bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models of spatiotemporal variation in rabbit abundance reveal management hot spots for an invasive species
Authors: Brown Stuart C. , Wells Konstans , Roy‐Dufresne Emilie , Campbell Susan , Cooke Brian , Cox Tarnya , Fordham Damien A.
Published: January 2020

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a notorious economic and environmental pest species in its invasive range. To better understand the population and range dynamics of this species, 41 yr of abundance data have been collected from 116 unique sites across a broad range of climatic and environmental conditions in Australia. We analyzed this time series of abundance data to determine whether interannual variation in climatic conditions can be used to map historic, contemporary, and potential future fluctuations in rabbit abundance from regional to continental scales. We constructed a hierarchical Bayesian regression model of relative abundance that corrected for observation error and seasonal biases. The corrected abundances were regressed against environmental and disease variables in order to project high spatiotemporal resolution, continent‐wide rabbit abundances. We show that rabbit abundance in Australia is highly variable in space and time, being driven primarily by internnual variation in temperature and precipitation in concert with the prevalence of a non‐pathogenic virus. Moreover, we show that internnual variation in local spatial abundances can be mapped effectively at a continental scale using highly resolved spatiotemporal predictors, allowing “hot spots” of persistently high rabbit abundance to be identified. Importantly, cross‐validated model performance was fair to excellent within and across distinct climate zones. Long‐term monitoring data for invasive species can be used to map fine‐scale spatiotemporal fluctuations in abundance patterns when accurately accounting for inherent sampling biases. Our analysis provides ecologists and pest managers with a clearer understanding of the determinants of rabbit abundance in Australia, offering an important new approach for predicting spatial abundance patterns of invasive species at the near‐term temporal scales that are directly relevant to resource management.
Cardiomyocyte‐derived exosomal microRNA‐92a mediates post‐ischemic myofibroblast activation both in vitro and ex vivo
Authors: Wang Xujun , Morelli Marco Bruno , Matarese Alessandro , Sardu Celestino , Santulli Gaetano
Published: January 2020

Aims

We hypothesize that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) within cardiomyocyte‐derived exosomes play a pivotal role in the phenoconversion of cardiac myofibroblasts following myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results

We used an established murine model of MI, obtained in vivo via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We isolated adult cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, and we assessed the functional role of cardiomyocyte‐derived exosomes and their molecular cargo in the activation of cardiac fibroblasts. We identified and biologically validated miR‐92a as a transcriptional regulator of mothers against DPP homologues 7 (SMAD7), a known inhibitor of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), established marker of myofibroblast activation. We found that miR‐92a was significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in cardiomyocyte‐derived exosomes and in fibroblasts isolated after MI compared with SHAM conditions (n ≥ 6/group). We tested the activation of myofibroblasts by measuring the expression levels of αSMA, periostin, and collagen. Primary isolated cardiac fibroblasts were activated both when incubated with cardiomyocyte‐derived exosomes isolated from ischemic cardiomyocytes and when cultured in conditioned medium of post‐MI cardiomyocytes, whereas no significant difference was observed following incubation with exosomes or medium from sham cardiomyocytes. These effects were attenuated when an inhibitor of exosome secretion, GW4869 (10 μM for 12 h) was included in the experimental setting. Through means of specific miR‐92a mimic and miR‐92a inhibitor, we also verified the mechanistic contribution of miR‐92a to the activation of cardiac fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Our results indicate for the first time that miR‐92a is transferred to fibroblasts in form of exosomal cargo and is critical for cardiac myofibroblast activation.
Circulating neuregulin1‐β in heart failure with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Hage Camilla , Wärdell Eva , Linde Cecilia , Donal Erwan , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Daubert Claude , Lund Lars H. , Månsson‐Broberg Agneta
Published: January 2020

Aims

Neuregulin1‐β (NRG1‐β) is released from microvascular endothelial cells in response to inflammation with compensatory cardioprotective effects. Circulating NRG1‐β is elevated in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but not studied in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF).

Methods and results

Circulating NRG1‐β was quantified in 86 stable patients with HFpEF (EF ≥45% and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide >300 ng/L), in 86 patients with HFrEF prior to and after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and/or heart transplantation (HTx) and in 21 healthy controls. Association between NRG1‐β and the composite outcome of all‐cause mortality/HF hospitalization in HFpEF and all‐cause mortality/HTx/LVAD implantation in HFrEF with and without ischaemia assessed as macrovascular coronary artery disease was assessed. In HFpEF, median (25th–75th percentile) NRG1‐β was 6.5 (2.1–11.3) ng/mL; in HFrEF, 3.6 (2.1–7.6) ng/mL (P = 0.035); after LVAD, 1.7 (0.9–3.6) ng/mL; after HTx 2.1 (1.4–3.6) ng/mL (overall P < 0.001); and in controls, 29.0 (23.1–34.3) ng/mL (P = 0.001). In HFrEF, higher NRG1‐β was associated with worse outcomes (hazard ratio per log increase 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.03, P = 0.029), regardless of ischaemia. In HFpEF, the association of NRG1‐β with outcomes was modified by ischaemia (log‐rank P = 0.020; Pinteraction = 0.553) such that only in ischaemic patients, higher NRG1‐β was related to worse outcomes. In contrast, in patients without ischaemia, higher NRG1‐β trended towards better outcomes (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.48–1.05, P = 0.085).

Conclusions

Neuregulin1‐β was reduced in HFpEF and further reduced in HFrEF. The opposing relationships of NRG1‐β with outcomes in non‐ischaemic HFpEF compared with HFrEF and ischaemic HFpEF may indicate compensatory increases of cardioprotective NRG1‐β from microvascular endothelial dysfunction in the former (non‐ischaemic HFpEF), but this compensatory mechanism is overwhelmed by the presence of ischaemia in the latter (HFrEF and ischaemic HFpEF).
CXCR2‐modified CAR‐T cells have enhanced trafficking ability that improves treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Guangna , Rui Wei , Zheng Hongli , Huang Daosheng , Yu Fei , Zhang Yuewei , Dong Jiahong , Zhao Xueqiang , Lin Xin
Published: January 2020

Unlike hematological malignancies, solid tumors have proved to be less susceptible to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy, which is partially caused by reduced accumulation of therapeutic T cells in tumor site. Since efficient trafficking is the precondition and pivotal step for infused CAR‐T cells to exhibit their anti‐tumor function, strategies are highly needed to improve the trafficking ability of CAR‐T cells for solid tumor treatment. Here, based on natural lymphocyte chemotaxis theory and characteristics of solid tumor microenvironments, we explored the possibility of enhancing CAR‐T cell trafficking by using chemokine receptors. Our study found that compared with other chemokines, several CXCR2 ligands showed relatively high expression level in human hepatocellular carcinoma tumor tissues and cell lines. However, both human peripheral T cells and hepatocellular carcinoma tumor infiltrating T cells lacked expression of CXCR2. CXCR2‐expressing CAR‐T cells exhibited identical cytotoxicity but displayed significantly increased migration ability in vitro. In a xenograft tumor model, we found that expressing CXCR2 in CAR‐T cells could significantly accelerate in vivo trafficking and tumor‐specific accumulation, and improve anti‐tumor effect of these cells.
Comparative Study of Table Margarine Prepared from Moringa oleifera Seed Oil‐Palm Stearin Blend and Commercial Margarines: Composition, Thermal, and Textural Properties
Authors: Dollah Sarafhana , Chai Kong Fei , Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd
Published: January 2020

This study aims to produce an oleic acid‐rich table margarine from Moringa oleifera seed oil (MoO)‐palm stearin (PS) blend (70:30, w/w) and compare its composition, thermal behavior, and textural properties during storage with those of commercial margarines (CM1 and CM2). The major fatty acid in MoO/PS blend, CM1 and CM2 is oleic acid (67.85%, 38.54%, and 35.35%, respectively). Hence, many of their triacylglycerols are derived from the acid. MoO/PS blend has a higher complete melting temperature (43.50 °C) compared to CM1 (35.50 °C) and CM2 (35.53 °C). The solid fat content (SFC) of MoO/PS blend at 10 °C (28.7%) is lower than CM1 (32%) and CM2 (68.4%). However, the MoO/PS blend has a higher SFC (6.47%) at 35 °C compared to CMs. At 20 °C, the viscosity of experimental blend margarine (EBM) decreases but CM1 and CM2 increase at the end of the storage study. After 8 weeks of storage, all margarines are harder and CM2 is the hardest. The adhesiveness of EMB and CM2 is similar to the fresh samples while CM1 is more adhesive after storage. In short, it is possible to produce an oleic acid‐enriched margarine from MoO/PS blend that has better textural properties.

Practical Applications: Moringa oleifera seed oil is one of the superior oils that contains high levels of oleic acid. However, its high iodine value and low melting point limit its application in the production of margarine. This study shows that direct blending of M. oleifera seed oil with palm stearin could produce margarine with high oleic acid contents and better textural properties in terms of viscosity, hardness, and adhesiveness. The informative data provide supporting evidence for blending of M. oleifera seed oil with palm stearin to produce margarine that could overcome the issues that hinder the M. oleifera seed oil from being produced into margarine.
A Straightforward Approach to the Synthesis of Disubstituted Cyclopentenones
Authors: Roldão Mariane V. , Souza‐Filho Luis Gustavo , Almeida Wanda P. , Coelho Fernando
Published: January 2020

In this paper we describe an approach for the synthesis of a set of new diversely di‐substituted cyclopentenones using Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts as building blocks. The synthesis was performed with few steps, but the overall yield reached 34 %. A key step of this approach is a rhodium mediated 1,4‐addition reaction on adequately functionalised MBH adducts, which leads to the creation of cinnamate ester derivatives with high E selectivity. These intermediates were used as substrates for an intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts cyclisation reaction to achieve the required 2,3‐substituted cyclopentenones. As far as we know, this is the first report to describe the synthesis of substituted cyclopentenones that directly employ MBH adducts as building blocks.
Pain assessment for cognitively impaired older adults: Do items of available observer tools reflect pain‐specific responses?
Authors: Kappesser Judith , Voit Stefanie , Lautenbacher Stefan , Hermann Christiane
Published: January 2020

Background

A number of observational tools are available to assess pain in cognitively impaired older adults, however, none of them can yet be regarded as a “gold standard”. An international research initiative has created a meta‐tool compiling the facial, vocalization and body movement items of the majority of available tools. Objective of this study was to investigate the pain specificity and the validity of these items.

Method

N = 34 older adults with or without cognitive impairment were videotaped in three different conditions (one reference, two painful conditions) in their nursing homes. They were further asked to self‐report their pain in each condition. The occurrence of non‐verbal behaviours was coded as present or absent using the items of the meta‐tool.

Results

The majority of non‐verbal behaviours was not pain sensitive as they occurred less than three times across participants and conditions. Of the remaining items, two facial items (“pained expression” and “raising upper lip”), one vocalization item (“using pain‐related words”) and one body movement item (“guarding”) were found to be pain specific and valid. One additional item, the vocalization item “gasping”, was pain specific, but not associated with pain self‐report, and three additional items, the facial items “frowning” and “narrowing eyes” and the vocalization item “mumbling” were correlated with pain self‐report but did not help to separate pain from non‐pain conditions.

Conclusions

Systematic evaluation of items of existing observational pain assessment tools under naturalistic conditions seems a promising approach in the process of further investigating and improving tools.

Significance

Only few items stemming from observational pain assessment tools were found to be pain sensitive and specific as well as valid in this study. The investigation of existing tools not only on tool but additionally on item‐level can provide helpful insights and thereby can help to improve the original tools and establish a gold standard for nonverbal pain assessment in older adults with cognitive impairments.
Eating disorders and representations of the role of women in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Vu‐Augier de Montgrémier Marion , Moro Marie‐Rose , Chen Jue , Blanchet Corinne , Lachal Jonathan
Published: January 2020

Objective

This qualitative study examines the representations of young Chinese girls and women with eating disorders (EDs) about the role of women in China, because conflicting societal values for women may foster the development of EDs there.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 adolescent girls or young women hospitalized for an ED and with eight of their parents. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore the data.

Result

Three superordinate themes emerged from the participants' narratives: the thin ideal in Chinese society; the experience of gender‐related pressure; and independence and autonomization in a changing society. The ideal of thinness prevails, both in interpersonal relationships and in social roles. Highly codified representations persist, limiting women's opportunities. The participants and their parents show substantial ambivalence about independence; the young women have real difficulty in making decisions, thus failing to adopt roles that accord with their aspirations.

Discussion

Young girls' and women's representations of their gender could have implications in the development of EDs, mediated by their focus on thinness and their difficulties in constructing their identity, in developing autonomy and self‐esteem, as well as family conflict. These findings indicate that construction of femininity in China is unsettled by rapid societal changes.
Role of energy storage systems in energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables
Authors: Kalair Anam , Abas Naeem , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Kalair Ali Raza , Khan Nasrullah
Published: January 2020

We present the role of heat and electricity storage systems on the rapid rise of renewable energy resources and the steady fall of fossil fuels. The upsurge in renewable resources and slump in fossil fuel consumptions is attributed to sustainable energy systems, energy transition, climate change, and clean energy initiatives. The fast growth of renewables brings new design and operational challenges to transition towards 100% renewable energy goal. Energy storage systems can help ride‐through energy transition from hydrocarbon fuels to renewable sources. Nuclear fusion and artificial photosynthesis are the ultimate Holy Grails for permanent clean energy solutions. Plants harvest light and store it in chemical energy to regulate the food supply chain that may be a guideline for an energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Heat and electricity storage devices can account for the periodic nature of solar and wind energy sources. Solar thermal systems for water and space heating are also a viable solution for subzero temperature areas. This study presents the transition of world's energy prospect from fossil fuels to renewables and new advances in energy storage systems.
The natural variability of clay and its impact on provenance study of pottery in Vanuatu and further afield
Authors: Leclerc Mathieu
Published: January 2020

This article documents the significant horizontal (across the landscape) and vertical (across the stratigraphy) chemical variability of volcanic clays from Vanuatu, South Pacific. Data illustrate why the chemical composition of the clay matrix in pottery should be used very cautiously in characterization or provenance studies. The variability of natural clays on Efate, Erromango, and Malekula is so significant that the data set disproves the assumption that two pottery samples with clay matrices showing similar chemical composition necessarily originate from the same location, the same bedrock, the same region, or even from the same island. This study is also a reminder that the outcomes of chemical characterizations and provenance studies of pottery are directly dependent on the scale at which the investigation is undertaken. In light of the data, it is also clear that such studies should not be undertaken in other similar insular environments affected by regular volcanic activity along the Circum‐Pacific Belt without assessing the natural variability of the raw material. Without an adequate sampling of natural clay representative of the vertical and geographic variability, the results from the chemical analysis of clay matrices risk of leading to incorrect associations between pots and procurement areas.
Social connections and tertiary health‐care utilization
Authors: Debnath Sisir , Jain Tarun
Published: January 2020

The use of tertiary health care by socially proximate peers helps individuals learn about program and treatment procedures, signals that using such care is socially appropriate, and could support the use of formal health care, all of which could increase program utilization. Using complete administrative claims data from a publicly financed tertiary care program in India, we estimate that the elasticity of first‐time claims with respect to claims by members of caste groups within the village is 0.046, with smaller effects of more socially distant individuals. The point elasticity of inpatient care expenditure with respect to claims filed by the same group in village peers in the previous quarter is
0.035. We find support for an information channel as peers increase awareness of the program and its features. Our findings have implications for the development of network‐based models to determine health‐care demand, as well as in use of network‐based targeting to boost tertiary health‐care utilization.
The contribution of group work to the goals of comprehensive primary health care
Authors: Freeman Toby , Baum Fran , Javanparast Sara , Labonté Ronald , Lawless Angela , Barton Elsa
Published: January 2020

Issue addressed

Group work, such as peer support and health promotion is an important strategy available to comprehensive primary health care. However, group work and how it contributes to the goals of comprehensive primary health care has been under‐researched and under‐theorised.

Methods

In this 5‐year study, we partnered with seven Australian primary health care services, and drew on service reports, two rounds of staff interviews (2009‐2010 and 2013, N = 68 and 55), 10 community assessment workshops (N = 65), a client survey (N = 315) and case tracking of clients with diabetes (N = 184, plus interviews with 35 clients, and five practitioners) and clients with depression (N = 95, plus interviews with 21 clients, and 11 practitioners). We conducted a rapid literature review of existing research on group work, and developed a model showing a group work reinforcing cycle. We examined the nature of the groups run, and the benefits staff and clients perceived.

Results

Benefits were grouped into four main themes: (a) social support, including for clients of the Aboriginal services, opportunities to celebrate their cultural identity, (b) improving skills and knowledge, (c) increasing access to services and (d) empowerment and solidarity.

Conclusions

The perceived collective and individual benefits aligned with a comprehensive primary health care vision. However, the individualism stressed by neoliberal‐driven health policy threatened the provision of group work and its potential collectivist benefits.

So What

There are multiple benefits of group work in primary health care that cannot be achieved through individual work, highlighting the importance of policy and organisational support for group work.
Regulation of synaptic vesicle acidification at the neuronal synapse
Authors: Gowrisankaran Sindhuja , Milosevic Ira
Published: January 2020

The vacuolar H+‐adenosine triphosphatases (vATPases) acidify multiple intracellular organelles, including synaptic vesicles (SVs) and secretory granules. Acidification of SVs represents a critical point during the SV cycle: without acidification, neurotransmitters cannot be loaded into SVs. Despite the obvious importance of the vesicle acidification process for neurotrasmission and the life of complex organisms, little is known about the regulation of vATPase at the neuronal synapse. In addition, the composition of the vATPase complex on the SVs is unclear. Here, we summarize the key features of vATPase found on SVs, and propose a model of how vATPase activity is regulated during the SV cycle. It is anticipated that the information from the SV lumen is communicated to SV surface in order to signal successful acidification and neurotransmitter loading: we postulate here that the regulators of the vATPase activity exist (e.g., Rabconnectin‐3) that promote the recruitment of SV peripheral proteins and, consequently, SV fusion.
ERp29 affects the migratory and invasive ability of human extravillous trophoblast HTR‐8/SVneo cells via modulating the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zou Shaohan , Dong Ruirui , Zou Ping , Meng Xina , Zhang Ting , Luo Liang , Li Na , Wang Yao , Wang Jing , Wang Tiejun , Zhang Yan , Chen Minjian , Zhou Conghua , Han Fei
Published: January 2020

Dysfunction of trophoblast metastasis into the endometrium is the main cause of pre‐eclampsia (PE); however, the factors affecting this process are still unclear. In this study, we found that endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29), one molecular chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum, was aberrantly upregulated in the placenta of pre‐eclamptic patients compared with healthy controls. Then, an in vitro study using human extravillous trophoblast HTR‐8/SVneo cells showed that ERp29 upregulation could inhibit the migratory and invasive ability of HTR‐8/SVneo cells, while ERp29 downregulation had the opposite effect. Mechanical experiments confirmed that ERp29 blocked trophoblast metastasis via inhibiting the process of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and affecting the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study revealed the important role of ERp29 in trophoblast metastasis and improved the mechanical understanding of PE occurrence.
Monte Carlo simulation and thermodynamic integration applied to protein charge transfer
Authors: Kaiser Jan , Castellano Mike , Gnandt David , Koslowski Thorsten
Published: January 2020

We introduce a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and thermodynamic integration methods to address a model problem in free energy computations, electron transfer in proteins. The feasibility of this approach is tested using the ferredoxin protein from Clostridium acidurici. The results are compared to numerical solutions of the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation and data from recent molecular dynamics simulations on charge transfer in a protein complex, the NrfHA nitrite reductase of Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Despite the conceptual and computational simplicity of the Monte Carlo approach, the data agree well with those obtained by other methods. A link to experiments is established via the cytochrome subunit of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis.
A retrospective cohort study of preoperative lipid indices and their impact on new‐onset diabetes after liver transplantation
Authors: Liang Jing , Yi Xilu , Xue Mengjuan , Chen Xianying , Huang Xiaowu , Sun Qiman , Wang Ting , Zhao Chenhe , Yang Yinqiu , Gao Jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Yu Mingxiang
Published: January 2020

Background

The correlation between preoperative lipid profiles and new‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) remains relatively unexplored in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). Thus, we aimed to investigate the preoperative lipid profiles in Chinese LTRs and evaluate the different influences of preoperative total cholesterol, total triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on the development of NODAT in both sexes.

Methods

A total of 767 Chinese LTRs from Zhongshan Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. NODAT was defined according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines; the relationship between each preoperative lipid index and NODAT development was analyzed separately in men and women.

Results

Pretransplant hypotriglyceridemia was observed in 35.72% of the total LTRs. In men, only the preoperative TG level was significantly associated with incident NODAT after adjusting for potential confounders (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.13‐1.66, P = .001). There was a nonlinear relationship between the preoperative TG level and NODAT risk. The risk of NODAT significantly increased with preoperative a TG level above 0.54 mmol/L (log‐likelihood ratio test, P = .043). In women, no significant association was observed.

Conclusion

Among male LTRs, a higher preoperative TG level, even at a low level within the normal range, was significantly and nonlinearly associated with an increased risk of NODAT.
Comparison of “Lumipulse anti‐Treponema pallidum” and “Architect Syphilis TP” and further examination
Authors: Liang Jianbo , Wan Jianxin , Huang Chumei , Cai Gaorong , Li Laisheng , Liu Min
Published: January 2020

Background

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum (TP) infection. In recent years, diagnostic reagents with fully automated immunoassay instruments have become mainstream. However, these positive screening tests with high sensitivity, which are performed with full automation, need confirmation by Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) to be judged as positive.

Methods

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of Lumipulse G TP‐N assay (Lumi‐TP, Fujirebio Inc) in 223 preselected TP‐positive samples and 1041 TP‐negative samples, compared it with that of the TP gold standard test (TPPA) and Architect Syphilis TP test (Archi‐TP, Abbott).

Results

The concordance rates for the results for the positive and negative samples between Lumi‐TP and TPPA were 100%. On the other hand, the rates for the results between Archi‐TP and TPPA were 100% for positive samples and 99.14% (1032/1041) for negative samples. Correlation tendency and rate between Archi‐TP and Lumi‐TP were 2.549 and 0.841 in positive specimens up to 160 detected values in Lumi‐TP. However, the detection value of Archi‐TP reached a plateau when it exceeded about 40. Furthermore, according to the comparison of each value obtained from Archi‐TP and Lumi‐TP with the strength of the staining of each line in the immune‐chromatography assay kit, ESPLINE TP (Fujirebio Inc) for TP major antigens, Tp15‐17 and TpN47, it was found that Lumi‐TP obtained higher values than Archi‐TP, particularly for TpN 47.

Conclusions

Lumi‐TP has high specificity and is useful not only for screening but also for determining the amount of anti‐TP antibodies.
A new type of somatosensory organ in the nasolabial skin of the dog
Authors: Elofsson Rolf , Kröger Ronald H. H.
Published: January 2020

A new morphological type of somatosensory organ is described. It is found in the glabrous skin of the dog nose (rhinarium or planum nasale) and situated in dermis papillae. The otherwise thick epidermis forms a thin window above the organ. There are only a few layers of keratinocytes in the window and the corneocytes are much thinner than elsewhere. The organ consists of highly branching cells that wrap naked nerve endings emanating from myelinated nerve fibers originating in the outer dermal nerve plexus. The structure entirely fills the top of the dermal papilla. The intercellular spaces of the organ and its surroundings are occupied by an extended areolar basal lamina.
Changes in the Corticospinal Tract Beyond the Ischemic Lesion Following Acute Hemispheric Stroke: A Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Study
Authors: Yu Xinfeng , Jiaerken Yeerfan , Wang Shuyue , Hong Hui , Jackson Alan , Yuan Lixia , Lou Min , Jiang Quan , Zhang Minming , Huang Peiyu
Published: January 2020

Background

The degeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) in chronic stroke has been widely described using diffusion tensor imaging and correlates with the extent of motor deficits. However, only a few studies have reported the early degeneration in the distal CST during the acute stage of stroke and pathological changes in the distal CST have not been described.

Purpose

To study the microstructural changes along the CST beyond the ischemic lesion in acute stroke using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 48 patients (26 males, 22 females; mean age 58.27 ± 12.89 years) with acute ischemic stroke.

Sequence

A DKI sequence with three b‐values (0, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2) at 3.0T MRI.

Assessment

The kurtosis and tensor parameters were derived from DKI and were compared along the length of the CST beyond the ischemic lesion between the affected and unaffected hemispheres using both voxelwise and slicewise analysis. The degree of neurological deficits was evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) and the Barthel index and the clinical outcome at 3 months was evaluated using a modified Rankin scale.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐tests, a linear mixed model, and multivariate linear regression.

Results

Voxelwise analysis demonstrated increased mean kurtosis, increased axial kurtosis, and decreased axial diffusivity in the affected CST, which were seen only at the level of the cerebral peduncle (all corrected P < 0.05). Slicewise analysis also demonstrated increased axial kurtosis in the cerebral peduncle of the affected CST (corrected P < 0.05). The axial kurtosis from slicewise analysis independently correlated with the motor component of NIHSS (β = 0.297, P = 0.040).

Data Conclusion

Our findings suggest that early anterograde degeneration occurs along the axon direction in the distal CST in acute stroke, and can be detected using DKI. Moreover, acute axonal degeneration along the CST correlated with motor deficits.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:512–519.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus outbreaks in Argentina, 2013‐2018
Authors: Degiuseppe Juan I. , Barclay Leslie , Gomes Karina A. , Costantini Veronica , Vinjé Jan , Stupka Juan A.
Published: January 2020

Noroviruses are a leading cause of endemic and epidemic acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. However, in Latin America, there are limited and updated data regarding circulating genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of norovirus outbreaks in Argentina from 2013 to 2018. Stool samples from 29 acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks were available for viral testing. Norovirus was detected in samples from 18 (62.1%) outbreaks (2 GI and 16 GII). Both GI outbreaks were typed as GI.6[P11] whereas 10 different GII genotypes were detected, in which GII.4 viruses were the most frequently detected (29.4%, associated with GII.P31 and GII.P16) followed by GII.1[P33] and GII.6[P7] (17.6% each). Like GII.4 viruses, GII.2 viruses were also detected in association with different polymerases (GII.P2 and GII.P16). Our findings underscore the importance of dual RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase‐VP1 typing since recombinant strains with new polymerase sequences emerge frequently suggesting a possible role in improved fitness of these viruses. This study represents the most recent multi‐year assessment of the molecular epidemiology of norovirus strains associated with AGE outbreaks in Argentina. Molecular surveillance of norovirus has to be considered to monitor possible changes in dominant genotypes which may assist to inform the formulation of future vaccines.
Development and evaluation of a panel of multiplex one‐tube nested real time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of 14 respiratory viruses in five reactions
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Gui‐xia , Wang Ji , Zhao Meng‐chuan , Wang Le , Feng Zhi‐shan , Ma Xue‐jun
Published: January 2020

Multiplex real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (mRT‐qPCR) assay is commonly used to detect respiratory viruses, however, the sensitivity is limited for most reports. A panel of locked nucleic acid based multiplex closed one‐tube nested real‐time PCR (mOTNRT‐PCR) assay consisting of five separate internally controlled RT‐qPCR assays was developed for detection of 14 respiratory viruses. The sensitivity and reproducibility of mOTNRT‐PCR panel were evaluated using plasmid standards and the specificity was evaluated using clinical samples. The clinical performance of mOTNRT‐PCR panel was further evaluated with 468 samples collected from patients with an acute respiratory infection and compared with individual real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) assay. The analytical sensitivities of mOTNRT‐PCR panel ranged from 2 to 20 copies/reaction, and no cross‐reaction with common respiratory viruses was observed. The coefficients of variation of intra‐assay and inter‐assay were between 0.35% and 8.29%. Totally 35 clinical samples detected by mOTNRT‐PCR assay panel were missed by RT‐qPCR and confirmed true positive by sequencing of nested PCR products. The mOTNRT‐PCR assay panel provides a more sensitive and high‐throughput method for the detection of 14 respiratory viruses.
Design and high‐power test of the transmission line for millimeter wave deep drilling
Authors: Wang Lina , Niu Xinjian , Chen Shuang , Liu Jianwei , Liu Yinghui , Guo Guo , Wang Hui
Published: January 2020

A numerical synthesis method for optimization of the key components of the transmission line for high‐power fusion gyrotron is proposed in this paper. Combined with the analysis method, an algorithm has been developed for the waveguide to provide higher power transformation efficiency, which is 99.447% and 99.9721% for the TE01‐TE11 mode converter and TE11 taper, respectively. The synthesis method has been tested for the designed key components of transmission line to transfer the electromagnetic wave from the gyrotron output port to the specified position of the sample to be heat. The experimental results show that the output mode is in excellent agreement with theoretical calculation. The details are presented for the circular waveguide mode converter and the layout of the whole system.
TLR3 activation modulates immunomodulatory properties of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Chaikeawkaew Daneeya , Everts Vincent , Pavasant Prasit
Published: January 2020

Background

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are a group of receptors that play roles in the innate immune system. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDL cells) express several TLRs, including TLR3, a nucleotide sensing receptor that recognizes double‐stranded RNA from viral infection. However, its role in hPDL cells is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of hPDL cells in terms of immunomodulation after TLR3 engagement.

Methods

HPDL cells were treated with various doses of poly I:C, a TLR3 activator. The expression of interferon‐gamma (IFNγ), indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) was determined. Chemical inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to confirm the role of TLR3. Coculture with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with poly I:C‐activated hPDL cells was performed.

Results

Endosomal TLR3 in hPDL cells was observed by immunocytochemistry. Addition of poly I:C significantly enhanced the expression and secretion of IFNγ, IDO, and HLA‐G. Knockdown of TLR3 using siRNA decreased the poly I:C‐induced expression of these three molecules. Bafilomycin‐A, an inhibitor of auto‐phagosome and lysosome fusion, inhibited poly I:C‐induced IDO and HLA‐G expression, whereas cycloheximide and a TLR3‐neutralizing antibody had no effect. In co‐culture experiments, poly I:C‐activated hPDL cells inhibited PBMCs proliferation and increased mRNA expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), a transcription factor which is a marker of regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that TLR3 engagement of hPDL cells induced immunosuppressive properties of these cells. Because immunosuppressive properties play an important role in tissue healing and regeneration, activation of TLR3 may help to attenuate tissue destruction by limiting the inflammatory process and perhaps initiate the healing and regeneration process of the periodontium.
Intermachine Variation of Ultrasound Strain Elastographic Measures of the Quadriceps and Patellar Tendons in Healthy Participants
Authors: Dickson Diane M. , Fawole Henrietta O. , Hendry Gordon J. , Smith Stephanie L.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To evaluate intermachine variation and compare intraoperator and interoperator agreement and repeatability characteristics of 2 ultrasound (US) systems for measurements of quadriceps and patellar tendons by strain elastography (SE).

Methods

Forty tendons from 20 healthy participants were investigated by operators with different experience (operator 1, 12 years of US experience and >50 SE examinations; operator 2, no US experience and 1 day of SE training). Repeated measures were performed on GE Healthcare (Waukesha, WI) and Esaote (Genoa, Italy) US systems. The percentage of agreement, Cohen κ, intraclass correlation coefficient, and correlation tests assessed agreement, repeatability, and associations of SE measures. A paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test assessed differences in SE measures.

Results

The study participants included 5 male and 15 female volunteers (mean [range] age, 29.3 [21–39] years). Better agreement and repeatability characteristics were observed for the patellar compared to the quadriceps tendon and the color score (CS) method over the elasticity ratio (ER). Intraoperator agreement was better for the experienced operator. Intraoperator repeatability was achieved in 55% of ER (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.40–0.91; P < .05) and 77% to 85% (κ = –0.25–1) of CS measures. Interoperator repeatability was achieved in 35% (t/z, –2.93–7.94; P < .001–.048) of all ER measures. No significant differences in proximal (z, –0.13– –0.78) and distal patellar (z, –1.52–2.26; P > .5) patellar ER measures were observed. Seventy‐four percent to 75% mean agreement (κ = 0–0.5) for CS measures comparable across both US systems was observed. Intermachine ER associations were poor (r = –0.39–0.13; P > .05), whereas greater than 70% agreement (κ = –0.87–0.53) for the CS was achieved.

Conclusions

The reproducibility of knee tendon SE measurements is influenced by the operator experience, US system, and tendon site.
A geographic information system‐based land use impact model to map areas with risk for land degradation: Wind erosion as an example
Authors: Sardo I. Kouchami , Besalatpour A. A. , Bashari H. , Shirani H. , Yildiz Ö.
Published: January 2020

Wind erosion modeling is hampered by the complexity of the relationships between factors involved in this process and the absence of comprehensive empirical data. In this study, we developed a geographic information system‐based Land Use Impact Model and investigated its potential use for assessing the wind erosion risk in different land uses and wind geomorphic units. The obtained results were validated by field measurements and observations using a wind erosion simulator. Comparing the measured wind erosion intensities by the wind erosion simulator with those from the likelihood map obtained from the model revealed the high potency of the developed model for assessing land degradation due to wind erosion in our data scarce arid studied regions. Almost 90% of the mapping units in the likelihood map had similar wind erosion classes to the measured values. Furthermore, there was a high wind erosion occurrence risk in most parts of the studied regions (i.e., about 64% of the study area), and no mapping units in the study area were classified as ‘very low’ risk class. In addition, only about 9% of the surveyed mapping units were classified as a ‘low’ risk class, indicating an undesirable situation of the study area with regard to wind erosion.
Mesomorphic Sugar‐Coated Polydiacetylene Polymers
Authors: Yadav Shivender , Gowda Ashwathanarayana , Jayaraman Narayanaswamy
Published: January 2020

The derivatization of a polydiacetylene (PDA) polymer with free hydroxyl groups containing sugars leads to amphiphilicity of the polymer and the emergence of thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior, in addition to the thermochromatic properties. The diacetylene monomers, incorporated with mono‐ and disaccharides, exhibit mono‐ and/or enantiotropic phase behavior in a wide temperature range. Structural characterization and modeling studies reveal a lamellar arrangement and interdigitization of the molecules in the mesophase. The importance of the amphiphilicity as a source to induce mesomorphic behavior in PDA polymers is emphasized.
Are China's subsidies for electric vehicles effective?
Authors: Deng Zhongqi , Tian Peng
Published: January 2020

China has implemented high subsidy schemes to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This study constructs an industrial organization model to theoretically analyze and numerically simulate the subsidy efficacy of battery electric vehicles in China. We find that subsidies for battery manufacturers and those for electric vehicle manufacturers are equivalent. Fixed subsidies are better for social welfare maximization than linear subsidies are. Simulation based on Chinese empirical data shows that China's subsidies for electric vehicles are effective but not optimal. It could be a better option overall to enable the vertical integration of the supply chain.
Common and distinct features of potentially predictive biomarkers in small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung by systematic and integrated analysis
Authors: Dong Shenghua , Liang Jun , Zhai Wenxin , Yu Zhuang
Published: January 2020

Background

Large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) and small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) are neuroendocrine neoplasms. However, the underlying mechanisms of common and distinct genetic characteristics between LCNEC and SCLC are currently unclear. Herein, protein expression profiles and possible interactions with miRNAs were provided by integrated bioinformatics analysis, in order to explore core genes associated with tumorigenesis and prognosis in SCLC and LCNEC.

Methods

GSE1037 gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LCNEC and SCLC, as compared with normal lung tissues, were selected using the GEO2R online analyzer and Venn diagram software. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The biological pathway analysis was performed using the FunRich database. Subsequently, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was generated using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and displayed via Cytoscape software. The PPI network was analyzed by the Molecular Complex Detection app from Cytoscape, and 16 upregulated hub genes were selected. The Oncomine database was used to detect expression patterns of hub genes for validation. Furthermore, the biological pathways of these 16 hub genes were re‐analyzed, and potential interactions between these genes and miRNAs were explored via FunRich.

Results

A total of 384 DEGs were identified. A Venn diagram determined 88 common DEGs. The PPI network was constructed with 48 nodes and 221 protein pairs. Among them, 16 hub genes were extracted, 14 of which were upregulated in SCLC samples, as compared with normal lung specimens, and 10 were correlated with the cell cycle pathway. Furthermore, 57 target miRNAs for 8 hub genes were identified, among which 31 miRNAs were correlated with the progression of carcinoma, drug‐resistance, radio‐sensitivity, or autophagy in lung cancer.

Conclusion

This study provided effective biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for diagnosis and prognosis of SCLC and LCNEC.
Fractional h‐differences with exponential kernels and their monotonicity properties
Authors: Suwan Iyad , Owies Shahd , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: January 2020

In this work, the nabla fractional differences of order
with discrete exponential kernels are formulated on the time scale
, where
. Hence, the earlier results obtained in Adv. Differ. Equ., 2017, (78) (2017) are generalized. The monotonicity properties of the
–Caputo‐Fabrizio (CF) fractional difference operator are concluded using its relation with the nabla
–Riemann‐Liouville (RL) fractional difference operator. It is shown that the monotonicity coefficient depends on the step
, and this dependency is explicitly derived. As an application, a fractional difference version of the mean value theorem (MVT) on
is proved.
High resolution 3D subsurface mapping using a towed transient electromagnetic system ‐ tTEM: case studies
Authors: Maurya Pradip Kumar , Christiansen Anders Vest , Pedersen Jesper , Auken Esben
Published: January 2020

Geophysical methods are routinely applied for investigation of near surface in areas of infrastructure, water supply, artificial infiltration, farming, waste deposits, construction, etc. A new towed transient electromagnetic tool, called ‘tTEM’, provides rapid, efficient, high‐resolution imaging of subsurface hydrogeology, and can deliver densely spaced profiles of resistivity. These profiles can be used to map a three‐dimensional subsurface in high resolution. In this paper, we present three case studies where the towed transient electromagnetic system was used to map the subsurface at the hectare scale. In the first case, we used towed transient electromagnetic to map raw materials in the northern Jutland, Denmark. The survey was carried out to map possible sand and gravel deposits. In the towed transient electromagnetic models, the potential sand/gravel targets are identified as high resistive bodies in the top 30 m. These bodies can have significant lateral variation at scales much less than one hundred metres. In the second case study, towed transient electromagnetic was used to map the thickness of a protecting clay layer above an aquifer in Vildbjerg, a town in the central part of Denmark. Results show that the overlying clay layer has sufficient thickness (>15 m) to protect the underlying aquifer from pesticide pollution in the area. Finally, in the third case study, we used towed transient electromagnetic for mapping geology in the vicinity of a landfill. The inversion results reveal a hitherto unknown buried valley‐like feature within the top 30 m of the subsurface that was not identified by older, regional TEM surveys – a feature that can have significant impact on the water flow.