bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac telocytes exist in the adult Xenopus tropicalis heart
Authors: Lv Luocheng , Liao Zhaofu , Luo Jiali , Chen Hongyi , Guo Hongyan , Yang Jifeng , Huang Ruijin , Pu Qin , Zhao Hui , Yuan Ziqiang , Feng Shanshan , Qi Xufeng , Cai Dongqing
Published: January 2020

Recent research has revealed that cardiac telocytes (CTs) play an important role in cardiac physiopathology and the regeneration of injured myocardium. Recently, we reported that the adult Xenopus tropicalis heart can regenerate perfectly in a nearly scar‐free manner after injury via apical resection. However, whether telocytes exist in the X tropicalis heart and are affected in the regeneration of injured X tropicalis myocardium is still unknown. The present ultrastructural and immunofluorescent double staining results clearly showed that CTs exist in the X tropicalis myocardium. CTs in the X tropicalis myocardium were mainly twined around the surface of cardiomyocyte trabeculae and linked via nanocontacts between the ends of the telopodes, forming a three‐dimensional network. CTs might play a role in the regeneration of injured myocardium.
Modified level of miR‐376a is associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baghi Masoud , Rostamian Delavar Mahsa , Yadegari Elaheh , Peymani Maryam , Pozo David , Hossein Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: January 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Impaired mitochondrial function is a major feature of sporadic PD. Some susceptibility or causative genes detected in PD are strongly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction including PGC1α, TFAM and GSK3β. microRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding RNAs whose altered levels are proven in disparate PD models and human brains. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect modulations of miRs upstream of PGC1α, TFAM and GSK3β in association with PD onset and progress. In this study, a total of 33 PD subjects and 25 healthy volunteers were recruited. Candidate miRNA (miR‐376a) was selected through target prediction tools and literature survey. Chronic and acute in vitro PD models were created by MPP+‐intoxicated SHSY5Y cells. The levels of miR‐376a and aforementioned genes were assessed by RT‐qPCR. The expression of target genes was decreased in chronic model while there were dramatically up‐regulated levels of those genes in acute model of PD. miR‐376a was strongly altered in both acute and chronic PD models as well as PBMCs of PD patients. Our results also showed overexpression of PGC1α, and TFAM in PBMCs is inversely correlated with down‐regulation of miR‐376a, suggesting that miR‐376a possibly has an impact on PD pathogenesis through regulation of these genes which are involved in mitochondrial function. miR‐376a expression in PD‐derived PBMCs was also correlated with disease severity and may serve as a potential biomarker for PD diagnosis. This is the first study showing altered levels of miR‐376a in PD models and PBMCs, suggesting the probable role of this miRNA in PD pathogenesis. The present study also proposed TFAM and PGC1α as target genes of miR‐376a for the first time, through which it possibly can exert its impact on PD pathogenesis.
Defining hidradenitis suppurativa phenotypes based on the elementary lesion pattern: results of a prospective study
Authors: Martorell A. , Jfri A. , Koster S.B.L. , Gomez‐Palencia P. , Solera M. , Alfaro‐Rubio A. , Hueso L. , Sanz‐Motilva V.
Published: January 2020

Background

It has been proposed that two main phenotypes of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) exist. This proposal is based upon different elementary structures detected in the skin, namely follicular subtypes and inflammatory subtypes. Having an accurate definition of these two variants could help us to better identify patients who may require an early intervention with currently approved targeted immunomodulatory therapies.

Objective

To define and distinguish between the epidemiological, clinical and analytic characteristics of these two HS phenotypes.

Methods

An observational, descriptive, non‐randomized and prospective study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with HS between May 2012 and April 2017 by a specialized unit were included. Ultrasound evaluation was performed in all cases.

Results

About 197 patients were included, 100 women and 97 men, aged between 25 and 47 years. The mean age of onset was significantly different between phenotypes, ranging between 26.69 ± 9.05 in the inflammatory subtype and 17.62 ± 6.42 in the follicular subtype. Follicular subtype patients exhibited a significantly higher number of nodules combined with the presence of multiple commedons (5.65 ± 3.38 versus 0.89 ± 2.72). This contrasted with the higher count of abscesses and fistulas detected in the inflammatory subtype (respectively, 4 ± 2.74 and 3.11 ± 2.56 versus 0.56 ± 1.02 and 0.26 ± 0.56). IgA levels were significantly higher in the inflammatory subtype (497.71 ± 262.26 versus 232.38 ± 84.06). Mean IHS4 score evaluation was higher in the inflammatory subtype (21.04 ± 11.9) compared with the follicular phenotype (7.54 ± 4.66). The inflammatory subtype was found to be an independent risk factor for disease aggressiveness in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.034 [95% CI 0.015–0.072]).

Limitations

Small sample size.

Conclusion

Preliminary data suggest the existence of an inflammatory HS phenotype that is associated with higher aggressiveness and major risk of progression during natural history of the disease.
Results of the guideline‐based treatment for pemphigus: a single‐centre experience with 84 cases
Authors: Kakuta R. , Kurihara Y. , Yamagami J. , Miyamoto J. , Funakoshi T. , Tanikawa A. , Amagai M.
Published: January 2020

Background

The Japanese guidelines for the management of pemphigus (JG) were published in 2010. However, further progress in the treatment of pemphigus requires their validation.

Objectives

To examine the efficacy and safety of treatments based on the JG.

Methods

A retrospective study of 84 Japanese patients with moderate to severe pemphigus, who were initially treated in accordance with the JG and then followed up for >2 years, was performed in a single centre. Treatment typically consisted of 0.5–1 mg prednisone (PSL)/kg/day accompanied by 100 mg azathioprine/day as a steroid‐sparing agent.

Results

In 83 of the 84 patients (98.8%), complete remission on minimal therapy (≤10 mg PSL/day and concomitant immunosuppressive agent) was achieved. The time between initiation of therapy and remission was 13.9 ± 9.4 months. In 78 patients (92.9%), remission was accomplished within the 2‐year follow‐up. The 32 patients with recalcitrant disease (38.1%) received additional treatment. Relapse occurred in 12 patients (14.3%) either during tapering of the PSL dose (six patients) or after achieving remission (six patients). Adverse events, mostly liver enzyme elevation, infections and diabetes, occurred in 67 patients (79.8%). One patient (1.2%) died during the observation period after gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the elderly and patients requiring additional therapies were at higher risk of adverse events, including severe infections, and should thus be monitored carefully. This study provided clinical data that could inform revised guidelines and contribute to the evaluation of future novel therapies.
Preclinical validation of the new vitrification device possessing a feature of absorbing excess vitrification solution for the cryopreservation of human embryos
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Harada Miyuki , Oi Nagisa , Izumi Gentaro , Momozawa Kenji , Matsuzawa Atsushi , Tokunaga Yukio , Hirata Tetsuya , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: January 2020

Aim

The cryopreservation of embryos is essential for assisted reproductive technology field. The aim of the present study is to examine the efficacy and ease of use of a new vitrification device, Kitasato Vitrification System (KVS), in cryopreservation of human embryos.

Methods

Human embryos at the cleavage or blastocyst stage were vitrified and warmed by KVS or Cryotop (control device). The survival of cleavage‐ and blastocyst‐stage embryos and the developmental competence of cleavage‐stage embryos were evaluated. Four individuals inexperienced in vitrification and warming embryos tested both KVS and Cryotop. The vitrification time and the detachment time of the embryos were evaluated.

Results

At the cleavage stage, there were no significant differences in the survival rate and the development rate to the blastocyst stage between KVS and Cryotop (100 vs 96.8% and 63.3 vs 61.3%, respectively). At the blastocyst stage, there was no significant difference in the re‐expansion rate between KVS and Cryotop (100 vs 88.9%). The vitrification time was shorter for KVS than Cryotop. There was no significant difference in the detachment time between KVS and Cryotop.

Conclusion

Kitasato Vitrification System is easy to operate, even for inexperienced users, and the viability of human embryos vitrified by KVS is comparable to that of Cryotop, a widely used vitrification device.
Balloon tamponade for successful emergency cervical cerclage
Authors: Lv Min , Zhao Baihui , Chen Yuan , Xi Fangfang , Zhan Qitao , Wang Yayun , Pu Yuqun , Luo Qiong
Published: January 2020

Aim

To illustrate the method of emergency cerclage with the balloon tamponade and demonstrate the efficacy of this surgery method.

Methods

Procedures of the balloon tamponade assisted emergency cerclage were reviewed in detail and outcomes of 39 patients treated with this way were evaluated.

Results

From 2017 to 2019, emergency cerclage was successfully performed in 39 patients with a dilated cervix and bulging fetal membranes, assisted by the balloon tamponade. The diameter of the bulging prolapsed membranes ranged from 0.0–10.0 cm, with a median of 2.0 cm. Prolongation of the pregnancy period was from 8 to 138 days, with a median of 29 days. No maternal complications including infections, cervical laceration and cervical bleeding were observed perioperative period.

Conclusion

Emergency cerclage is an effective way to prolong gestational period in patients with advanced cervical dilatation and bulging membranes. The balloon tamponade assisted emergency cerclage makes the replacement of fetal membranes back into the uterine cavity easier and effectively, then a successful and convenient emergency cerclage can be performed.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Unwanted Births: Moderation by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Everett Bethany G. , Mollborn Stefanie , Jenkins Virginia , Limburg Aubrey , Diamond Lisa M.
Published: January 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore sexual orientation disparities in unwanted births by race/ethnicity.

Background

Previous research has documented that sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to report unintended pregnancy than heterosexual women and that Black and Latina women are more likely to report unintended pregnancy than White women. No research has examined how pregnancy intention varies at the intersection of these two identities.

Method

Data come from the pregnancy roster data in Waves 4 and Wave 5 subsample in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We used live births as the unit of analysis (n = 8,527) and multilevel logistic regression models to account for clustering of births within women. Women were asked if they “wanted” to be pregnant at the time of pregnancy. The authors conducted models stratified by race/ethnicity as well as models stratified by sexual identity.

Results

Among White women, SMW were more likely to describe their births as unwanted than were their heterosexual counterparts. Conversely, among Black and Latina women, SMW were less likely to describe their births as unwanted than were their heterosexual counterparts. Results stratified by sexual identity underscore these contrasting patterns: Among heterosexual women, White women were less likely to describe their births as unwanted when compared with Black and Latina women; among SMW, White women were more likely to describe their births as unwanted than were Black and Latina women.

Conclusion

Traditional race/ethnicity trends in pregnancy intention (i.e., greater unwanted pregnancy among Black/Latina than White women) are reversed among SMW.
Setting the Sagittal Condylar Inclination on a Virtual Articulator Using Intraoral Scan of Protrusive Interocclusal Position and Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Hong Seoung‐Jin , Choi Youngha , Park Minseo , Paek Janghyun , Pae Ahran , Kim Hyeong‐Seob , Kwon Kung‐Rock , Noh Kwantae
Published: January 2020

The articulator is a prerequisite device for the analysis of occlusion and prosthodontic treatment, and it is required to simulate patient jaw movements. This article describes the technique to obtain sagittal condylar inclination (SCI) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data and intraoral scan of the protrusive interocclusal position. The SCI can be used on a virtual articulator in a computer‐aided design software, and it can assist in the fabrication of prosthesis which is harmonious with the mandibular movement of individual patient.
Renal Replacement Knowledge and Preferences for African Americans With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: King Akilah , Lopez Fanny Y. , Lissanu Lydia , Robinson Eric , Almazan Erik , Metoyer Gabrielle , Tanumihardjo Jacob , Quinn Michael , Peek Monica , Saunders Milda
Published: January 2020

Background

Renal replacement therapies (RRT) other than in‐centre haemodialyses are underutilised by African Americans with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) even though they are associated with reduced costs, morbidity and mortality as well as improved quality of life for patients.

Objectives

To understand African American patients’ knowledge of RRT options and how patient, provider and system‐factors contribute to knowledge and preferences. Participants’ interviews were conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center with African American patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The final analysis included 28 interviews; 22 patients had CKD not yet on dialysis or having received a transplant, while 6 had reached ESRD and were receiving treatment for kidney failure. Approach Transcripts were uploaded into NVivo8 for coding. Thematic analysis was used for data interpretation.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) limited knowledge of home modalities and deceased donor options, (2) CKD patients gave little thought to choosing RRT options, (3) CKD patients relied on doctors for treatment decisions, and (4) while patients reported knowledge of living kidney donation transplants (LKDT), it did not translate to receiving an LKDT.

Conclusion

African Americans face significant knowledge and access barriers when deciding on their RRT treatment. Even patients with advanced CKD were still in the early stages of RRT selection. Understanding the knowledge gaps and barriers patients face will inform our subsequent intervention to educate and motivate patients to increase CKD self‐care and improve communication between patients, their families and their providers about different RRT treatments.
Correlation of haematological parameters and C‐reactive protein between cord blood and first post‐natal blood sample in preterm neonates: A prospective observational study
Authors: Sanghavi Avi , Desai Saumil , Nanavati Ruchi , Prabhat Daksha
Published: January 2020

Aim

There is some recent evidence on the utility of the cord blood as a reliable source for admission complete blood count in preterm neonates. However, there is a need to validate other laboratory parameters from the cord blood such as C‐reactive protein (CRP) to rule out neonatal sepsis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the correlation between haematological parameters and CRP obtained from the cord blood to the first post‐natal blood sample, for it to be considered as a reliable alternative.

Methods

A total of 89 paired cord blood and first post‐natal blood samples were prospectively analysed to assess the haematological parameters (complete blood count) and CRP. Pearson's coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the cord blood and the first post‐natal blood sample.

Results

When Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for various haematological parameters, it showed good correlation coefficient of 0.84 for total leukocyte count, 0.84 for absolute neutrophil count count, 0.87 for immature to total neutrophil ratio and 0.95 for CRP. The correlation coefficient was 0.64 for haemoglobin and 0.36 for platelet count.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between the majority of haematological parameters and CRP obtained from the cord blood with the first post‐natal blood sample in preterm neonates, except the platelet count. Hence, umbilical cord blood is a feasible and reliable alternative source for assessment of haematological parameters and CRP for the first post‐natal blood sample, thereby avoiding a painful prick in these fragile preterm neonates.
Wage endogeneity, tax evasion, and optimal nonlinear income taxation
Authors: Gahvari Firouz , Micheletto Luca
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the interaction between tax evasion and wage endogeneity within a Mirrleesian optimal tax framework. It characterizes the optimal marginal income tax rates on the skilled and the unskilled workers and the optimal amount of resources to be spent on deterring tax evasion. It shows that tax evasion weakens the incentives for the government to manipulate the marginal tax rates for the purpose of exploiting general equilibrium effects on wages. Moreover, the extent of this depends on the curvature of the evasion cost function. It also argues that marginal income tax rates are likely to be higher when the government attempts to deter evasion.
Relationship between shape of peripheral initial lymphatics and efficiency of mechanical stimulation–induced lymph formation
Authors: Ikomi Fumitaka , Hiruma Sumiyo
Published: January 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to combine the physiological significance of irregularly shaped initial lymphatics and mechanisms of mechanical stimulation–induced lymph formation.

Methods

To confirm stretch‐induced expansion of initial lymphatics, a finite element model that simulated morphological changes on a computer and fluorescent image and immunohistochemical analyses in mouse skin were adopted. Next, to quantitatively analyze the stretch‐induced expansion, a simulation study was performed using a viscoelastic model of the tissue including initial lymphatics.

Results

On the finite element model, when the tissue was stretched, irregularly shaped lymphatics were confirmed to increase luminal volume compared with round‐shaped lymphatics. Stretch‐induced expansion of the real initial lymphatics was demonstrated by fluorescent images and histological studies. Thereafter, with the application of a viscoelastic model of the tissue, the relationship between the lymph formation rate (Q) and massage frequency (f) could be obtained using the following equation: , where A and τ are constants. Excellent agreement was found between the previous data and the results of the present equation.

Conclusions

We conclude that irregularly shaped initial lymphatics may lead to efficient lymph formation induced by mechanical stimulation of the tissue.
Lane‐changing and freeway capacity: A Bayesian inference stochastic model
Authors: Sala Marcel , Soriguera Francesc
Published: January 2020

This article presents a new stochastic computational model for determining freeway capacity reduction as a result of lane‐changing activity. The probability density function for the maximum flow that can be sustained on a freeway for a given lane‐changing level is obtained. The results can be used to support freeway management strategies aiming to mitigate the negative consequences of lane‐changing in freeway capacity. A pilot test using empirical data obtained from the B‐23 freeway accessing the city of Barcelona proves the validity of the modeling approach.
Investigation of a healthcare‐associatedCandida tropicaliscandidiasis cluster in a haematology unit and a systematic review of nosocomial outbreaks
Authors: Barac Aleksandra , Cevik Muge , Colovic Natasa , Lekovic Danijela , Stevanovic Goran , Micic Jelena , Rubino Salvatore
Published: January 2020

Background

Non‐albicansCandida spp.are an emerging cause of hospital‐acquired bloodstream infections, associated with high mortality due to the challenges in diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate a cluster of healthcare‐associated invasive candidiasis caused byC tropicalisand review the literature of healthcare‐associated outbreaks or clusters caused byC tropicalis.

Methods

An investigation was performed to determine clinical presentation, treatment outcomes and the factors contributing toC tropicaliscandidemia occurrence. We searched the Medline database via PubMed and Ovid using the keywords of “Candida tropicalis” combined with “outbreak” or “clustering” or “clusters,” and we limited the search to studies conducted from January 1989 to January 2019.

Results

We report two related cases ofC tropicaliscandidemia among patients with AML following a period of neutropenia, who had erythematous skin rash as a first manifesting sign of candidiasis.C tropicaliswas isolated from blood and skin cultures of both patients, which were identical by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis typing. Our systematic review of outbreaks caused byC tropicalissuggests that (a) most reported outbreaks have occurred in neonatal and adult ICUs; (b) patients who receive total parenteral therapy, antibiotics and those who have indwelling catheters and recent surgery are at high risk of infection; and (c) environmental and healthcare personnel surveillance suggest that cross‐contamination is a major risk factor.

Conclusion

Control of nosocomial outbreaks caused byC tropicalisshould include better infection control measures, education of healthcare professionals especially working in adult and neonatal intensive care and haematology units.
Betulinic acid restores imatinib sensitivity in BCR‐ABL1 kinase−independent, imatinib‐resistant chronic myeloid leukemia by increasing HDAC3 ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Lu Tingting , Wei Danna , Yu Kunlin , Ma Dan , Xiong Jie , Fang Qin , Wang Jishi
Published: January 2020

Although imatinib (IM) has been demonstrated to be an efficient treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), some patients still experience IM resistance and disease relapse. Through in vitro studies, we observed that HDAC3 levels were elevated in BCR‐ABL1 kinase−independent, IM‐resistant primary cells from CML patients and in IM‐resistant K562 (K562R) cells and that downregulation of HDAC3 could enhance IM efficacy in K562R cells. Furthermore, betulinic acid (BA), a lupane‐type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin isolated from birch trees, restored IM sensitivity in the BCR‐ABL1 kinase−independent, IM‐resistant primary cells and in K562R cells, as well as in primary CD34+ bone marrow cells from CML patients. We found that BA restored IM sensitivity through inhibition of HDAC3 accumulation in cells, and that this was mediated by BA‐dependent ubiquitination and degradation of HDAC3. BA at low dosage significantly increased IM antitumor effects on murine xenografts bearing K562R cells and inhibited HDAC3 expression in tumor tissue. Our findings demonstrated that HDAC3 is an essential factor in BCR‐ABL1 kinase−independent IM resistance, and that BA in combination with IM may be a novel treatment strategy for overcoming IM resistance in CML.
Moving infections: individual movement decisions drive disease persistence in spatially structured landscapes
Authors: Scherer Cédric , Radchuk Viktoriia , Franz Mathias , Thulke Hans‐Hermann , Lange Martin , Grimm Volker , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie
Published: January 2020

Understanding host–pathogen dynamics requires realistic consideration of transmission events that, in the case of directly transmitted pathogens, result from contacts between susceptible and infected individuals. The corresponding contact rates are usually heterogeneous due to variation in individual movement patterns and the underlying landscape structure. However, in epidemiological models, the roles that explicit host movements and landscape structure play in shaping contact rates are often overlooked.

We adapted an established agent‐based model of classical swine fever (CSF) in wild boarSus scrofato investigate how explicit representation of landscape heterogeneity and host movement between social groups affects invasion and persistence probabilities. We simulated individual movement both phenomenologically as a correlated random walk (CRW) and mechanistically by representing interactions of the moving individuals with the landscape and host population structure.

The effect of landscape structure on the probability of invasion success and disease persistence depended remarkably on the way host movement is simulated and the case fatality ratio associated with the pathogen strain. The persistence probabilities were generally low with CRW which ignores feedbacks to external factors. Although the basic reproduction number R0, a measure of the contagiousness of an infectious disease, was kept constant, these probabilities were up to eight times higher under mechanistic movement rules, especially in heterogeneous landscapes. The increased persistence emerged due to important feedbacks of the directed movement on the spatial variation of host density, contact rates and transmission events to distant areas.

Our findings underscore the importance of accounting for spatial context and group size structures in eco‐epidemiological models. Our study highlights that the simulation of explicit, mechanistic movement behaviour can reverse predictions of disease persistence in comparison to phenomenological rules such as random walk approaches. This can have severe consequences when predicting the probability of disease persistence and assessing control measures to prevent outbreaks.
THE ORIGINS OF BRITISH OPPIDA: UNDERSTANDING TRANSFORMATION IN IRON AGE PRACTICE AND SOCIETY
Authors: Garland Nicky
Published: January 2020

In Britain, large poly‐focal complexes known as oppida have played an important part in understanding the Late Iron Age. These sites are often described as emerging from empty or underused parts of the Iron Age landscape, originating through the convergence of different social groups and external influences from mainland Europe. However, new evidence suggests that ‘pre‐oppidum’ landscapes were far from empty and that earlier occupation, particularly agricultural activities, had a dramatic impact on how oppida and the societies that lived within them formed during the Later Iron Age. A new understanding of the origins of oppida highlights the need to rethink how we examine this settlement type over time and how we currently comprehend Late Iron Age society in Britain.
Hierarchical classification of pole‐like objects in mobile laser scanning point clouds
Authors: Liu Rufei , Wang Peng , Yan Zhaojin , Lu Xiushan , Wang Minye , Yu Jiayong , Tian Maoyi , Ma Xinjiang
Published: January 2020

For the classification of pole‐like objects (trees, lamp posts, traffic lights and traffic signs) in mobile laser scanning (MLS) point clouds, a hierarchical classification method is proposed. The method consists of three major steps. (1) The objects’ cylindrical column sections are detected based on the characteristics of arc‐like points using RANSAC after denoising. (2) These detected objects are roughly classified into trees and man‐made poles based on the azimuthal coverage of point clouds above the cylindrical column. (3) Eigenvalue analysis and the principal direction of the upper pole projections are used to differentiate lamp posts, traffic lights and traffic signs. Experimental analysis shows that the method can effectively identify different types of pole‐like objects.
An immunohistochemical and genetic study of BRAFV600E mutation in Japanese patients with ameloblastoma
Authors: Seki‐Soda Mai , Sano Takaaki , Ito Kenta , Yokoo Satoshi , Oyama Tetsunari
Published: January 2020

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor of the jaw. It most frequently occurs in the mandible, and less often in the maxilla. Mandibular ameloblastoma harbors a BRAF mutation that causes a valine (V) to glutamic acid (E) substitution at codon 600 (BRAFV600E). We examined specimens from 32 Japanese patients to detect the prevalence of the BRAFV600E mutation, and to evaluate the relationship between immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and genetic results, of BRAFV600E+ ameloblastoma. Among the 32 cases, 22 (69%) were IHC positive for BRAFV600E protein, and 10 (31%) were IHC negative; and polymerase chain reaction showed 16 of 21 tested cases (76%) carried the BRAFV600E mutation. Our findings indicate that that samples that stain IHC positive for BRAFV600E protein are more likely to carry the BRAFV600E mutation. These results support assessments for BRAF mutations, and the use of BRAF inhibitors as targeted therapy for ameloblastoma in Japanese patients.
Meeting Expectations at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games: Country Potential and Competitiveness
Authors: Otamendi F. Javier , Doncel Luis M. , Martín‐Gutiérrez Cecilia
Published: January 2020

Objective

Develop a framework to measure the extent to which countries meet their performance expectations at major sporting events using economists, experts, and fan knowledge.

Method

Long‐term expectations based on socioeconomic potential are calculated using sport‐agnostic econometric modeling. Short‐term expectations based on performance and competitiveness are calculated using betting odds, which incorporate both expert knowledge and “wisdom of the crowd.” Robust statistics based on the chi‐squared distribution are used to measure the extent to which countries’ expectations are met. Our method is tested using real data from the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Results

Twelve countries over‐ or underperformed in terms of meeting either long‐ or short‐term expectations.

Conclusions

Uzbekistan was the only country that exceeded both long‐ and short‐term expectations.
Rapid systemic signaling during abiotic and biotic stresses: is the ROS wave master of all trades?
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Mittler Ron
Published: January 2020

Rapidly communicating the perception of an abiotic stress event, wounding or pathogen infection, from its initial site of occurrence to the entire plant, i.e. rapid systemic signaling, is essential for successful plant acclimation and defense. Recent studies highlighted an important role for several rapid whole‐plant systemic signals in mediating plant acclimation and defense during different abiotic and biotic stresses. These include calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydraulic and electric waves. Although the role of some of these signals in inducing and coordinating whole‐plant systemic responses was demonstrated, many questions related to their mode of action, routes of propagation and integration remain unanswered. In addition, it is unclear how these signals convey specificity to the systemic response, and how are they integrated under conditions of stress combination. Here we highlight many of these questions, as well as provide a proposed model for systemic signal integration, focusing on the ROS wave.
Visualized Experiments on Residual Oil Classification and Its Influencing Factors in Waterflooding Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Authors: Song Rui , Peng Jiajun , Sun Shuyu , Wang Yao , Cui Mengmeng , Liu Jianjun
Published: January 2020

Pore-scale mechanism of the waterflooding process contributes to enhanced oil recovery, which has been widely emphasized in the petroleum industry. In this paper, pore-scale waterflooding experiments are carried out on mixed-wetted natural sandstone and 3D printed sandstone using micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The high-resolution images of oil/water distribution in different stages of waterflooding cycles are acquired. The classification of residual oil after waterflooding is conducted using the shape factor and Euler number, which represents the shape and spatial connectivity, respectively. The in situ contact angles are measured on the segmented images and the pore-scale wettability of these two samples is analyzed. Then, the effects of pore structure, micro-fracture and wettability on the distribution of the patterns of residual oil are analyzed. The results indicate that the types of isolated, cluster, network, and film (only for natural sample) are the main forms of residual oil patterns after the waterflooding process. The negative correlation between the shape factor and the Euler number of the typical oil blocks are presented. The effect of wettability and pore geometry on the morphology of the oil/water interface is quantitatively studied. The capillary pressure is the key factor for the formation of the residual oil blocks, the morphology of which is controlled by both wettability and pore geometry.
Two-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on the Performance of Twin Vertical Axis Wind Turbine With Deflector
Authors: Jiang Yichen , Zhao Peidong , Zou Li , Zong Zhi , Wang Kun
Published: January 2020

The offshore wind industry is undergoing a rapid development due to its advantage over the onshore wind farm. The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is deemed to be potential in offshore wind energy utilization. A design of the offshore vertical axis wind turbine with a deflector is proposed and studied in this paper. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is employed to investigate the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine. An effective method of obtaining the blade’s angle of attack (AoA) is introduced in CFD simulation to help analyze the blade aerodynamic torque variation. The numerical simulations are validated against the measured torque and wake velocity, and the results show a good agreement with the experiment. It is found that the blade instantaneous torque is correlated with the local AoA. Among the three deflector configurations, the front deflector leads to favorable local flow for the blade, which is responsible for the improved performance.
Self-Healing of Wind Turbine Blades by Pressurized Delivery of Healing Agent
Authors: Shen Rulin , Ren Meijian , Amano Ryoichi S. , Long Mingjun , Gong Yanling
Published: January 2020

Self-healing is a promising way to solve the difficulty in wind turbine blades repair, yet the embedded healing agent may have a disadvantage because of being exposed to outdoor for a long time. Pressurized delivery of the healing agent in real-time when the blade is damaged may be the solution to avoid the disadvantage healing agent. In this paper, the healing agent was pumped to the damaged area by a peristaltic pump, and the healing effect was evaluated by the recovery rate of the residual flexural strength after impact and the image of ultrasonic C-scan. To evaluate the healing effect of different damage degrees, 10 J, 15 J, 20 J, and 25 J impact energies were applied. The fluid tracer test showed that the healing agent could penetrate in the damaged areas after the impact of 15 J, 20 J and 25 J, while the three-point bending test revealed that the healing efficiency was the highest with 20 J (85.2%). The ultrasonic C-scan and optical photos of the sample showed that the images of the healing area were almost consistent with those of the un-impacted area, indicating that the damaged area is healed well. Based on the success of plate samples, the self-healing of the wind turbine blade-scale prototype was then carried out. Twenty-joule impact was exerted on the blade prototype, and the healing agent was pumped to the damaged area using the peristaltic pump similar to the same procedure as that of the plate specimen. Ultrasonic C-scan and optical images of the damaged area showed that the prototype was healed well in comparison with those of the plate specimens, indicating that the application of pressurized delivery of the healing agent system in the self-healing of wind turbine blade prototype was successful.
Using Thermal Shock to Transform Thermal Energy Into Work
Authors: Tileubay Zhengis
Published: January 2020

This article discusses the use of thermal shock to transform thermal energy into work. A new concept in understanding the laws of conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy is presented. The relevance of the research in this direction is substantiated. The potential thermodynamic effectiveness of this process is determined. It presents higher efficiency compared with the traditional methods of converting heat into work based on the expansion of the working material. This article describes the method and the algorithm of the experiment to determine the operational capability of thermal shock and shows the predicted results of the experiments. The possibility to construct a completely new thermal engine with an efficiency of close to 100% is also mentioned.
Thermodynamic Study on Blends of Hydrocarbons and Carbon Dioxide as Zeotropic Refrigerants
Authors: Yelishala Sai C. , Kannaiyan Kumaran , Wang Ziyu , Metghalchi Hameed , Levendis Yiannis A. , Sadr Reza
Published: January 2020

Finding alternative refrigerants is of extreme importance to mitigate anthropogenic climate change. Among the next-generation refrigerants, hydrocarbons (HCs) are of technical interest because they are natural, efficient, have low global warming potential (GWP), and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). However, their flammability impedes their widespread usage for fire-safety reasons. The present work investigated zeotropic mixtures of hydrocarbons with carbon dioxide (CO2) as refrigerants for a simple vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, since their flammability risks are lower than those of pure hydrocarbons. Refrigerants were selected utilizing various screening steps based on environmental effects (such as GWP, ODP, and toxicity), thermophysical properties (such as critical temperature, and boiling point), and mixture data availability. The thermodynamic analysis for these selected zeotropic mixtures was performed for a cycle with a constant temperature of energy (heat) transfer fluid in both the evaporator and the condenser/gas cooler. Subsequently, performance parameters like the coefficient of performance and volumetric refrigeration capacity were compared for each of these blends at different operating conditions, and thus, the most promising hydrocarbon mixtures with CO2 were identified. As a result, the following four hydrocarbons, individually blended with CO2, were favorable in performance: propylene, dimethyl ether, propane, and isobutane. Further analysis was performed to determine the non-dimensional exergy destruction by the various components of the cycle.
A new species of Dyobelba (Acari: Oribatida: Damaeidae) from Kazakhstan

Authors: Kolesnikov Vasiliy B.
Published: January 2020

A new species of oribatid mite from Kazakhstan, belonging to the genus Dyobelba Norton, 1978 (Oribatida, Damaeidae), is described based on adult and tritonymphal instar. Dyobelba verae sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other species of Dyobelba its the thick notogastral setae, the presence prodorsal tubercles Ba and ventrosejugal tubercles V, absence of Bp, Da, Dp and apophysis P, the short, broadly rounded parastigmatic tubercles, and its short legs with heavily and coarsely barbed leg setae. The structural features of Dyobelba tritonymphs are discussed.
Female reproductive cycle of the snaked-eyed Lizard Ophisops elegans Ménétriés, 1832 (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Lebanon
Authors: Nassar Fida , Hraoui-Bloquet Souad
Published: January 2020

We studied the female reproductive cycle of a population of Ophisops elegans lizard from the herpetology collection of the Natural History Museum of the Lebanese University. Females collected during spring and summer showed vitellogenesis in their ovaries with oviposition occurring from May to July followed by a subsequent quiescent period. They produced up to two clutches. Mean clutch size was 3.2 ± 1, range 2-5 eggs. Clutch size was independent of female body size. The smallest female attaining sexual maturity had a snout vent length of 45 mm. Sexual maturity can be attained within one year of age. We found no significant difference in body size between female and male adult lizards. Seasonal variations in the reproductive activity of females were well synchronized with those of males.
Audio enhancement and intelligent classification of household sound events using a sparsely deployed array
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Lan Shih-Syuan , Huang Jong-Yi , Hsu Yi-Cheng , So Hing-Cheung
Published: January 2020

A household sound event classification system consisting of an audio localization and enhancement front-end cascaded with an intelligent classification back-end is presented. The front-end is composed of a sparsely deployed microphone array and a preprocessing unit to localize the source and extract the associated signal. In the front-end, a two-stage method and a direct method are compared for localization. The two-stage method introduces a subspace algorithm to estimate the time difference of arrival, followed by a constrained least squares algorithm to determine the source location. The direct localization methods, the delay-and-sum beamformer, the minimum power distortionless response beamformer, and the multiple signal classification algorithm are compared in terms of localization performance for sparse array configuration. A modified particle swarm optimization algorithm enabled an efficient grid-search. A minimum variance distortionless response beamformer in conjunction with a minimum-mean-square-error postfilter is exploited to extract the source signals for sound event classification tasks that follow. The back-end of the system is a sound event classifier that is based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and convolutional long short-term memory networks Mel-spectrograms are used as the input features to the CNNs. Simulations and experiments conducted in a live room have demonstrated the strength and weakness of the direct and two-stage methods. Signal quality enhancement using the array-based front-end proves beneficial for improved classification accuracy over a single microphone.
Feedforward multichannel virtual-sensing active control of noise through an aperture: Analysis on causality and sensor-actuator constraints
Authors: Shi Dongyuan , Gan Woon-Seng , Lam Bhan , Hasegawa Rina , Kajikawa Yoshinobu
Published: January 2020

The multichannel implementation of the auxiliary-filter-based virtual-sensing (AF-VS) technique for active noise control applications is revisited and realized in the paper. Frequency-domain analysis based on random primary noise proves that the multichannel virtual-sensing active noise control (MVANC) technique can achieve optimal control at the desired virtual locations even if the signals at the physical and virtual microphones are not causally related. Further analysis on a number of sensor-actuator configurations shows that the MVANC technique achieves optimal control at the desired locations as long as the number of secondary sources does not exceed that of the physical error microphones. Furthermore, the simulations with measured transfer functions and real-time experiments conducted on a four-channel system validate the frequency domain analyses.
Stormy water on Mars: The distribution and saturation of atmospheric water during the dusty season
Authors: Fedorova Anna A. , Montmessin Franck , Korablev Oleg , Luginin Mikhail , Trokhimovskiy Alexander , Belyaev Denis A. , Ignatiev Nikolay I. , Lefèvre Franck , Alday Juan , Irwin Patrick G. J. , Olsen Kevin S. , Bertaux Jean-Loup , Millour Ehouarn , Määttänen Anni , Shakun Alexey , Grigoriev Alexey V. , Patrakeev Andrey , Korsa Svyatoslav , Kokonkov Nikita , Baggio Lucio , Forget Francois , Wilson Colin F.
Published: January 2020

Water reaches Mars' upper atmosphere

Mars once hosted abundant water on its surface but subsequently lost most of it to space. Small amounts of water vapor are still present in the atmosphere, which can escape if they reach sufficiently high altitudes. Fedorova
et al.
used data from the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft to determine the distribution of water in Mars' atmosphere and investigate how it varies over seasons. Water vapor is sometimes heavily saturated, and its distribution is affected by the planet's large dust storms. Water can efficiently reach the upper atmosphere when Mars is in the warmest part of its orbit, and this behavior may have controlled the overall rate at which Mars lost its water.

Science
, this issue p.
297
Exploiting the Natural Diversity of RhlA Acyltransferases for the Synthesis of the Rhamnolipid Precursor 3-(3-Hydroxyalkanoyloxy)Alkanoic Acid
Authors: Germer Andrea , Tiso Till , Müller Conrad , Behrens Beate , Vosse Christian , Scholz Karen , Froning Matti , Hayen Heiko , Blank Lars M.
Published: January 2020

The RhlA specificity explains the observed differences in 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy)alkanoic acid (HAA) congeners. Whole-cell catalysts can now be designed for the synthesis of different congener mixtures of HAAs and rhamnolipids, thereby contributing to the envisaged synthesis of designer HAAs.
Comparison of the ID Now Influenza A & B 2, Cobas Influenza A/B, and Xpert Xpress Flu Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Influenza A/B Virus Detection in Children
Authors: Kanwar Neena , Michael Jeffrey , Doran Kathryn , Montgomery Emily , Selvarangan Rangaraj
Published: January 2020

Early diagnosis of influenza (Flu) is critical for patient management and infection control. The ID Now influenza A & B 2 (ID Now) assay (Abbott Laboratories), Cobas influenza A/B nucleic acid test (LIAT; Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.), and Xpert Xpress Flu (Xpert; Cepheid) are rapid, point-of-care molecular assays for Flu virus detection. The study aim was to compare the performances of these three commercially available Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived Flu virus assays.
A Factor I-Like Activity Associated with Chikungunya Virus Contributes to Its Resistance to the Human Complement System
Authors: Nag Joydeep , Mukesh Reshma Koolaparambil , Suma Sreenath Muraleedharan , Kunnakkadan Umerali , Kumar Nisha Asok , Johnson John Bernet
Published: January 2020

Chikungunya virus is a vector-borne pathogen of global significance. The morbidity associated with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, neurovirulence and adaptability toAedes albopictus, necessitates a deeper understanding of the interaction of CHIKV with the host immune system. Here, we demonstrate that CHIKV is resistant to neutralization by one of the potent barriers of the innate immune arm, the complement system. Chikungunya virus showed marked resistance to complement despite activation and deposition of complement proteins. Interestingly the C3 component associated with the virion was found to be inactive C3b (iC3b), a key factor implicated in the pathogenesis and disease severity in the mouse model of Ross River virus infection. CHIKV also had an associated unique factor I-like activity that mediated the inactivation of C3b into iC3b. We have unraveled a smart strategy adopted by CHIKV to limit complement which has serious implications in viral dissemination, pathogenesis, and disease.
A Genus Definition for
Bacteria
and
Archaea
Based on a Standard Genome Relatedness Index
Authors: Barco R. A. , Garrity G. M. , Scott J. J. , Amend J. P. , Nealson K. H. , Emerson D.
Published: January 2020

In recent decades, the taxonomy of
Bacteria
and
Archaea
, and therefore genus designation, has been largely based on the use of a single ribosomal gene, the 16S rRNA gene, as a taxonomic marker. We propose an approach to delineate genera that excludes the direct use of the 16S rRNA gene and focuses on a standard genome relatedness index, the average nucleotide identity. Our findings are of importance to the microbiology community because the emergent properties of
Bacteria
and
Archaea
that are identified in this study will help assign genera with higher taxonomic resolution.