bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of large herbivore grazing on grasshopper behaviour and abundance in a meadow steppe
Authors: Zhu Hui , Nkurunziza Venuste , Wang Jingting , Guo Qinfeng , Ruan Hang , Wang Deli
Published: July 2020

1. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity has been a major subject in evolutionary ecology, but how a species' behaviour may respond to certain environmental change is still not clear. In grasslands worldwide, large herbivores are increasingly used as a tool for grazing management, and occur to interact with grasshoppers that dominate grassland insect communities. Previous studies have been well‐documented about grazing effects on diversity and abundance of grasshoppers. Yet, how grazing may alter grasshopper behaviour, and potential effects on their abundance remains elusive.

2. We conducted a field experiment by manipulating grazing using sheep, cattle, and their mix to examine the behavioural responses and abundance of the grasshoppers (Euchorthippus unicolor) to grazing in a Leymus chinensis‐dominated grassland.

3. Results showed that the grasshoppers spent less time on feeding and resting on grasses, but more time on switching and resting on forbs under cattle grazing and mixed grazing with cattle and sheep. In contrast, the grasshoppers spent more time on feeding but less time on switching and resting on forbs under sheep grazing. The behavioural changes were also potentially linked to grasshopper abundance in the context of grazing management.

4. The responses of grasshopper behaviour and abundance to grazing may be largely triggered by altered vegetation and microclimates. Such behavioural flexibility of grasshoppers must be considered when large herbivores are recognised as a management tool for influencing grasshopper abundance, and grazer species should be paid more attention both individually and jointly for better grassland conservation.
Dim light at night exacerbates stroke outcome
Authors: Weil Zachary M. , Fonken Laura K. , Walker William H. , Bumgarner Jacob R. , Liu Jennifer A. , Melendez‐Fernandez O. Hecmarie , Zhang Ning , DeVries A. Courtney , Nelson Randy J.
Published: July 2020

Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological cycles that synchronize physiology and behaviour to promote optimal function. These ~24‐hr internal rhythms are set to precisely 24 hr daily by exposure to the sun. However, the prevalence of night‐time lighting has the potential to dysregulate these biological functions. Hospital patients may be particularly vulnerable to the consequences of light at night because of their compromised physiological state. A mouse model of stroke (middle cerebral artery occlusion; MCAO) was used to test the hypothesis that exposure to dim light at night impairs responses to a major insult. Stroke lesion size was substantially larger among animals housed in dLAN after reperfusion than animals maintained in dark nights. Mice housed in dLAN for three days after the stroke displayed increased post‐stroke anxiety‐like behaviour. Overall, dLAN amplified pro‐inflammatory pathways in the CNS, which may have exacerbated neuronal damage. Our results suggest that exposure to LAN is detrimental to stroke recovery.
Predicting the larval transport of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas during the seedling collection season
Authors: Kakehi Shigeho , Shirai Hidekazu , Magome Shinya , Takagi Takamasa , Okabe Katsuaki , Takayanagi Kazufumi , Hamaguchi Masami , Ito Hiroshi , Kamiyama Takashi
Published: July 2020

The collection of wild oyster seedlings is an integral part of Pacific oyster aquaculture, necessitating efficient methods of seedling collection. Matsushima Bay is a key area for the production of oyster seedlings in Japan. To predict the transport of oyster larvae in the bay during the 2017 seedling collection season, we conducted particle tracking based on the finite volume community ocean model. Larval sampling was conducted early in the seedling collection season to observe the horizontal distribution of hatched larvae, which was then used as the initial distribution for particle tracking. Particle tracking was driven by the predicted tidal elevation, past meteorological forcing variables, and historical river discharges from the period of June–July 2015. This yielded a prediction of larval distribution after one week had elapsed. The location of the predicted daily highest density was predominantly on the eastern side of the bay and did not change considerably over time. The predicted larval distribution differed markedly from the observed distribution of pre‐attachment stage larvae, suggesting that processes other than the circulation in the bay influence actual larval transport. A model that included larval mortality and ontogenetic vertical migration was able to approximate the observed larval distribution, indicating the importance of these processes. Sensitivity analyses for the parameters relating these processes revealed that larvae tend to remain in the bay when they grow quickly. Although there were some differences between predicted and observed outcomes, our study represents notable progress in demonstrating the potential for predicting oyster larval transport.
Mental health nursing in bushfire‐affected communities: An autoethnographic insight
Authors: Hayward Brent A.
Published: July 2020

There is no literature to guide mental health nursing in bushfire‐affected communities. Using autoethnographic methods, the author reflects on his experience of mental health nursing during the Australian bushfires of 2019–20 and the challenges of identifying existing practice guidance. Applying an existing nursing model and insights from gestalt, he analyses his field notes to identify and describe practices which he found important and useful for working with bushfire‐affected persons and communities. Eight suggestions are provided to assist mental health nurses to practise in an informed way and promote recovery. This paper makes a contribution to a small body of existing mental health nursing research using autoethnographic methods, and it is the first contribution to the mental health nursing literature about working with bushfire‐affected persons and communities.
Creativity in Art and Science: A Personal View
Authors: Yeomans Michael
Published: July 2020

A personal view of creativity in art and science is developed. Definitions of creativity emphasise connections in the process of solving problems, expressing ideas and feelings. This characteristic is important in art and design and science. There are teaching techniques that may be adopted to foster creative behaviour in school and the continuing art and design practice of teachers makes a significant contribution to classroom performance. Reference is made to connections in the work of the author.
Assessment and Transferable Skills in Art and Design
Authors: Davies Allan
Published: July 2020

A decade ago, Cal Swann, in an article called ‘Nellie is Dead’ in Designer magazine focused the minds of teachers and administrators towards the forthcoming changes in higher education. This paper reflects on those comments and, in much the way that Swann did then, asks what are the challenges facing higher education today.
A functional genomics approach to investigate the differentiation of iPSCs into lung epithelium at air‐liquid interface
Authors: Kerschner Jenny L. , Paranjapye Alekh , Yin Shiyi , Skander Dannielle L. , Bebek Gurkan , Leir Shih‐Hsing , Harris Ann
Published: July 2020

The availability of robust protocols to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into many human cell lineages has transformed research into the origins of human disease. The efficacy of differentiating iPSCs into specific cellular models is influenced by many factors including both intrinsic and extrinsic features. Among the most challenging models is the generation of human bronchial epithelium at air‐liquid interface (HBE‐ALI), which is the gold standard for many studies of respiratory diseases including cystic fibrosis. Here, we perform open chromatin mapping by ATAC‐seq and transcriptomics by RNA‐seq in parallel, to define the functional genomics of key stages of the iPSC to HBE‐ALI differentiation. Within open chromatin peaks, the overrepresented motifs include the architectural protein CTCF at all stages, while motifs for the FOXA pioneer and GATA factor families are seen more often at early stages, and those regulating key airway epithelial functions, such as EHF, are limited to later stages. The RNA‐seq data illustrate dynamic pathways during the iPSC to HBE‐ALI differentiation, and also the marked functional divergence of different iPSC lines at the ALI stages of differentiation. Moreover, a comparison of iPSC‐derived and lung donor‐derived HBE‐ALI cultures reveals substantial differences between these models.
Circulating circRNA predicting the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HBV infection
Authors: Wu Chen , Deng Lei , Zhuo Han , Chen Xiang , Tan Zhongming , Han Sheng , Tang Junwei , Qian Xiaofeng , Yao Aihua
Published: July 2020

A microarray‐based high‐throughput screening of human circulating circular RNA (circRNA) was applied with five patients newly diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), five patients with HBV‐positive chronic hepatitis (CH) and five healthy controls (NC) enrolled. The plasma of HCC patients after hepatectomy was also collected. After multiple staged validation, we obtained five circRNAs as candidate. Based on the stratified risk score analysis, three increased circRNAs including circ_0009582, circ_0037120 and circ_0140117 were confirmed as candidate circulating fingerprints for distinguishing HCC from CH or NC group. With the combination of AFP, higher sensitivity and specificity were further guaranteed, suggesting that circ_0009582, circ_0037120 and circ_0140117 may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting the occurrence of HCC in patients with HBV infection.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with childhood and lifetime traumatic events: a case–control study
Authors: Gielen S. , Janmohamed S.R. , Van Laethem A. , Del Marmol V. , Suppa M. , Gutermuth J. , Willemsen R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Negative life events in childhood can increase the susceptibility to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting the apocrine sweat glands, characterized by abscesses, fistulas and inflammatory nodules. It is unknown whether adult HS is associated with traumatic events.

Objective

To investigate the association between childhood and total lifetime traumatic events and the presence of HS.

Methods

We conducted a matched (1 : 3) case–control study with 71 HS patients and 213 controls. Patients were matched on age, gender and level of education. Questionnaires on general and demographic information, as well as the Traumatic Experience Checklist and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, were completed.

Results

The number of traumatic events (OR: 1.20 per trauma, P value < 0.05), and childhood traumatic events (yes vs. no, OR 3.59, P value < 0.05) and the number of childhood traumatic events (OR 1.35 per trauma, P value < 0.05) were correlated with an increased risk of developing HS. Detailed analysis showed that childhood emotional traumatic events (OR 5.03, P value < 0.05) were significantly associated with the development of HS.

Conclusion

Number of lifetime traumatic events and childhood traumatic events are associated with HS. This association is strongest for emotional childhood traumas. The increased prevalence of childhood traumas in HS patients can be one of the underlying mechanisms leading to systemic inflammation in these patients.
Assessing conformal thin film growth under nonstochastic deposition conditions: application of a phenomenological model of roughness replication to synthetic topographic images
Authors: BONTEMPI M. , VISANI A. , BENINI M. , GAMBARDELLA A.
Published: July 2020

In this work, a simple method to follow the evolution of the surface of thin films during growth on substrates characterised by high roughness is detailed. To account for real cases as much as possible, the approach presented is based on the hypothesis that deposition takes place under nonstochastic conditions, such as those typical of many thin film processes in industry and technology. In this context, previous models for roughness replication, which are mainly based on idealised deposition conditions, cannot be applied and thus ad hoc approaches are required for achieving quantitative predictions. Here it is suggested that under nonstochastic conditions a phenomenological relation can be proposed, mainly based on local roughening of surface, to monitor the statistical similarity between the film and the substrate during growth or, in other words, to detect changes of the bare substrate morphological profile occurring during the film growth on top. Such approximation is based on surface representation in terms of power spectral density of surface heights, derived from topographic images; in this work, such method will be tested on two separate batches of synthetic images which simulate thin films growth onto a real rough substrate. In particular, two growth models will be implemented: the first reproduces the surface profile obtained during an atomic force microscopy measurement by using a simple geometrical envelope of surface, regardless the thin film growth mechanism; the second reproduces the columnar growth expected under nonstochastic deposition conditions. It will be shown that the approach introduced is capable to highlight differences between the two batches and, in the second case, to quantitatively account for the replication of the substrate roughness during growth. The results obtained here are potentially interesting in that they account essentially for the geometrical features of the surfaces, and as such they can be applied to synthetic depositions that reproduce different thin film depositions and experimental contexts.
Feasibility and safety of urgently initiated maternal telemedicine in response to the spread of COVID‐19: A 1‐month report
Authors: Nakagawa Kinuko , Umazume Takeshi , Mayama Michinori , Chiba Kentaro , Saito Yoshihiro , Kawaguchi Satoshi , Morikawa Mamoru , Yoshino Masanori , Watari Hidemichi
Published: July 2020

Aim

In Hokkaido, Japan, the number of people suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is rapidly increased, and by the end of February 2020, there were already 70 confirmed cases of the disease. We investigated the safety of urgently initiated maternal telemedicine in preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐institution study examined maternal telemedicine at the department of obstetrics of the Hokkaido University Hospital from March 4 to April 2, 2020. The physicians remotely examined the pregnant women from their homes using a visual communication system which kept communication confidential, performed prenatal checkup and administered medical care according to their various blood pressures, weights and cardiotocograms.

Results

Forty‐four pregnant women received a total of 67 telemedicine interventions. Thirty‐two pregnant women (73%) had complications, and 22 were primiparas (50%). Telemedicine interventions were provided 19 times at less than 26 weeks of gestation, 43 times between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation and 5 times after 37 weeks of gestation. There was one case with an abnormality diagnosed during the remote prenatal checkups, and the patient was hospitalized on the same day. However, there were no abnormal findings observed in mothers and children during the other 66 remote prenatal checkups and medical care.

Conclusion

Maternal telemedicine can be safely conducted in pregnant women who are at risk of having an underlying disorder or fetal abnormality 1 month following the start of the attempt. It should be considered as a form of maternal medical care to prevent the spread of COVID‐19.
IL‐15 is a biomarker involved in the development of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease complicated with polymyositis/dermatomyositis
Authors: Shimizu T. , Koga T. , Furukawa K. , Horai Y. , Fujikawa K. , Okada A. , Okamoto M. , Endo Y. , Tsuji S. , Takatani A. , Umeda M. , Fukui S. , Sumiyoshi R. , Kawashiri S.‐y. , Iwamoto N. , Igawa T. , Ichinose K. , Tamai M. , Sakamoto N. , Nakamura H. , Origuchi T. , Mukae H. , Kuwana M. , Kawakami A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) is an autoimmune disease that is sometimes complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD). However, serum and lung biomarkers that can predict RPILD development remain unclear.

Objectives

To determine potential serum and lung biomarkers that can predict RPILD development in patients with PM/DM‐ILD.

Methods

In total, 49 patients with PM/DM‐ILD were enrolled. We measured the serum levels of 41 cytokines/chemokines, ferritin and anti‐MDA5 antibody, compared them between the RPILD (n = 23) and non‐RPILD (n = 26) groups, and ranked them by their importance through random forest analysis. To distinguish the two groups, we determined biomarker combinations by logistic regression analysis. We also measured the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of 41 cytokines/chemokines. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined IL‐15 expression in lung tissues. The IL‐15 production was also investigated using A549 and BEAS‐2B cells.

Results

The RPILD group had significantly higher IL‐15, IL‐1RA, IL‐6, CXCL10, VCAM‐1, anti‐MDA5 antibody and ferritin serum levels than the non‐RPILD group, but it had a significantly low CCL22 level. Meanwhile, anti‐MDA5 antibody, IL‐15, CXCL8, CCL22, IL‐1RA and ferritin were the best combination to distinguish the two groups. IL‐15 and CCL22 were also predictive marker for RPILD development in anti‐MDA5 antibody‐positive patients. Additionally, the RPILD group had significantly high IL‐15 levels in BALF. The lung tissues expressed IL‐15, which increased after cytokine stimulation in the A549 cells.

Conclusion

This study identified a combination of biomarkers predicting PM/DM‐RPILD progression, and IL‐15 is an important cytokine for predicting RPILD development and reflecting ILD severity.
Administrative Delegation of Budgetary Powers and Fiscal Performance
Authors: Geys Benny , Sørensen Rune J.
Published: July 2020

Does delegation of the budget preparation process to top civil servants improve or worsen fiscal performance? We address this question by analyzing high‐quality data on budgetary procedures and fiscal performance over a 25‐year period in Norwegian local governments. This long time period allows exploiting substantial variation in budgetary procedures across time and space. The results show that administrative delegation decreases fiscal deficits as a share of current revenues. Compared to procedures relying on political coordination or the traditional ‘bottom‐up’ procedure, deficits are approximately 0.3 percentage points lower on average under administrative delegation. Still, this effect is conditional upon the presence of minority governments and fails to materialize when the mayor enjoys majority support in the local council. Our results thus indicate that administrative delegation in budgetary processes may constitute an important tool to alleviate poor fiscal performance arising due to political coordination failures and weak political decision‐making.
What Went Wrong: Corona and the World after the Full Stop
Authors: Caduff Carlo
Published: July 2020

This article examines the global response to the Covid‐19 pandemic. It argues that we urgently need to look beyond the virus if we want to understand the real seriousness of what is happening today. How did we end up in a space of thinking, acting, and feeling that has normalized extremes and is based on the assumption that biological life is an absolute value separate from politics? The author suggests that today's fear is fueled by mathematical disease modeling, neoliberal health policies, nervous media reporting, and authoritarian longings.
Activation of biosynthetic gene clusters by the global transcriptional regulator TRI6 in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Shostak Kristina , Bonner Christopher , Sproule Amanda , Thapa Indira , Shields Samuel W. J. , Blackwell Barbara , Vierula John , Overy David , Subramaniam Rajagopal
Published: July 2020

In F. graminearum, the transcription factor TRI6 positively regulates the trichothecene biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) leading to the production of the secondary metabolite 15‐acetyl deoxynivalenol. Secondary metabolites are not essential for survival, instead, they enable the pathogen to successfully infect its host. F. graminearum has the potential to produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites (SMs). However, given high functional specificity and energetic cost, most of these clusters remain silent, unless the organism is subjected to an environment conducive to SM production. Alternatively, secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMCs) can be activated by genetically manipulating their activators or repressors. In this study, a combination of transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses with a deletion and overexpressor mutants of TRI6 was used to establish the role of TRI6 in the regulation of several BGCs in F. graminearum. Evidence for direct and indirect regulation of BGCs by TRI6 was obtained by chromatin immunoprecipitation and yeast two‐hybrid experiments. The results showed that the trichothecene genes are under direct control, while the gramillin gene cluster is indirectly controlled by TRI6 through its interaction with the pathway‐specific transcription factor GRA2.
Gains from Wage Flexibility and the Zero Lower Bound*
Authors: Billi Roberto M. , Galí Jordi
Published: July 2020

We analyse the welfare impact of greater wage flexibility in the presence of an occasionally binding zero lower bound (ZLB) constraint on the nominal interest rate. We show that the ZLB constraint generally amplifies the adverse effects of greater wage flexibility on welfare when the central bank follows a conventional Taylor rule. When demand shocks are the driving force, the ZLB implies that an increase in wage flexibility reduces welfare even under the optimal monetary policy with commitment.
Non‐trophic key players in aquatic ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Puche Eric , Jordán Ferenc , Rodrigo María A. , Rojo Carmen
Published: July 2020

The trophic network (TN) has been well stablished, and recently knowledge concerning non‐trophic relationships (NTRs) is receiving increasing attention. Although NTRs can influence trophic ones, network models, including both types of interactions (multi‐interaction network, IN) and changes in the role of nodes when NTRs are added to TN, are scarce. To evaluate the role of NTRs in freshwater shallow ecosystems, where these interactions are relevant mainly in the benthic habitat, we constructed, from the same communities, the two mentioned networks and compared them focusing on the nodes’ topological roles. Our approach is based on empirical data from a mesocosm experiment where aquatic communities inhabited coupled habitats (pelagic, within‐meadow and benthic) under three environmental scenarios: warming, increased ultraviolet radiation, plus control conditions. The experiment allowed us to assess: the topological roles of the nodes from different habitats when NTRs were added to the TN, and the relative impact of adding NTRs according to environmental scenarios. We calculated a set of node indices by considering both direct and indirect connections up to an ecologically meaningful number of steps. Our results highlight significant differences in the nodes’ roles between both network versions. When NTRs were added: 1) pelagic nodes lost relevance in the network; 2) the number of within‐meadow relevant nodes increased and 3) the large benthic consumers in TN were substituted by charophytes, plus a chain of small within‐meadow predators/preys, as the most relevant to the IN. Furthermore, the scenarios modulated changes in the nodes’ roles when including NTRs. The warming scenario promotes the central position of some nodes (e.g. charophytes) and harms others (e.g. benthic cladocerans), and UVR modulates changes in benthic filamentous primary producers’ roles. Therefore, the inclusion of NTRs in ecological models seems crucial to better understand the functioning of complex communities and their response to environmental disturbances.
Thirty‐day readmissions after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Lima Fabio V. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Sheikh Wasiq , French Amy , Parulkar Anshul , Sharma Esseim , Henien Shady , Wu Michael , Chu Antony
Published: July 2020

Background

Randomized clinical trial data have demonstrated catheter ablation (CA) as a viable treatment modality for atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing AF CA appear to derive improvements in quality of life and mortality compared to those treated with medical therapy (MT). Contemporary national data on 30‐day readmissions after CA compared to MT among patients with HF are lacking.

Methods

From the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Databases, 749 776 (weighted national estimate: 1 421 673) AF HF patients were identified of which 2204 (0.3%) underwent CA and 747 572 (99.7%) received MT. Propensity matching balanced baseline clinical characteristics. Thirty‐day readmission rates, causes, predictors, and costs of 30‐day readmission were compared.

Results

Among both the unmatched and matched cohorts, 30‐day readmissions were lower for patients treated with CA compared to MT (16.8% vs 20.1%, P < .001 and 16.8% vs 18.8%, P = .020). CA was associated with reduced risk of readmission compared to MT (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77‐0.97). HF exacerbation and arrhythmias were the most common cause for 30‐day readmission after CA. CA costs were higher during index hospitalization but similar to MT during readmission among the matched cohort ($15 858 ± $21 636 vs $16 505 ± $29 171, P = .67). Predictors of readmission were largely nonmodifiable risk factors among both the CA and MT groups.

Conclusions

Nearly one in six patients with HF is readmitted within 30‐days after undergoing CA. In propensity matched analyses, CA was associated with decreased rate and risk for readmission compared to MT. CA has higher index hospitalization costs, but lower readmission costs.
Awareness of stuttering in Japanese children aged 3–7 years
Authors: Kikuchi Yoshikazu , Umezaki Toshiro , Adachi Kazuo , Sawatsubashi Motohiro , Taura Masahiko , Yamaguchi Yumi , Tsuchihashi Nana , Murakami Daisuke , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: July 2020

Background

Boey et al. (2009) devised a questionnaire for measuring children's awareness of stuttering and showed that even very young children were often aware of their stuttering. There has been no replication of studies using Boey et al.'s parent‐reported questionnaire. The aim of this study was to test whether using Boey et al.'s seven questions, developed for a Dutch speaking population could be effective for measuring the awareness of stuttering in Japanese children.

Methods

Participants were 54 children who stutter (CWS) aged 3–7 years. Parents answered seven questions about their child’s awareness of stuttering according to the questions developed Boey et al.

Results

Parental‐reported observations of the child responses citing at least one awareness incident were 76%. The percentage of stuttering children with awareness of their own speech difficulties, according to chronological age, were as follows: 70% at age 3 years; 67% at age 4 years; 75% at age 5 years; 81% at age 6 years; and 90% at age 7 years.

Conclusions

We found that even at age 3 years, many CWS were already aware of their stuttering. The similarity of the data with the seminal study by Boey et al. suggests that the question‐based assessment is reproducible even in a country with a different spoken language. The seven questions in Boey et al. are useful for evaluating whether children's awareness of stuttering could contribute to a clinical decision as well as stuttering severity.
Bounded Explorers: Online Constructions of Solo Women Travelers
Authors: Douglas Rachel , Barrett Anne E.
Published: July 2020

Women have navigated the world with much less freedom than men—with restrictions particularly great for their solo, or independent, travel. Although much research documents women’s experiences of these constraints, less is known about travel media’s framing of women as solo travelers—with online media an especially neglected research area. Drawing on a leisure constraints perspective, our study examines differences in online travel articles (n = 100) targeting solo women versus men. Resonating with this perspective, as well as the findings of studies examining women’s actual travel experiences, our findings reveal a framing of women as “bounded explorers,” constrained in their solo travel by the emotional, social, and behavioral burdens imposed upon them, hinging on their perceived vulnerability and men’s perceived dangerousness. We find two processes through which women are constructed in online travel articles as bounded explorers—creating negative expectations and encouraging vigilant risk avoidance. As one of the first studies to examine cultural representations of solo travelers in online media, our research provides further evidence of gendered constraints in leisure by revealing the framing in travel articles of women as more bounded than men—a framing that may, in turn, have implications for women’s experiences in the realm of leisure and perhaps beyond.
Rapid detection of biofilm with modified alcian blue staining: In‐vitro protocol improvement and validation with clinical cases
Authors: Wu Yu‐Feng , Lee Tyng‐Yuh , Liao Wan‐Ting , Chuan Ho‐Hsien , Cheng Nai‐Chen , Cheng Chao‐Min
Published: July 2020

For chronic wounds, biofilm infection is a critical issue because it can tip the scales toward an unhealing state. Biofilm‐based wound therapy has been extensively advocated. However, point‐of‐care biofilm diagnosis still largely relies on clinical judgment. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid tool for diagnosing wound biofilm presence by alcian blue staining. First, we sought to optimize alcian blue staining using a colorimetric‐based approach to detect the biofilm, specifically targeting polysaccharides in the extracellular polymeric substances. Among examined transfer membranes and cationic detergents at various concentrations, we selected a positively charged nylon transfer membrane for sample loading, and 1% cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) as the blocking solution. After sample loading and blocking, the membrane was immersed in alcian blue solution for staining, followed by immersion in 1% CTAC to decrease background noise. Each step required only 30 seconds, and the whole procedure was completed within a few minutes. In the second part of this study, we enrolled 31 patients with chronic wounds to investigate the predictive validity of biofilm detection for unhealed wounds at a 1‐month follow‐up visit. Among the 18 cases with positive wound biofilm staining, 15 wounds (83.3%) were not healed at the 1‐month follow‐up visit. Only three unhealed wounds (30%) produced in negative staining cases. This finding indicates that biofilm infection is associated with poor healing outcome for chronic wounds. Moreover, our staining results correlated well with the clinical microbiological culture assessment (83.9% consistency; 95.2% sensitivity, and 60% specificity). In conclusion, the modified alcian blue staining protocol used here represents a rapid and sensitive procedure for detecting biofilm in chronic wounds. This technique provides a practical point‐of‐care approach for detection of wound biofilm, the implementation of which may improve clinical outcomes for chronic wound patients. Additional studies are required to validate this method.
Long‐term follow‐up for the microbiological safety of clinical microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet transplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Shinichi , Wynyard Shaun , Giovannangelo Mariëlla , Hemdev Sneha Lakshmandas , Abalovich Adrian , Carulla Mariana E. , Wechsler Carlos J
Published: July 2020

Enrollment in three clinical trials for microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet xenotransplantation to treat unstable type 1 diabetic patients concluded in November 2014. In this study, we report a long‐term follow‐up assessment of microbiological safety for these trials. Thirty‐eight type 1 diabetic patients received microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet transplants. Islets were isolated and prepared from the pancreata of New Zealand (NZ) based designated pathogen‐free (DPF) pigs under GMP conditions. Blood samples of thirty‐six patients were collected from 5 to 7 years post‐first transplant and were tested by real‐time PCR for porcine circovirus‐1 (PCV1), porcine circovirus‐2 (PCV2), porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus 1 (PLHV1), porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus 2 (PLHV2), and porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV). To detect porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), specific real‐time PCR and product enhanced reserve transcriptase (PERT) assays were performed. PCV1, PCV2, PLHV1, PLHV2, PCMV, PERV, and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity remained undetected in all tested samples indicating no viral transmission. Except for one patient that died due to complications unrelated to the transplant, there were no significant adverse events. Microbiological safety was demonstrated for microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet xenotransplantation from 5‐7 years post‐transplantation consistent with earlier reports.
Investigation of Flow Around and in Wake of a Heated Circular Cylinder at Moderate Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Michálek P. , Pospíšil S. , Macháček M. , Michalcová V.
Published: July 2020

The flow around a heated circular cylinder and the wake behind it were studied in wind tunnel flow using two methods of anemometry, i.e., particle image velocimetry (PIV) and constant temperature anemometry (CTA) with a special technique using a rotating slanted hot-wire probe. The Reynolds number ranged from 2000 to 20,000 and the cylinder wall temperatures varied between 27 °C and 177 °C. The wake is characterized by mean wind and fluctuation contour maps. Significant changes in wake patterns were observed while the cylinder was being heated, thus increasing its wall temperatures at low Reynolds numbers. At higher Reynolds numbers, the effects of cylinder heating on wake properties were negligible. The research fills a gap observed in the literature for a certain combination of velocity, cylinder aspect ratio, and cylinder surface temperature.
Multiphase Flow in a Liquid-Ring Vacuum Pump
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Khan Sajid , Dekker Rick , Shih Tom I-P.
Published: July 2020

A computational study based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes that resolves the gas–liquid interface was performed to examine the unsteady multiphase flow in a liquid-ring pump as a function of its inlet pressure (10, 40, and 80 kPa) and its impeller's rotational speed (1150, 1450, and 1750 rpm). Results obtained show the shape of the liquid ring to play a critical role in creating the expansion ratio needed to draw air into the pump and the compression ratio needed to expel air out of the pump. The dominant processes that determine the shape of the liquid ring was found to be the centrifugal force from rotation, the acceleration and deceleration due to the difference in pressure at the pump's inlet and outlet, and the eccentricity of the impeller relative to the pump's housing. Results are presented to show how the rotational speed of the impeller and the pressure at the pump's inlet affect the nature of the multiphase flow in the pump as well as the pump's effectiveness in creating a vacuum. The effects of heat transfer on the gas phase during the compression and expansion processes were found to be approximated well by polytropic processes. This computational study was validated by comparing computed with measured volumetric flowrates ingested through the suction port and the torque exerted on the pump's impeller.
A Six Parameter Single Diode Model for Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Nacar Mete , Özer Emre , Yılmaz Aysel Ersoy
Published: July 2020

The modeling of photovoltaic (PV) systems is substantial for the estimation of energy production and efficiency analysis in the PV systems under the changing environmental conditions. A PV model mathematically expresses the electrical characteristic of the PV modules according to temperature and irradiance. The most popular electrical circuit models are the single-diode model (SDM) and the double-diode model (DDM). Considering accuracy and complexity, SDM was used in this paper. In the equivalent circuit model used to estimate the electrical behavior of the PV modules, the parameter estimating has become an optimization problem. In recent studies, it is seen that metaheuristic algorithms are often employed in solving this optimization problem. In this paper, a new six-parameter PV model is proposed to improve the accuracy of the five-parameter SDM, taking into account the temperature dependence of the series resistance. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a couple of metaheuristic algorithms have been executed to estimate six unknown parameters of the proposed model under standard test conditions (STC: 25 °C, 1000 W/m2, AM1.5) using current–voltage (I–V) data of PV module. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed method under the changing environmental conditions, it was compared with the three methods commonly used in the literature. Accuracy of the proposed model has been indicated by the root mean square error (RMSE) within the range of current data and the model current values. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can predict the I–V curve for the PV modules with high accuracy.
Systematic Analysis of the Impact of Bump Height Manufacturing Errors on the Unbalance Response of a Foil Journal Bearing
Authors: Benchekroun Omar , Arghir Mihai
Published: July 2020

The present work exhibits the numerical investigation of the bump height-manufacturing errors on the unbalance response of an aerodynamic foil journal bearing. This is the first study on the impact of manufacturing errors based on an important number of samples. A statistical analysis predicts the mean values of the characteristics and the standard errors of the mean. The paper presents the most important aspects of the numerical model that was used and the way it was implemented for the unbalance analysis of a four degrees-of-freedom rotor. It was considered that the bump height-manufacturing errors had a normal distribution (i.e., each bump had a different random height) around the design (mean) height value. The standard deviation of the bump heights (the same for all bumps) is a measure of the magnitude of the manufacturing errors. The results give a qualitative but above all quantitative overview of the impact of machining errors on some characteristics of aerodynamic foil bearings.
Damping Mechanisms in Cable-Harnessed Structures for Space Applications: Analytical Modeling
Authors: Agrawal Pranav , Salehian Armaghan
Published: July 2020

Recent developments in the aerospace industry have driven focus toward accurately modeling the effects of the cables and electronic cords on space structures. In the past, researchers have modeled the mass and stiffness effects of these cables but primarily overlooked their damping effects through careful analytical model developments. The objective of the current work is to present analytical models for cable-harnessed structures that also include the damping effects in their vibration response. Obtaining simple, low-order and high-fidelity models are highly advantageous in designing robust vibration real-time control algorithms for structures. Additionally, the analytical models are useful tools in providing insight into and better understanding of the dynamics of space structures as they are often difficult to be tested prior to launch due to their large size and at best only a few components may be tested. Motivated by the space applications, this work considers beam structures wrapped with cables which are modeled using beam and string theory assumptions. Two different damping models namely Kelvin–Voigt and hysteretic damping are considered. The homogenization approach is used as a starting point for structures of periodic wrapping patterns. Using the variational principle, the governing partial differential equation for the transverse coordinate of vibrations is found for three cable patterns and the results are compared to those from the distributed transfer function method (DTFM). Finally, the effects of several structural parameters are studied on the overall system damping.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Depressive Symptoms, Functional Dependence, and Physical Activity: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Orsholits Dan , von Arx Martina , Sieber Stefan , Miller Matthew W. , Courvoisier Delphine , Iversen Maura D. , Cullati Stéphane , Cheval Boris
Published: July 2020

Background: Adverse childhood experiences, depressive symptoms, and functional dependence are interrelated. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. The authors investigated the potential of depressive symptoms to mediate the effect of adverse childhood experiences on functional dependence in older age and whether physical activity moderated this mediation. Method: Data from 25,775 adults aged 62 (9) years from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used in adjusted linear mixed-effects models to test whether depressive symptoms mediated the associations between adverse childhood experiences and functional dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) and whether physical activity moderated these mediations. Results: The results showed a graded association between the number of adverse childhood experiences (0 vs 1 and 0 vs ≥2) and the number of functional limitations in both ADL (bs = 0.040 and 0.067) and IADL (bs = 0.046 and 0.076). These associations were mediated by depressive symptoms. Physical activity reduced the effect of adverse childhood experiences on depressive symptoms (bs = −0.179 and −0.515) and tempered the effect of depressive symptoms on functional dependence both in ADL (b = −0.073) and IADL (b = −0.100). As a result of these reductions, the effect of adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms on functional dependence in ADL (Ps > .081) and IADL (Ps > .528) was nonsignificant in physically active participants. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, after age 50, engaging in physical activity more than once a week protects functional independence from the detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences and depression. In inactive individuals, the detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences on functional dependence are mediated by depressive symptoms.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
host-cell binding and invasion induces IL-8 and CXCL1 secretion that drives colorectal cancer cell migration
Authors: Casasanta Michael A. , Yoo Christopher C. , Udayasuryan Barath , Sanders Blake E. , Umaña Ariana , Zhang Yao , Peng Huaiyao , Duncan Alison J. , Wang Yueying , Li Liwu , Verbridge Scott S. , Slade Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

The progression of inflammation-associated colon cancer is driven by resident bacteria.
Redox priming promotes Aurora A activation during mitosis
Authors: Lim Daniel C. , Joukov Vladimir , Rettenmaier T. Justin , Kumagai Akiko , Dunphy William G. , Wells James A. , Yaffe Michael B.
Published: July 2020

CoAlation of the kinase Aurora A induces an open dimer conformation that facilitates its activation.
A Recurrent Mutation at Position 26340 of SARS-CoV-2 Is Associated with Failure of the E Gene Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR Utilized in a Commercial Dual-Target Diagnostic Assay
Authors: Artesi Maria , Bontems Sébastien , Göbbels Paul , Franckh Marc , Maes Piet , Boreux Raphaël , Meex Cécile , Melin Pierrette , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Bours Vincent , Durkin Keith
Published: July 2020

Control of the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic requires accurate laboratory testing to identify infected individuals while also clearing essential staff to continue to work. At the current time, a number of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays have been developed to identify SARS-CoV-2, targeting multiple positions in the viral genome. While the mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 is moderate, given the large number of transmission chains, it is prudent to monitor circulating viruses for variants that might compromise these assays.
Subannual stable isotope records reveal climate warming and seasonal anoxia associated with two extinction intervals across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary on Seymour Island, Antarctica
Authors: Mohr Rachel C. , Tobin Thomas S. , Petersen Sierra V. , Dutton Andrea , Oliphant Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

High-resolution stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) sclerochronology of accretionary carbonate bivalve shells can provide subannual environmental records useful for understanding intervals of extinction, which are commonly periods of rapid change and instability. Here, we present results from high-resolution serial sampling of Lahillia larseni bivalve shells across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (KPB) on Seymour Island, Antarctica. These data highlight two intervals of anomalous δ18O and δ13C values that coincide with condensed fossil last occurrences: one at the KPB and one at an apparent extinction event 150 k.y. earlier. We interpret these two intervals to represent periods of both climate warming, as indicated by lower δ18O, and seasonal anoxia or euxinia, as evidenced by anomalously low (−21.6‰ to −3.0‰ VPDB [Vienna Peedee belemnite]) δ13C values with high (2‰ to 19‰ in magnitude) seasonal variation. Low-oxygen conditions may have acted as a kill mechanism at the earlier extinction interval and possibly prolonged recovery from the KPB extinction.
Use of phenytoin for treatment of tacrolimus toxicity with superimposed sepsis
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Wahby Krista A , Inany Mohammed , Lee Sarah J
Published: July 2020

A 40-year-old woman with a history of chronic graft-versus-host-disease on immunosuppression with tacrolimus presented to the hospital with somnolence, confusion and muscle cramps over a few days. She was found to have hypertension, hyperglycaemia and acute kidney injury with an elevated blood tacrolimus level of greater than 120 ng/mL (reference range 5–15 ng/mL). Discontinuation of tacrolimus with concomitant administration of intravenous phenytoin led to the successful reduction of elevated tacrolimus concentrations and the resolution of her symptoms. Tacrolimus is metabolised by the cytochrome P (CYP) 450 3A enzyme system, and utilisation of CYP 3A inducers to accelerate its clearance may be used as a successful therapy to treat tacrolimus toxicity.