bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variational derivation of thermal slip coefficients on the basis of the Boltzmann equation for hard-sphere molecules and Cercignani–Lampis boundary conditions: Comparison with experimental results
Authors: Nguyen Nhu Ngoc , Graur Irina , Perrier Pierre , Lorenzani Silvia
Published: October 2020

In the present paper, a variational method is applied to solve the Boltzmann equation based on the true linearized collision operator for hard-sphere molecules and the Cercignani–Lampis boundary conditions. This technique allows us to obtain an explicit relation between the first- and second-order thermal slip coefficients and the tangential momentum and normal energy accommodation coefficients, defined in the frame of the Cercignani–Lampis scattering kernel. Comparing the theoretical results with the experimental data from the work of Yamaguchi et al. [“Mass flow rate measurement of thermal creep flow from transitional to slip flow regime,” J. Fluid Mech. 795, 690 (2016)], a pair of accommodation coefficients has been extracted for each noble gas considered in the experiments. Then, these values have been used to compute, by means of our variational technique, the temperature-driven mass flow rates, and the outputs have been compared with the measurements for helium, neon, and argon. Good agreement has been obtained between the theoretical and the experimental data, within the range of validity of the proposed second-order slip model. For all the gases analyzed, the tangential accommodation coefficient is found to be much larger than the normal energy coefficient. The general trend, according to which, by increasing the molecular weight of the different gases, the values of both accommodation coefficients also increase, is confirmed in this study.
Complementary medicines advertising policy Part II: unethical conduct in the Australian market after July 2018
Authors: Harvey Ken , Vickers Malcolm , Arnold Bruce Baer
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of Australian complementary medicines advertising policy after major changes in 2018. These included a legally enforceable advertising code, stronger investigative and compliance powers for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and enhanced educational resources for industry.
MethodsAnalysis of the TGA complaint outcome database from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 and the new regulatory measures.
ResultsOf 1821 complaint records analysed, 92% were classified as low priority and closed by sending the advertiser a Regulatory Obligation letter. For low priority complaints, no details of the product, advertiser or alleged Code violation were published, and no follow-up was undertaken. Of 121 higher priority complaints, 79% failed to meet their key performance indicator (KPI) time to closure (60–90 days). These included complaints about dangerous sports supplements and ineffective weight loss and hangover products, some of which had been submitted in July 2018.
ConclusionsComplaint classification and actions taken by the TGA were inconsistent. The TGA’s new compliance powers were rarely applied. The new complaint system is less transparent than the one it replaced. There is a high rate of advertising complaints and a low rate of effective regulatory response. Time-based KPIs should be based on outcome measures, not when a case is closed by a process measure. An urgent review of the new system is required. Comment on Australia’s 2018 Royal Commission into Misconduct in Banking is equally applicable to the TGA: ‘Essentially a failure to enforce the law undermines the authority of the regulator whose fundamental responsibility is to do just that.’ It also encourages others to break the law, leading to a race to the bottom and consumer detriment.
What is known about the topic?The previous co-regulatory system for complementary medicines was the subject of long-standing criticism and high levels of regulatory non-compliance. The new system, operated solely by the TGA, was meant to overcome these problems.
What does this paper add?High levels of advertising complaints persist. The TGA was unable to close many higher-priority complaints within the time frame set by its KPIs. These complaints involved serious breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cwlth), which can attract both civil and (strict liability) criminal penalties. However, in most cases compliance was achieved by negotiation. The TGA met its KPIs for virtually all complaints it classified as low priority because these were closed by merely sending an obligations letter with no follow-up.
What are the implications for practitioners?The persisting high levels of regulatory violation mean that practitioners cannot trust the claims made for complementary medicines or give good advice. In addition, consumers are wasting their money on useless products and are diverted from seeking more evidence-based remedies.
JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasm eradication by a novel interferon/arsenic therapy involves PML
Authors: Dagher Tracy , Maslah Nabih , Edmond Valérie , Cassinat Bruno , Vainchenker William , Giraudier Stéphane , Pasquier Florence , Verger Emmanuelle , Niwa-Kawakita Michiko , Lallemand-Breitenbach Valérie , Plo Isabelle , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Villeval Jean-Luc , de Thé Hugues
Published: October 2020

Interferon α (IFNα) is used to treat JAK2V617F-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) but rarely clears the disease. We investigated the IFNα mechanism of action focusing on PML, an interferon target and key senescence gene whose targeting by arsenic trioxide (ATO) drives eradication of acute promyelocytic leukemia. ATO sharply potentiated IFNα-induced growth suppression of JAK2V617F patient or mouse hematopoietic progenitors, which required PML and was associated with features of senescence. In a mouse MPN model, combining ATO with IFNα enhanced and accelerated responses, eradicating MPN in most mice by targeting disease-initiating cells. These results predict potent clinical efficacy of the IFNα+ATO combination in patients and identify PML as a major effector of therapy, even in malignancies with an intact PML gene.
Impact of geometric factors of roughness on the dewetting dynamics of a liquid film in the Wenzel state
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Xiang , Peng Ze-Rui
Published: October 2020

An axisymmetric two-phase lattice Boltzmann method is adopted to simulate the dewetting dynamics of the liquid film on a substrate fabricated with different types of roughness: pillar-type, nail-type and mushroom-type. The liquid film remains in the Wenzel or half-Wenzel state. The dewetting of the liquid film occurs after generating an initial dry spot on the substrate and forming a contact line between the liquid film, gases and the substrate. The dewetting is characterized by the continuous size growth of the contact line’s radius. The effect of the geometric factors of the roughnesses on the dewetting dynamics is analyzed in detail. For the pillar-type roughness, three dewetting modes, named ‘no residual,’ ‘part residual’ and ‘full residual’, are identified, and a mode map that depends on the geometrical factors is given. For the nail-type roughness, the dewetting process is found to be clearly restrained. For the mushroom-type roughness, only the ‘full residual’ mode is found, and the depth of the grooves hardly affects the dewetting speed, if the liquid film remains in the Wenzel state; but if it remains in the half-Wenzel state, the liquids would be brought out completely from the grooves and thus result in a faster dewetting speed under smaller penetration of the liquid film. The results indicate that the different geometric elements of the roughness could affect the dewetting speed to different degrees. Determining how the structured roughness affects the dewetting speed can help the industry control the dewetting process of the liquid film.
Microbubbles with optical fiber tips chemically worn
Authors: Villegas-Sanchez G , Cerecedo-Nuñez H H , Garcia-Ramirez J I , Padilla-Sosa P , Marin-Hernandez A
Published: October 2020

This research shows an experimental study and analysis on microbubbles formation, through the use of chemically modified optical fiber tips. Microbubbles are formed in highly absorbent liquid using a continuous wave laser at 980 nm, with conventional powers. This report is considered, as the first study and dynamic analysis for microbubble formation in solution with these particular types of tips. Fiber tips are modified by the chemical wear method, using hydrofluoric acid, while, microbubbles are generated with the help of the deposition or adhesion of nanostructures on the modified tips. We have used carbon nanotubes dissolved in ethanol as nanostructures. We present an analysis of the results considering: the growth curves of the microbubbles, the largest radii, the lifetime and the growth rate. Finally, we discuss the important features of results, suggesting a possible way to control the size and number of microbubbles. Furthermore, the results of our research could be useful to improve the proposals of earlier applications or to propose new ones. The results shown can be useful for new applications or to improve proposals.
Orientation of adsorbed polar molecules (dipoles) in external electrostatic field
Authors: Gabovich A M , Voitenko A I
Published: October 2020

A model is proposed in the framework of classical electrostatics to describe the behavior of an adsorbed polar molecule near the plane interface between two insulators under the action of an external electrostatic field. The molecule is considered as a permanent point dipole that polarizes the interface and interacts with it through electrostatic image forces. The latter and the applied field try to reorient the dipole in a competitive manner. The system behavior turns out to be rather complicated: it may show a bistable character with a hysteresis (a switch). Such a switch can serve as an element in a memory network made of adsorbed molecules.
An efficient flexible strain sensor based on anhydride-grafted styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer/carbon black: enhanced electrical conductivity, sensitivity and stability through solvent swelling
Authors: Wu Lanlan , Yao Dahu , Gao Xiping , Yu Zhiqiang , Wang Xiao , He Yuxin , Zhu Yan , Lu Chang , Li Keyang
Published: October 2020

High-performance flexible strain sensors based on maleic anhydride-grafted styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer/carbon black (SBS-g-MAH/CB) composites were prepared by simple solvent swelling of SBS-g-MAH/CB composites obtained by melt blending. After swelling in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or xylene, the aggregation of CB in the composites was reduced noticeably. Consequently, the conductivity of the composites improved by a great extent, and the percolation thresholds of the composites decreased. At 12% CB loading, the conductivity increased approximately 400 times or 6000 times upon swelling in DMF or xylene, respectively. DMF swelling did not change the morphology of SBS-g-MAH, and a three-dimensional conductive network was formed in the composites. The SBS-g-MAH morphology changed considerably, and a two-dimensional conductive network was formed after swelling in xylene. DMF swelling enhanced the piezoresistive performance of the composites. The gauge factor increased from 4 to 71. Moreover, the drawbacks of composites prepared by melt blending, including electromechanical inconsistency and poor stability, were overcome. Due to the high conductivity and the change in SBS-g-MAH morphology, an approximately two-fold increase in electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency was observed after swelling the composites in xylene. The mechanism of the strain sensor was discussed. The strain sensing behaviour of SBS-g-MAH/CB composites can be explained by an analytical model based on the tunneling theory.
Fluctuating Cooper pairs in FeSe at temperatures exceeding double T

c
Authors: Solovjov A L , Petrenko E V , Omelchenko L V , Nazarova E , Buchkov K , Rogacki K
Published: October 2020

Temperature dependencies of excess conductivity,

σ
′

, have been studied in detail for three FeSe0.94 textured polycrystalline samples prepared by partial melting and solid state reaction. It was revealed that both

σ
′

and its temperature dependence are extremely sensitive to the method of sample preparation. Then, it was shown that in the range from the superconducting transition temperature T

c
~9 K up to the characteristic temperature T
01 ~19 K,

σ
′

(
T
)

obeys the classical fluctuation theories of Aslamazov–Larkin (AL) and Hikami-Larkin (Maki-Thompson (MT) term) pointing to the existence of fluctuating Cooper pairs in FeSe at temperatures exceeding double T

c
. Like in cuprates, AL–MT crossover at

T
0

<

T

01

is observed, which means the appearance of 3D–2D dimensional transition at this temperature. This allows us to determine the coherence length along the c-axis, ξ

c
(0) ~3 Å, and a set of additional samples’ parameters, including the phase relaxation time,

τ

ϕ

, of fluctuating Cooper pairs (FCPs), within a simple two-dimensional free-carrier picture. It was shown that

τ

ϕ

in FeSe coincides with that found for YBa2Cu3O

7
−
δ

suggesting that the nature of superconducting fluctuations is very similar for these high-temperature superconductors of different types.
Retracted: MHD Darcy-Forchheimer flow due to gyrotactic microorganisms of Casson nanoparticles over a stretched surface with convective boundary conditions
Authors: Islam Saeed , Jawad Muhammad , Saeed Anwar , Zubair Muhammad , Khan Arshad , Ahmad Syed Sheraz , Shah Zahir , Alrabaiah Hussam
Published: October 2020

In the current article, the augmentation of heat transmission for non-Newtonian Casson nanoparticles is investigated with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), and thermal radiation upon a stretched sheet. An extended Darcy-Forchheimer model along with convective boundary conditions is also applied to the flow system. To convert these coupled nonlinear fluid flow expressions into ordinary differential expression, the concept of similarity transformation is employed. The modified coupled nonlinear set of differential expression is solved analytically by employing the HAM technique. The mathematical program Mathematica is used to manage the complexities of computations. It is established in this study that the velocity distribution is reducing the function of the inertial, porosity, and magnetic parameters. Additionally, the motile density of microorganisms displays diminishing conduct for developing estimations of bioconvection Lewis and Peclet numbers. It is further established in this study that there is an augmentation in Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient with a corresponding increase in nonlinear radiation and magnetic parameters. In order to ensure the validity of the HAM solution, we have determined numerical solutions for modeled equations with the help of boundary conditions by using ND-Solve in Mathematica-10. It is established that there is pretty fine concurrence between both solutions that ensure the validity of our solution by HAM.
The temporal pattern of intracortical microstimulation pulses elicits distinct temporal and spatial recruitment of cortical neuropil and neurons
Authors: Eles James R , Stieger Kevin C , Kozai Takashi D Y
Published: October 2020

Objective. The temporal spacing or distribution of stimulation pulses in therapeutic neurostimulation waveforms—referred to here as the Temporal Pattern (TP)—has emerged as an important parameter for tuning the response to deep-brain stimulation and intracortical microstimulation (ICMS). While it has long been assumed that modulating the TP of ICMS may be effective by altering the rate coding of the neural response, it is unclear how it alters the neural response at the network level. The present study is designed to elucidate the neural response to TP at the network level. Approach. We use in vivo two-photon imaging of mice expressing the calcium sensor Thy1-GCaMP or the glutamate sensor hSyn-iGluSnFr to examine the layer II/III neural response to ICMS with different TPs. We study the neuronal calcium and glutamate response to TPs with the same average frequency (10 Hz) and same total charge injection, but varying degrees of bursting. We also investigate one control pattern with an average frequency of 100 Hz and 10X the charge injection. Main Results. Stimulation trains with the same average frequency and same total charge injection but distinct TPs recruit distinct sets of neurons. More than half (60% of 309 cells) of neurons prefer one TP over the other. Despite their distinct spatial recruitment patterns, cells exhibit similar ability to follow 30 s trains of both TPs without failing, and they exhibit similar levels of glutamate release during stimulation. Both neuronal calcium and glutamate release entrain to the bursting TP pattern, with a ∼21-fold increase in relative power at the frequency of bursting. Bursting also results in a statistically significant elevation in the correlation between somatic calcium activity and neuropil activity, which we explore as a metric for inhibitory-excitatory tone. Interestingly, soma-neuropil correlation during the bursting pattern is a statistically significant predictor of cell preference for TP, which exposes a key link between TP and inhibitory-excitatory tone. Finally, using mesoscale imaging, we show that both TPs result in distal inhibition during stimulation, which reveals complex spatial and temporal interactions between TP and inhibitory-excitatory tone in ICMS. Significance. Our results may ultimately suggest that TP is a valuable parameter space to modulate inhibitory-excitatory tone and to recruit distinct network activity in ICMS. This presents a broader mechanism of action than rate coding, as previously thought. By implicating these additional mechanisms, TP may have broader utility in the clinic and should be pursued to expand the efficacy of ICMS therapies.
Design optimization and experimental study of a novel mechanism for a hover-able bionic flapping-wing micro air vehicle
Authors: Deng Huichao , Xiao Shengjie , Huang Binxiao , Yang Lili , Xiang Xinyi , Ding Xilun
Published: October 2020

Allomyrina dichotoma has a natural ultra-high flying ability and maneuverability. Especially its ability to fly flexibly in the air, makes it more adaptable to the harsh ecological environment. In this study, a bionic flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FMAV) is designed and fabricated by mimicking the flight mode of A. dichotoma. Parametric design was employed for combining the airframe structure and flight characteristics analysis. To improve the transmission efficiency and compactness of the FMAV mechanisms, this study first analyses the body structure of A. dichotoma, and then proposes a novel mechanism of FMAV based on its biological motion characteristics, the flight motion characteristics, and its musculoskeletal system. By optimizing the flapping-wing mechanism and mimicking the flying mechanism of A. dichotoma, the large angle amplitude and the high-frequency flapping motion can be achieved to generate more aerodynamic force. Meanwhile, to improve the bionic effect and the wing performance of FMAV, the flexible deformation of A. dichotoma wings for each flapping period was observed by a high-speed camera. Furthermore, the bionic design of wings the prototype was carried out, therefore the wings can generate a high lift force in the flapping process. The experiment demonstrated that the aircraft can achieve a flapping angle of 160 degrees and 30 Hz flapping frequency. The attitude change of FMAV is realized by mimicking the movement for the change of attitude of the A. dichotoma, by changing the angle of attack of the wing, and executing the flight action of multiple degrees of freedom including pitch, roll and yaw. Finally, the aerodynamic experiment demonstrated that the prototype can offer 27.8 g lift and enough torque for altitude adjustment.
Effect of wing–wing interaction coupled with morphology and kinematic features of damselflies
Authors: Lai Yu-Hsiang , Lin You-Jun , Chang Sheng-Kai , Yang Jing-Tang
Published: October 2020

We investigated the effect of the wing–wing interaction, which is one key aspect of flight control, of damselflies (Matrona cyanoptera and Euphaea formosa) in forward flight that relates closely to their body morphologies and wing kinematics. We used two high-speed cameras aligned orthogonally to measure the flight motions and adopted 3D numerical simulation to analyze the flow structures and aerodynamic efficiencies. The results clarify the effects of wing–wing interactions, which are complicated combinations of biological morphology, wing kinematics and fluid dynamics. As the amplitude of the hindwing of M. cyanoptera is larger than that of E. formosa, the effect of the wing–wing interaction is more constructive. Restricted by the body morphology of E. formosa, the flapping range of the hindwing is below the body. With the forewing in the lead, the hindwing is farther from the forewing, which is not susceptible to the wake of the forewing, and enables superior lift and thrust. Because of the varied rotational motions, the different shed direction of the wakes of the forewings causes the optimal thrust to occur in different wing phases. Because of its biological limitations, a damselfly can use an appropriate phase to fulfill the desired flight mode. The wing–wing interaction is a compromise between lift efficiency and thrust efficiency. The results reveal that a damselfly with the forewing in the lead can have an effective aerodynamic performance in flight. As an application, in the design concept of a micro-aircraft, increasing the amplitude of the hindwing might enhance the wing–wing interaction, thus controlling the flight modes.
Modal decompositions of the kinematics of Crevalle jack and the fluid–caudal fin interaction
Authors: Ullah Khalid Muhammad Saif , Wang Junshi , Akhtar Imran , Dong Haibo , Liu Moubin
Published: October 2020

To understand the governing mechanisms of bio-inspired swimming has always been challenging due to intense interactions between flexible bodies of natural aquatic species and water around them. Advanced modal decomposition techniques provide us with tools to develop more in-depth understating about these complex dynamical systems. In this paper, we employ proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) techniques to extract energetically strongest spatio-temporal orthonormal components of complex kinematics of a Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) fish. Then, we present a computational framework for handling fluid–structure interaction related problems in order to investigate their contributions towards the overall dynamics of highly nonlinear systems. We find that the undulating motion of this fish can be described by only two standing-wave like spatially orthonormal modes. Constructing the data set from our numerical simulations for flows over the membranous caudal fin of the jack fish, our modal analyses reveal that only the first few modes receive energy from both the fluid and structure, but the contribution of the structure in the remaining modes is minimal. For the viscous and transitional flow conditions considered here, both spatially and temporally orthonormal modes show strikingly similar coherent flow structures. Our investigations are expected to assist in developing data-driven reduced-order mathematical models to examine the dynamics of bio-inspired swimming robots and develop new and effective control strategies to bring their performance closer to real fish species.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells preconditioned with nitric-oxide-releasing chitosan/PVA hydrogel accelerate diabetic wound healing in rabbits
Authors: Ahmed Rashid , Afreen Afshan , Tariq Muhammad , Zahid Alap Ali , Masoud Muhammad Shareef , Ahmed Maqsood , Ali Imran , Akram Zeeshan , Hasan Anwarul
Published: October 2020

Impaired diabetic wounds are one of the major pathophysiological complications caused by persistent microbial infections, prolonged inflammation, and insufficient angiogenic responses. Here, we report the development of nitric-oxide (NO) -releasing S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) -loaded chitosan/polyvinyl–alcohol hydrogel and its efficacy in enhancing the wound-healing potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic wounds. NO-releasing hydrogels significantly increased the cell viability and cell proliferation of hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2) -pretreated bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), demonstrating their cytoprotective activity, which was further confirmed by gene expression of many times as much B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, the SNAP-loaded hydrogel showed continuous cell-proliferating activity for six days, due to the slow release of NO from the hydrogel. Wound-healing studies of rabbits with induced diabetes showed that the application of SNAP-preconditioned BMSCs and NO-releasing hydrogels significantly sped up the healing process, compared to the control group. The wound-healing potential of BMSCs plus NO-releasing hydrogel was further validated by improved collagen deposition and epithelial layer formation, as confirmed by histopathological examination, as well as upregulation of VEGF and SDF-1α biomarkers, as evidenced by gene-expression analysis. These results demonstrated that the application of BMSCs with NO-releasing hydrogel can promote faster regeneration of damaged tissues. Therefore, BMSCs plus NO-releasing hydrogels can be very useful for the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Paper-supported co-culture system for dynamic investigations of the lung-tropic migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Lin Dongguo , Chen Xiao , Lin Zhun , Lin Jinqiong , Liu Yang , Liu Dayu
Published: October 2020

Tumor tropism metastasis is a multi-step process that involves interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment. Due to the limitations of experimental techniques, current studies are not able to gain insight into the dynamic process of such tropism migration. To overcome this issue, we developed a paper-supported co-culture system for dynamic investigations of the lung-tropic migration of breast cancer cells. This co-culture system contains a tumor layer, a recruitment layer, and several invasion layers between these two parts. The tumor and recruitment layers are impregnated with breast cancer cells and lung cells, respectively. Stacking these layers forms a co-culture device that comprises interactions between breast cancer and lung, destacking such a device represents cancer cells at different stages of the migration process. Thus, the paper-supported co-culture system offers the possibility of investigating migration from temporal and spatial aspects. Invasion assays using the co-culture system showed that breast cancer cells induced lung fibroblasts to convert to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and the CAFs, in turn, recruited breast cancer cells. During migration, the local invasion of the cancer cells is a collective behavior, while the long-distance migration comes from individual cell behaviors. Breast cancer cells experienced repetitive processes of migration and propagation, accompanied by epithelial–mesenchymal and mesenchymal–epithelial transitions, and changes in stemness and drug resistance. Based on these results, the lung-tropic migration of breast cancer is interpreted as a process of bilateral interaction with the local and host-organ microenvironment. The developed paper-supported co-culture system offers the possibility of dynamically investigating tropism migration under the pre-metastatic niche, thus providing an advantageous tool for studying tumor metastasis.
Single crystal flake parameters of MoS2 and MoSe2 exfoliated using anodic bonding technique and its potential in rapid prototyping
Authors: Malavika C , Roshini R Anu , Surya Kanthi R S , Kannan E S
Published: October 2020

Rapid prototyping of devices using exfoliated Molybednum di-Sulphide (MoS2) and Molybdenum di-Selenide (MoSe2) requires an experimental protocol for maximizing the probability of realizing flakes with desired physical dimension and properties. In this work, we analyzed the size and thickness distribution of MoS2 and MoSe2 single crystalline flakes exfoliated using anodic bonding technique and established a correlation between physical dimension of the flakes and the bonding parameters. Anodic bonding was carried out by applying a fixed voltage of 200 V with a set temperature of 150 °C for four different bonding time intervals. On analyzing the flake parameters from the four anodic bonded substrates using the optical and atomic force microscopy, it is found that the probability of getting flakes with large lateral size (>200 μm) increases as the bonding time interval is increased. Most of these large sized flakes have thickness of more than one hundred mono-layers and a tiny fraction of them have thickness of the order of few monolayers. A similar trend was also observed for MoSe2 single crystals. To demonstrate the feasibility of this technique in rapid prototyping, ultra thin MoS2 flakes was directly bridged between two ITO electrodes and their transport properties was investigated. Micro-Raman and photoluminescence studies were taken on selected regions of the thicker and thinner exfoliated flakes and their physical properties are compared.
Post-Concussion Acute Signs and Reliable Cognitive Decline in a Finnish Youth Ice Hockey Sample
Authors: Kati Peltonen , Matti Vartiainen , Sanna Koskinen , Jon Pertab , Tiina Laitala , Laura Hokkanen
Published: October 2020

Objective

In sports concussion research, the importance of an individualized approach incorporating neuropsychological assessment data has been emphasized. This study examined the impact of acute signs of concussion on post-injury cognitive functioning using reliable change methodology in a sample of Finnish, elite-level, youth ice hockey players.

Methods

From a sample of 1,823 players (all male, 14–20 years old) who completed preseason baseline testing with the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT®) battery, two subgroups were identified. First, in total, 312 uninjured athletes, who completed baseline testing twice—1 year apart. The scores were contrasted to calculate reliable change indices (RCIs). Second, from a subsample of 570 athletes participating in an intensive follow-up arm of the project, the analysis included 32 concussed athletes. The RCIs were determined for the five ImPACT composite scores and used in identifying athletes with declined performance 3 days post-injury.

Results

Test-retest reliability ranged from .39 to .71. Athletes who had experienced an acute loss of consciousness, amnesia, or postural instability had increased odds for declines in two or more areas assessed by ImPACT (odds ratio = 7.67–8.00, p < .05). In contrast, acute disorientation or vacant look did not lead to cognitive change that met the reliable change threshold.

Conclusions

The reliability coefficients and RCIs differed from those published earlier emphasizing the importance of national reference values. The presence of acute loss of consciousness, amnesia, or postural instability may indicate a more severe injury and predict the need for more intensive cognitive follow-up.
Kinship does not predict the structure of a shark social network
Authors: Mourier Johann , Planes Serge
Published: October 2020

Genetic relatedness in animal societies is often a factor that drives the structure of social groups. In the marine world, most studies which have investigated this question have focused on marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. For sharks, recent studies have demonstrated preferential associations among individuals from which social communities emerge. Assortment patterns have been found according to phenotypic or behavioral traits, but the role of genetic relatedness in shaping the social structure of adult shark populations has, to the best of our knowledge, never been investigated. Here, we used a social network analysis crossed with DNA microsatellite genotyping to investigate the role of the genetic relatedness in the social structure of a blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) population. Based on the data from 156 groups of sharks, we used generalized affiliation indices to isolate social preferences from nonsocial associations, controlling for the contribution of sex, size, gregariousness, spatial, and temporal overlap on social associations, to test for the influence of genetic relatedness on social structure. A double-permutation procedure was employed to confirm our results and account for issues arising from potentially elevated type I and type II error rates. Kinship was not a predictor of associations and affiliations among sharks at the dyad or community levels as individuals tended to associate independently of the genetic relatedness among them. The lack of parental care in this species may contribute to the breakdown of family links in the population early in life, thereby preventing the formation of kin-based social networks.
GP4: an integrated Gram-Positive Protein Prediction Pipeline for subcellular localization mimicking bacterial sorting
Authors: Grasso Stefano , van Rij Tjeerd , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: October 2020

Subcellular localization is a critical aspect of protein function and the potential application of proteins either as drugs or drug targets, or in industrial and domestic applications. However, the experimental determination of protein localization is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, various localization predictors have been developed for particular groups of species. Intriguingly, despite their major representation amongst biotechnological cell factories and pathogens, a meta-predictor based on sorting signals and specific for Gram-positive bacteria was still lacking. Here we present GP4, a protein subcellular localization meta-predictor mainly for Firmicutes, but also Actinobacteria, based on the combination of multiple tools, each specific for different sorting signals and compartments. Novelty elements include improved cell-wall protein prediction, including differentiation of the type of interaction, prediction of non-canonical secretion pathway target proteins, separate prediction of lipoproteins and better user experience in terms of parsability and interpretability of the results. GP4 aims at mimicking protein sorting as it would happen in a bacterial cell. As GP4 is not homology based, it has a broad applicability and does not depend on annotated databases with homologous proteins. Non-canonical usage may include little studied or novel species, synthetic and engineered organisms, and even re-use of the prediction data to develop custom prediction algorithms. Our benchmark analysis highlights the improved performance of GP4 compared to other widely used subcellular protein localization predictors. A webserver running GP4 is available at http://gp4.hpc.rug.nl/
scGMAI: a Gaussian mixture model for clustering single-cell RNA-Seq data based on deep autoencoder
Authors: Yu Bin , Chen Chen , Qi Ren , Zheng Ruiqing , Skillman-Lawrence Patrick J , Wang Xiaolin , Ma Anjun , Gu Haiming
Published: October 2020

The rapid development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) technology provides strong technical support for accurate and efficient analyzing single-cell gene expression data. However, the analysis of scRNA-Seq is accompanied by many obstacles, including dropout events and the curse of dimensionality. Here, we propose the scGMAI, which is a new single-cell Gaussian mixture clustering method based on autoencoder networks and the fast independent component analysis (FastICA). Specifically, scGMAI utilizes autoencoder networks to reconstruct gene expression values from scRNA-Seq data and FastICA is used to reduce the dimensions of reconstructed data. The integration of these computational techniques in scGMAI leads to outperforming results compared to existing tools, including Seurat, in clustering cells from 17 public scRNA-Seq datasets. In summary, scGMAI is an effective tool for accurately clustering and identifying cell types from scRNA-Seq data and shows the great potential of its applicative power in scRNA-Seq data analysis. The source code is available at https://github.com/QUST-AIBBDRC/scGMAI/.
Cell-based Culture Informs Infectivity and Safe De-Isolation Assessments in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Basile Kerri , McPhie Kenneth , Carter Ian , Alderson Susan , Rahman Hossinur , Donovan Linda , Kumar Shanil , Tran Tyna , Ko Danny , Sivaruban Tharshini , Ngo Christine , Toi Cheryl , O’Sullivan Matthew V , Sintchenko Vitali , Chen Sharon C-A , Maddocks Susan , Dwyer Dominic E , Kok Jen
Published: October 2020

Background

The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) does not necessarily indicate shedding of infective virions. There are limited data on the correlation between the isolation of SARS-CoV-2, which likely indicates infectivity, and PCR.

Methods

A total of 195 patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 were tested (outpatients, n = 178; inpatients, n = 12; and critically unwell patients admitted to the intensive care unit [ICU] patients, n = 5). SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive samples were cultured in Vero C1008 cells and inspected daily for cytopathic effect (CPE). SARS-CoV-2–induced CPE was confirmed by PCR of culture supernatant. Where no CPE was observed, PCR was performed on day 4 to confirm absence of virus replication. The cycle thresholds (Cts) of the day 4 PCR (Ctculture) and the PCR of the original clinical sample (Ctsample) were compared, and positive cultures were defined where Ctsample − Ctculture was ≥3.

Results

Of 234 samples collected, 228 (97%) were from the upper respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from 56 (24%), including in 28 of 181 (15%), 19 of 42 (45%), and 9 of 11 samples (82%) collected from outpatients, inpatients, and ICU patients, respectively. All 56 samples had Ctsample ≤32; CPE was observed in 46 (20%). The mean duration from symptom onset to culture positivity was 4.5 days (range, 0–18). SARS-CoV-2 was significantly more likely to be isolated from samples collected from inpatients (P < .001) and ICU patients (P < .0001) compared with outpatients, and in samples with lower Ctsample.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 culture may be used as a surrogate marker for infectivity and inform de-isolation protocols.
Dispersal ofPhilaenus spumarius(Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), a Vector ofXylella fastidiosa, in Olive Grove and Meadow Agroecosystems
Authors: Bodino Nicola , Cavalieri Vincenzo , Dongiovanni Crescenza , Simonetto Anna , Saladini Matteo Alessandro , Plazio Elisa , Gilioli Gianni , Molinatto Giulia , Saponari Maria , Bosco Domenico
Published: October 2020

The introduction of the Xylella fastidiosa Wells bacterium into Apulia (South Italy) has caused the massive dieback of olive trees, and is threatening olive production throughout the Mediterranean Region. The key vector of X. fastidiosa in Europe is the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L. The dispersal capabilities of P. spumarius are poorly known, despite being a key parameter for the prediction of the spread of the bacterium. In this study, we have examined the dispersal of P. spumarius adults in two different agroecosystems in Italy: an olive grove in Apulia (Southern Italy) and a meadow in Piedmont (Northern Italy). Insects were marked with albumin and released during seven independent trials over 2 yr. The recapture data were pooled separately for each agroecosystem and used to estimate the dispersal kernels of P. spumarius in the olive grove and in the meadow. The diffusion coefficient estimate for P. spumarius was higher in the meadow than in the olive grove. The median distance from the release point for 1 d of dispersal was 26 m in the olive grove and 35 m in the meadow. On the basis of our model, we estimated that 50% of the spittlebug population remained within 200 m (98% within 400 m) during the 2 mo period of high abundance of the vector on olives in Apulia. The dispersal of P. spumarius is thus limited to some hundreds of meters throughout the whole year, although it can be influenced to a great extent by the structure of the agroecosystem.
The Secret of Efficiency? Social Relations and Patronage in the British Army in the Era of the First World War
Authors: Fox Aimée
Published: October 2020

In recent years, the social history of armed forces has done much to reconstruct the experience of soldiering. However, remarkably few studies focus explicitly upon the social and political relations that play a central role in how armies behave. This article aims to understand the British Army in the era of the First World War in terms of its informal and formal organisation, exploring and interrogating the connections and relationships between individuals and the structures within which they operate. Using the concept of patronage as a lens, it will demonstrate how social relationships were able to offer alternatives to purely hierarchical systems of administration. Rather than simple favouritism, for a variety of reasons these processes functioned along meritocratic lines, enabling the Army to adopt pragmatic and innovative solutions to the challenges of the First World War.
The influence of marital status and partner concordance on participation in colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Gram Mie Agermose , Therkildsen Christina , Clarke Rebecca B , Andersen Klaus K , Mørch Lina S , Tybjerg Anne Julie
Published: October 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer screening program using a fecal immunochemical test aims to reduce morbidity and mortality through early detection. Although screening participation is free-of-charge, almost 40% of the invited individuals choose not to participate. To bring new insight into how non-participation can be identified and targeted, we examined the association between marital status and screening participation; with a focus on partner concordance in participation and sex differences.

Methods

This nationwide cross-sectional study included all Danish citizens aged 50–74 years, who were invited to colorectal cancer screening between 2014 and 2017. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) of participation while adjusting for sociodemographic variables.

Results

A total of 1 909 662 individuals were included in the analysis of which 62.7% participated in the screening program. Participation was highest among women. Stratified by marital status, screening participation was markedly lower in widowed (61.5%), divorced (54.8%) and single (47.3%), while participation reached 68.4% in married individuals. This corresponded to ORs of 0.59 (95% CI 0.58–0.59) for widowed, 0.56 (95% CI 0.55–0.56) for divorced and 0.47 (95% CI 0.47–0.48) for single, compared to married individuals. Individuals married to a participating partner were five times more likely to participate than married individuals with a non-participating partner, regardless of gender.

Conclusions

Marital status was strongly associated with participation in colorectal cancer screening, and participation was even higher in married individuals with a participating partner. Future efforts to increase participation in colorectal cancer screening could potentially benefit from considering the role of partner concordance.
The prevalent I686T human variant and loss-of-function mutations in the cardiomyocyte-specific kinase gene TNNI3K cause adverse contractility and concentric remodeling in mice
Authors: Gan Peiheng , Baicu Catalin , Watanabe Hirofumi , Wang Kristy , Tao Ge , Judge Daniel P , Zile Michael R , Makita Takako , Mukherjee Rupak , Sucov Henry M
Published: October 2020

TNNI3K expression worsens disease progression in several mouse heart pathology models. TNNI3K expression also reduces the number of diploid cardiomyocytes, which may be detrimental to adult heart regeneration. However, the gene is evolutionarily conserved, suggesting a beneficial function that has remained obscure. Here, we show that C57BL/6J-inbred Tnni3k mutant mice develop concentric remodeling, characterized by ventricular wall thickening and substantial reduction of cardiomyocyte aspect ratio. This pathology occurs in mice carrying a Tnni3k null allele, a K489R point mutation rendering the protein kinase-dead, or an allele corresponding to human I686T, the most common human non-synonymous TNNI3K variant, which is hypomorphic for kinase activity. Mutant mice develop these conditions in the absence of fibrosis or hypertension, implying a primary cardiomyocyte etiology. In culture, mutant cardiomyocytes were impaired in contractility and calcium dynamics and in protein kinase A signaling in response to isoproterenol, indicating diminished contractile reserve. These results demonstrate a beneficial function of TNNI3K in the adult heart that might explain its evolutionary conservation and imply that human TNNI3K variants, in particular the widespread I686T allele, may convey elevated risk for altered heart geometry and hypertrophy.
A systematic review of risk prediction models for perioperative mortality after thoracic surgery
Authors: Taylor Marcus , Hashmi Syed F , Martin Glen P , Shackcloth Michael , Shah Rajesh , Booton Richard , Grant Stuart W
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES

Guidelines advocate that patients being considered for thoracic surgery should undergo a comprehensive preoperative risk assessment. Multiple risk prediction models to estimate the risk of mortality after thoracic surgery have been developed, but their quality and performance has not been reviewed in a systematic way. The objective was to systematically review these models and critically appraise their performance.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library and the MEDLINE database were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2019. Studies that developed or validated a model predicting perioperative mortality after thoracic surgery were included. Data were extracted based on the checklist for critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modelling studies.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies describing 22 different risk prediction models were identified. There were 20 models developed specifically for thoracic surgery with two developed in other surgical specialties. A total of 57 different predictors were included across the identified models. Age, sex and pneumonectomy were the most frequently included predictors in 19, 13 and 11 models, respectively. Model performance based on either discrimination or calibration was inadequate for all externally validated models. The most recent data included in validation studies were from 2018. Risk of bias (assessed using Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool) was high for all except two models.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite multiple risk prediction models being developed to predict perioperative mortality after thoracic surgery, none could be described as appropriate for contemporary thoracic surgery. Contemporary validation of available models or new model development is required to ensure that appropriate estimates of operative risk are available for contemporary thoracic surgical practice.