bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of chelated iron and iron sulfate in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus to enhance iron excretion for application in integrated aquaponics systems
Authors: Siqwepu Oyama , Salie Khalid , Goosen Neill
Published: April 2020

The best source and inclusion level of iron from feed additives for optimizing the production of African catfish was determined while simultaneously evaluating excretion of effluent that can be used to optimally grow plants in aquaponics systems. Using six experimental treatments and a control, the production parameters, proximate composition, hematological indices, nonspecific immunity, tissue mineral composition, apparent digestibility coefficients, and water quality trials were examined. Mineral sources were iron from an organic source, chelated amino acid, and an inorganic source, iron phosphate. No significant differences were observed in production parameters. There were differences in proximate composition. Fish fed FeSO4 at 30 mg/kg had significantly higher hematocrit levels and red blood cell levels compared with the control, while FeSO4 60 had the highest hemoglobin levels. Tissue mineral composition showed significantly higher iron concentrations in the liver of the control compared with all the treatments. FeSO4 30 treatment had the highest apparent digestibility coefficient (96%). Iron concentrations in the effluent of the water differed between treatments. Iron from FeSO4 can improve the hematological profile of catfish compared with the control, and its effluent from culture water has the potential to minimize or reduce the use of nutrient fertilizers in integrated aquaponics systems.
LEIBNIZ’S PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE?
Authors: Lodge Paul
Published: April 2020

The main concern of this essay is to make a case for the thesis that Leibniz conceived of his philosophy as a way of life in something like the sense articulated in the works of Pierre Hadot. On this view, philosophy was a type of conduct, or a mode of existing‐in‐the‐world, which had to be practised at each instant, with the goal of transforming the whole of the individual’s life. The essay also serves as an introduction to some of the main themes in Hadot’s work. While it includes a brief discussion of a number of the central components of Leibniz’s philosophy conceived as a way of life, the essay does not aim to do so in great detail. Rather, it offers a manifesto and initial road map.
ESOTERIC CONFUCIANISM, MORAL DILEMMAS, AND FILIAL PIETY
Authors: Sin William
Published: April 2020

Two controversial cases in Confucian literature present the demands of filial piety as conflicting with those of impartial justice. Let us call them the Case of Concealment (Analects18.13) and the Case of Evasion (Mencius7A53). Adogmaticreading of the texts indicates that both Confucius and Mencius give more weight to filial piety than to justice. This essay, however, provides an alternative reading of the cases:the liberal reading. I argue that the Confucian teachers used the cases as moral dilemmas that force Confucian students to learn how to use a cluster of Confucian virtues, including practical wisdom, discretion, and straight determination, under difficult circumstances. The liberal reading views these moral dilemmas as rhetorical tools; they guide Confucian students in meditative exercises and ultimately transform students’ mode of seeing and being.
WHY PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE?
Authors: Hidalgo Javier
Published: April 2020

This essay explains why there are good reasons to practice philosophy as a way of life. The argument begins with the assumption that we should live well but that our understanding of how to live well can be mistaken. Philosophical reason and reflection can help correct these mistakes. Nonetheless, the evidence suggests that philosophical reasoning often fails to change our dispositions and behavior. Drawing on the work of Pierre Hadot, the essay claims that spiritual exercises and communal engagement mitigate the factors that prevent us from living in accordance with our conceptions of the good life. So, many of us have reasons to engage in philosophical reasoning along with behavioral, cognitive, and social strategies to alter our behavior and attitudes so that they’re in line with our philosophical commitments. In these respects, many of us should practice philosophy as a way of life.
ON THE BENEFITS OF PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE IN A GENERAL INTRODUCTORY COURSE
Authors: Wright Jake
Published: April 2020

Philosophy as a way of life (PWOL) places investigations of value, meaning, and the good life at the center of philosophical investigation, especially of one’s own life. This essay argues that PWOL is compatible with general introductory philosophy courses, further arguing that PWOL‐based general introductions have several philosophical and pedagogical benefits. These include the ease with which high‐impact practices, situated skill development, and students’ ability to “think like a disciplinarian” may be incorporated into such courses, relative to more traditional introductory courses, as well as the demonstration of philosophy’s value to students by explicitly tying philosophical investigation to students’ own lives.
The Arabidopsis mTERF‐repeat MDA1 protein plays a dual function in transcription and stabilization of specific chloroplast transcripts within the psbE and ndhH operons
Authors: Méteignier Louis‐Valentin , Ghandour Rabea , Meierhoff Karin , Zimmerman Aude , Chicher Johana , Baumberger Nicolas , Alioua Abdelmalek , Meurer Jörg , Zoschke Reimo , Hammani Kamel
Published: April 2020

The mTERF gene family encodes for nucleic acid binding proteins that are predicted to regulate organellar gene expression in eukaryotes. Despite the implication of this gene family in plant development and response to abiotic stresses, a precise molecular function was assigned to only a handful number of its c. 30 members in plants.

Using a reverse genetics approach in Arabidopsis thaliana and combining molecular and biochemical techniques, we revealed new functions for the chloroplast mTERF protein, MDA1.

We demonstrated that MDA1 associates in vivo with components of the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase and transcriptional active chromosome complexes. MDA1 protein binds in vivo and in vitro with specificity to 27‐bp DNA sequences near the 5′‐end of psbE and ndhA chloroplast genes to stimulate their transcription, and additionally promotes the stabilization of the 5′‐ends of processed psbE and ndhA messenger (m)RNAs. Finally, we provided evidence that MDA1 function in gene transcription likely coordinates RNA folding and the action of chloroplast RNA‐binding proteins on mRNA stabilization.

Our results provide examples for the unexpected implication of DNA binding proteins and gene transcription in the regulation of mRNA stability in chloroplasts, blurring the boundaries between DNA and RNA metabolism in this organelle.
Efficacy of non‐bridging external fixation in treating distal radius fractures
Authors: Liu Ying , Bai Yu‐ming
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of non‐bridging external fixation in treating distal radius fractures (DRF) and its effect on wrist joint function.

Methods

The medical records of 207 patients who were treated for DRF between May 2008 and April 2017 in our hospital (age, 18.0–70.0 years; 99 males and 108 females) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had evident wrist trauma and the diagnosis of DRF was confirmed by imaging tests. A total of 101 patients received bridging external fixation (control group), whereas another 106 received non‐bridging external fixation (study group). At 12 weeks after the procedure, the treatment effect was measured using the Dienst scoring system (rating scale: ≤3 points, excellent; 4–7 points, good; 8–11 points, fair; >12 points, poor), and the wrist joint function was evaluated by Gartland and Werley classification (rating scale: 0–2 points, excellent; 3–8 points, good; 9–20 points, fair; >21 points, poor); meanwhile, the radial length, radial inclination, and palmar tilt were examined by X‐ray. Follow‐up visits were conducted once every 2 weeks for 6 months, and the incidences of complications in the two groups within 6 months after operation were recorded, including incision infection, Kirschner wire loosening, delayed fracture healing, and arthritis.

Results

There were no differences in the sex ratio, mean age, mean injury period, Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosynthesefragen classification, and cause of fracture between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In terms of the treatment effects, the study group had a higher percentage of excellent results (P < 0.001) and lower percentages of fair and poor results (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) than the control group 12 weeks after treatment, while both groups had similar percentages of good results (P = 0.109). In terms of the score of the wrist joint function, the study group had a higher proportion of excellent result than the control group 12 weeks after treatment (P = 0.029), whereas no intergroup differences in the proportion of good, fair, and poor results were observed (all P > 0.05). After follow‐up for 6 months, the incidences of incision infection, Kirschner wire loosening, delayed fracture healing, and arthritis, as well as the total complication rate were found to be similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Using non‐bridging external fixation for treating DRF allows some level of wrist movement during the early stage of fixation, effectively maintains the radial length, radial inclination, and palmar tilt, and achieves better outcomes than bridging external fixation.
Latest‐Late Fertility? Decline and Resurgence of Late Parenthood Across the Low‐Fertility Countries
Authors: Beaujouan Eva
Published: April 2020

After decades of fertility postponement, we investigate recent changes in late parenthood across low‐fertility countries in the light of observations from the past. We use long series of age‐specific fertility rates from the Human Fertility Database (1950–2016) for women, and new data covering the period 1990–2016 for men. In 1950, the contribution of births at age 40 and over to female fertility rates ranged from 2.5 to 9 percent, but then fell sharply until the 1980s. From the 1990s, however, the prevalence of late first births increased rapidly, especially so in countries where it was initially lowest. This has produced a late fertility rebound in the last two decades, occurring much faster for women than for men. Comparisons between recent and past extremely late (age 48+) fertility levels confirm that people are now challenging the natural fertility barriers, particularly for a first child.
Incidence and risk factors of preoperative anxiety in Spanish‐speaking children living in a Spanish‐speaking country
Authors: Arze Santiago , Lagos Claudio , Ibacache Mauricio , Zamora Maximiliano , González Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Background

Most research on preoperative anxiety has focused on non‐Latino populations. A study performed in the USA found that children from Spanish‐speaking Latino families experienced higher anxiety than children from English‐speaking families.

Aims

To report the incidence and level of preoperative anxiety in native Spanish‐speaking children living in their home country and to assess risk factors associated with higher anxiety levels.

Methods

Data were collected from 204 children aged 2‐12 undergoing elective surgery in a Chilean hospital. Patients' demographic data, surgery‐related information, and self‐reported parental anxiety were collected. Children's anxiety was measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. An anxiety score greater than 30 indicated significant anxiety. The main outcome for analyzing risk factors was children's anxiety level in the operating room.

Results

Significant preoperative anxiety was observed in 41.7% (95% CI: 34.8%–48.8%) of patients, with median anxiety score of 26.6 (IQR, 23.4‐46.6). A significant positive correlation was observed between self‐reported parental anxiety in the preoperative holding room and children's anxiety in the operating room (r = .153, P = .02), with a higher median difference when mothers are present in anesthesia induction (36.8 vs 30.7, respectively; P = .006). Linear regression analysis found previous negative surgical experience to be associated with higher anxiety levels in the operating room (β = 16.057, P = .014).

Conclusions

Spanish‐speaking children undergoing elective surgery in their home country experienced significant rates of preoperative anxiety. Parental anxiety and previous negative surgical experience were risk factors associated with higher anxiety levels.
Disagreement with a bald‐faced liar
Authors: Marques Teresa
Published: April 2020

How can we disagree with a bald‐faced liar? Can we actively disagree if it is common ground that the speaker has no intent to deceive? And why do we disapprove of bald‐faced liars so strongly? Bald‐faced lies pose problems for accounts of lying and of assertion. Recent proposals try to defuse those problems by arguing that bald‐faced lies are not really assertions, but rather performances of fiction‐like scripts, or different types of language games. In this paper, I raise two objections to the fictionalist view, and then offer an analysis of how we disagree with bald‐faced liars. I conclude that bald‐faced lies are assertions, and that in pronouncing a bald‐faced lie, the speaker tries to make it common ground that the assertion was in good standing qua assertion.
Effect Analysis of Various Gradient Particle Size Distribution on Electrical Performance of Anode-Supported SOFCs With Gradient Anode
Authors: Fu Pei , Song Yuansheng , Yang Jian , Wang Qiuwang
Published: April 2020

Gradient particle size anode has shown great potential in improving the electrical performance of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this study, a 3D comprehensive model is established to study the effect of various gradient particle size distribution on the cell electrical performance for the anode microstructure optimization. The effect of homogeneous particle size on the cell performance is studied first. The maximum current density of homogeneous anode SOFC is obtained for the comparison with the electrical performance of gradient anode SOFC. Then the effect of various gradient particle size distribution on the cell molar fraction, polarization losses, and electronic current density distribution is analyzed and discussed in detail. Results show that increasing the particle diameter gradient can effectively reduce the anodic concentration overpotential. Decreasing the particle diameter of anode functional layer 2 is beneficial for reducing the activation and ohmic overpotentials. On these bases, the comprehensive electrical performance of SOFCs with gradient particle size anode and homogeneous anode is compared to highlight the optimal gradient particle diameter distribution. In the studied cases of this work, the gradient particle diameter of 0.7 μm, 0.4 μm, and 0.1 μm at anode support layer (ASL), anode functional layer 1, and anode functional layer 2 (case 3) is the optimal particle size distribution.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Aerodynamics and Impingement Heat Transfer From Hexagonal Arrays of Multiple Dual-Swirling Impinging Flame Jets
Authors: Singh Parampreet , Velamati Ratna Kishore , Chander Subhash
Published: April 2020

Radiative furnaces pose significant thermal inertia and single impinging flames have been observed to cause occurrence of hotspots on the target surface. Multiple burners arranged in suitable array configuration represent one of the plausible solutions for more uniform heat transfer. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been carried out for multiple swirling impinging flames arranged in a hexagonal array configuration. The turbulence chemistry interactions in the flame field are solved numerically using renormalization group (RNG) based k–ε/eddy dissipation model (EDM) framework. Comparison of co-and-counter-swirling configurations has been studied for interactions and spent gas release mechanism. Multiple swirling impinging flames undergo strong interactions resulting in distortions of recirculation zones (RCZ) for all the surrounding except central flame. Co-swirling flames result in development of higher turbulence in the interaction regions as compared to counter-swirl case. Results indicate that some flames in counter-swirl case are underutilized due to the fluid dynamics developed in the system and co-swirling hexagonal array configuration is a better arrangement for effective heating of target surface. Effect of interjet spacing (S/Dh = 5, 7, and 9) and separation distance (H/Dh = 3, 5, 7, and 9) studied for co-swirl case revealed that peak heat fluxes decreased with increasing interjet spacing and separation distance. Central flame represented a region of low heat flux and this region has been noticed to expand in size for increasing interjet spacings. Suppression of central flame has been observed to be maximum for minimum separation distance.
The Influence of Recent Actions and Anticipated Actions on the Stability of Finger Forces During a Tracking Task
Authors: Tillman Mitchell , Ambike Satyajit
Published: April 2020

The authors examined how the stability of the current total isometric force (FT) produced by four fingers is influenced by previous and expected voluntary changes in FT. The authors employed the synergy index obtained from the across-trial uncontrolled manifold analysis to quantify the stability of FT. The authors compared two tasks with similar histories of FT changes; one in which participants expected changes in FT in the future, and one in which they expected no changes in FT. The stability of FT was lower in the former task, indicating the existence of a novel type of anticipatory synergy adjustment. Disparate histories of FT changes yield inconsistent changes in stability, driven by individual differences in the covariation in the finger forces that leave FT invariant. Future research should focus on exploring these individual differences to better understand how previous and expected behavior changes influence the stability of the current motor behavior.
Advanced Quantification Methods To Improve the 18b Dormancy Model for Assessing the Activity of Tuberculosis Drugs
In Vitro
Authors: Pieterman E. D. , Sarink M. J. , Sala C. , Cole S. T. , de Steenwinkel J. E. M. , Bax H. I.
Published: April 2020

One of the reasons for the lengthy tuberculosis (TB) treatment is the difficulty to treat the nonmultiplying mycobacterial subpopulation. In order to assess the ability of (new) TB drugs to target this subpopulation, we need to incorporate dormancy models in our preclinical drug development pipeline. In most available dormancy models, it takes a long time to create a dormant state, and it is difficult to identify and quantify this nonmultiplying condition. The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
18b strain might overcome some of these problems, because it is dependent on streptomycin for growth and becomes nonmultiplying after 10 days of streptomycin starvation but still can be cultured on streptomycin-supplemented culture plates.
Divergent Co-occurrence Patterns and Assembly Processes Structure the Abundant and Rare Bacterial Communities in a Salt Marsh Ecosystem
Authors: Du Shicong , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Zhang Nan , Liang Chunling , Yao Zhiyuan , Zhang Huajun , Zhang Demin
Published: April 2020

Estuarine salt marshes are highly productive ecosystems subjected to regular disturbances by hydrodynamic exchange. However, little is known about how distinct assembly processes and co-occurrence of taxa influence the structure of the abundant and rare bacterial biospheres in these soil systems. This study aims at unravelling these intricacies by studying a typical estuarine salt marsh located in Hangzhou Bay, China. Our study provides important pieces of evidence on the diverse distribution of rare and abundant bacterial biospheres. We show that a few abundant taxa are central nodes in species co-occurrence, potentially playing important roles as keystone species in the system. In addition, we highlight a dynamic interplay of assembly processes structuring these two subcommunities.
Intrathecal Antibacterial and Antifungal Therapies
Authors: Nau Roland , Blei Claudia , Eiffert Helmut
Published: April 2020

Intrathecal administration of anti-infectives is indicated in central nervous system infections by multiresistant pathogens when drugs that can reach adequate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations by systemic therapy are not available. Antibiotics that readily pass the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers and/or that have low toxicity allowing an increase in the daily dosage should not be used for intrathecal therapy. Intrathecal therapy is accompanied by systemic treatment. Antibacterials indispensable for intrathecal therapy include aminoglycosides, colistin, daptomycin, tigecycline, and vancomycin.
Comparison of Four Molecular
In Vitro
Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Specimens
Authors: Zhen Wei , Manji Ryhana , Smith Elizabeth , Berry Gregory J.
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the novel human coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first discovered in December 2019 as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is fairly nonspecific, and symptoms overlap those of other seasonal respiratory infections concurrently circulating in the population. Furthermore, it is estimated that up to 80% of infected individuals experience mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, confounding efforts to reliably diagnose COVID-19 empirically.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe covid-19 with diabetes
Authors: Yan Yongli , Yang Yan , Wang Fen , Ren Huihui , Zhang Shujun , Shi Xiaoli , Yu Xuefeng , Dong Kun
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study explores the clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes with severe covid-19, and the association of diabetes with survival duration in patients with severe covid-19.

Research design and methods

In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 193 patients with severe covid-19 were collected. 48 patients with severe covid-19 had diabetes, and 145 patients (ie, the controls) did not have diabetes. A severe case was defined as including at least one of the following criteria: (1) Respiratory rate >30/min. (2) Oxygen saturation ≤93%. (3) PaO2/FiO2≤300 mm Hg. (4) Patients, either with shock or respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation, or combined with other organ failure, requiring admission to intensive care unit (ICU).

Results

Of 193 patients with severe covid-19, 48 (24.9%) had diabetes. Compared with patients with severe covid-19 without diabetes, patients with diabetes were older, susceptible to receiving mechanical ventilation and admission to ICU, and had higher mortality. In addition, patients with severe covid-19 with diabetes had higher levels of leukocyte count, neutrophil count, high-sensitivity C reaction protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, interleukin (IL) 2 receptor, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α, D-dimer, fibrinogen, lactic dehydrogenase and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Among patients with severe covid-19 with diabetes, more non-survivors were men (30 (76.9%)vs9 (23.1%)). Non-survivors had severe inflammatory response, and cardiac, hepatic, renal and coagulation impairment. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a trend towards poorer survival in patients with severe covid-19 with diabetes than patients without diabetes. The HR was 1.53 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.30; p=0.041) after adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease by Cox regression. The median survival durations from hospital admission in patients with severe covid-19 with and without diabetes were 10 days and 18 days, respectively.

Conclusion

The mortality rate in patients with severe covid-19 with diabetes is considerable. Diabetes may lead to an increase in the risk of death.
Predictive value of integrated18F-FDG PET/MRI in the early response to nivolumab in patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Umeda Yukihiro , Morikawa Miwa , Anzai Masaki , Ameshima Shingo , Kadowaki Maiko , Waseda Yuko , Shigemi Hiroko , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Kiyono Yasushi , Okazawa Hidehiko , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: April 2020

Background

The early response to treatment with immune-checkpoint inhibitors is difficult to evaluate. We determined whether changes in integrated [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/MRI (18F-FDG PET/MRI) parameters after the first 2 weeks of antiprogrammed death-1 antibody nivolumab therapy could predict the response of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Twenty-five patients with previously treated NSCLC were enrolled prospectively and underwent18F-FDG PET/MRI before and at 2 weeks after nivolumab therapy. Changes in maximal standardized uptake value, total lesion glycolysis (ΔTLG) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ΔADC) between the two scans were calculated and evaluated for their associations with the clinical response to therapy.

Results

The disease control rate was 64%. Patients with non-progressive disease (non-PD) had significantly decreased TLG, increased ADCmean(ie, negative ΔADCmean) and lower ΔTLG+ΔADCmeanthan patients with PD. Among the parameters tested, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of 16.5 for ΔTLG+ΔADCmeanhad the highest accuracy (92%) for distinguishing between patients with non-PD and PD. A ΔTLG+ΔADCmeanvalue <16.5 was significantly associated with longer median progression-free survival (9.0 vs 1.8 months, p<0.00001) and overall survival (23.6 vs 4.7 months, p=0.0001) compared with ΔTLG+ΔADCmeanvalue ≥16.5. A multivariate Cox model revealed that ≥16.5 ΔTLG+ΔADCmeanwas an independent predictor of shorter progression-free survival (HR 37.7) and overall survival (HR 9.29).

Conclusions

A combination of ΔTLG and ΔADCmeanmeasured by integrated18F-FDG PET/MRI may have value as a predictor of the response and survival of patients with NSCLC following nivolumab therapy.

Trial registration number

UMIN 000020707.
The Fully human anti-CD47 antibody SRF231 exerts dual-mechanism antitumor activity via engagement of the activating receptor CD32a
Authors: Peluso Marisa O , Adam Ammar , Armet Caroline M , Zhang Li , O’Connor Rachel W , Lee Benjamin H , Lake Andrew C , Normant Emmanuel , Chappel Scott C , Hill Jonathan A , Palombella Vito J , Holland Pamela M , Paterson Alison M
Published: April 2020

Background

CD47 is a broadly expressed cell surface glycoprotein associated with immune evasion. Interaction with the inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), primarily expressed on myeloid cells, normally serves to restrict effector function (eg, phagocytosis and immune cell homeostasis). CD47/SIRPα antagonists, commonly referred to as ‘macrophage checkpoint’ inhibitors, are being developed as cancer interventions. SRF231 is an investigational fully human IgG4anti-CD47 antibody that is currently under evaluation in a phase 1 clinical trial. The development and preclinical characterization of SRF231 are reported here.

Methods

SRF231 was characterized in assays designed to probe CD47/SIRPα blocking potential and effects on red blood cell (RBC) phagocytosis and agglutination. Additionally, SRF231-mediated phagocytosis and cell death were assessed in macrophage:tumor cell in vitro coculture systems. Further mechanistic studies were conducted within these coculture systems to ascertain the dependency of SRF231-mediated antitumor activity on Fc receptor engagement vs CD47/SIRPα blockade. In vivo, SRF231 was evaluated in a variety of hematologic xenograft models, and the mechanism of antitumor activity was assessed using cytokine and macrophage infiltration analyses following SRF231 treatment.

Results

SRF231 binds CD47 and disrupts the CD47/SIRPα interaction without causing hemagglutination or RBC phagocytosis. SRF231 exerts antitumor activity in vitro through both phagocytosis and cell death in a manner dependent on the activating Fc-gamma receptor (FcγR), CD32a. Through its Fc domain, SRF231 engagement with macrophage-derived CD32a serves dual purposes by eliciting FcγR-mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells and acting as a scaffold to drive CD47-mediated death signaling into tumor cells. Robust antitumor activity occurs across multiple hematologic xenograft models either as a single agent or in combination with rituximab. In tumor-bearing mice, SRF231 increases tumor macrophage infiltration and induction of the macrophage cytokines, mouse chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha. Macrophage depletion results in diminished SRF231 antitumor activity, underscoring a mechanistic role for macrophage engagement by SRF231.

Conclusion

SRF231 elicits antitumor activity via apoptosis and phagocytosis involving macrophage engagement in a manner dependent on the FcγR, CD32a.
Effects of high-intensity intervals and moderate-intensity exercise on baroreceptor sensitivity and heart rate variability during recovery
Authors: Burma Joel S. , Copeland Paige V. , Macaulay Alannah , Khatra Omeet , Smirl Jonathan D.
Published: April 2020

Numerous studies have examined heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) variables during recovery both acutely (under 3 h) and long-term (24, 48, and 72 h) postexercise. However, there is little literature examining HRV and BRS measures between these timepoints. Spontaneous short-term HRV and cardiac BRS measures were collected in 9 participants before and at zero, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after 3 separate conditions: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE; 45 min at 50% heart rate reserve), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE; 25 min including ten 1-min intervals at 85% heart rate reserve), and control (30 min quiet rest). HRV measures in the time domain were only affected immediately following HIIE and MICE at hour zero (all p < 0.043), whereas frequency-domain metrics were unaltered (all p > 0.102). These measures were highly consistent across the control day (all p > 0.420). Cardiac BRS was assessed via low-frequency (LF) gain, and revealed reductions following HIIE at hour zero (p < 0.012). Cardiac BRS LF gain remained consistent following MICE and control interventions (all p > 0.280). The common practice of waiting 12 to 24 h is overly conservative as the current findings demonstrate measures return to baseline at ∼60 min after exercise. Moreover, these metrics demonstrated high levels of within- and between-day reliability.

Novelty Previously a 12-h minimum restriction from exercise was required before participation in HRV/BRS studies. Recovery from moderate-intensity exercise for HRV and BRS metrics was <60 min; whereas, high-intensity intervals led to alterations for approximately 60 min. Spontaneous HRV and cardiac BRS demonstrated high levels of within-day reproducibility.
Long baseline neutrino oscillation experiments with accelerators in Japan
Authors: Nakaya Tsuyoshi , Nishikawa Koichiro
Published: April 2020

The development of long baseline neutrino oscillation experiments with accelerators in Japan is reviewed. Accelerator experiments can optimize experimental conditions, such as the beam and the detector, as needed. The evidence of neutrino oscillations observed in atmospheric neutrinos was confirmed by the K2K experiment. The T2K experiment discovered the oscillation channel from a muon neutrino to an electron neutrino with the squared mass difference $$\varDelta m^2 \sim 2.5 \times 10^{-3}~\mathrm{eV}^2$$Δm2∼2.5×10-3eV2, and presents a full analysis with all three flavor states of both neutrinos and anti-neutrinos. The three mixing angles, which quantify the mixing of the three neutrino states, have been measured. They are large compared to those of quarks, especially the mixing of the second and third generation which is nearly maximal. The T2K experiment has an ongoing program producing new results, and recently has shown a hint of CP violation in neutrinos. Future generation long baseline neutrino experiments beyond T2K are expected to clarify the relationship between flavor and mass, as well as measure possible CP violation in neutrino oscillations.
Dynamics of quantum correlations in quantum teleportation
Authors: El Anouz K. , El Aouadi I. , El Allati A. , Mourabit T.
Published: April 2020

A scheme of quantum teleportation using Jaynes–Cummings model is proposed. It consists of using a partial entangled state generated from the interaction between a two-level atom and single mode of radiation field as a quantum channel. By controlling the number of photons inside cavity and detuning parameter, the dynamical evolution of quantum correlation and entanglement degree in terms of quantum discord and concurrence, respectively, in the nonresonance case are investigated. Moreover, a comparative study between the teleported entanglement, teleported quantum correlation and average fidelity shows a good similarity between their dynamical evolution. Consequently, we conclude that quantum discord may be considered as a good information source in quantum teleportation process.
Structural design of a broadband spiral nanoantenna for solar energy collection
Authors: Li Na , Xu Zhichao , Zhang Jin , Jin Fanji
Published: April 2020

In this research, a new design of spiral nanoantenna for solar energy harvesting was proposed and analyzed by using three-dimensional finite difference time-domain method. The structure of the proposed nanoantenna consisted of two Archimedean spiral arms integrated on a supporting substrate layer. The analysis included the radiation efficiencies, polarization, near-field characteristics and far-field patterns. The new nanoantenna considers the polarized characteristics of sunlight and has high total radiation efficiency of 74.49% within the broad wavelength range from 400 to 1600 nm, which are both superior to those of previously proposed linear antennas. Moreover, the same order of electric enhancement factor at the spiral gap was also obtained for different linearly polarized incident waves. Furthermore, the far-field characteristics of the proposed nanoantenna were studied for wide-angle reception.
Emergence of Middleware to Mitigate the Challenges of Multi-Cloud Solutions onto Mobile Devices
Authors: Ravi Nithya , Thangarathinam Mala
Published: April 2020

Cloud computing has invaded our lives so beautifully, that it is time to make cloud more productive. What makes Cloud computing novel is the possibility of an almost immediate resizing of resources on a pay-as-you-go usage model. With companies moving forward with various cloud initiatives, cloud consumers are discouraged from relinquishing their control of the infrastructure to the cloud providers. The rivalry among cloud providers to stay competitive in the market makes it necessary to lock-in its customers, and therefore customers cannot migrate easily to another due to non-interoperable APIs (Application Programming Interface), portability and migration issues. In addition, today’s cloud users are mobile devices and consuming a cloud service onto mobile device poses another set of risks. One way to handle this complexity is to devise an intermediary which can take care of the heterogeneity at the cloud and mobile level, and ensure a multi-cloud deployment of application by taking advantage of the best features from different vendors simultaneously. Thus, this paper is a sincere initiative to understand the problem beneath multi-cloud solutions and their embrace for the mobile world. Hence, the following paper begins with a broad coverage of existing work, gives an outline of a multi-cloud middleware, and discusses existing issues with API heterogeneity which is the prime point of concern in the vendor lock-in issue.
Computer-Aided Design of Microfluidic Circuits
Authors: Tsur Elishai Ezra
Published: April 2020

Microfluidic devices developed over the past decade feature greater intricacy, increased performance requirements, new materials, and innovative fabrication methods. Consequentially, new algorithmic and design approaches have been developed to introduce optimization and computer-aided design to microfluidic circuits: from conceptualization to specification, synthesis, realization, and refinement. The field includes the development of new description languages, optimization methods, benchmarks, and integrated design tools. Here, recent advancements are reviewed in the computer-aided design of flow-, droplet-, and paper-based microfluidics. A case study of the design of resistive microfluidic networks is discussed in detail. The review concludes with perspectives on the future of computer-aided microfluidics design, including the introduction of cloud computing, machine learning, new ideation processes, and hybrid optimization.
Elastin-Like Polypeptides for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Varanko Anastasia K. , Su Jonathan C. , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: April 2020

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are stimulus-responsive biopolymers derived from human elastin. Their unique properties—including lower critical solution temperature phase behavior and minimal immunogenicity—make them attractive materials for a variety of biomedical applications. ELPs also benefit from recombinant synthesis and genetically encoded design; these enable control over the molecular weight and precise incorporation of peptides and pharmacological agents into the sequence. Because their size and sequence are defined, ELPs benefit from exquisite control over their structure and function, qualities that cannot be matched by synthetic polymers. As such, ELPs have been engineered to assemble into unique architectures and display bioactive agents for a variety of applications. This review discusses the design and representative biomedical applications of ELPs, focusing primarily on their use in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
The Emerging Role of B Lymphocytes in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Adamo Luigi , Rocha-Resende Cibele , Mann Douglas L.
Published: April 2020

B cells are traditionally known for their ability to produce antibodies in the context of adaptive immune responses. However, over the last decade B cells have been increasingly recognized as modulators of both adaptive and innate immune responses, as well as players in an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Here, after briefly summarizing our current understanding of B cell biology, we present a systematic review of the literature from both animal models and human studies that highlight the important role that B lymphocytes play in cardiac and vascular disease. While many aspects of B cell biology in the vasculature and, to an even greater extent, in the heart remain unclear, B cells are emerging as key regulators of cardiovascular adaptation to injury.
Meningeal Immunity and Its Function in Maintenance of the Central Nervous System in Health and Disease
Authors: Alves de Lima Kalil , Rustenhoven Justin , Kipnis Jonathan
Published: April 2020

Neuroimmunology, albeit a relatively established discipline, has recently sparked numerous exciting findings on microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). This review addresses meningeal immunity, a less-studied aspect of neuroimmune interactions. The meninges, a triple layer of membranes—the pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater—surround the CNS, encompassing the cerebrospinal fluid produced by the choroid plexus epithelium. Unlike the adjacent brain parenchyma, the meninges contain a wide repertoire of immune cells. These constitute meningeal immunity, which is primarily concerned with immune surveillance of the CNS, and—according to recent evidence—also participates in postinjury CNS recovery, chronic neurodegenerative conditions, and even higher brain function. Meningeal immunity has recently come under the spotlight owing to the characterization of meningeal lymphatic vessels draining the CNS. Here, we review the current state of our understanding of meningeal immunity and its effects on healthy and diseased brains.
In Vivo CD4+T Cell Differentiation and Function: Revisiting the Th1/Th2 Paradigm
Authors: Ruterbusch Mikel , Pruner Kurt B. , Shehata Laila , Pepper Marion
Published: April 2020

The discovery of CD4+T cell subset–defining master transcription factors and framing of the Th1/Th2 paradigm ignited the CD4+T cell field. Advances in in vivo experimental systems, however, have revealed that more complex lineage-defining transcriptional networks direct CD4+T cell differentiation in the lymphoid organs and tissues. This review focuses on the layers of fate decisions that inform CD4+T cell differentiation in vivo. Cytokine production by antigen-presenting cells and other innate cells influences the CD4+T cell effector program [e.g., T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17]. Signals downstream of the T cell receptor influence whether individual clones bearing hallmarks of this effector program become T follicular helper cells, supporting development of B cells expressing specific antibody isotypes, or T effector cells, which activate microbicidal innate cells in tissues. These bifurcated, parallel axes allow CD4+T cells to augment their particular effector program and prevent disease.
Computational Social Science and Sociology
Authors: Edelmann Achim , Wolff Tom , Montagne Danielle , Bail Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

The integration of social science with computer science and engineering fields has produced a new area of study: computational social science. This field applies computational methods to novel sources of digital data such as social media, administrative records, and historical archives to develop theories of human behavior. We review the evolution of this field within sociology via bibliometric analysis and in-depth analysis of the following subfields where this new work is appearing most rapidly: ( a) social network analysis and group formation; ( b) collective behavior and political sociology; ( c) the sociology of knowledge; ( d) cultural sociology, social psychology, and emotions; ( e) the production of culture; ( f) economic sociology and organizations; and ( g) demography and population studies. Our review reveals that sociologists are not only at the center of cutting-edge research that addresses longstanding questions about human behavior but also developing new lines of inquiry about digital spaces as well. We conclude by discussing challenging new obstacles in the field, calling for increased attention to sociological theory, and identifying new areas where computational social science might be further integrated into mainstream sociology.
Decrease in SHP-1 enhances myometrium remodeling via FAK activation leading to labor
Authors: Chen Huai-Yan , Gao Ling-Tong , Yuan Jian-Qiang , Zhang Yu-Ji , Liu Pei , Wang Gang , Ni Xin , Liu Wei-Na , Gao Lu
Published: April 2020

Preterm birth is one of the most common complications during human pregnancy and is associated with a dramatic switch within the uterus from quiescence to contractility. However, the mechanisms underlying uterine remodeling are largely unknown. Protein kinases and phosphatases play critical roles in regulating the phosphorylation of proteins involved in the smooth muscle cell functions. In the present study, we found that Src-homology phosphatase type-1 (SHP-1, PTPN6) was significantly decreased in human myometrium in labor compared with that not in labor. Timed-pregnant mice injected intraperitoneally with the specific SHP-1 inhibitor protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor I (PTPI-1) manifested significantly preterm labor, with enriched plasmalemmal dense plaques between myometrial cells and increased phosphorylation at Tyr397 and Tyr576/577 sites of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in myometrial cells, which remained to the time of labor, whereas the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) showed a rapid increase upon PTPI-1 injection but fell back to normal at the time of labor. The Tyr576/577 in FAK played an important role in the interaction between FAK and SHP-1. Knockdown of SHP-1 dramatically increased the spontaneous contraction of human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs), which was reversed by coinfection of a FAK-knockdown lentivirus. PGF2α downregulated SHP-1 via PLCβ-PKC-NF-κB or PI3K-NF-κB pathways, suggesting the regenerative downregulation of SHP-1 enhances the uterine remodeling and plasticity by activating FAK and subsequent focal adhesion pathway, which eventually facilitates myometrium contraction and leads to labor. The study sheds new light on understanding of mechanisms that underlie the initiation of labor, and interventions for modulation of SHP-1 may provide a potential strategy for preventing preterm birth.
Dynamic glucose disposal is driven by reduced endogenous glucose production in response to voluntary wheel running: a stable isotope approach
Authors: Allerton Timothy D. , Kowalski Greg M. , Hang Hardy , Stephens Jacqueline
Published: April 2020

To resolve both the systems level and molecular mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced improvements in glucose tolerance, we sought to test the effect of voluntary wheel running exercise on postprandial glucose dynamics. We utilized a stable isotope-labeled oral glucose tolerance test (SI-OGTT) incorporating complementary deuterium glucose tracers at a 1:1 ratio (2-2H-glucose and 6–6 2H-glucose; 2g/kg lean body mass) to distinguish between endogenous glucose production (EGP) and whole-body glucose disposal. SI-OGTT was performed in C57BL/6J mice after 8 wk on a high-fat diet (HFD; 45% fat). Mice were then randomized to either a wheel-running cage ( n = 13, HFD Ex) or a normal cage ( n = 13, HFD Sed) while maintaining the HFD for 4 wk before performing a SI-OGTT. HFD Ex mice demonstrated improvements in whole blood glucose total area under the curve (AUC) that was attributed primarily to a reduction in EGP AUC. Serum insulin levels measured at 0 and 15 min post- glucose gavage were significantly elevated in the HFD Sed mice, whereas HFD Ex mice demonstrated the expected reduction in insulin at both time points. Overall, exercise improved hepatic insulin sensitivity by reducing postprandial EGP, but also increased whole-body glucose disposal. Finally, these results demonstrate the benefits of exercise on hepatic insulin sensitivity by combining a more physiological route of glucose administration (oral glucose) with the resolution of stable isotope tracers. These novel observations clearly demonstrate that SI-OGTT is a sensitive and cost-effective method to measure exercise adaptations in obese mice with as little as 2 µl of tail blood.
Effects of Rapid Water‐Level Fluctuations on the Stability of an Unsaturated Reservoir Bank Slope
Authors: Mao Jin-Zhu , Guo Jia , Fu Yong , Zhang Wei-Peng , Ding Ya-Nan
Published: April 2020

The instability of reservoir slope is likely to cause some severe natural hazards such as surge and barrier lake. In this study, the changes in seepage field and the distribution of the unsaturated zone of a reservoir bank slope subjected to rapid water‐level fluctuations are investigated using the finite element method. The stability analysis of a reservoir slope under water‐level fluctuation with a rate of 2 m/day is performed. The stability analysis is based on the theory of unsaturated soil mechanics and saturated‐unsaturated seepage and accounts for the hydromechanical coupling effect. The changes in shear stress and strain as well as pore water pressure due to rapid water‐level fluctuations are explicitly examined. Furthermore, the stability factor of safety, the underlying failure mechanism, and relevant influence factors are discussed. Based on the finite element analysis, it is found that the rapid loss of matrix suction would give rise to the surface landslide near the slope toe.