bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUR1‐mediated cell‐wall fucosylation is required for freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Panter Paige E. , Kent Olivia , Dale Maeve , Smith Sarah J. , Skipsey Mark , Thorlby Glenn , Cummins Ian , Ramsay Nathan , Begum Rifat A. , Sanhueza Dayan , Fry Stephen C. , Knight Marc R. , Knight Heather
Published: September 2019

Forward genetic screens play a key role in the identification of genes contributing to plant stress tolerance. Using a screen for freezing sensitivity, we have identified a novel freezing tolerance gene, SENSITIVE‐TO‐FREEZING8, in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We identified SFR8 using recombination‐based mapping and whole‐genome sequencing. As SFR8 was predicted to have an effect on cell wall composition, we used GC‐MS and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to measure cell‐wall fucose and boron (B)‐dependent dimerization of the cell‐wall pectic domain rhamnogalacturonan II (RGII) in planta. After treatments to promote borate‐bridging of RGII, we assessed freeze‐induced damage in wild‐type and sfr8 plants by measuring electrolyte leakage from freeze‐thawed leaf discs.

We mapped the sfr8 mutation to MUR1, a gene encoding the fucose biosynthetic enzyme GDP‐d‐mannose‐4,6‐dehydratase. sfr8 cell walls exhibited low cell‐wall fucose levels and reduced RGII bridging. Freezing sensitivity of sfr8 mutants was ameliorated by B supplementation, which can restore RGII dimerization. B transport mutants with reduced RGII dimerization were also freezing‐sensitive.

Our research identifies a role for the structure and composition of the plant primary cell wall in determining basal plant freezing tolerance and highlights the specific importance of fucosylation, most likely through its effect on the ability of RGII pectin to dimerize.
The Ideological Foundations of Economic Protectionism: Authoritarianism, Social Dominance Orientation, and the Moderating Role of Political Involvement
Authors: Jedinger Alexander , Burger Axel M.
Published: September 2019

Even though economic globalization and foreign trade are major topics in the political discourse of most societies and negative attitudes toward international trade are prevalent, there is a lack of research investigating the ideological roots of protectionist preferences from a psychological perspective. In the present research, we examined the implications of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) for trade attitudes. Using data from two nationally representative samples from the United States (Study 1) and Germany (Study 2), we found that RWA predicted protectionist attitudes above and beyond economic self‐interest. Furthermore, we found that the relationship between RWA and opposition to international trade was moderated by political involvement. The association of SDO with protectionist attitudes was inconsistent across the two studies and was not moderated by political involvement. Taken together, these results emphasize the importance of basic ideological orientations and the psychological dispositions they reflect in explaining public attitudes toward international trade.
Modeling and Quantification of Acoustic Damping Induced by Vortex Shedding in Noncompact Thermoacoustic Systems
Authors: Hofmeister Thomas , Hummel Tobias , Schuermans Bruno , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a methodology to compute acoustic damping rates of transversal, high-frequency modes induced by vortex-shedding. The acoustic damping rate presents one key quantity for the assessment of the linear thermoacoustic stability of gas turbine combustors. State-of-the-art network models—as employed to calculate damping rates in low-frequency, longitudinal systems—cannot fulfill this task due to the acoustic noncompactness encountered in the high-frequency regime. Furthermore, it is yet unclear, whether direct eigensolutions of the linearized Euler equations (LEE), which capture the mechanism of vortex shedding, yield correct damping rate results constituted by the implicit presence of acoustic as well as hydrodynamic contributions in these solutions. The methodology's applicability to technically relevant systems is demonstrated by a validation test case using a lab-scale, swirl-stabilized combustion system.
A Numerical Study on Erosion Model Selection and Effect of Pump Type and Sand Characters in Electrical Submersible Pumps by Sandy Flow
Authors: Zhu Haiwen , Zhu Jianjun , Rutter Risa , Zhang Hong-Quan
Published: September 2019

The electrical submersible pump (ESP) is one of the most widely used artificial lift methods in the petroleum industry. Although not recommended to be used in sand production well, ESP is still applicable in high producing well with a minimal percentage of solid concentration. Besides, the temporarily produced fracture sand from the proppant backflow can also severely reduce ESP boosting ability in weeks or months. Therefore, it is crucial to study the wear in ESP stages under sandy flow condition. Various erosion equations and models were developed for different materials and affecting factors. However, the predictions of these erosion models in ESPs need to be evaluated to make a proper selection. Comparisons of wear patterns and erosion rates were conducted using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS. In order to validate the simulation results, an experimental facility was designed and constructed to study the sand erosion process in an ESP. Stages were painted to obtain erosion patterns, and the weight loss was measured. Six erosion models were implemented in the simulations to select the most accurate one in predicting ESP erosion rates. Then, three ESPs, including two mixed-type pumps and one radial-type pump, were modeled to study the effect of pump types with the selected erosion model. Finally, the steady-state discrete phase model (DPM) erosion simulations were carried out to investigate particle density and size effects.
Biological Ice-Nucleating Particles Deposited Year-Round in Subtropical Precipitation
Authors: Joyce Rachel E. , Lavender Heather , Farrar Jennifer , Werth Jason T. , Weber Carolyn F. , D’Andrilli Juliana , Vaitilingom Mickaël , Christner Brent C.
Published: September 2019

The particles most effective at inducing the freezing of water in the atmosphere are microbiological in origin; however, information on the species harboring this phenotype, their environmental distribution, and ecological sources are very limited. Analysis of precipitation collected over 2 years in Louisiana showed that INPs active at the warmest temperatures were sourced from terrestrial ecosystems and displayed behaviors that implicated specific bacterial taxa as the source of the ice nucleation activity. The abundance of biological INPs was highest in precipitation from winter storms and implied that their in-cloud concentrations were sufficient to affect the formation of ice and precipitation in nimbostratus clouds.
Activity-Based Protein Profiling Identifies ATG4B as a Key Host Factor for Enterovirus 71 Proliferation
Authors: Sun Yang , Zheng Qizhen , Wang Yaxin , Pang Zhengyuan , Liu Jingwei , Yin Zheng , Lou Zhiyong
Published: September 2019

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), one of the major pathogens of human HFMD, has caused outbreaks worldwide. How EV71 efficiently assesses its life cycle with elaborate interactions with multiple host factors remains to be elucidated. In this work, we deconvoluted that the host ATG4B protein processes the viral polyprotein with its cysteine protease activity and helps EV71 replicate through a chemical biology strategy. Our results not only further the understanding of the EV71 life cycle but also provide a sample for the usage of activity-based proteomics to reveal host-pathogen interactions.
mSphere of Influence: the Wild Genetic Diversity of Our Closest Yeast Companions
Authors: Bensasson Douda
Published: September 2019

Douda Bensasson uses the population genomics of model yeast species to understand how wild yeast colonize new environments, such as humans or their food. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the discovery of “Surprisingly diverged populations of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
in natural environments remote from human activity” (Q.-M. Wang, W.-Q. Liu, G. Liti, S.-A. Wang, and F.-Y.
MixedActinomyces israeliiandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansinfection causing empyema necessitatis and multiple skin abscesses in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Kobayashi Takaaki , Arshava Evgeny , Ford Bradley , Sekar Poorani
Published: September 2019

A 45-year-old- man presented with left chest wall pain, swelling and cough. Over a 2-month period he developed abscesses in the right foot, right anterior thigh, left buttock and left chest. Incision and drainage of the soft tissue abscesses and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to drain the loculated empyema contiguous with the chest wall abscess were performed as surgical management. Gram stain showed beaded Gram-positive rods and the culture initially grewAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Eikenella corrodens. Pathological evaluation of the pleura showed sulfur granules and organisms consistent withActinomyces spp.on Gomori methenamine silver stain;Actinomyces israeliiwas recovered in culture with extended incubation. The patient was treated for 3 weeks with ceftriaxone and oral metronidazole, followed by oral amoxicillin. Culture ofA. actinomycetemcomitanswith other findings consistent with actinomycosis warrants 6–12 months of antibiotic therapy.
Experience of living with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Wallis Jason A , Taylor Nicholas F , Bunzli Samantha , Shields Nora
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Systematically review the qualitative literature on living with knee osteoarthritis from patient and carer perspectives.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative studies. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus) were searched from inception until October 2018. Data were synthesised using thematic and content analysis.

Participants

Studies exploring the experiences of people living with knee osteoarthritis, and their carers were included. Studies exploring experiences of patients having participated in specific interventions, including surgery, or their attitudes about the decision to proceed to knee replacement were excluded.

Results

Twenty-six articles reporting data from 21 studies about the patient (n=665) and carer (n=28) experience of living with knee osteoarthritis were included. Seven themes emerged: (i) Perceived causes of knee osteoarthritis are multifactorial and lead to structural damage to the knee and deterioration over time (n=13 studies), (ii) Pain and how to manage it predominates the lived experience (n=19 studies), (iii) Knee osteoarthritis impacts activity and participation (n=16 studies), (iv) Knee osteoarthritis has a social impact (n=10 studies), (v) Knee osteoarthritis has an emotional impact (n=13 studies), (vi) Interactions with health professionals can be positive or negative (n=11 studies), (vii) Knee osteoarthritis leads to life adjustments (n=14 studies). A single study reporting the perspectives of carers reported similar themes. Psychosocial impact of knee osteoarthritis emerged as a key factor in the lived experience of people with knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

This review highlights the value of considering patient attitudes and experiences including psychosocial factors when planning and implementing management options for people with knee osteoarthritis.

Trial registrationnumber

CRD42018108962
Qualitative exploration of emotional and social changes from diagnosis to bereavement for spousal caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Gibson Kirstian , Peacock Shelley , Bayly Melanie
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To understand how bereaved spousal caregivers of persons with dementia perceive and respond to changes over the course of their spouse’s disease, from diagnosis into bereavement.

Design

Qualitative interview study with convenience sampling and thematic analysis approach.

Participants

Participants included eight women and two men (n=10) who had been spousal caregivers for a person with dementia prior to his/her death. Participants were older adults who self-reported good health and were bereaved longer than a year.

Setting

Data collected in a small Canadian prairie city between fall 2014 and winter 2015.

Findings

Two overarching themes were developed as important components of participants’ caregiving journey: emotional reactions to change and variation in social connectedness throughout the caregiving and bereavement journey. Four key sub-themes developed through the analysis of emotional reactions to events: memorable grief overshadows persistent grief, a progressive feeling of hopelessness and overwhelmed, relief is common but hidden and gratitude is a milestone in a constructive bereavement. Three key variations of social connectedness throughout the caregiving and bereavement journey were developed: the importance of social inclusion throughout a caregiving and bereavement journey, the repeated loss of companionship and withdrawing from social interactions is contingent on needs.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that emotional changes throughout caregiving and bereavement are not linear. The need for support from family, friends and new social supports is influential in enabling the caregiver to move forward during caregiving and bereavement.
Extending the RIGHT statement for reporting adapted practice guidelines in healthcare: the RIGHT-Ad@pt Checklist protocol
Authors: Song Yang , Darzi Andrea , Ballesteros Monica , Martínez García Laura , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Arayssi Thurayya , Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Chen Yaolong , Cluzeau Francoise , Ghersi Davina , Padilla Paulina F , Langlois Etienne V , Schünemann Holger J , Vernooij Robin W M , Akl Elie A
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The adaptation of guidelines is an increasingly used methodology for the efficient development of contextualised recommendations. Nevertheless, there is no specific reporting guidance. The essential Reporting Items of Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) statement could be useful for reporting adapted guidelines, but it does not address all the important aspects of the adaptation process. The objective of our project is to develop an extension of the RIGHT statement for the reporting of adapted guidelines (RIGHT-Ad@pt Checklist).

Methods and analysis

To develop the RIGHT-Ad@pt Checklist, we will use a multistep process that includes: (1) establishment of a Working Group; (2) generation of an initial checklist based on the RIGHT statement; (3) optimisation of the checklist (an initial assessment of adapted guidelines, semistructured interviews, a Delphi consensus survey, an external review by guideline developers and users and a final assessment of adapted guidelines); and (4) approval of the final checklist. At each step of the process, we will calculate absolute frequencies and proportions, use content analysis to summarise and draw conclusions, discuss the results, draft a report and refine the checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

We have obtained a waiver of approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona, Spain). We will disseminate the RIGHT-Ad@pt Checklist by publishing into a peer-reviewed journal, presenting to relevant stakeholders and translating into different languages. We will continuously seek feedback from stakeholders, surveil new relevant evidence and, if necessary, update the checklist.
PP13 Understanding sickness absence in the ambulance service
Authors: Simmons Laura , Law Graham , Asghar Zahid , Gaunt Ruth , Niroshan Siriwardena A
Published: September 2019

Background

Ambulance service employees have high sickness absence rates compared to other National Health Service (NHS) occupations. The aim of this study was to understand factors linked to sickness absence in front-line ambulance service staff by determining whether there was an association between work and daily (non-work-related) stress, coping styles, demographic variables (health conditions, overtime hours, length of time in service, shift pattern, age and sex) and sickness absence.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design. An opportunity sampling method was utilised to recruit full-time clinical and management employees from a UK ambulance service to complete an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether and to what extent variation in sickness absence could be explained by the independent variables of interest listed.

Results

A total of 101 participants, including paramedics, team leaders and ambulance technicians, completed the questionnaire. Participants were aged 24 to 62 years (Mean [M]=45.29, Standard Deviation [SD]=9.97) with an average 13.8 years in the service (SD=9.67). Sickness absence rates ranged from 0 to 83.3% (M=8.92,SD=14.99). Work and daily stress, coping styles, overtime hours and the presence of a health condition accounted for 17.5% of the variance in sickness absence with adjustedR2=13.2%. Work and daily stress, coping styles, overtime hours and the presence of a health condition significantly predicted sickness absence,F(5, 95) =4.039,p=0.002. Those with a health condition were 9.46 times more likely, on average, to have a leave of sickness absence.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the presence of a health condition may affect sickness absence more than stress and coping styles. When designing interventions, it may be important to consider preventative measures that improve staff well-being and health status while also reducing sickness absence rates.
PP18 Ambulance attendance at diabetes or diabetes-related emergencies in care homes – cross sectional database study
Authors: Niroshan Siriwardena A , Law Graham , Smith Murray D , Iqbal Mohammad , Phung Viet-Hai , Spaight Anne , Brewster Amanda , Mountain Pauline , Spurr Keith , Ray Mo , Idris Iskandar , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: September 2019

Background

Diabetes, which affects over 1 in 5 nursing or care home residents, may lead to diabetes-related emergencies with ambulance call-outs and hospitalisation. Our aim was to investigate the epidemiology of diabetes-related emergencies in care home residents which involved an ambulance attendance.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design to investigate emergency ambulance attendances to people in nursing and residential care homes presenting with diabetes-related emergencies across the East Midlands between January 2012 and December 2017. We used clinical and dispatch data from East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) and care home data from the Care Quality Commission, including call category, timing, location, place of residence, clinical or physiological status, treatments, outcome (conveyance) and costs in the analysis.

Results

Overall 219722 (6.7% of 3.3 million) attendances were to care home residents of which 12080 were for diabetes-related emergencies. Of 3152 care home patients categorised as having a ‘diabetic problem’ 1,957 (62.1%) were conveyed to hospital. This was not significantly different to the rate for other patients, taking into account other factors, despite access to trained staff in care homes. Statistically significant factors associated with conveyance included reduced consciousness level (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95), elevated heart (1.01, 1.01–1.02) or respiratory rate (1.08, 1.06–1.10), no treatment for hypoglycaemia (0.54, 0.34–0.86) or additional co-morbid medical (but not psychiatric) problems. Cost to EMAS was significantly lower when a patient was conveyed, by some £18 (95% CI £11.94–£24.12), but this would not outweigh downstream NHS costs arising from hospital care. For the simulation in which all trusts mean NHS Reference Costs were used, conveyance was no longer significant in the cost model.

Conclusion

Conveyance to hospital was common for care home patients with diabetes-related emergencies and more likely when conscious level was impaired, certain physiological measures abnormal or treatment for hypoglycaemia was not given.
PP30 Investigating the use and effect of a patient outcome feedback intervention (POFI) on ambulance staff
Authors: Brandling J , Kirby K , Allen K , Robinson M , Voss S
Published: September 2019

Background

Feedback and audit are ways of reflecting upon professional practice (Ivers et al, 2012). Opportunities for feedback have been cited as one of the mechanisms which ambulance staff develop their decision-making skills and reflect on their practice (Ivers et al, 2014).

Methods

A digital patient outcome feedback intervention (POFI) was designed and tested. POFI reported patient outcomes, clinical investigations and treatment after conveyance to hospital. A data sharing agreement between one hospital and ambulance service was secured. Ambulance staff were surveyed and interviewed regarding its desirability, impact and usability. Descriptive and thematic data analysis was performed.

Results

Respondents were enthusiastic about feedback, reflected in a good response rate to the first survey (N=186). This was not matched by high POFI usage or the second survey (N=28). This may be because it is not yet easily accessible or well known. Respondents indicated feedback is likely to improve decision-making confidence, enhance self-efficacy and patient safety. They felt it would contribute to learning through self-reflection, enhancing knowledge and skills and thus continue professional development. Feedback provides an opportunity to clear up mysteries and support wellbeing.

Conclusions

Feedback is desirable, but requires a commitment by ambulance services and hospital sites to share data and then feedback system with staff. There are pockets of interest, nationally, in giving feedback to ambulance staff. This project is the only one known, using a digital mechanism. Other projects give personalised feedback through ‘post-boxes’ or other written requests. Further study could be carried out in collaboration with these similar projects. It is important to work out the best mechanism of sharing data, to suit information governance requirements, whilst also contributing to ambulance confidence, learning and wellbeing.
On evolving size and shape of gas bubble in marine clay under multi-stage loadings: microcomputed tomography (μCT) characterization and cavity contraction analysis
Authors: Hong Y. , Zhang J.F. , Wang L.Z. , Liu T.
Published: September 2019

Discrete bio-gas bubbles commonly form in fine-grained marine sediments and have modified many aspects of the behavior of these sediments, including strength, stiffness, and permeability. Although the level of such modifications is known to govern by bubble shape and size, limited studies have been undertaken, mainly due to difficulty in nondestructively characterizing bubbles within a soil under in situ stresses. In this study, a mini-loading device was developed to perform one-dimensional loading tests on gassy marine clay and gassy silt in a microcomputed tomography (μCT). The evolving bubble shape, size, and pressure during loading were quantified, and the resulting stress fields around the bubble cavities were evaluated via elliptical cavity contraction analysis considering stress anisotropy. As the vertical load increased, bubble cavities were found to compress predominantly along the vertical loading direction, with little horizontal compression, because localized soil failure (LSF) and thus cavity collapse occurred mainly near the roof of the at-rest lateral earth pressure coefficient (K0)-stressed elliptical bubble cavities. The evolution of bubble shape and size under loading is significantly affected by stress anisotropy, which governs the extent and location of the LSF. A Gaussian mixture model is adopted to quantify the evolving distributions of bubble structure parameters, which are essential for developing more physically rigorous gassy soil models.
Studies of the resonance components in the $$B_s$$ decays into charmonia plus kaon pair
Authors: Rui Zhou , Li Ya , Li Hong
Published: September 2019

In this work, the decays of $$B_s$$Bs meson to a charmonium state and a $$K^+K^-$$K+K- pair are carefully investigated in the perturbative QCD approach. Following the latest fit from the LHCb experiment, we restrict ourselves to the case where the produced $$K^+K^-$$K+K- pair interact in isospin zero S, P, and D wave resonances in the kinematically allowed mass window. Besides the dominant contributions of the $$\phi (1020)$$ϕ(1020) resonance in the P-wave and $$f_2'(1525)$$f2′(1525) in the D-wave, other resonant structures in the high mass region as well as the S-wave components are also included. The invariant mass spectra for most of the resonances in the $$B_s\rightarrow J/\psi K^+K^-$$Bs→J/ψK+K- decay are well reproduced. The obtained three-body decay branching ratios can reach the order of $$10^{-4}$$10-4, which seem to be accessible in the near future experiments. The associated polarization fractions of those vector-vector and vector-tensor modes are also predicted, which are compared with the existing data from the LHCb Collaboration.
Symmetries of Quotient Networks for Doubly Periodic Patterns on the Square Lattice
Authors: Stewart Ian , Gökaydin Dinis
Published: September 2019

Patterns of synchrony in networks of coupled dynamical systems can be represented as colorings of the nodes, in which nodes of the same color are synchronous. Balanced colorings, where nodes of the same color have color-isomorphic input sets, correspond to dynamically invariant subspaces, which can have a significant effect on the typical bifurcations of network dynamical systems. Orbit colorings for subgroups of the automorphism (symmetry) group of the network are always balanced, although the converse is false. We compute the automorphism groups of all doubly periodic quotient networks of the square lattice with nearest-neighbor coupling, and classify the “exotic” cases where this quotient network has extra automorphisms not induced by automorphisms of the square lattice. These comprise five isolated exceptions and two infinite families with wreath product symmetry. We also comment briefly on implications for bifurcations to doubly periodic patterns in square lattice models.
Sampling-based robot motion planning
Authors: Salzman Oren
Published: September 2019

To address the computational challenges that arise when planning for robotic systems, traditional CS algorithms, tools, and paradigms must be revisited.
Closing in on quantum error correction
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: September 2019

Quantum computers will only become practical when they implement quantum error correction.
Dynamic Taxes for Polynomial Congestion Games
Authors: Bilò Vittorio , Vinci Cosimo
Published: September 2019

We consider the efficiency of taxation in congestion games with polynomial latency functions along the line of research initiated by Caragiannis et al. [
ACM Transactions on Algorithms
, 2010], who focused on both pure and mixed Nash equilibria in games with affine latencies only. By exploiting the primal-dual method [Bilò,
Proceedings of the 10th Workshop on Approximation and Online Algorithms
, 2012], we obtain interesting upper bounds with respect to a variety of different solution concepts ranging from approximate pure Nash equilibria up to approximate coarse correlated equilibria, and including also approximate one-round walks starting from the empty state. Our findings show a high beneficial effect of taxation that increases more than linearly with the degree of the latency functions. In some cases, a tight relationship with some well-studied polynomials in Combinatorics and Number Theory, such as the Touchard and the Geometric polynomials, arises. In these cases, we can also show matching lower bounds, albeit under mild assumptions; interestingly, our upper bounds are derived by exploiting the combinatorial definition of these polynomials, while our lower bounds are constructed by relying on their analytical characterization.
Dynamics of Evolving Social Groups
Authors: Alon Noga , Feldman Michal , Mansour Yishay , Oren Sigal , Tennenholtz Moshe
Published: September 2019

Exclusive social groups are ones in which the group members decide whether or not to admit a candidate to the group. Examples of exclusive social groups include academic departments and fraternal organizations. In this article, we introduce an analytic framework for studying the dynamics of exclusive social groups. In our model, every group member is characterized by his opinion, which is represented as a point on the real line. The group evolves in discrete time steps through a voting process carried out by the group’s members. Due to homophily, each member votes for the candidate who is more similar to him (i.e., closer to him on the line). An admission rule is then applied to determine which candidate, if any, is admitted. We consider several natural admission rules including majority and consensus.

We ask: How do different admission rules affect the composition of the group in the long run? We study both growing groups (where new members join old ones) and fixed-size groups (where new members replace those who quit). Our analysis reveals intriguing phenomena and phase transitions, some of which are quite counterintuitive.
Building certified concurrent OS kernels
Authors: Gu Ronghui , Shao Zhong , Chen Hao , Kim Jieung , Koenig Jérémie , Wu Xiongnan (Newman) , Sjöberg Vilhelm , Costanzo David
Published: September 2019

Operating system (OS) kernels form the backbone of system software. They can have a significant impact on the resilience and security of today's computers. Recent efforts have demonstrated the feasibility of formally verifying simple general-purpose kernels, but they have ignored the important issues of concurrency, which include not just user and I/O concurrency on a single core, but also multi-core parallelism with fine-grained locking. In this work, we present CertiKOS, a novel compositional framework for building verified concurrent OS kernels. Concurrency allows interleaved execution of programs belonging to different abstraction layers and running on different CPUs/threads. Each such layer can have a different set of observable events. In CertiKOS, these layers and their observable events can be formally specified, and each module can then be verified at the abstraction level it belongs to. To link all the verified pieces together, CertiKOS enforces a so-called contextual refinement property for every such piece, which states that the implementation will behave like its specification under any concurrent context with any valid interleaving. Using CertiKOS, we have successfully developed a practical concurrent OS kernel, called mC2, and built the formal proofs of its correctness in Coq. The mC2 kernel is written in 6500 lines of C and x86 assembly and runs on stock x86 multicore machines. To our knowledge, this is the first correctness proof of a general-purpose concurrent OS kernel with fine-grained locking.
Stimulation of histamine H4 receptor participates in cold-induced browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue
Authors: Zhao Ya-xin , Pan Jia-bao , Wang Yi-na , Zou Ying , Guo Liang , Tang Qi-qun , Qian Shu-wen
Published: September 2019

Although many studies have shown that histamine and its signaling regulate energy homeostasis through the central nervous system, their roles in adipose tissues remain poorly understood. Here, we identified that the histamine H4 receptor (HrH4) was highly expressed in adipocytes at a level higher than that of the other three receptors (i.e., HrH1, HrH2, and HrH3). The HrH4 expression in adipocytes responded to cold through thermogenesis and lipolysis, supported by results from both mouse and cell models. When HrH4 expression was knocked down in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), browning and lipolysis effects triggered by cold were ablated, and the oxygen consumption was also lowered both at the normal and cold conditions. Moreover, mice exhibited browned scWAT, accelerated metabolic rates, and tolerance to hypothermia when 4-methylhistamine (4MH), a selective HrH4 agonist, was adjacently injected to the scWAT. Consistent with these findings, 4MH also triggered the browning and lipolytic effects in cultured C3H10T1/2 adipocytes. Mechanically, we demonstrated that p38/MAPK and ERK/MAPK pathways were involved in these processes. In conclusion, our findings have uncovered an effective role of HrH4 in adipose tissue browning.
Evaluation of Edible Quality of Sorghum Based on Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Ni Chunlei , Zhang Shan , Zhang Gaopeng , Cheng Jianjun , Zheng Huanyu
Published: September 2019

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the most important cereals in the Northeast China. The physicochemical, pasting, texture, and cooking properties of 21 sorghum varieties were determined, which were mainly cultivated in Northeast China. Then, the evaluation of edible quality of sorghum was based on principal component analysis and fitted with the score of sensory evaluation. Five principal components (PCs) with a cumulative contribution rate of 86.19% could be picked out to describe the taste, pasting, flavor, cooking, and variety of sorghum, respectively. And a comprehensive equation of sorghum edible quality in Northeast China was constructed which was Z = 0.45F1 + 0.25F2 + 0.12F3 + 0.10F4 + 0.08F5. The edible quality of No. 14 and No. 15 was the best. The sensory evaluation was used to verify the above equation with the fitting coefficient of 0.81, which indicated that the equation could be more accurate to evaluate the edible quality of sorghum in Northeast China.
Test and Numerical Study on Monotonic Behavior of Complex CFT Column Joints
Authors: Yu Zeliang , Yang Bin , Jia Bin , Yan Yuhong , Xiao Shaowen , Lei Ke
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a test and numerical investigation into the monotonic behavior of three different complex steel trusses to concrete‐filled tubular (CFT) column joints. Based on an engineering structure, 1 : 4 reduced‐scale specimens are manufactured and the three‐dimensional subassembly testing system is designed to apply the monotonic load. Test phenomena and load‐stress curves show that all three types of joints have a considerable load‐carrying capacity and joint rigidity. Finite element (FE) analysis is adopted, and the stress distribution shows good agreement with test data. Both test and FE results show that local buckling and yielding in the root region of steel truss are the main failure modes of test joints and the core area of the CFT column remains intact which are in accordance with the design conception of “strong column and weak beam.” Design conception of proposed overlap joint form is then investigated based on the FE model, and results show that the optimized overlap joint can effectively reduce the stress concentration in the adjacent steel tube and beam member when compared to the traditional N‐type overlap joint. Finally, the influence of the outer diaphragm on the stiffness of joint is analyzed. By comparing the end‐displacement of the beam member, conclusion can be obtained that the beam flange thickness is suggested to be chosen as the outer diaphragm thickness. The forms of three different proposed joints and their design conceptions can provide good guidance for designers and engineers.
Peptide Mix from Olivancillaria hiatula Interferes with Cell-to-Cell Communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gasu Edward Ntim , Ahor Hubert Senanu , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham
Published: September 2019

Bacteria in biofilms are encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix that limits exposure of microbial cells to lethal doses of antimicrobial agents, leading to resistance. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, biofilm formation is regulated by cell-to-cell communication, called quorum sensing. Quorum sensing facilitates a variety of bacterial physiological functions such as swarming motility and protease, pyoverdine, and pyocyanin productions. Peptide mix from the marine mollusc, Olivancillaria hiatula, has been studied for its antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microscopy and microtiter plate-based assays were used to evaluate biofilm inhibitory activities. Effect of the peptide mix on quorum sensing-mediated processes was also evaluated. Peptide mix proved to be a good antibiofilm agent, requiring less than 39 μg/mL to inhibit 50% biofilm formation. Micrographs obtained confirmed biofilm inhibition at 1/2 MIC whereas 2.5 mg/mL was required to degrade preformed biofilm. There was a marked attenuation in quorum sensing-mediated phenotypes as well. At 1/2 MIC of peptide, the expression of pyocyanin, pyoverdine, and protease was inhibited by 60%, 72%, and 54%, respectively. Additionally, swarming motility was repressed by peptide in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the peptide mix from Olivancillaria hiatula probably inhibits biofilm formation by interfering with cell-to-cell communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Effects of Nonuniform Fiber Geometries on the Microstructural Fracture Behavior of Ceramic Matrix Composites
Authors: Kim Hye-gyu , Ji Wooseok , Cho Nam Choon , Park Jong Kyoo
Published: September 2019

Microstructural fracture behavior of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) with nonuniformly distributed fibers is studied in the presentation. A comprehensive numerical analysis package to study the effect of nonuniform fiber dimensions and locations on the microstructural fracture behavior is developed. The package starts with an optimization algorithm for generating representative volume element (RVE) models that are statistically equivalent to experimental measurements. Experimentally measured statistical data are used as constraints while the optimization algorithm is running. Virtual springs are utilized between any adjacent fibers to nonuniformly distribute the coated fibers in the RVE model. The virtual spring with the optimization algorithm can efficiently generate multiple RVEs that are statistically identical to each other. Smeared crack approach (SCA) is implemented to consider the fracture behavior of the CMC material in a mesh‐objective manner. The RVEs are subjected to tension as well as the shear loading conditions. SCA is capable of predicting different fracture patterns, uniquely defined by not only the fiber arrangement but also the specific loading type. In addition, global stress‐strain curves show that the microstructural fracture behavior of the RVEs is highly dependent on the fiber distributions.
Agronomic Evaluation and Yield Performance of Selected Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Landraces from Jordan
Authors: Al-Sayaydeh R. , Al-Bawalize A. , Al-Ajlouni Z. , Akash M. W. , Abu-Elenein J. , Al-Abdallat A. M.
Published: September 2019

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces collected previously from main production areas across Jordan are expected to perform well under stressful environments. In this study, the agronomic performance of 10 Jordanian barley landraces and three local cultivars was evaluated in two locations for two growing seasons. Clear significant variations for all studied traits were observed among the selected genotypes, environments, and their interactions. The local cultivar Rum and Baladi landrace showed the best yield performance, while Herawi and Nabawi landraces produced the lowest yield across all environments. Clustering analysis using genotypic data from the iSelect 9k SNP barley array showed a clear grouping based on row type with 100% similarity level between the Syfi and Arabi landraces. The characterized Jordanian landraces can be used to improve barley resilience against climate change and associated conditions and are recommended in breeding programs to improve productivity under dry conditions.
MicroRNA-181a Inhibits Activated B-Cell-Like Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Progression by Repressing CARD11
Authors: Zhu Danxia , Fang Cheng , He Wenting , Wu Chen , Li Xiaodong , Wu Jun
Published: September 2019

We investigated the role of miR-181a in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its potential target genes. miR-181a levels were lower in activated B-cell- (ABC-) like DLBCL cells than that in germinal center B-cell- (GCB-) like DLBCL cells. Overexpression of miR-181a in ABC-like DLBCL cell lines (OCI-LY10 and U2932) resulted in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and decreased invasiveness. miRNA target prediction programs (miRanda, TargetScan, and miRDB) identified caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11 (CARD11) as a putative miR-181a target. CARD11 mRNA and protein levels were higher in the ABC-like DLBCL than that in GCB-like DLBCL. Moreover, CARD11 mRNA and protein levels were downregulated in the OCI-LY10 and U2932 cell lines overexpressing miR-181a. Dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed the miR-181a binding site in the CARD11 3′UTR region. OCI-LY10 and U2932 cells transfected with a CARD11 expression vector encoding miR-181a with a mutated binding site showed higher CARD11 protein levels, cell viability, G2/M phase cells, and invasiveness compared to those transfected with a wild-type CARD11 expression vector. Nude mice xenografted with OCI-LY10 cells with overexpressed wild-type miR-181a generated smaller tumors compared to those with overexpressed mutated binding site of CARD11 3′UTR and miR-181a. These results indicate that miR-181a inhibits ABC-like DLBCL by repressing CARD11.
Adaptive Protein Translation by the Integrated Stress Response Maintains the Proliferative and Migratory Capacity of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Albert Alexandra E. , Adua Sally J. , Cai Wesley L. , Arnal-Estapé Anna , Cline Gary W. , Liu Zongzhi , Zhao Minghui , Cao Paul D. , Mariappan Malaiyalam , Nguyen Don X.
Published: September 2019

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a conserved pathway that is activated by cells that are exposed to stress. In lung adenocarcinoma, activation of the ATF4 branch of the ISR by certain oncogenic mutations has been linked to the regulation of amino acid metabolism. In the present study, we provide evidence for ATF4 activation across multiple stages and molecular subtypes of human lung adenocarcinoma. In response to extracellular amino acid limitation, lung adenocarcinoma cells with diverse genotypes commonly induce ATF4 in an eIF2α-dependent manner, which can be blocked pharmacologically using an ISR inhibitor. Although suppressing eIF2α or ATF4 can trigger different biological consequences, adaptive cell-cycle progression and cell migration are particularly sensitive to inhibition of the ISR. These phenotypes require the ATF4 target gene asparagine synthetase (ASNS), which maintains protein translation independently of the mTOR/PI3K pathway. Moreover, NRF2 protein levels and oxidative stress can be modulated by the ISR downstream of ASNS. Finally, we demonstrate that ASNS controls the biosynthesis of select proteins, including the cell-cycle regulator cyclin B1, which are associated with poor lung adenocarcinoma patient outcome. Our findings uncover new regulatory layers of the ISR pathway and its control of proteostasis in lung cancer cells.

Implications:

We reveal novel regulatory mechanisms by which the ISR controls selective protein translation and is required for cell-cycle progression and migration of lung cancer cells.
New species of bumblebee catfish of the genus Batrochoglanis Gill, 1858 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the Aripuanã River basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: SHIBATTA OSCAR A.
Published: September 2019

A new species, Batrochoglanis castaneus, is described from the Aripuanã River basin, Brazil. It differs from congeners, except B. raninus and B. transmontanus, by the dark brown color of the body and a dark brown stripe on the caudal fin. The new species differs from B. raninus by the longer maxillary barbel, longer prepelvic length, greater prepectoral length, smaller anal-fin base length, and smaller head depth. The new species differs from B. transmontanus by the longer caudal-fin dorsal lobe, presence of a hyaline spot or stripe on pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins, longer maxillary barbel, longer pectoral-fin, and dorsal-fin spines, greater eye diameter, smaller head depth, and larger mouth width. A metapterygoid anteriorly bifurcated and the lateral line reaching the adipose fin present in the new species are interpreted as synapomorphies of Batrochoglanis. On the other hand, the distribution of pore and neuromasts of the laterosensory system of the head seems to be very conservative in the family. The new species is known only from the Aripuanã River basin, reinforcing its characteristics as an area of endemism for fishes in the Amazon basin.
A new species of the sanguinea-group Quatrefages, 1866 (Annelida: Eunicidae: Marphysa) from the Philippines
Authors: GLASBY CHRISTOPHER J. , MANDARIO MARY ANNE E. , BURGHARDT INGO , KUPRIYANOVA ELENA , GUNTON LAETITIA M. , HUTCHINGS PAT A.
Published: September 2019

A new species of the Marphysa sanguinea group, M. iloiloensis n. sp. (Annelida: Eunicida: Eunicidae), is described from the Marine Annelids Hatchery of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC- AQD), Iloilo Province, Philippines. It represents the first record of this group in the Philippines. The new species is most similar morphologically to M. hongkongensa Wang, Zhang & Qiu, 2018, but can be distinguished from it by having fewer branchial filaments, a pair of faint eyes (absent in M. hongkongensa), and in slight differences in jaw morphology and chaetation. The embryos of the new species develop inside a jelly cocoon attached to the entrance of the adult burrow; this is the first time that egg-containing cocoons have been found in any species of the sanguinea-group. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) revealed that Marphysa iloiloensis n. sp. is genetically distinct from all other analysed Marphysa species and forms a sister group to M. hongkongensa. A revised identification key to members of the sanguinea-group in Southeast Asia is provided.
Hurricane Risk Communication: Visualization and Behavioral Science Concepts
Authors: Millet Barbara , Carter Andrew P. , Broad Kenneth , Cairo Alberto , Evans Scotney D. , Majumdar Sharanya J.
Published: September 2019

Increasingly, the risk assessment community has recognized the social and cultural aspects of vulnerability to hurricanes and other hazards that impact planning and public communication. How individuals and communities understand and react to natural hazard risk communications can be driven by a number of different cognitive, cultural, economic, and political factors. The social sciences have seen an increased focus over the last decade on studying hurricane understanding and responses from a social, cognitive, or decision science perspective, which, broadly defined, includes a number of disparate fields. This paper is a cross-disciplinary and critical review of those efforts as they are relevant to hurricane risk communication development. We focus on two areas that, on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and discussions with experts in the field, have received comparatively little attention from the hazards community: 1) research concerning visual communications and the way in which individuals process, understand, and make decisions regarding them and 2) the way in which vulnerable communities understand and interact with hurricane warning communications. We go on to suggest areas that merit increased research and draw lessons or guidance from the broader hazards/social science research realm that has implications for hurricane planning and risk communication, particularly the development and dissemination of hurricane forecast products.