bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using DNA Metabarcoding To Evaluate the Plant Component of Human Diets: a Proof of Concept
Authors: Reese Aspen T. , Kartzinel Tyler R. , Petrone Brianna L. , Turnbaugh Peter J. , Pringle Robert M. , David Lawrence A.
Published: October 2019

Current methods for capturing human dietary patterns typically rely on individual recall and as such are subject to the limitations of human memory. DNA sequencing-based approaches, frequently used for profiling nonhuman diets, do not suffer from the same limitations. Here, we used metabarcoding to broadly characterize the plant portion of human diets for the first time. The majority of sequences corresponded to known human foods, including all but one foodstuff included in an experimental plant-rich diet. Metabarcoding could distinguish between experimental diets and matched individual diet records from controlled settings with high accuracy. Because this method is independent of survey language and timing, it could also be applied to geographically and culturally disparate human populations, as well as in retrospective studies involving banked human stool.
Do physical therapists follow evidence-based guidelines when managing musculoskeletal conditions? Systematic review
Authors: Zadro Joshua , O’Keeffe Mary , Maher Christopher
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Physicians often refer patients with musculoskeletal conditions to physical therapy. However, it is unclear to what extent physical therapists’ treatment choices align with the evidence. The aim of this systematic review was to determine what percentage of physical therapy treatment choices for musculoskeletal conditions agree with management recommendations in evidence-based guidelines and systematic reviews.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

We performed searches in Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Scopus and Web of Science combining terms synonymous with ‘practice patterns’ and ‘physical therapy’ from the earliest record to April 2018.

Participants

Studies that quantified physical therapy treatment choices for musculoskeletal conditions through surveys of physical therapists, audits of clinical notes and other methods (eg, audits of billing codes, clinical observation) were eligible for inclusion.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Using medians and IQRs, we summarised the percentage of physical therapists who chose treatments that were recommended, not recommended and had no recommendation, and summarised the percentage of physical therapy treatments provided for various musculoskeletal conditions within the categories of recommended, not recommended and no recommendation. Results were stratified by condition and how treatment choices were assessed (surveys of physical therapists vs audits of clinical notes).

Results

We included 94 studies. For musculoskeletal conditions, the median percentage of physical therapists who chose recommended treatments was 54% (n=23 studies; surveys completed by physical therapists) and the median percentage of patients that received recommended physical therapy-delivered treatments was 63% (n=8 studies; audits of clinical notes). For treatments not recommended, these percentages were 43% (n=37; surveys) and 27% (n=20; audits). For treatments with no recommendation, these percentages were 81% (n=37; surveys) and 45% (n=31; audits).

Conclusions

Many physical therapists seem not to follow evidence-based guidelines when managing musculoskeletal conditions. There is considerable scope to increase use of recommended treatments and reduce use of treatments that are not recommended.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018094979.
Challenges in estimating forest biomass: use of allometric equations for three boreal tree species
Authors: Xing Dingliang , Bergeron J.A. Colin , Solarik Kevin A. , Tomm Bradley , Macdonald S. Ellen , Spence John R. , He Fangliang
Published: October 2019

Regionally fitted allometric equations for individual trees and root-to-shoot ratio values are normally used to estimate local aboveground and belowground forest biomass, respectively. However, uncertainties arising from such applications are poorly understood. We developed equations for both aboveground and belowground biomass using destructive sampling for three dominant upland boreal tree species in northwestern Alberta, Canada. Compared with our equations, the diameter-based national equations derived for use across Canada underestimated aboveground biomass for Picea glauca (Moench) Voss but gave reasonable estimates for Populus balsamifera L. and Populus tremuloides Michx. The national equations based on both tree diameter and height overestimated aboveground biomass for the Populus species but underestimated it for Picea glauca in our study area. The approach of root-to-shoot ratio proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) overestimated belowground biomass by 16%–41%, depending on forest cover type, in comparison with our values estimated directly on site, with the greatest bias in deciduous-dominated stands. When the general allometric equations for aboveground biomass and the root-to-shoot ratio for belowground biomass were combined to estimate stand biomass, overestimation could be as high as 18% in our study area. The results of our study support the development of improved regional allometric equations for more accurate local-scale estimations. Incorporating intraspecific variation of important traits such as tree taper may be especially helpful.
Transition of synchronization of coupled maps in modular networks
Authors: Zhang Bin , Du Ru-Hai , Wang Sheng-Jun , Qu Shi-Xian
Published: October 2019

Spatiotemporal patterns in the transition of phase synchronization in modular networks of coupled logistic maps are studied. The phase diagram of spatiotemporal patterns is presented by analyzing both the collective behavior of direction-phase and the changes of links connecting clusters of different phases. The spatiotemporal chaos is obtained when the coupling strength is weak. We show that the spatiotemporal chaos can be composed by clusters in periodic states. The region of periodic behaviors is independent of modularity. Then with decreasing coupling or increasing modularity, the system presents the same transition path from complete synchronization to cluster synchronization, except the network is close to fully connected networks. There are two distinctive scenarios from disordered behavior to an ordered state when the modularity ratio varies from one to zero. First, for networks with small modularity, the number of phase synchronized clusters decreases with the increasing of the coupling strength. Second, for networks with large modularity, the number of phase-synchronized clusters nonmonotonically changes with the coupling strength.
EXPORTS AND IMPORTS, IS THERE SIMULTANEITY? A STRUCTURAL MODEL FOR SUPERTRADING ECONOMIES
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-LARRIÓN RAÚL , ARRAZOLA MARÍA , DE HEVIA JOSÉ
Published: October 2019

The determining of exports and imports independently, which is a common assumption in the literature, may be over restrictive for extremely open economies. As an alternative, this study proposes and estimates structural models for the simultaneous determination of trade flows in three extremely open economies (Ireland, Belgium and Singapore). It confirms the existence of an interrelation between exports and imports and, as a result, the existence of a bias in the estimates of trade elasticities when the interrelation is not taken into account.
CAPACITY PERMIT TRADING SCHEME, ECONOMIC WELFARE AND ENERGY INSECURITY: CASE STUDY OF COAL INDUSTRY IN CHINA
Authors: SHI XUNPENG , SHEN YIFAN , WANG KE , ZHANG YANFANG
Published: October 2019

Cutting the overcapacity in coal industry is a current critical issue in China and is a matter for the world. However, inappropriate capacity cut policies may induce huge fluctuations of energy price, creating a threat to energy security and even economic stability. This paper designs a capacity permit trading scheme to minimize the compliance cost of production capacity cut, and proposes the operational details of capacity permit trading scheme using China’s coal industry as an example. We also construct a simple partial equilibrium model to examine the benefits and firm behaviors when adopting the permit trading scheme. The results demonstrate that the permit trading scheme will generate an overall positive social welfare as well as reduce firms’ cheating incentives. The results confirm that the more heterogeneous the firms are in terms of compliance costs, the higher will be the social welfare gains and the trade volume. Our findings show that the proposed permit trading scheme is feasible and beneficial in achieving the capacity cut target in China.
Two-fluid sources in F (T ) theory of gravity
Authors: Dagwal V. J. , Pawar D. D.
Published: October 2019

We have investigated two-fluid cosmological models in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity. [Formula: see text] theory is an extension of teleparallel theory of gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the torsion scalar. In this paper, we formulated new idea about [Formula: see text] theory of gravity with the help of two fluids: one fluid is matter field modeling material content of the Universe and another fluid is radiation field modeling the cosmic microwave background. Some geometric aspects of the [Formula: see text] model are discussed with the help of MATLAB.
The ageing problem of twins in Reissner–Nordström spacetime
Authors: Saurabh  , Kumar Himanshu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we explore the effect of gravity on the flow of proper time near static spherically symmetric black hole possessing an electric charge. We use the Reissner–Nordström metric. In the first case, the traveling twin travels away from the black hole and in the second it travels toward it. We then compare it with the case of relativistic kinematics where the static twin ages faster than the traveling twin.
Investigation of aging characteristics in explosive using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Wei , Dong Chengang , Hou Lei , Xing Zhiyang , Sun Qian , Zhang Lihao
Published: October 2019

The terahertz absorption spectrum of the five aging explosive samples (PETN, RDX, HMX, LLM-105 and TATB) was measured and calculated by Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDS) and air-biased coherent detection system (ZAP-ABCD), respectively. In this paper, compared with the unaging explosive, each aging explosive sample’s terahertz time-domain spectra were obtained and the terahertz absorption spectra were calculated by using Fourier transform and Lambert’s law. The results show that there are several terahertz absorption peaks which were called “fingerprint spectra” for different aging explosive samples in the range of 0.3–6.0 THz spectrum. Meanwhile, the results also show that the locations of the characteristic absorption peaks are not the same. Moreover, the unaging and aging explosive samples have obviously different terahertz absorption spectra.
Rogue waves generation and interaction of multipeak rational solitons in the system of equations for the ion sound and Langmuir waves
Authors: Ahmed Iftikhar , Seadawy Aly R. , Lu Dianchen
Published: October 2019

In this paper, our purpose is to construct multiwave solutions for the system of equations for the ion sound and Langmuir waves (SEISLWs) by utilizing the traveling wave and logarithmic transformation with the help of symbolic computation and the ansatz function method. We apply three distinctive approaches: namely, positive quadratic function approach, three waves approach and double exponential approach. By choosing suitable parametric values, 3D graphics are plotted to get different types of multiwave solutions including lump waves, rogue wave and multipeak soliton solutions. Moreover, we revealed very interesting multiwaves interactional phenomena.
Dark solitons for a (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with distributed coefficients in a diffractive nonlinear Kerr medium with anomalous dispersion
Authors: Han Yang , Tian Bo , Zhao Xue-Hui , Yuan Yu-Qiang
Published: October 2019

Kerr media are applied in the photonic lattices and optical fibers, while optical fiber communication becomes one of the main pillars of modern communication. In this letter, we study a (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with distributed coefficients for the spatiotemporal optical solitons or light bullets in a diffractive nonlinear Kerr medium with anomalous dispersion. The N-dark soliton solutions in terms of the Gramian is obtained via the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy reduction, where N is a positive integer. Via the graphic analysis, we observe the interaction of the two dark solitons. Effects from the diffraction/dispersion coefficient [Formula: see text] and gain coefficient [Formula: see text] are also discussed on the amplitudes and oscillations of the two dark solitons, as well as on the interaction of the two dark parabolic shape solitons.
AND logic device based on chiral surface plasmon polaritons in Y-shape nanowire
Authors: Chen Ran , Yin Feifei , Song Gang , Zou Yunfei , Wang Lulu , Yu Li
Published: October 2019

An optical AND logic device based on chiral surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is theoretically proposed. The AND logic device is made up of five Y-shape nanowires with two input ports and one output port. Chiral SPPs excited at the end of input ports propagate along the nanowire. By adding two gold blocks on one side of the AND logic device, the chirality of the device is amplified. By modifying parameters, we find suitable parameters to design the structure with a large chirality at the working wavelength. By setting the threshold, we achieve the AND logic devices. Our structure may provide a significant component in signal transmission and processing devices.
Rational solutions for three semi-discrete modified Korteweg–de Vries-type equations
Authors: Sun Ying-Ying , Zhao Song-Lin
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we consider three semi-discrete modified Korteweg–de Vries type equations which are the nonlinear lumped self-dual network equation, the semi-discrete lattice potential modified Korteweg–de Vries equation and a semi-discrete modified Korteweg–de Vries equation. We derive several kinds of exact solutions, in particular rational solutions, in terms of the Casorati determinant for these three equations, respectively. For some rational solutions, we present the related asymptotic analysis to understand their dynamics better.
The primordial black hole formation criterion re-examined: Parametrisation, timing and the choice of window function
Authors: Young Sam
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the criterion used to determine whether a density perturbation will collapse to form a primordial black hole (PBH) is re-examined in respect of its use to determine the abundance of PBHs. There is particular focus on which parameter to use, the time at which the abundance should be calculated, and the use of different smoothing functions. It is concluded that, with the tools currently available, the smoothed density contrast should be used rather than the peak value, and should be calculated from the time-independent component of the density contrast in the super-horizon limit (long before perturbations enter the horizon) rather than at horizon crossing. For the first time, the effect of the choice of smoothing function upon the formation criterion is calculated, and, for a given abundance of PBHs, it is found that the uncertainty in the amplitude of the power spectrum due to this is [Formula: see text], an order of magnitude smaller than that suggested by previous calculations. The relation between the formation criterion stated in terms of the density contrast and the curvature perturbation [Formula: see text] is also discussed.
Dimension of a ring with respect to a subring
Authors: Khalifa Mohamed
Published: October 2019

We study a dimensional-invariant related in some way to the conditions of Krull-Akizuki’s theorem.
Some semisymmetric graphs arising from finite vector spaces
Authors: Chen H. Y. , Han H. , Lu Z. P.
Published: October 2019

A graph is worthy if no two vertices have the same neighborhood. In this paper, we characterize the automorphism groups of unworthy edge-transitive bipartite graphs, and present some worthy semisymmetric graphs arising from vector spaces over finite fields. We also determine the automorphism groups of these graphs.
Reduced norms of division algebras over complete discrete valuation fields of local-global type
Authors: Hu Yong
Published: October 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a complete discrete valuation field whose residue field [Formula: see text] is a global field of positive characteristic [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a central division [Formula: see text]-algebra of [Formula: see text]-power degree. We prove that the subgroup of [Formula: see text] consisting of reduced norms of [Formula: see text] is exactly the kernel of the cup product map [Formula: see text], if either [Formula: see text] is tamely ramified or of period [Formula: see text]. This gives a [Formula: see text]-torsion counterpart of a recent theorem of Parimala, Preeti and Suresh, where the same result is proved for division algebras of prime-to-[Formula: see text] degree.
An Integrated Intuitionistic Fuzzy MCDM Approach to Select Cloud-Based ERP System for SMEs
Authors: Hinduja Akshay , Pandey Manju
Published: October 2019

ERP system is a software package that integrates and manages all the facets of the business and deeply influences the success of a business endeavor. The increasing competition in the market, rapidly changing demands, and increasing intricacy of business procedures induce enterprises to adopt ERP solutions. Adopting an ERP solution increases synchronization between business activities and reinforces managerial decision-making. However, it also involves a large investment, a significant amount of human resources and time, and risk of failure. Therefore, the selection of an ERP solution is a crucial decision for enterprises. To address this decision-making problem, we propose a four-stage multi-criteria decision-making approach in this paper. Three prevalent MCDM techniques, DEMATEL, IF-ANP, and IF-AHP, are used in different stages of the methodology to achieve better outcomes. The methodology incorporates the intuitionistic fuzzy sets to capture uncertainty and hesitancy involved in decision makers’ judgments. In addition, we develop a novel priority method to derive weights from the intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations. To validate the feasibility of the proposed approach, a case study is carried out on the selection of cloud-based ERP system for SMEs in the Chhattisgarh state of India, which indicates that the proposed four-stage approach effectively handles the ERP selection problem.
Black hole production in the presence of a maximal momentum in horizon wave function formalism
Authors: Saghafi S. , Nozari K. , Kamali A. D.
Published: October 2019

We study the Horizon Wave Function (HWF) description of a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) black hole in the presence of two natural cutoffs as a minimal length and a maximal momentum. This is motivated by a metric which allows the existence of sub-Planckian black holes, where the black hole mass [Formula: see text] is replaced by [Formula: see text]. Considering a wave-packet with a Gaussian profile, we evaluate the HWF and the probability that the source might be a (quantum) black hole. By decreasing the free parameter, the general form of probability distribution, [Formula: see text], is preserved, but this resulted in reducing the probability for the particle to be a black hole accordingly. The probability for the particle to be a black hole grows when the mass is increasing slowly for larger positive [Formula: see text], and for a minimum mass value it reaches to [Formula: see text]. In effect, for larger [Formula: see text] the magnitude of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increases, matching with our intuition that either the particle ought to be more localized or more massive to be a black hole. The scenario undergoes a change for some values of [Formula: see text] significantly, where there is a minimum in [Formula: see text], so this expresses that every particle can have some probability of decaying to a black hole. In addition, for sufficiently large [Formula: see text], we find that every particle could be fundamentally a quantum black hole.
Single Molecule-Based Electronic Devices: A Review
Authors: Chen Bingrun , Xu Ke
Published: October 2019

In the face of the fact that the development of traditional silicon-based electronic devices is increasingly limited, single molecule electronic device, which has been attracting more and more attention, is considered as one of the most hopeful candidates to realize the miniaturization of conventional electronic devices. In this paper, an overview of single molecule electronic devices is provided, including molecular electronic devices and electrode types. First, several molecular electronic devices are presented, including molecular diodes, molecular memories, molecular wires, molecular field effect transistors (FET) and molecular switches. Then the influence of different electrode types of the transport characteristics is introduced, showing that graphene is a promising electrode material for single molecule electronic devices. Moreover, other excellent characteristics of molecular devices are briefly introduced, such as potential thermoelectric effects, new thermally induced spin transport phenomena and negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior. Finally, the future challenges to the development of electronic devices based on single molecules are described.
Discrimination of cervical cancer cells via cognition-based features
Authors: Liu Yue , Ma Jiabo , Li Xu , Liu Xiuli , Rao Gong , Tian Jing , Yu Jingya , Cheng Shenghua , Zeng Shaoqun , Chen Li , Hu Junbo
Published: October 2019

Computer-assisted cervical screening is an effective method to save the doctors’ workload and improve their work efficiency. Usually, the correct classification of cervical cells depends on the nuclear segmentation effect and the extraction of nuclear features. However, the precise nucleus segmentation remains a huge challenge, especially for densely distributed nucleus. Moreover, previous cellular classification methods are mostly based on morphological features of nucleus size or color. Those individual features can make accurate classification for severe lesions, but not for mild lesions. In this paper, we propose an accurate instance segmentation algorithm and propose cognition-based features to identify cervical cancer cells. Different from previous individual nucleus features, we also propose population features and cognition-based features according to the Bethesda System (TBS) for reporting cervical cytology and the diagnostic experience of the cytologists. The results showed that the segmentation achieves better success in complex situations than that by traditional segmentation algorithms. Besides, the cell classification via cognition-based features also help us find out more about less severe lesions’ nuclei than that based on conventional features of individual nucleus, meaning an improvement of classification accuracy for cervical screening.
The maximal degree of a zero-divisor graph
Authors: Mohammad Husam Q. , Shuker Nazar H. , Khaleel Luma A.
Published: October 2019

The rings considered in this paper are finite commutative rings with identity, which are not fields. For any ring [Formula: see text] which is not a field and which is not necessarily finite, we denote the set of all zero-divisors of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] denote the zero-divisor graph of [Formula: see text] and for a finite ring [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the maximum degree of [Formula: see text]. We denote [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The aim of this paper is to study some properties of [Formula: see text].
Dual Fréchet algebras: Connes amenability and (σwc)-virtual diagonals
Authors: Alimohammadi Z. , Rejali A.
Published: October 2019

A relation between Connes amenability of dual Banach algebras and the existence of ([Formula: see text])-virtual diagonals was investigated by Volker Runde. In this paper, we first introduce and study the notion of dual Fréchet algebras. We then study the weak[Formula: see text]-weakly continuous elements of Fréchet bimodules, and the notion of normality for dual spaces of Fréchet bimodules. We obtain some important results about these notions. Finally, we introduce and study amenability for dual Fréchet algebras and investigate the relation between this notion and the existence of ([Formula: see text])-virtual diagonals.
Bacterial phylogeny in the Cayley graph
Authors: Clark Chad , Egri-Nagy Attila , Francis Andrew , Gebhardt Volker
Published: October 2019

Many models of genome rearrangement involve operations that are self-inverse, and hence generate a group acting on the space of genomes. This gives a correspondence between genome arrangements and the elements of a group, and consequently, between evolutionary paths and walks on the Cayley graph. Many common methods for phylogenetic reconstruction rely on calculating the minimal distance between two genomes; this omits much of the other information available from the Cayley graph. In this paper, we begin an exploration of some of this additional information, in particular describing the phylogeny as a Steiner tree within the Cayley graph, and exploring the “interval” between two genomes. While motivated by problems in systematic biology, many of these ideas are of independent group-theoretic interest.
Recognizing Weak Embeddings of Graphs
Authors: Akitaya Hugo A. , Fulek Radoslav , Tóth Csaba D.
Published: October 2019

We present an efficient algorithm for a problem in the interface between clustering and graph embeddings. An
embedding
φ :
G
→
M
of a graph
G
into a 2-manifold
M
maps the vertices in
V
(
G
) to distinct points and the edges in
E
(
G
) to interior-disjoint Jordan arcs between the corresponding vertices. In applications in clustering, cartography, and visualization, nearby vertices and edges are often bundled to the same point or overlapping arcs due to data compression or low resolution. This raises the computational problem of deciding whether a given map φ :
G
→
M
comes from an embedding. A map φ :
G
→
M
is a
weak embedding
if it can be perturbed into an embedding ψ
ε
:
G
→
M
with ‖ φ − ψ
ε
‖ < ε for every ε > 0, where ‖.‖ is the unform norm.

A polynomial-time algorithm for recognizing weak embeddings has recently been found by Fulek and Kynčl. It reduces the problem to solving a system of linear equations over Z
2
. It runs in
O
(
n
2ω
)≤
O
(
n
4.75
) time, where ω ∈ [2,2.373) is the matrix multiplication exponent and
n
is the number of vertices and edges of
G
. We improve the running time to
O
(
n
log
n
). Our algorithm is also conceptually simpler: We perform a sequence of
local operations
that gradually “untangles” the image φ(
G
) into an embedding ψ(
G
) or reports that φ is not a weak embedding. It combines local constraints on the orientation of subgraphs directly, thereby eliminating the need for solving large systems of linear equations.
Advances in Spatial Criminology: The Spatial Scale of Crime
Authors: Hipp John R. , Williams Seth A.
Published: October 2019

This review takes stock of recent advances, as well as enduring and emerging challenges, in the area of spatial criminology. Although the notions of place and space are fundamentally intertwined, spatial criminology is distinct in its attempt to measure and theorize explicitly spatial processes and relationships. This review highlights three key themes. First, the use of increasingly smaller geographic units in recent research creates an even greater need to account for spatial behavior of persons when studying the location of crime. Second, although the explosion of spatially precise data in recent years presents exciting possibilities, we argue that theory is falling behind in guiding us in analyzing these new forms of data, and explicitly inductive approaches should be considered to complement existing deductive strategies. Third, an important direction for spatial criminology in the next decade is considering the extent to which micro- and mesolevel processes operate invariantly across different macro contexts.
Broken Windows, Informal Social Control, and Crime: Assessing Causality in Empirical Studies
Authors: Lanfear Charles C. , Matsueda Ross L. , Beach Lindsey R.
Published: October 2019

An important criminological controversy concerns the proper causal relationships between disorder, informal social control, and crime. The broken windows thesis posits that neighborhood disorder increases crime directly and indirectly by undermining neighborhood informal social control. Theories of collective efficacy argue that the association between neighborhood disorder and crime is spurious because of the confounding variable informal social control. We review the recent empirical research on this question, which uses disparate methods, including field experiments and different models for observational data. To evaluate the causal claims made in these studies, we use a potential outcomes framework of causality. We conclude that, although there is some evidence for both broken windows and informal control theories, there is little consensus in the present research literature. Furthermore, at present, most studies do not establish causality in a strong way.
Microbial Symbionts of Parasitoids
Authors: Dicke Marcel , Cusumano Antonino , Poelman Erik H.
Published: October 2019

Parasitoids depend on other insects for the development of their offspring. Their eggs are laid in or on a host insect that is consumed during juvenile development. Parasitoids harbor a diversity of microbial symbionts including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In contrast to symbionts of herbivorous and hematophagous insects, parasitoid symbionts do not provide nutrients. Instead, they are involved in parasitoid reproduction, suppression of host immune responses, and manipulation of the behavior of herbivorous hosts. Moreover, recent research has shown that parasitoid symbionts such as polydnaviruses may also influence plant-mediated interactions among members of plant-associated communities at different trophic levels, such as herbivores, parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids. This implies that these symbionts have a much more extended phenotype than previously thought. This review focuses on the effects of parasitoid symbionts on direct and indirect species interactions and the consequences for community ecology.
Use of organoids to study regenerative responses to intestinal damage
Authors: Blutt Sarah E. , Klein Ophir D. , Donowitz Mark , Shroyer Noah , Guha Chandan , Estes Mary K.
Published: October 2019

Intestinal organoid cultures provide an in vitro model system for studying pathways and mechanisms involved in epithelial damage and repair. Derived from either embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells or adult intestinal stem cells or tissues, these self-organizing, multicellular structures contain polarized mature cells that recapitulate both the physiology and heterogeneity of the intestinal epithelium. These cultures provide a cutting-edge technology for defining regenerative pathways that are induced following radiation or chemical damage, which directly target the cycling intestinal stem cell, or damage resulting from viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection of the epithelium. Novel signaling pathways or biological mechanisms identified from organoid studies that mediate regeneration of the epithelium following damage are likely to be important targets of preventive or therapeutic modalities to mitigate intestinal injury. The evolution of these cultures to include more components of the intestinal wall and the ability to genetically modify them are key components for defining the mechanisms that modulate epithelial regeneration.
Glucocorticoid receptor activation stimulates the sodium-chloride cotransporter and influences the diurnal rhythm of its phosphorylation
Authors: Ivy Jessica Ruth , Jones Natalie K. , Costello Hannah M. , Mansley Morag K. , Peltz Theresa S. , Flatman Peter W. , Bailey Matthew A.
Published: October 2019

The sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule contributes importantly to sodium balance and blood pressure (BP) regulation. NCC phosphorylation determines transport activity and has a diurnal rhythm influenced by glucocorticoids. Disturbing this rhythm induces “nondipping” BP, an abnormality that increases cardiovascular risk. The receptor through which glucocorticoids regulate NCC is not known. In this study, we found that acute administration of corticosterone to male C57BL6 mice doubled NCC phosphorylation without affecting total NCC abundance in both adrenalectomized and adrenal-intact mice. Corticosterone also increased the whole kidney expression of canonical clock genes: period circadian protein homolog 1 ( Per1), Per2, cryptochrome 1, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1. In adrenal-intact mice, chronic blockade of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with RU486 did not change total NCC but prevented corticosterone-induced NCC phosphorylation and activation of clock genes. Blockade of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with spironolactone reduced the total pool of NCC but did not affect stimulation by corticosterone. The diurnal rhythm of NCC phosphorylation, measured at 6-h intervals, was blunted by chronic GR blockade, and a similar dampening of diurnal variation was seen in GR heterozygous null mice. These effects on NCC phosphorylation did not reflect altered rhythmicity of plasma corticosterone or serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 activity. Both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids emerge as regulators of NCC, acting via distinct receptor pathways. MR activation provides maintenance of the NCC protein pool; GR activation dynamically regulates NCC phosphorylation and establishes the diurnal rhythm of NCC activity. This study has implications for circadian BP homeostasis, particularly in individuals with abnormal glucocorticoid signaling as is found in chronic stress and corticosteroid therapy.
Cre recombinase toxicity in podocytes: a novel genetic model for FSGS in adolescent mice
Authors: Frahsek Madeleine , Schulte Kevin , Chia-Gil Arnaldo , Djudjaj Sonja , Schueler Herdit , Leuchtle Katja , Smeets Bart , Dijkman Henry , Floege Jürgen , Moeller Marcus J.
Published: October 2019

Here, we show that inducible overexpression of Cre recombinase in glomerular podocytes but not in parietal epithelial cells may trigger focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in juvenile transgenic homocygous Pod-rtTA/LC1 mice. Administration of doxycycline shortly after birth, but not at any other time point later in life, resulted in podocyte injury and development of classical FSGS lesions in these mice. Sclerotic lesions were formed as soon as 3 wk of age, and FSGS progressed with low variability until 13 wk of age. In addition, our experiments identified Cre toxicity as a potentially relevant limitation for studies in podocytes of transgenic animals. In summary, our study establishes a novel genetic model for FSGS in mice, which exhibits low variability and manifests already at a young age.
Endurance training remodels skeletal muscle phospholipid composition and increases intrinsic mitochondrial respiration in men with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pino Maria F. , Stephens Natalie A. , Eroshkin Alexey M. , Yi Fanchao , Hodges Andrew , Cornnell Heather H. , Pratley Richard E. , Smith Steven R. , Wang Miao , Han Xianlin , Coen Paul M. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Sparks Lauren M.
Published: October 2019

The effects of exercise training on the skeletal muscle (SKM) lipidome and mitochondrial function have not been thoroughly explored in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). We hypothesize that 10 wk of supervised endurance training improves SKM mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity that are related to alterations in lipid signatures within SKM of T2D (males n = 8). We employed integrated multi-omics data analyses including ex vivo lipidomics (MS/MS-shotgun) and transcriptomics (RNA-Seq). From biopsies of SKM, tissue and primary myotubes mitochondrial respiration were quantified by high-resolution respirometry. We also performed hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and blood draws before and after the training. The lipidomics analysis revealed that endurance training (>95% compliance) increased monolysocardiolipin by 68.2% ( P ≤ 0.03), a putative marker of mitochondrial remodeling, and reduced total sphingomyelin by 44.8% ( P ≤ 0.05) and phosphatidylserine by 39.7% ( P ≤ 0.04) and tended to reduce ceramide lipid content by 19.8%. Endurance training also improved intrinsic mitochondrial respiration in SKM of T2D without alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number or cardiolipin content. RNA-Seq revealed 71 transcripts in SKM of T2D that were differentially regulated. Insulin sensitivity was unaffected, and HbA1c levels moderately increased by 7.3% despite an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak) following the training intervention. In summary, endurance training improves intrinsic and cell-autonomous SKM mitochondrial function and modifies lipid composition in men with T2D independently of alterations in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.
Different blood pressure responses in hypertensive rats following chemerin mRNA inhibition in dietary high fat compared to dietary high-salt conditions
Authors: Ferland David J. , Flood Emma D. , Garver Hannah , Yeh Steve T. , Riney Stanley , Mullick Adam E. , Fink Gregory D. , Watts Stephanie W.
Published: October 2019

Chemerin is a contractile adipokine, produced in liver and fat, and removal of the protein by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) lowers blood pressure in the normal Sprague Dawley rat. In humans, chemerin is positively associated with blood pressure and obesity so we hypothesized that in a model of hypertension derived from high-fat (HF) feeding, the chemerin ASO would reduce blood pressure more than a high-salt (HS) model. Male Dahl S rats were given a HF (60% kcal fat; age 3–24 wk) or HS diet (4% salt; age 20–24 wk to match age and blood pressure of HF animals). Scrambled control, whole body, or liver-specific ASOs that knock down chemerin were delivered subcutaneously once per week for 4 wk with tissue and blood collected 2 days after the last injection. Conscious blood pressure was measured 24 h/day by radiotelemetry. By the end of whole body ASO administration, blood pressure of HF animals had fallen 29 ± 2 mmHg below baseline, while blood pressure of HS-diet animals fell by only 12 ± 4 mmHg below baseline. Administration of a liver-specific ASO to HF Dahl S resulted in a 6 ± 2 mmHg fall in blood pressure below baseline. Successful knockdown of chemerin in both the whole body and liver-specific administration was confirmed by Western and PCR. These results suggest that chemerin, not derived from liver but potentially from adipose tissue, is an important driver of hypertension associated with high fat. This knowledge could lead to the development of antihypertensive treatments specifically targeted to obesity-associated hypertension.
Dynamic Adjustment Optimisation Algorithm in 3D Directional Sensor Networks Based on Spherical Sector Coverage Models
Authors: Dang Xiaochao , Shao Chenguang , Hao Zhanjun
Published: October 2019

In directional sensor networks research, target event detection is currently an active research area, with applications in underwater target monitoring, forest fire warnings, border areas, and other important activities. Previous studies have often discussed target coverage in two-dimensional sensor networks, but these studies cannot be extensively applied to three-dimensional networks. Additionally, most of the previous target coverage detection models are based on a circular or omnidirectional sensing model. More importantly, if the directional sensor network does not design a better coverage algorithm in the coverage-monitoring process, its nodes’ energy consumption will increase and the network lifetime will be significantly shortened. With the objective of addressing three-dimensional target coverage in applications, this study proposes a dynamic adjustment optimisation algorithm for three-dimensional directional sensor networks based on a spherical sector coverage model, which improves the lifetime and coverage ratio of the network. First, we redefine the directional nodes’ sensing model and use the three-dimensional Voronoi method to divide the regions where the nodes are located. Then, we introduce a correlation force between the target and the sensor node to optimise the algorithm’s coverage mechanism, so that the sensor node can accurately move to the specified position for target coverage. Finally, by verifying the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed algorithm, the simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the network coverage and node utilisation.
Evaluation of Drug Susceptibility of Microorganisms in Odontogenic Inflammations and Dental Surgery Procedures Performed on an Outpatient Basis
Authors: Bogacz Mateusz , Morawiec Tadeusz , Śmieszek-Wilczewska Joanna , Janowska-Bogacz Katarzyna , Bubiłek-Bogacz Anna , Rój Rafał , Pinocy Karolina , Mertas Anna
Published: October 2019

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of purulent soft tissue inflammations in the head and neck area. These bacteria are also responsible for the majority of inflammatory complications after third molar removal. The key to success of antibacterial treatment in both cases is the use of an appropriate antibacterial agent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the susceptibility profile of bacteria isolated from material collected from patients with intraoral odontogenic abscesses. The test material consisted of swabs taken from the odontogenic abscesses, after their incision and drainage. Another swab was collected from the lesion area, 10 days after the initial visit. Results were compared with an identical study conducted on a control group of healthy patients, who had undergone third molar removal. Bacteria identified in this study consisted of aerobic and anaerobic strains, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative. According to the EUCAST guidelines, none of the tested antibiotics was recommended for all identified bacteria. The percentage of bacterial strains sensitive to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was 78.13% and 81.48% in the study and control groups, respectively, whereas, the percentage of those sensitive to clindamycin was 96.43% and 80.00%, respectively. For Gram-negative aerobic bacteria, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were among medications affecting all cultured species. 100.00% of strains were found to be susceptible to these antibiotics. Statistically significant relationship between the presence of Gram-negative aerobic strains and the occurrence of complications was found. In the case of the most frequently occurring bacteria in the study, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and clindamycin were shown to be very effective. In cases of severe purulent odontogenic inflammations, it is recommended to use a combination of antibiotics. Amoxicillin with ciprofloxacin and clindamycin with cefuroxime seem to be the proper choices based on the results of this study.
Virulence Factor Genes Incidence among Enterococci from Sewage Sludge in Eastern Slovakia following Safety Aspect
Authors: Lauková Andrea , Strompfová Viola , Ščerbová Jana , Pogány Simonová Monika
Published: October 2019

The sewage sludges represent a potential health hazard because of the quantity of different microbiota detected in sewages. Among microbiota detected in sewages, also belong representatives of the phylumFirmicutes. In the past, environmental enterococci in addition to coliforms were widely used as indicators of faecal contamination. Regarding the enterococcal strains as potential pathogenic bacteria, their pathogenicity is mainly caused by production of virulence factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse incidence of virulence factors in enterococci from cows' dung water. Species identification of 24 enterococci using MALDI-TOF MS system allotted 23 strains to the speciesEnterococcus faeciumwith highly probable species identification andE. faecalisEEV20 with a score value meaning secure genus identification/probable species identification. Enterococci were absent of cytolysin A gene, hyaluronidase gene, and element IS gene. It can be concluded that they are not invasive which is very important from safety aspect. The most frequently detected gene was adhesinE. faecium(efaAfm, in 22E. faeciumstrains and in oneE. faecalis). AdhesinefaAfsgene was detected inE. faecalisEEV20 and in twoE. faecium.GelEgene was present in three strains.E. faeciumEF/EC31 was absent of virulence factor genes.
Satellite-Based Assessment of Various Cloud Microphysics Schemes in Simulating Typhoon Hydrometeors
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Yu , Liu Guosheng , Guo Jianping , Yang Yuanjian , Li Rui , Fu Yunfei , Liu Liping
Published: October 2019

The accurate simulation of typhoon hydrometeors remains a challenge. This study attempts to evaluate the performances of five microphysics schemes (MPSs) in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in simulating the supertyphoon Neoguri in July 2014. The observed microwave brightness temperature, as well as retrieved data from the microwave radiometer imager (MWRI) onboard Chinese FY-3B satellite, are used to test hydrometeor simulations. In particular, two MWRI radiance indices, including the emission index (EI) and scattering index (SI), are used to assess the performance of five MPSs in simulating liquid and frozen hydrometeors, respectively. Overall, the WRF model can well reproduce the overall pattern of typhoon-produced precipitation, albeit with slightly overestimated precipitation in the inner rainband and underestimated precipitation in the stratiform rainband. Moreover, ice water paths (IWPs) from all five MPS simulations are higher than those estimated from MWRI retrieval in most areas, and the spatial pattern and values of IWP for the National Severe Storms Laboratory double-moment MPS (NSSL) are much closer to those for MWRI. The NSSL scheme reproduces a more realistic joint histogram distribution of SI and EI than other MPSs do, relative to the observation. Besides, the nonlinear Lucas–Kanade optical flow approach has been used to reflect the horizontal distribution of hydrometeors in the typhoon. The results show that the simulated EI and SI from the five MPSs show a systematic southwest bias of approximately about 10∼20 km and significant intensity bias in the convection area. Further model sensitivity tests confirm that the NSSL scheme generates more realistic graupel and supercooled water close to the observations among all MPSs. The findings suggest that satellite measurements would be helpful to assess MPSs in numeric weather models, especially for hydrometeor distributions in the whole typhoon system.