bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rice really interesting new gene H2‐type E3 ligase, OsSIRH2‐14, enhances salinity tolerance via ubiquitin/26S proteasome‐mediated degradation of salt‐related proteins
Authors: Park Yong Chan , Lim Sung Don , Moon Jun‐Cheol , Jang Cheol Seong
Published: July 2019

Salinity is a deleterious abiotic stress factor that affects growth, productivity, and physiology of crop plants. Strategies for improving salinity tolerance in plants are critical for crop breeding programmes. Here, we characterized the rice (Oryza sativa) really interesting new gene (RING) H2‐type E3 ligase, OsSIRH2‐14 (previously named OsRFPH2‐14), which plays a positive role in salinity tolerance by regulating salt‐related proteins including an HKT‐type Na+ transporter (OsHKT2;1). OsSIRH2‐14 expression was induced in root and shoot tissues treated with NaCl. The OsSIRH2‐14‐EYFP fusion protein was predominately expressed in the cytoplasm, Golgi, and plasma membrane of rice protoplasts. In vitro pull‐down assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that OsSIRH2‐14 interacts with salt‐related proteins, including OsHKT2;1. OsSIRH2‐14 E3 ligase regulates OsHKT2;1 via the 26S proteasome system under high NaCl concentrations but not under normal conditions. Compared with wild type plants, OsSIRH2‐14‐overexpressing rice plants showed significantly enhanced salinity tolerance and reduced Na+ accumulation in the aerial shoot and root tissues. These results suggest that the OsSIRH2‐14 RING E3 ligase positively regulates the salinity stress response by modulating the stability of salt‐related proteins.
Do all chlorophyll fluorescence emission wavelengths capture the spring recovery of photosynthesis in boreal evergreen foliage?
Authors: Zhang Chao , Atherton Jon , Peñuelas Josep , Filella Iolanda , Kolari Pasi , Aalto Juho , Ruhanen Hanna , Bäck Jaana , Porcar‐Castell Albert
Published: July 2019

Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) is closely related to photosynthesis and can be measured remotely using multiple spectral features as solar‐induced fluorescence (SIF). In boreal regions, SIF shows particular promise as an indicator of photosynthesis, in part because of the limited variation of seasonal light absorption in these ecosystems. Seasonal spectral changes in ChlF could yield new information on processes such as sustained nonphotochemical quenching (NPQS) but also disrupt the relationship between SIF and photosynthesis. We followed ChlF and functional and biochemical properties of Pinus sylvestris needles during the photosynthetic spring recovery period to answer the following: (a) How ChlF spectra change over seasonal timescales? (b) How pigments, NPQS, and total photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorption drive changes of ChlF spectra? (c) Do all ChlF wavelengths track photosynthetic seasonality? We found seasonal ChlF variation in the red and far‐red wavelengths, which was strongly correlated with NPQS, carotenoid content, and photosynthesis (enhanced in the red), but not with PAR absorption. Furthermore, a rapid decrease in red/far‐red ChlF ratio occurred in response to a cold spell, potentially relating to the structural reorganization of the photosystems. We conclude that all current SIF retrieval features can track seasonal photosynthetic dynamics in boreal evergreens, but the full SIF spectra provides additional insight.
Efficient phloem remobilization of Zn protects apple trees during the early stages of Zn deficiency
Authors: Xie Ruohan , Zhao Jianqi , Lu Lingli , Ge Jun , Brown Patrick H. , Wei Shuai , Wang Runze , Qiao Yabei , Webb Samuel M. , Tian Shengke
Published: July 2019

Apple trees are extensively cultivated worldwide but are often affected by zinc (Zn) deficiency. Limited knowledge regarding Zn remobilization within fruit crops has hampered the development of efficient strategies for providing adequate amounts of Zn. In the present study, Zn distribution and remobilization were compared among apple trees cultivated under different Zn conditions. Without Zn application, plants showed visible symptoms of Zn deficiency at the shoot tips after 1 year but appeared to grow normally during the first 6 months (early stage of Zn deficiency). Compared with apple plants under sufficient Zn treatment, plants suffering from early‐stage Zn deficiency showed preferential Zn distribution to young leaves and higher Zn levels in phloem, demonstrating that hidden Zn deficiency triggers a highly efficient remobilization of Zn in this species. The in vivo Zn‐nicotianamine complex in phloem tissues, combined with the significant enhanced expression of MdNAS3 and MdYSL6, suggested a positive role for nicotianamine in the phloem remobilization of Zn. These results strongly suggest that a proportion of Zn in the old leaves of apple trees can be efficiently remobilized by phloem transport to the shoot tips, partially in the form of Zn‐nicotianamine, thus protecting apple trees against the early stages of Zn deficiency.
Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity
Authors: Luu Lydia A. , Flowers Richard H. , Kellams Ann L. , Zeichner Steven , Preston DeVon C. , Zlotoff Barrett J. , Wisniewski Julia A.
Published: July 2019

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with high transepidermal water loss, high skin pH, and Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization. The treatment of AD with bath additives remains highly debated. Recent evidence suggests that dilute apple cider vinegar (ACV) may improve skin barrier integrity in AD, but its safety and efficacy are not well studied. This pilot split‐arm study analyzed the effect of dilute apple cider vinegar soaks on skin barrier integrity in patients with atopic dermatitis as measured by skin transepidermal water loss and skin pH.

Methods

A total of 22 subjects (11 AD and 11 healthy controls) were enrolled. Subjects soaked both of their forearms for 14 days, with one arm in dilute ACV (0.5% acetic acid) and the other in water 10 minutes daily. Transepidermal water loss and pH were measured pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

In both groups, transepidermal water loss increased and pH decreased at 0 minutes post‐ACV treatment, but these effects were not sustained at 60 minutes. In total, 72.7% (16/22) of subjects reported mild side effects from ACV with improvement after discontinuing the soaks.

Conclusions

Dilute ACV soaks have no significant effect on skin barrier integrity but caused skin irritation in a majority of subjects. Study limitations include analysis of a single brand, dilution, and application of ACV. Future studies are needed to explore whether lower concentrations of ACV soaks or other applications such as a leave‐on acidic ointment could improve skin barrier integrity in a safe, nonirritating way.
Sleep education in primary school prevents future school refusal behavior
Authors: Maeda Tsutomu , Oniki Kentaro , Miike Teruhisa
Published: July 2019

Background

Sleep disorders, along with extreme difficulty in awakening, are one of the main causes of school refusal. The accumulation of chronic sleep deprivation accompanied by a late‐night lifestyle is considered the basic inciting factor.

Methods

From 2007, we initiated a sleep education program (Min‐Iku) in Fukui, Japan, with the aim of improving pupil lifestyle and preventing future school refusal. All grade 1‐6 Miyake‐primary school (M‐PS) pupils participated in this program and gave their informed consent. The Min‐Iku included (i) implementation of a “daily life rhythm survey” by recording the sleep–wake rhythm in a table for 14 days; (ii) evaluation of the sleep table according to the classifications A–D; (iii) interviews of stage D children and their guardians; (iv) lectures on the importance of daily life rhythms for parents and teachers; and (v) 45 min classwork for all participating pupils.

Results

In 2007, 10% of M‐PS graduates developed school refusal behavior after entering Kaminaka junior high school (K‐JHS). The incidence of school refusal, however, decreased each year after the implementation of the Min‐Iku program and finally reached 0 by 2012. The sleep onset time of pupils improved each year, with the most common sleep time reaching 9:30 p.m. on both weekdays and holidays. With an earlier sleep time, the night‐time sleep duration was significantly extended (P < 0.001 vs 2007 data).

Conclusion

The Min‐Iku program for primary school pupils successfully achieved a more routine night‐time sleep pattern and a regular life rhythm, which prevented school refusal during the subsequent JHS years.
Trypanosoma brucei brucei causes a rapid and persistent influx of neutrophils in the spleen of infected mice
Authors: Deleeuw Violette , Phạm Hien Thi Thu , De Poorter Isabel , Janssens Ibo , De Trez Carl , Radwanska Magdalena , Magez Stefan
Published: July 2019

Trypanosomosis is a chronic parasitic infection, affecting both humans and livestock. A common hallmark of experimental murine infections is the occurrence of inflammation and the associated remodelling of the spleen compartment. The latter involves the depletion of several lymphocyte populations, the induction of T‐cell‐mediated immune suppression, and the activation of monocyte/macrophage cell populations. Here, we show that in experimental T b brucei infections in mice, these changes are accompanied by the alteration of the spleen neutrophil compartment. Indeed, mature neutrophils are rapidly recruited to the spleen, and cell numbers remain elevated during the entire infection. Following the second peak of parasitemia, the neutrophil cell influx coincides with the rapid reduction of splenic marginal zone (MZ)B and follicular (Fo)B cells, as well as CD8+ T and NK1.1+ cells, the latter encompassing both natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells. This report is the first to show a comprehensive overview of all alterations in spleen cell populations, measured with short intervals throughout the entire course of an experimental T b brucei infection. These data provide new insights into the dynamic interlinked changes in spleen cell numbers associated with trypanosomosis‐associated immunopathology.
Optimizing Store‐Brand Quality: Impact of Choice of Producer and Channel Price Leadership
Authors: Liao Bo , Yano Candace A. , Trivedi Minakshi
Published: July 2019

There is a vast literature on optimizing store brand quality, but it does not address the individual and joint effects of sourcing and pricing power; this is the focus of our paper. We study a retailer’s store‐brand quality‐positioning problem under three sourcing structures and two types of price leadership. The three sources are in‐house (IH), a leading national‐brand manufacturer (NBM) with a competing product, and a strategic third‐party manufacturer (3M). We consider two forms of price leadership, Manufacturer‐Stackelberg (MS) and Retailer‐Stackelberg (RS). We fully characterize the retailer’s optimal quality levels and their relative values across the six scenarios, as well as equilibrium prices, retail profits, consumer welfare, and supply chain profits. Among other things, we find that the retailer chooses lower quality when sourcing from NBM than from other sources to benefit from quality differentiation as there are few other points of leverage. On the other hand, she chooses a higher quality when sourcing from 3M vs. producing IH because, despite the double marginalization, a higher‐quality store brand induces greater competition between 3M and NBM, which benefits the retailer. We also show that the power to decide the source is more important to the retailer than having pricing power.
Long‐term treatment with nintedanib in Asian patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Results from INPULSIS®‐ON
Authors: Song Jin Woo , Ogura Takashi , Inoue Yoshikazu , Xu Zuojun , Quaresma Manuel , Stowasser Susanne , Stansen Wibke , Crestani Bruno
Published: July 2019

Background and objective

The efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were investigated in the placebo‐controlled INPULSIS® trials. All patients who completed an INPULSIS® trial could receive open‐label nintedanib in the extension trial INPULSIS®‐ON.

Methods

We assessed the long‐term efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients of Asian race who were treated in INPULSIS®‐ON. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

A total of 215 Asian patients were treated in INPULSIS®‐ON, of whom 121 continued nintedanib in INPULSIS®‐ON and 94 initiated nintedanib in INPULSIS®‐ON having received placebo in an INPULSIS® trial. At baseline of INPULSIS®‐ON, the mean (SD) age of Asian patients was 66.3 (7.5) years, 80.5% were males and mean (SD) forced vital capacity (FVC) was 78.9 (19.3) % predicted. Median total exposure to nintedanib in both INPULSIS® and INPULSIS®‐ON was 42.2 months; maximum exposure was 64.1 months. In INPULSIS®, the annual rate (SE) of decline in FVC over 52 weeks in Asian patients was −124 (20) mL/year in the nintedanib group and −218 (24) mL/year in the placebo group. In INPULSIS®‐ON, the annual rate (SE) of decline in FVC over 192 weeks in Asian patients was −127 (11) mL/year. Diarrhoea was reported in Asian patients at event rates of 58.8 and 82.5 events per 100 patient exposure–years in patients who continued and initiated nintedanib in INPULSIS®‐ON, respectively.

Conclusion

The effect of nintedanib on slowing disease progression in Asian patients with IPF is sustained over the long term. Long‐term treatment with nintedanib has an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
The socializing role of logical consequences, mild punishments, and reasoning in rule‐breaking contexts involving multifaceted issues
Authors: Robichaud Jean‐Michel , Mageau Geneviève A.
Published: July 2019

Experimental studies focusing on the socialization role of parental authority exertion in persistent rule‐breaking contexts involving non‐personal issues have recently shown the advantages of using logical consequences over alternative strategies (mild punishments, reasoning, and no‐authority). Using an experimental vignette approach and a sample of 214 adolescents (Mage = 15.28 years), the present study extended these findings by comparing the same parental interventions in a rule‐breaking setting involving a multifaceted issue. Specifically, and based on research anchored in social domain theory, we evaluated how adolescents' perceptions of the issue underlying the multifaceted transgression (personal vs. non‐personal) moderated the effects of authority exertion strategies on socialization indicators. When adolescents perceived the transgression as a non‐personal issue, past results were replicated and enhanced. Adolescents rated the logical consequence as at least as effective as the mild punishment to prevent future transgressions (i.e., more so than reasoning and no‐authority) and as the most acceptable strategy. Furthermore, contrary to the mild punishment, they did not perceive the logical consequence as more autonomy‐thwarting than reasoning. In contrast, adolescents who categorized the transgression as a personal matter rated the logical consequence less favorably, leaving reasoning as a preferred form of intervention. Implications for optimal parenting are discussed.
High‐temperature gold‐copper extraction with chloride flux in lava tubes of Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka)
Authors: Kamenetsky Vadim S. , Belousov Alexander , Sharygin Victor V. , Zhitova Liudmila M. , Ehrig Kathy , Zelenski Michael E. , Chaplygin Ilya , Yudovskaya Marina A. , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Zakharov Sergey M.
Published: July 2019

Subvolcanic environments in supra‐subduction zones are renowned for hosting epithermal deposits that often contain electrum and native gold, including bonanza examples. This study examined mineral assemblages and processes occurring in shallow‐crust volcanic settings using recent eruption (2012–2013) of the basaltic Tolbachik volcano in the Kamchatka arc. The Tolbachik eruptive system is characterized by an extensive system of lava tubes. After cessation of magma input, the tubes maintained the flow of hot oxidized gases that episodically interacted with the lava surfaces and sulphate‐chloride precipitates from volcanic gases on these surfaces. The gas‐rock interaction had strong pyrometamorphic effects that resulted in the formation of molten salt, oxidized (tenorite, hematite, Cu‐rich magnesioferrite) and skarn‐like silicate mineral assemblages. By analogy with experimental studies, we propose that a combination of these processes was responsible for extraction of metals from the basaltic wall rocks and deposition of Cu‐, Fe‐ and Cu‐Fe‐oxides and native gold.
Cost‐effectiveness of antifungal prophylaxis, preemptive therapy, or empiric treatment following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Walker Brandon S. , Schmidt Robert L. , Tantravahi Srinivas , Kim Kibum , Hanson Kimberly E.
Published: July 2019

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a life‐threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) that is also associated with excess healthcare costs. Current approaches include universal antifungal prophylaxis, preemptive therapy based on biomarker surveillance, and empiric treatment initiated in response to clinical signs/symptoms. However, no study has directly compared the cost‐effectiveness of these treatment strategies for an allogeneic HSCT patient population.

Methods

We developed a state transition model to study the impact of treatment strategies on outcomes associated with IFIs in the first 100 days following myeloablative allogeneic HSCT. We compared three treatment strategies: empiric voriconazole, preemptive voriconazole (200 mg), or prophylactic posaconazole (300 mg) for the management of IFIs. Preemptive treatment was guided by scheduled laboratory surveillance with galactomannan (GM) testing. Endpoints were cost and survival at 100 days post‐HSCT.

Results

Empiric treatment was the least costly ($147 482) and was equally effective (85.2% survival at 100 days) as the preemptive treatment strategies. Preemptive treatments were slightly more costly than empiric treatment (GM cutoff ≥ 1.0 $147 910 and GM cutoff ≥ 0.5 $148 108). Preemptive therapy with GM cutoff ≥ 1.0 reduced anti‐mold therapy by 5% when compared to empiric therapy. Posaconazole prophylaxis was the most effective (86.6% survival at 100 days) and costly ($152 240) treatment strategy with a cost of $352 415 per life saved when compared to empiric therapy.

Conclusions

One preemptive treatment strategy reduced overall anti‐mold drug exposure but did not reduce overall costs. Prevention of IFI using posaconazole prophylaxis was the most effective treatment strategy and may be cost‐effective, depending upon the willingness to pay per life saved.
The MPK8‐TCP14 pathway promotes seed germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cochet Françoise , Ponnaiah Maharajah , Lebreton Sandrine , Matheron Lucrèce , Pionneau Cédric , Boudsocq Marie , Resentini Francesca , Huguet Stéphanie , Blázquez Miguel Á. , Bailly Christophe , Puyaubert Juliette , Baudouin Emmanuel
Published: July 2019

The accurate control of dormancy release and germination is critical for successful plantlet establishment. Investigations in cereals hypothesized a crucial role for specific MAP kinase (MPK) pathways in promoting dormancy release, although the identity of the MPK involved and the downstream events remain unclear. In this work, we characterized mutants for Arabidopsis thaliana MAP kinase 8 (MPK8). Mpk8 seeds presented a deeper dormancy than wild‐type (WT) at harvest that was less efficiently alleviated by after‐ripening and gibberellic acid treatment. We identified Teosinte Branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell factor 14 (TCP14), a transcription factor regulating germination, as a partner of MPK8. Mpk8 tcp14 double‐mutant seeds presented a deeper dormancy at harvest than WT and mpk8, but similar to that of tcp14 seeds. MPK8 interacted with TCP14 in the nucleus in vivo and phosphorylated TCP14 in vitro. Furthermore, MPK8 enhanced TCP14 transcriptional activity when co‐expressed in tobacco leaves. Nevertheless, the stimulation of TCP14 transcriptional activity by MPK8 could occur independently of TCP14 phosphorylation. The comparison of WT, mpk8 and tcp14 transcriptomes evidenced that whereas no effect was observed in dry seeds, mpk8 and tcp14 mutants presented dramatic transcriptomic alterations after imbibition with a sustained expression of genes related to seed maturation. Moreover, both mutants exhibited repression of genes involved in cell wall remodeling and cell cycle G1/S transition. As a whole, this study unraveled a role for MPK8 in promoting seed germination, and suggested that its interaction with TCP14 was critical for regulating key processes required for germination completion.
Clinical and histopathological presentation and successful treatment with ciclosporin for canine sarcoidosis: a case report
Authors: Iyori Keita , Kinoshita Makoto , Imai Akihiro , Imanishi Ichiro , Shirota Kinji
Published: July 2019

Background

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease histologically characterized by naked granulomas in various mammals. Canine sarcoidosis is a rare disease which can cause nonpruritic papule, plaques and nodules on the trunk, neck, face and ear; it is usually treated with corticosteroids. To date, there are no published reports on alternatives to corticosteroids treatment.

Objectives

To report a case of canine cutaneous sarcoidosis successfully treated with oral ciclosporin.

Animal

An 11‐year‐old beagle dog was presented with multiple pleomorphic plaques on the lateral thighs and dorsal trunk.

Methods and materials

Skin punch biopsy specimen were collected and analysed via routine histological examination and immunohistochemistry. After 14 weeks of oral ciclosporin treatment, repeat skin biopsy specimens were collected.

Results

Histopathological examination revealed noncaseating epithelioid cell granuloma formation in the dermis. Dermal epithelioid cells were positive for CD18 and Iba1, but not for CD3, CD20 and E‐cadherin based on immunohistochemistry findings. Acid‐fast bacteria, fungi and Leishmania spp. were not detected by special stains, culture or polymerase chain reaction. An initial two week treatment with immunosuppressive doses of oral prednisolone and doxycycline was not effective. Skin lesions were almost in remission after 14 weeks of oral ciclosporin treatment without adverse events. Histologically, the dermal granulomatous lesions regressed and were replaced by fibrous tissues after ciclosporin treatment.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This case report describes the clinical and histopathological presentation including immunohistochemistry and treatment outcome of a case of canine sarcoidosis Ciclosporin may be an effective alternative to corticosteroids for treating canine sarcoidosis.
Molecular and morphological differentiation among Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) populations in the Andes
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pinto Natalia , McCracken Kevin G. , Tubaro Pablo , Kopuchian Cecilia , Astie Andrea , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: July 2019

Birds living in riverine environments may show weak population structure because high dispersal abilities required to track habitat dynamics can result in gene flow over broad spatial scales. Alternatively, the configuration of river networks may result in restricted dispersal within river courses or basins, leading to high genetic structure. Although several bird species are riverine specialists in the Andes, no study has extensively evaluated the population genetic structure of any of them. We examined evidence from genetic and morphological data to address questions about the biogeography and taxonomy of the Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), a riverine specialist bird with a broad distribution in Andean riverine habitats which certainly comprises different subspecies and may comprise more than one species. We found deep subdivisions of Torrent Duck populations from the northern, central and southern portions of the Andes. These lineages, which partly coincide with subspecies described based on plumage variation and body size, do not share mtDNA haplotypes, have private nuclear alleles and exhibit marked differences in morphometric traits. Some geographic barriers presumably restricting gene flow between groups partially coincide with those associated with major genetic breaks in forest species with similar distributions along the Andes, suggesting that bird assemblages including species occupying different habitats were likely affected by common biogeographical events. The three groups of Torrent Ducks may be considered different species under some species definitions and are distinct evolutionary lineages to be conserved and managed separately.
Inflammation as a mediator of arterial ageing
Authors: Trott Daniel W. , Fadel Paul J.
Published: July 2019

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review summarizes and synthesizes what is known about the contribution of inflammation to age‐related arterial dysfunction.

What advances does it highlight?

This review details observational evidence for the relationship of age‐related inflammation and arterial dysfunction, insight from autoimmune inflammatory diseases and their effects on arterial function, interventional evidence linking inflammation and age‐related arterial dysfunction, insight into age‐related arterial inflammation from preclinical models and interventions to ameliorate age‐related inflammation and arterial dysfunction.

Advanced age is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Two major components of arterial ageing are stiffening of the large arteries and impaired endothelium‐dependent dilatation in multiple vascular beds. These two alterations are major contributors to the development of overt cardiovascular disease. Increasing inflammation with advanced age is likely to play a role in this arterial dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to synthesize what is known about inflammation and its relationship to age‐related arterial dysfunction. This review discusses both the initial observational evidence for the relationship of age‐related inflammation and arterial dysfunction and the evidence that inflammatory autoimmune diseases are associated with a premature arterial ageing phenotype. We next discuss interventional and mechanistic evidence linking inflammation and age‐related arterial dysfunction in older adults. We also attempt to summarize the relevant evidence from preclinical models. Lastly, we discuss interventions in both humans and animals that have been shown to ameliorate age‐related arterial inflammation and dysfunction. The available evidence provides a strong basis for the role of inflammation in both large artery stiffening and impairment of endothelium‐dependent dilatation; however, the specific inflammatory mediators, the initiating factors and the relative importance of the endothelium, smooth muscle cells, perivascular adipose tissue and immune cells in arterial inflammation are not well understood. With the expansion of the ageing population, ameliorating age‐related arterial inflammation represents an important potential strategy for preserving vascular health in the elderly.
Phase-Field Microstructure Solidification of Al–2 wt% Si Alloys
Authors: Allen J. B.
Published: July 2019

In this work, we develop one- and two-dimensional phase-field simulations to approximate dendritic growth of a binary Al–2 wt% Si alloy. Simulations are performed for both isothermal as well as directional solidification. Anisotropic interface energies are included with fourfold symmetries, and the dilute alloy assumption is imposed. The isothermal results confirm the decrease in the maximum concentration for larger interface velocities as well as reveal the presence of parabolic, dendrite tips evolving along directions of maximum interface energy. The directional solidification results further confirm the formation of distinctive secondary dendritic arm structures that evolve at regular intervals along the unstable solid/liquid interface.
Models for Materials Damping, Loss Factor, and Coefficient of Restitution
Authors: Sherif Hany A. , Almufadi Fahad. A.
Published: July 2019

Common parameters between metallic and polymeric materials are the coefficient of restitution, the damping coefficient, and loss factor. Although the relationship between the coefficient of restitution and the loss factor is quite direct, their dependence on the damping coefficient is not so simple and mainly affected by the adopted model used to describe the material response under impact. In the present study, Kelvin–Voigt linear model and Hunt–Crossley complex model are analyzed to describe how the coefficient of restitution depends on the viscous damping coefficient of impact. The correlation between the theoretical models and the experimental data is also shown. A simple method to predict the impact damping factor of both polymeric and metallic materials from the measured temporal signal of the impact force is demonstrated.
Strength Assessment of Jacket Offshore Wind Turbine Support Structure Accounting for Rupture1
Authors: Yeter Baran , Garbatov Yordan , Guedes Soares C.
Published: July 2019

The objective of the present work is to carry out the strength assessment of jacket offshore wind turbine support structures subjected to progressive rupture. A defect existing in a structure made during the fabrication may turn into a small-scale rupture and because of the high-stress concentration and low-cycle fatigue load. Therefore, the ultimate load-carrying capacity of the support structure is analyzed accounting for the progress of the rupture until the leg component experiences a full rupture along its circumference. The effect of imperfection severity is also investigated. The moment–curvature relationship of the structure concerning the studied cases is presented. Furthermore, the jacket support structures, at different water depths, are also analyzed and discussed. Finally, some of the leg components are removed one by one to study the redundancy of the jacket support structure at 80-m water depth.
Modeling of Static Stiffness for Linear Motion Roller Guide
Authors: Jiang Shuyun , Wang Yao , Wang Yiming
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the modeling method of static stiffness for the linear motion roller guide (LMRG) with five degrees-of-freedom (5DOF). The model of static stiffness for the LMRG with 5DOF was established using the slicing method, the guide deformation compatible equation, and the force equilibrium equation of the guide. The static stiffness of the LMRG was analyzed systematically via a case study, and the simulating results were verified by the experimental data. The results show that the proposed model can be used to calculate the complete static stiffness for the LMRG with 5DOF.
Experimental Investigation of the Dynamic Loads in a Ball Bearing Turbocharger
Authors: Conley Benjamin , Sadeghi Farshid , Griffith Robert C. , McCormack Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2019

The objectives of this investigation were to design and develop an experimental turbocharger test rig (TTR) to measure the shaft whirl of the rotating assembly and the axial and frictional loads experienced by the bearings. The TTR contains a ball bearing turbocharger (TC) that was instrumented and operated under various test conditions up to 55,000 rpm. In order to measure the thrust loads on the compressor and turbine sides, customized sensors were integrated into the TC housing. The anti-rotation (AR) pin that normally prevents the bearing cartridge from rotating was replaced with a custom-made load cell adapter system. This sensor was used to measure the frictional losses in the bearing cartridge without altering the operation of the TC. Proximity sensors (probes) were also installed in the compressor housing to monitor shaft whirl. Axial load results indicated that the compressor side bears most of the thrust load. As the backpressure or the speed of the TC was increased, the thrust load also increased. Frictional measurements from the AR pin sensor demonstrated low power losses in the ball bearing cartridge. For certain shaft speed ranges, the data from the sensors illustrated periodic trends in response to the subsynchronous whirl of the shaft.
Friction Reduction Effect of Soft Coatings
Authors: Chen Zhou
Published: July 2019

Finite element analysis is conducted on an elastic-plastic full stick contact between a rigid flat and a deformable coated sphere with a soft coating. A combined normal and tangential load is applied to the rigid flat, and the sliding inception is assumed as a result of the decreasing tangential stiffness of the contact junction. As the coating becomes thicker, the static friction coefficient first decreases reaching a minimum and then increases. This demonstrates a friction reduction effect of soft coatings that is opposite to hard coatings. The static friction coefficient decreases with increasing normal load as the contact junction contains more plasticity and becomes more compliant.
Non-native consonant acquisition in noise: Effects of exposure/test similarity
Authors: Cooke Martin , García Lecumberri María Luisa
Published: July 2019

When faced with speech in noise, do listeners rely on robust cues or can they make use of joint speech-plus-noise patterns based on prior experience? Recent studies have suggested that listeners are better able to identify words in noise if they experienced the same word-in-noise tokens in an earlier exposure phase. The current study examines the role of token similarity in exposure and test conditions. In three experiments, Spanish learners of English were exposed to intervocalic consonants during an extensive training phase, bracketed by pre- and post-tests. Distinct cohorts experienced tokens that were either matched or mismatched across test and training phases in one or both of two factors: signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and talker. Cohorts with fully matching test-training exposure were no better at identifying consonants at the post-test phase than those trained in partially or fully mismatched conditions. Indeed, at more adverse test SNRs, training at more favourable SNRs was beneficial. These findings argue against the use of joint speech-plus-noise representations at the segmental level and instead suggest that listeners are able to extract useful acoustic-phonetic information across a range of exposure conditions.
The Matrix Protein of a Plant Rhabdovirus Mediates Superinfection Exclusion by Inhibiting Viral Transcription
Authors: Zhou Xin , Sun Kai , Zhou Xueping , Jackson Andrew O. , Li Zhenghe
Published: July 2019

Superinfection exclusion (SIE) is a widespread phenomenon in which an established virus infection prevents reinfection by closely related viruses. Understanding the mechanisms governing SIE will not only advance our basic knowledge of virus infection cycles but may also lead to improved design of antiviral measures. Despite the significance of SIE, our knowledge about viral SIE determinants and their modes of actions remain limited. In this study, we show that sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV) SIE is mediated by the viral matrix (M) protein. During primary infections, accumulation of M protein in infected nuclei results in coiling of genomic nucleocapsids and suppression of viral transcription. Consequently, nucleocapsids released by potential superinfectors are sequestered and are unable to initiate new infections. Our data suggest that SYNV SIE is caused by M protein-mediated transition from replication to virion assembly and that this process prevents secondary infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Regulatory Protein AnvM Controls Pathogenicity in Anaerobic Environments and Impacts Host Defense
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Zhou Chuan-min , Pu Qinqin , Wu Qun , Tan Shirui , Shao Xiaolong , Zhang Weitong , Xie Yingpeng , Li Rongpeng , Yu Xue-jie , Wang Rui , Zhang Liang , Wu Min , Deng Xin
Published: July 2019

Infections by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, one of the most frequently isolated human pathogens, can create huge financial burdens. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of
P. aeruginosa
remains elusive. We identified AnvM as a novel regulator of virulence in
P. aeruginosa
. Deletion of
anvM
altered the expression levels of more than 700 genes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, including quorum sensing system genes and oxidative stress resistance genes. AnvM directly interacted with MvfR and Anr, thus regulating their downstream genes. More importantly, AnvM directly bound to TLR2 and TLR5, which turn on the host immune response. These findings provide insights into the significance of AnvM homologs in pathogenic bacteria and suggest a potential drug target against bacterial infection.
Durable Long-Term Bacterial Engraftment following Encapsulated Fecal Microbiota Transplantation To Treat Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Staley Christopher , Kaiser Thomas , Vaughn Byron P. , Graiziger Carolyn , Hamilton Matthew J. , Kabage Amanda J. , Khoruts Alexander , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: July 2019

Recurrent
Clostridium difficile
infection (rCDI) is the most common cause of hospital- and community-acquired diarrheal infection associated with antibiotic use. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a treatment that involves administration of fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a recipient patient, is a highly effective rescue therapy for rCDI that is increasingly being incorporated into standard clinical practice. Encapsulated, freeze-dried preparations of fecal microbiota, administered orally, offer the simplest and most convenient route of FMT delivery for patients (cFMT). In this study, we evaluated the extent of bacterial engraftment following cFMT and the duration of donor bacterial persistence. All patients studied recovered clinically but showed differing patterns in long-term microbial community similarity to the donor that were associated with members of the bacterial group
Bacteroidetes
, previously shown to be prominent contributors to rCDI resistance. Results highlight long-lasting, donor-specific effects on recipient patient microbiota and reveal potential bacterial targets to improve cFMT engraftment.
Phylogenetic Concepts and Tools Applied to Epidemiologic Investigations of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Janies Daniel
Published: July 2019

In this review, which is a part of theMicrobiology SpectrumCurated Collection: Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, I present an overview of the principles used to classify organisms in the field of phylogenetics, highlight the methods used to infer the interrelationships of organisms, and summarize how these concepts are applied to molecular epidemiologic analyses. I present steps in analyses that come downstream of the assembly of a set of genomes or genes and the production of a multiple-sequence alignment or other matrices of putative orthologs for comparison. I focus on the history of the problem of phylogenetic reconstruction and debates within the field about the most appropriate methods. I illustrate methods that bridge the gap between molecular epidemiology and traditional epidemiology, including phylogenetic character evolution and geographic visualization. Finally, I provide practical advice on how to conduct an example analysis in the appendix.*

This article is part of a curated collection.
Population Structure and Dynamics of Helminthic Infection: Schistosomiasis
Authors: Blanton Ronald E.
Published: July 2019

While disease and outbreaks are mainly clonal for bacteria and other asexually reproducing organisms, sexual reproduction in schistosomes and other helminths usually results in unique individuals. For sexually reproducing organisms, the traits conserved in clones will instead be conserved in the group of organisms that tends to breed together, the population. While the same tools are applied to characterize DNA, how results are interpreted can be quite different at times (see another article in this collection,
http://www.asmscience.org/content/journal/microbiolspec/10.1128/microbiolspec.AME-0002-2018
). It is difficult to know what the real effect any control program has on the parasite population without assessing the health of this population, how they respond to the control measure, and how they recover, if they do. This review, part of the
Microbiology Spectrum
Curated Collection: Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, concentrates on one approach using pooled samples to study schistosome populations and shows how this and other approaches have contributed to our understanding of this parasite family’s biology and epidemiology.

*

This article is part of a curated collection.
Critical role of caldera collapse in the formation of seafloor mineralization: The case of Brothers volcano
Authors: de Ronde Cornel E.J. , Humphris Susan E. , Höfig Tobias W. , Reyes Agnes G. ,   the IODP Expedition 376 Scientists
Published: July 2019

Hydrothermal systems hosted by submarine arc volcanoes commonly include a large component of magmatic fluid. The high Cu-Au contents and strongly acidic fluids in these systems are similar to those that formed in the shallow parts of some porphyry copper and epithermal gold deposits mined today on land. Two main types of hydrothermal systems occur along the submarine portion of the Kermadec arc (offshore New Zealand): magmatically influenced and seawater-dominated systems. Brothers volcano hosts both types. Here, we report results from a series of drill holes cored by the International Ocean Discovery Program into these two types of hydrothermal systems. We show that the extent of hydrothermal alteration of the host dacitic volcaniclastics and lavas reflects primary lithological porosity and contrasting spatial and temporal contributions of magmatic fluid, hydrothermal fluid, and seawater. We present a two-step model that links the changes in hydrothermal fluid regime to the evolution of the volcano caldera. Initial hydrothermal activity, prior to caldera formation, was dominated by magmatic gases and hypersaline brines. The former mixed with seawater as they ascended toward the seafloor, and the latter remained sequestered in the subsurface. Following caldera collapse, seawater infiltrated the volcano through fault-controlled permeability, interacted with wall rock and the segregated brines, and transported associated metals toward the seafloor and formed Cu-Zn-Au–rich chimneys on the caldera walls and rim, a process continuing to the present day. This two-step process may be common in submarine arc caldera volcanoes that host volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, and it is particularly efficient at focusing mineralization at, or near, the seafloor.
Long-term outcomes of functional neurological disorder in children
Authors: Raper Joseph , Currigan Victoria , Fothergill Sarah , Stone Jon , Forsyth Rob J
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To establish the incidence and long-term outcomes (up to 21 years) of children presenting to a University hospital paediatric neurology service with symptoms due to functional neurological disorder (FND) with particular reference to occurrence of FND or similar symptoms in adulthood.

Methods

Retrospective chart review to determine characteristics of the original paediatric FND presentation plus record-linkage with providers of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Chart review of adult medical records for documentation of functional symptoms in adulthood.

Results

124 individuals (56% female) met entry criteria. The most common presentations were seizures (18%), sensory loss (18%) and motor symptoms (16%). Frequency gradually increased with age of onset with an incidence in paediatric neurological services of 6 per 100 000 children under 16. In up to 21 years’ follow-up (median 8.3 years), 114/124 attained their 16th birthdays by the study census date and were thus eligible for inclusion in an analysis of symptom persistence/recurrence in adulthood. 26/114 (23%) showed evidence of FND in adulthood of sufficient significance to be recorded in medical records.

Conclusion

Paediatric FND is commoner than previous estimates. Even in this selected population of children reaching specialist paediatric neurology services, a high long-term remission rate is observed.
Observational study of cytomegalovirus from breast milk and necrotising enterocolitis
Authors: Patel Ravi Mangal , Shenvi Neeta , Knezevic Andrea , Hinkes Michael , Bugg George W , Stowell Sean R , Roback John D , Easley Kirk A , Josephson Cassandra
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) exposure from breast milk and risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

Design

Secondary analysis of a multicentre, observational cohort study. Maternal breast milk and infant serum or urine were serially evaluated by nucleic acid testing at scheduled intervals for CMV. Infants with evidence of congenital infection were excluded. Competing-risks Cox models, with adjustment for confounders, were used to evaluate the relationship between breast milk CMV exposure or postnatal CMV infection and NEC.

Setting

Three neonatal intensive care units in Atlanta, Georgia.

Patients

Infants with a birth weight≤1500 grams.

Exposures

Maximal CMV viral load in breast milk in the first 14 days after birth or postnatal CMV infection. Two different approaches were used to assess the timing of onset of CMV infection (midpoint or early).

Main outcome measures

NEC, defined as Bell stage II or greater.

Results

Among 596 enrolled infants, 457 (77%) were born to CMV seropositive mothers and 33 developed postnatal CMV infection (cumulative incidence 7.3%, 95% CI 5.0% to 10.1%). The incidence of NEC was 18% (6/33) among infants with CMV infection, compared with 7% (37/563) among infants without infection (adjusted cause-specific HR (CSHR): 2.81; 95% CI 0.73 to 10.9 (midpoint); 6.02; 95% CI 1.28 to 28.4 (early)). Exposure to higher breast milk CMV viral load was associated with a higher risk of NEC (adjusted CSHR per twofold increase 1.28; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.54).

Conclusions

CMV exposure from breast milk may be associated with the development of NEC in very low birth weight infants.
Association of small for gestational age with retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Razak Abdul , Faden Maher
Published: July 2019

Context

The association between small for gestational age (SGA) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is unclear.

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between ROP and SGA in preterm infants <37 weeks’ gestational age (GA) admitted to neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

Medline, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception through 15 January 2019. Studies reporting outcomes based on SGA as the primary exposure variable were included. Data were extracted independently by two coauthors. Modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for risk of bias assessment.

Results

Database search yielded 536 records (Medline=152, PubMed=171, Web of Science=144 and Cochrane Central=69). Twenty-one studies evaluating 190 946 infants were included. SGA was associated with significantly higher odds of any stage of ROP on unadjusted analysis (unadjusted OR (uOR) 1.55; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.98; 10 studies) but not on adjusted analysis (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.16; 95% CI 0.66 to 7.11; 3 studies). SGA was associated with significantly higher odds of severe ROP (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.57 to 2.34; nine studies). SGA was also significantly associated with higher odds of treated ROP (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.65; three studies). In subgroup analysis of infants <29 weeks’ GA, SGA was significantly associated with increased odds of ROP (uOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.26; two studies), severe ROP (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.10; four studies) and treated ROP (aOR 1.37; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.62; two studies).

Conclusion

SGA was associated with increased odds of any stage of ROP, severe ROP and treated ROP in preterm infants. Neonatologists should incorporate SGA into the risk assessment during ROP evaluation and while providing counselling to the families of preterm SGA infants. ROP screening guidelines should look into the frequency of follow-up examination in SGA infants in aim to offer early detection and treatment.