019 (consecutive) summer drought is unprecedented in the last 250 years, and its combined impact on the growing season vegetation activities is stronger compared to the 2003 European drought. Using a suite of climate model simulation outputs, we underpin the role of anthropogenic warming on exacerbating the future risk of such a consecutive drought event. Under the highest Representative Concentration Pathway, (RCP 8.5), we notice a seven-fold increase in the occurrence of the consecutive droughts, with additional 40 ($$\pm \, 5$$±5) million ha of cultivated areas being affected by such droughts, during the second half of the twenty-first century. The occurrence is significantly reduced under low and medium scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 4.5), suggesting that an effective mitigation strategy could aid in reducing the risk of future consecutive droughts.
A method for assessing tissue respiration in anatomically defined brain regions
Authors: Underwood Erica , Redell John B. , Zhao Jing , Moore Anthony N. , Dash Pramod K.
Published: August 2020

The survival and function of brain cells requires uninterrupted ATP synthesis. Different brain structures subserve distinct neurological functions, and therefore have different energy production/consumption requirements. Typically, mitochondrial function is assessed following their isolation from relatively large amounts of starting tissue, making it difficult to ascertain energy production/failure in small anatomical locations. In order to overcome this limitation, we have developed and optimized a method to measure mitochondrial function in brain tissue biopsy punches excised from anatomically defined brain structures, including white matter tracts. We describe the procedures for maintaining tissue viability prior to performing the biopsy punches, as well as provide guidance for optimizing punch size and the drug doses needed to assess various aspects of mitochondrial respiration. We demonstrate that our method can be used to measure mitochondrial respiration in anatomically defined subfields within the rat hippocampus. Using this method, we present experimental results which show that a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, often referred to as concussion) causes differential mitochondrial responses within these hippocampal subfields and the corpus callosum, novel findings that would have been difficult to obtain using traditional mitochondrial isolation methods. Our method is easy to implement and will be of interest to researchers working in the field of brain bioenergetics and brain diseases.
Characterization of a SPM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa by comparative genomics and phenotypic analysis
Authors: do Nascimento Ana Paula Barbosa , Medeiros Filho Fernando , Pauer Heidi , Antunes Luis Caetano Martha , Sousa Hério , Senger Hermes , Albano Rodolpho Mattos , Trindade dos Santos Marcelo , Carvalho-Assef Ana Paula D’Alincourt , da Silva Fabrício Alves Barbosa
Published: August 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens related to healthcare-associated infections. The Brazilian isolate, named CCBH4851, is a multidrug-resistant clone belonging to the sequence type 277. The antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of the CCBH4851 strain are associated with the presence of the bla$$_\text {SPM-1}$$

SPM-1

gene, encoding a metallo-beta-lactamase, in combination with other exogenously acquired genes. Whole-genome sequencing studies focusing on emerging pathogens are essential to identify key features of their physiology that may lead to the identification of new targets for therapy. Using both Illumina and PacBio sequencing data, we obtained a single contig representing the CCBH4851 genome with annotated features that were consistent with data reported for the species. However, comparative analysis with other Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains revealed genomic differences regarding virulence factors and regulatory proteins. In addition, we performed phenotypic assays that revealed CCBH4851 is impaired in bacterial motilities and biofilm formation. On the other hand, CCBH4851 genome contained acquired genomic islands that carry transcriptional factors, virulence and antimicrobial resistance-related genes. Presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the core genome, mainly those located in resistance-associated genes, suggests that these mutations may also influence the multidrug-resistant behavior of CCBH4851. Overall, characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCBH4851 complete genome revealed the presence of features that strongly relates to the virulence and antibiotic resistance profile of this important infectious agent.
Innate lymphoid cells are reduced in pregnant HIV positive women and are associated with preterm birth
Authors: Akoto Charlene , Chan Christina Y. S. , Tshivuila-Matala Chrystelle O. O. , Ravi Krithi , Zhang Wei , Vatish Manu , Norris Shane A. , Hemelaar Joris
Published: August 2020

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and child mortality worldwide. Globally, 1.4 million pregnant women are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, the majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART) have been associated with increased rates of preterm birth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Acute HIV infection is associated with a rapid depletion of all three subsets of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), ILC1s, ILC2s and ILC3s, which is not reversed by ART. ILCs have been found at the maternal–fetal interface and we therefore investigated the potential association between maternal HIV infection, peripheral ILC frequencies and preterm birth. In our study of pregnant South African women with accurately dated pregnancies, we show that maternal HIV infection is associated with reduced levels of all three ILC subsets. Preterm birth was also associated with lower levels of all three ILC subsets in early pregnancy. ILC frequencies were lowest in HIV positive women who experienced preterm birth. Moreover, ILC levels were reduced in pregnancies resulting in spontaneous onset of preterm labour and in extreme preterm birth (< 28 weeks gestation). Our findings suggest that reduced ILC frequencies may be a link between maternal HIV infection and preterm birth. In addition, ILC frequencies in early pregnancy may serve as predictive biomarkers for women who are at risk of delivering preterm.
The vomeronasal system of the newborn capybara: a morphological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Torres Mateo V. , Ortiz-Leal Irene , Villamayor Paula R. , Ferreiro Andrea , Rois José Luis , Sanchez-Quinteiro Pablo
Published: August 2020

The vomeronasal system (VNS) is responsible for the perception mainly of pheromones and kairomones. Primarily studied in laboratory rodents, it plays a crucial role in their socio-sexual behaviour. As a wild rodent, the capybara offers a more objective and representative perspective to understand the significance of the system in the Rodentia, avoiding the risk of extrapolating from laboratory rodent strains, exposed to high levels of artificial selection pressure. We have studied the main morphological and immunohistochemical features of the capybara vomeronasal organ (VNO) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The study was done in newborn individuals to investigate the maturity of the system at this early stage. We used techniques such as histological stains, lectins-labelling and immunohistochemical characterization of a range of proteins, including G proteins (Gαi2, Gαo) and olfactory marking protein. As a result, we conclude that the VNS of the capybara at birth is capable of establishing the same function as that of the adult, and that it presents unique features as the high degree of differentiation of the AOB and the active cellular migration in the vomeronasal epithelium. All together makes the capybara a promising model for the study of chemical communication in the first days of life.
Early detection of general movements trajectories in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Porro Matteo , Fontana Camilla , Giannì Maria Lorella , Pesenti Nicola , Boggini Tiziana , De Carli Agnese , De Bon Giovanna , Lucco Giovanna , Mosca Fabio , Fumagalli Monica , Picciolini Odoardo
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate General Movements’(GMs) neonatal trajectories and their association with neurodevelopment at three months corrected age (CA) in preterm infants. We conducted an observational, longitudinal study in 216 very low birth weight infants. GMs were recorded at 31 ± 1, 35 ± 1, 40 ± 1 weeks of postmenstrual age and at three months of corrected age (CA). More than 90% of infants showing neonatal trajectories with persistent Normal (N-N) or initial Poor Repertoire to Normal (PR-N) movements presented fidgety pattern at three months CA. On the contrary, fidgety movements were not detected in any infant with a trajectory of persistent Cramped-Synchronized (CS-CS) or an initial Poor-Repertoire to Cramped-Synchronized (PR-CS) movements. Trajectories with initial Normal to Poor-Repertoire (N-PR) or persistent Poor-Repertoire (PR-PR) movements showed an increased risk of having a non-normal Fidgety pattern compared with the N-N group (OR = 8.43, 95% CI: 2.26–31.45 and OR = 15.02, 95% CI: 6.40–35.26, respectively). These results highlight the importance to evaluate neonatal GMs’ trajectory to predict infants’ neurodevelopment. N-N or PR-N trajectories suggest normal short-term neurodevelopment, especially a lower risk of Cerebral Palsy; whereas findings of N-PR and PR-PR trajectories indicate the need for closer follow up to avoid delay in programming intervention strategies.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 on head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: a pilot study
Authors: Vesty Anna , Gear Kim , Boutell Sharon , Taylor Michael W. , Douglas Richard G. , Biswas Kristi
Published: August 2020

Xerostomia detrimentally affects the oral health of many head and neck cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy. Its sequelae become an ongoing burden for patients that often manifest as periodontal disease and dental decay. Bacteria play a major role in the pathogenesis of these conditions and here we explore the use of an oral probiotic to beneficially modulate the oral bacterial community post-radiotherapy. In this pilot study, a four-week intervention with oral probiotic lozenges containing Streptococcus salivarius M18 was trialled in seven patients. Post-intervention changes in oral health and in the composition of the plaque and saliva bacterial communities were compared with six patients in a placebo group. An improvement in periodontal screening and plaque index scores was observed in both groups after the intervention period. The oral probiotic lozenges did not significantly impact bacterial community composition or diversity, nor did the probiotic lozenges increase the relative sequence abundance of ZOTU_1 (the probiotic-associated sequence assigned to S. salivarius) detected in the samples. Network analyses suggest negative interactions occurred between ZOTU_1 and species from the periopathogenic genera Campylobacter, Fretibacterium, Selenomonas and Treponema but further investigation is required to more fully understand the beneficial properties of this oral probiotic.
Polysomnographic phenotyping of obstructive sleep apnea and its implications in mortality in Korea
Authors: Kim Jeong-Whun , Won Tae-Bin , Rhee Chae-Seo , Park Young Mi , Yoon In-Young , Cho Sung-Woo
Published: August 2020

Conventionally, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is used to define and categorize the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. However, routine polysomnography (PSG) includes multiple parameters for assessing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. The goal of this study is to identify and categorize obstructive sleep apnea phenotypes using unsupervised learning methods from routine PSG data. We identified four clusters from 4,603 patients by using 29 PSG variable and arranged according to their mean AHI. Cluster 1, spontaneous arousal (mean AHI = 8.52/h); cluster 2, poor sleep and periodic limb movements (mean AHI = 12.16/h); cluster 3, hypopnea (mean AHI = 38.60/h); and cluster 4, hypoxia (mean AHI = 69.66/h). Conventional obstructive sleep apnea classification based on apnea–hypopnea index severity showed no significant difference in cardiovascular or cerebrovascular mortality (Log rank P = 0.331), while 4 clusters showed an overall significant difference (Log rank P = 0.009). The risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular mortality was significantly increased in cluster 2 (hazard ratio = 6.460, 95% confidence interval 1.734–24.073) and cluster 4 (hazard ratio = 4.844, 95% confidence interval 1.300–18.047) compared to cluster 1, which demonstrated the lowest mortality. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and underlying medical condition, only cluster 4 showed significantly increased risk of mortality compared to cluster 1 (hazard ratio = 7.580, 95% confidence interval 2.104–34.620). Phenotyping based on numerous PSG parameters gives additional information on patients’ risk evaluation. Physicians should be aware of PSG features for further understanding the pathophysiology and personalized treatment.
Comprehensive N-glycosylation mapping of envelope glycoprotein from tick-borne encephalitis virus grown in human and tick cells
Authors: Lattová Erika , Straková Petra , Pokorná-Formanová Petra , Grubhoffer Libor , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Palus Martin , Ruzek Daniel
Published: August 2020

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the causative agent of severe human neuroinfections that most commonly occur after a tick bite. N-Glycosylation of the TBEV envelope (E) glycoprotein is critical for virus egress in mammalian cells, but not in tick cells. In addition, glycans have been reported to mask specific antigenic sites from recognition by neutralizing antibodies. In this regard, the main purpose of our study was to investigate the profile of N-glycans linked to the E protein of TBEV when grown in human neuronal cells and compare it to the profile of virus grown in tick cells. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed significant differences in these profiles. High-mannose glycan with five mannose residues (Man5GlcNAc2), a complex biantennary galactosylated structure with core fucose (Gal2GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2Fuc), and a group of hybrid glycans with the composition Gal0-1GlcNAc1Man3-5GlcNAc2Fuc0-1 were confirmed as the main asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on the surface of TBEV derived from human neuronal cells. The observed pattern was supported by examination of the glycopeptides, providing additional information about the glycosylation site in the E protein. In contrast, the profile of TBEV grown in tick cells showed that paucimannose (Man3-4 GlcNAc2Fuc0-1) and high-mannose structures with five and six mannoses (Man5-6GlcNAc2) were major glycans on the viral surface. The reported results complement existing crystallography and cryoelectron tomography data on the E protein structure and could be instrumental for designing carbohydrate-binding antiviral agents active against TBEV.
Ex vivo rescue of recombinant very virulent IBDV using a RNA polymerase II driven system and primary chicken bursal cells
Authors: Cubas-Gaona Liliana L. , Trombetta Romane , Courtillon Céline , Li Kai , Qi Xiaole , Wang Xiaomei , Lotmani Sofiane , Keita Alassane , Amelot Michel , Eterradossi Nicolas , Soubies Sébastien Mathieu
Published: August 2020

Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), a member of the Birnaviridae family, causes an immunosuppressive disease in young chickens. Although several reverse genetics systems are available for IBDV, the isolation of most field-derived strains, such as very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) and their subsequent rescue, has remained challenging due to the lack of replication of those viruses in vitro. Such rescue required either the inoculation of animals, embryonated eggs, or the introduction of mutations in the capsid protein (VP2) hypervariable region (HVR) to adapt the virus to cell culture, the latter option concomitantly altering its virulence in vivo. We describe an improved ex vivo IBDV rescue system based on the transfection of an avian cell line with RNA polymerase II-based expression vectors, combined with replication on primary chicken bursal cells, the main cell type targeted in vivo of IBDV. We validated this system by rescuing to high titers two recombinant IBDV strains: a cell-culture adapted attenuated strain and a vvIBDV. Sequencing of VP2 HVR confirmed the absence of unwanted mutations that may alter the biological properties of the recombinant viruses. Therefore, this approach is efficient, economical, time-saving, reduces animal suffering and can be used to rescue other non-cell culture adapted IBDV strains.
Transglutaminase-2 regulates Wnt and FoxO3a signaling to determine the severity of osteoarthritis
Authors: Han Min-Su , Jung Youn-Kwan , Kim Gun-Woo , Han Seungwoo
Published: August 2020

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), also known as tissue transglutaminase, is a calcium-dependent enzyme that has a variety of intracellular and extracellular substrates. TG2 not only increases in osteoarthritis (OA) tissue but also affects the progression of OA. However, it is still unclear how TG2 affects cartilage degradation in OA at the molecular level. Surgically induced OA lead to an increase of TG2 in the articular cartilage and growth plate, and it was dependent on TGFβ1 in primary chondrocytes. The inhibition of TG2 enzymatic activity with intra-articular injection of ZDON, the peptide-based specific TG2 inhibitor, ameliorated the severity of surgically induced OA as well as the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13. ZDON attenuated MMP-3 and MMP-13 expression in TGFβ- and calcium ionophore-treated chondrocytes in a Runx2-independent manner. TG2 inhibition with ZDON suppressed canonical Wnt signaling through a reduction of β-catenin, which was mediated by ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation. In addition, TG2 activation by a calcium ionophore enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK and FoxO3a and the nuclear translocation of FoxO3a, which was responsible for the increase in MMP-13. In conclusion, TG2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA as a major catabolic mediator that affects the stability of β-catenin and FoxO3a-mediated MMP-13 production.
ATIP3 deficiency facilitates intracellular accumulation of paclitaxel to reduce cancer cell migration and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Rodrigues-Ferreira Sylvie , Nehlig Anne , Kacem Mariem , Nahmias Clara
Published: August 2020

Taxane-based chemotherapy is frequently used in neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer patients to reduce tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. However, few patients benefit from chemotherapy and predictive biomarkers of chemoresistance are needed. The microtubule-associated protein ATIP3 has recently been identified as a predictive biomarker whose low levels in breast tumors are associated with increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether ATIP3 deficiency may impact the effects of paclitaxel on cancer cell migration and lymph node metastasis. Expression levels of ATIP3 were analyzed in a cohort of 133 breast cancer patients and classified according to lymph node positivity following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results showed that low ATIP3 levels are associated with reduced axillary lymph node metastasis. At the functional level, ATIP3 depletion increases cell migration, front-rear polarity and microtubule dynamics at the plus ends, but paradoxically sensitizes cancer cells to the inhibitory effects of paclitaxel on these processes. ATIP3 silencing concomitantly increases the incorporation of fluorescent derivative of Taxol along the microtubule lattice. Together our results support a model in which alterations of microtubule plus ends dynamics in ATIP3-deficient cells may favor intracellular accumulation of paclitaxel, thereby accounting for increased breast tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Deep learning for synthetic microstructure generation in a materials-by-design framework for heterogeneous energetic materials
Authors: Chun Sehyun , Roy Sidhartha , Nguyen Yen Thi , Choi Joseph B. , Udaykumar H. S. , Baek Stephen S.
Published: August 2020

The sensitivity of heterogeneous energetic (HE) materials (propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics) is critically dependent on their microstructure. Initiation of chemical reactions occurs at hot spots due to energy localization at sites of porosities and other defects. Emerging multi-scale predictive models of HE response to loads account for the physics at the meso-scale, i.e. at the scale of statistically representative clusters of particles and other features in the microstructure. Meso-scale physics is infused in machine-learned closure models informed by resolved meso-scale simulations. Since microstructures are stochastic, ensembles of meso-scale simulations are required to quantify hot spot ignition and growth and to develop models for microstructure-dependent energy deposition rates. We propose utilizing generative adversarial networks (GAN) to spawn ensembles of synthetic heterogeneous energetic material microstructures. The method generates qualitatively and quantitatively realistic microstructures by learning from images of HE microstructures. We show that the proposed GAN method also permits the generation of new morphologies, where the porosity distribution can be controlled and spatially manipulated. Such control paves the way for the design of novel microstructures to engineer HE materials for targeted performance in a materials-by-design framework.
Comparison of double-layer large-diameter and conventional small-diameter plastic stents for preoperative biliary drainage in resectable distal malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Matsubara Tokuhiro , Nishida Tsutomu , Hayashi Shiro , Shimakoshi Hiromi , Tomimaru Yoshito , Takahashi Kei , Nakamatsu Dai , Matsumoto Kengo , Yamamoto Masashi , Inada Masami
Published: August 2020

The use of a plastic stent (PS) in resectable patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) is uncommon due to the high failure rate of this method. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a double-layer, large-diameter PS as a bridge to surgery compared with a conventional PS. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. In total, 129 consecutive patients with DMBO underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2011 and March 2018. Fifty-five patients who preoperatively underwent plastic biliary drainage were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on stent diameter: a large-diameter plastic stent (LPS) group and a small-diameter plastic stent (SPS) group. The primary endpoint was the stent patency period, and the secondary endpoint was the medical cost. Thirty-six patients received SPSs; 19 patients received LPSs. The patency rate until surgery was significantly higher in the LPS group than in the SPS group (89.5% vs. 41.7%, P = 0.0006). Multivariate analysis revealed that LPS use was significantly associated with sufficient stent patency. The total cost of LPS use was significantly lower than that of SPS use. LPSs had longer patency and reduced medical costs than SPSs. LPSs may be suitable for patients with DMBO who are scheduled to undergo surgery.