bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content validity of quality test instrument used for the user interface design of THK-ANEKA-based countenance evaluation application
Authors: Divayana D G H , Ariawan I P W , Adiarta A
Published: June 2020

The quality of the user interface design determines the success of the functionality of an application greatly. Therefore, the user interface design needs to be tested using a valid set of test instruments to obtain good quality. These valid instruments are obtained by performing instrument content validity. Considering that, this research intended to determine the content validity of test instrument that used to test the quality of user interface design the Countenance evaluation application based on the basic concept of Accountability, Nationalism, Public Ethics, Anti-Corruption (ANEKA) and Tri Hita Karana (THK). This research used an instrument development approach. Subjects that were involved in testing the validity of instrument content were two experts, consisting of an education evaluation expert and an informatics expert. The tool was used in data collection was a questionnaire consisting of 20 items related to the quality of the user interface design. The results showed the validity of the contents of the instruments was in the good category with a validity value of 0.75.
The effectiveness of using audio-visual media to improve student’s self-efficacy in fashion design course
Authors: Budhyani I D A M , Angendari M D , Sudirtha I G
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to: 1) determine the student’s self-efficacy in Fashion Design course, 2) describe the effectiveness of using audio-visual media in fashion design learning to improve the self-efficacy of students. This research was conducted on the third semester of students at Fashion Education Study Program in the academic year 2019/2020. This type of research is a Pre-Experiment with One-Shot Case Study design. This study involved one group of samples that using audio-visual media. The population in this study was all students in the third semester of Fashion Design Education Study Program consisted of 22 people. The determination of the sample in this study was carried out with a saturated sample technique in which all members of the population were used as samples. The data were collected through questionnaires to determine student’s self-efficacy. The results showed that 1) The self-efficacy of students in the Fashion Design course after the treatment was categorized high with the average score of 102.4; 2) There was an increase of student self-efficacy in Fashion Design course after given the treatment.
Optimal control of plant root tip dynamics in soil
Authors: Tedone Fabio , Del Dottore Emanuela , Palladino Michele , Mazzolai Barbara , Marcati Pierangelo
Published: June 2020

This paper aims to propose a novel approach to model the dynamics of objects that move within the soil, e.g. plants roots. One can assume that external forces are significant only at the tip of the roots, where the plant’s growth is actuated. We formulate an optimal control problem that minimises the energy spent by a growing root subject to physical constraints imposed by the surrounding soil at the tip. We study the motion strategy adopted by plant roots to facilitate penetration into the soil, which we hypothesize to be a circumnutation movement. By solving the proposed optimal control problem numerically, we validate the hypothesis that plant roots adopt a circumnutation motion pattern to reduce soil penetration resistance during growth. The proposed formalisation could be applied to replicate such a biological behaviour in robotic systems, to adopt the most efficient strategy for autonomous devices in soil exploration.
Climate change mitigation in cities: a systematic scoping of case studies
Authors: Sethi Mahendra , Lamb William , Minx Jan , Creutzig Felix
Published: June 2020

A growing number of researchers and stakeholders have started to address climate change from the bottom up: by devising scientific models, climate plans, low-carbon strategies and development policies with climate co-benefits. Little is known about the comparative characteristics of these interventions, including their relative efficacy, potentials and emissions reductions. A more systematic understanding is required to delineate the urban mitigation space and inform decision-making. Here, we utilize bibliometric methods and machine learning to meta-analyze 5635 urban case studies of climate change mitigation. We identify 867 studies that explicitly consider technological or policy instruments, and categorize these studies according to policy type, sector, abatement potential, and socio-technological composition to obtain a first heuristic of what is their pattern. Overall, we find 41 different urban solutions with an average GHG abatement potential ranging from 5.2% to 105%, most of them clustering in the building and transport sectors. More than three-fourth of the solutions are on demand side. Less than 10% of all studies were ex-post policy evaluations. Our results demonstrate that technology-oriented interventions in urban waste, transport and energy sectors have the highest marginal abatement potential, while system-wide interventions, e.g. urban form related measures have lower marginal abatement potential but wider scope. We also demonstrate that integrating measures across urban sectors realizes synergies in GHG emission reductions. Our results reveal a rich evidence of techno-policy choices that together enlarge the urban solutions space and augment actions currently considered in global assessments of climate mitigation.
Remarks on the thermodynamic stability of

TT̄

deformations
Authors: Barbón José L F , Rabinovici Eliezer
Published: June 2020

We point out that negative specific heat at high energies is a characteristic feature of many

T

T

̄

deformations, both in the original d = 2 case and in d = 1 quantum mechanical cousins. This paper is a contribution to the memorial volume in honor of P G O Freund.
Environmental monitoring using an unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Bezborodova O E , Vinogradova N A , Tertychnaya S V , Vinogradov O S , Kachan O B
Published: June 2020

The article discusses routing options for unmanned aerial vehicles during environmental monitoring to save battery power and minimize task execution time. It proposed an algorithm for environmental monitoring using an unmanned aerial vehicle. For its implementation, the authors developed and justified a network model of work. The article presents the results of network modelling for environmental monitoring in reconnaissance mode during the emergency case in the enterprise.
Prediction model of the efficacy and the implementation time of transportation intelligent systems
Authors: Chupin A. L. , Chupina Zh. S. , Morozova N. N. , Vorotyntseva T. M. , Levinskay E. V.
Published: June 2020

The article deals with a formalized model of the efficiency forecast based on the analysis of different models of the efficiency forecast and the implementation time of intelligent systems. This model is associated with mathematical counting of the future value of the process. This model is based on the representation of renewal and modernization in the form of a stochastic process. The mathematically-oriented understanding of this process is based on the sum of random variables, the result of which reflects the occurrence of events that lead to the failure of the implementation time of intelligent systems and the failures during modernization.
Modern effective technologies applied for constructing external walls
Authors: Gnezdilova O A , Kudryavtseva V A , Terenteva N Y
Published: June 2020

The development of the construction industry should be based on resource and energy-saving principles. The energy efficiency issue is being discussed at various levels, including the government one. The issue of energy saving technologies and structures is crucial for the construction industry, as they can reduce the amount of energy consumed and save money. One of the main components of the energy efficiency of buildings is thermal protection. In the construction industry, one of the simplest and most rational ways to save energy is to reduce heat losses through the building envelopes. One of the options for increasing the energy efficiency of building envelopes is effective heaters. It is difficult to choose materials and structural designs of supporting structures since they determine all other structural elements of the building. For Russia whose regions are located outside the climate control zone, energy efficiency issues are crucial. Currently, energy conservation is one of the government priorities. This is due to the shortage of basic energy resources, increasing energy production costs and global environmental problems.
Organizational and methodological aspects of improving the organization and operation of production processes
Authors: Mustafaev M G , Mustafaeva D G , Mustafaev G A
Published: June 2020

The issues of improving the efficiency of the operation and quality of the organization of production processes in the enterprise are considered. The company’s success is ensured by the creation of organizational and technical solutions at all levels of the organization of production processes to create competitive products, management, compliance with established requirements of production processes covering all stages of the product lifecycle and ensuring a level of product quality that can fully meet all consumer needs and expectations, have confidence that the quality of the products delivered will be stable and sustainable. The company’s quality system includes a set of organizational structure, processes, procedures and resources needed to implement overall quality management, with documented performance rules, forms and quality management practices that ensure that products meet the requirements, and its effective functioning ensures that problems are prevented rather than identified after they occur. Process management is systemic in nature by creating and understanding the network of processes, their consistency and interaction. Management of interconnected processes as a system contributes to the efficiency and efficiency of the company in achieving the intended results, and allows you to manage the relationships and interdependencies between the processes of the system.
Substantiation of butane-based air-gas mixture using for facilities gasification
Authors: Osipova N N , Grishin B M , Greysukh G I , Tarakanov O V
Published: June 2020

The features of the use of technical butane in gas supply systems are considered, cri-teria are established to ensure the presence of excess pressure in the tank. A mathematical model of temperature distribution on the reservoir contour has been developed, the tempera-tures of technical butane vapor have been calculated, in the presence of heat exchange elements of gas supply systems with the surrounding soil. The thickness of thermal insulation is justified to ensure an overpressure in the tank. The composition of the gas-air mixture, taking into ac-count the restrictions on the fluctuations in the Wobbe number, ensures the complete combus-tion of the mixture in gas-powered consumer installations.
Approach to the Composing the Practicum on Safety Systems
Authors: Plitsyna O V , Rogova T N
Published: June 2020

The practicum creates conditions for the controlled formation of important competences. Generalized practical lessons for master’s programs are promising. This paper proposes practicum concept in which the interest in abilities of certain safety means stimulates attention to the terms that cause difficulties. Questioning the master’s degree students in «Technosphere safety» revealed sustained interest in effective means of acoustic safety as well as difficulties with the terminology of fire safety. Prepared generalized practical lesson on acoustic safety contains the following: fire danger indicators introduced into reference data; automated calculations of sound insulation; developed assessment procedure. Results of the generalized practical lesson in the control group have confirmed both overcoming difficulties with the terminology of fire safety and increasing the degree of readiness for the expertise of projects
Impact of artificial intelligence and industrial automation on territorial development: strategic guidelines
Authors: Polusmakova Natalia , Glushchenko Marina
Published: June 2020

Automation and artificial intelligence become particularly relevant in the development of modern society that is focused on digitalization. The article considers the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the sectoral development of the Russian economy and society taking into account their potentials and prospects.
Features of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of legislation on specially protected natural territories in modern Russia
Authors: Solovyeva Natalya , Shinkaruk Vladimir , Fantrov Pavel , Kakhhorov Davlatali
Published: June 2020

One of the ways to protect natural territories is the obligation authority to carry out prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of environmental legislation which directly establishes the obligation of individual entities to exercise this type of control. However, this obligation is not duly enforced. It creates a situation where on the one hand, there are positive goals of the state in the field of environmental protection, on the other hand, the positive desire of the nature user to comply with the law, and it leads to a negative result. The issue to enforce the law in the field of environmental control has remained relevant for a long time, and each stage of reforming environmental legislation increase its importance. The article describes the subject, object, tasks and purpose of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of laws in the field of environmental safety and environmental management. So, the subject of prosecutorial supervision is the activity of prosecutors aimed at regulating public relations in implementing the law. The article classifies the subjects of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of legislation on the specially protected natural territories as supervised and non-supervised. The purpose of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of legislation on specially protected natural territories is to ensure the rule of law in the field of environmental safety and environmental management of specially protected natural territories. The authors divided the tasks of prosecutorial supervision in this area into general, special and private. The paper assesses the problems influencing the effectiveness of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of legislation on specially protected natural territories, which include: the imperfection of the legislative framework; inefficiency in management, control and cadastral registration of such territories; contradictions arising from the interaction and coordination of bodies that manage, protect and control specially protected natural territories with prosecution authorities. The authors offer recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of prosecutorial supervision over the implementation of legislation on specially protected natural territories.
Mathematical model for assessing environmental risk
Authors: Sukhorukova I V , Chistyakova N A
Published: June 2020

The article considers the urgent problem of assessing environmental risks. The problem of environmental protection is now becoming global. This is primarily due to the growth of industrial production and large-scale mining. To quantify damage, the concept of environmental insurance is introduced. This means that generally accepted insurance risks are directly applied in the field of environmental protection. In addition to the general formula for a comprehensive risk assessment to predict harmful environmental impacts, it would be natural to take into account the results of these impacts over time. In this study, the authors proposed more detailed mathematical models of risk factors. We got a calculated and analytical expression in which the probability of an insured event by risk factors varies with time. Examples of models for predicting harmful effects in the environment are given. In solving this problem, probabilistic mathematical models were used. The proposed methods and tools allow taking into account possible environmental risk factors at all stages of decision-making. This will allow in practice to avoid the occurrence of adverse economic consequences in the implementation of economic activity. This contributes to the prospects of implementing business strategies for integrating environmental requirements into their activities.
Formation of professional competencies of future builders in technical school
Authors: Vaganova O I , Smirnova Zh V , Kozlova O P , Vishnevetskaya N A , Prostov A V
Published: June 2020

The conditions of the modern labor market in the construction sector, the new technology in the construction industry, changes due to scientific and technological progress and the implementation of modern information technologies require special training of mid-career professionals. The society needs graduates who are ready to independent inclusion in production processes, who are able to solve life and professional tasks that they come across. It is necessary to update the content-technological support for the formation of professional competencies of future builders to a higher level because of the transition to competence-oriented training in the system of secondary vocational school. The authors have developed a model of professional competencies development to improve the training of builders within the framework of secondary vocational schools. The model can be realised in any construction college taking into account current requirements of Russian employers and the All-Russian Intersectoral Association of Employers “Russian Union of Builders” to the level of professional knowledge of a modern graduate of secondary vocational schools and training features of modern builders.
2D-Modeling for the temperature-composition dependent thermal-conductivity of AlmNn compounded semiconductor materials
Authors: Xu Yanan , Rana Mukti , Tanzy Matthew
Published: June 2020

The quantitative effect on the thermal conductivity of Aluminum Nitride(AlN) regarding to Al mole fraction and temperature has not been reported computationally. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the impact of Al mole fraction and temperature on the thermal conductivity of Al
m
N
n
numerically based on Boltzmann Transport equation by considering phonon scattering mechanisms. The theoretical thermal conductivity of Al
m
N
n
versus Al mole fraction and temperature is showed in this study. It is found that Point-defect and Umklapp scatterings are dominant scattering mechanisms for the thermal conductivity of Al
m
N
n
. The calculated thermal conductivity of Al
m
N
n
is verified through the comparison of experimental data versus Al mole fraction and temperature.
Effects of β grain-growth behaviors on lamellar structural evolution and mechanical properties of TC4–DT alloy
Authors: Dong Entao , Yu Wei , Cai Qingwu , Cheng Lei , Gong Gaoxiang
Published: June 2020

Grain-growth behaviors of TC4–DT alloy in a narrow temperature range (990 °C−1050 °C) were systematically investigated, and the effects of which on the lamellar structural evolution and mechanical properties were quantitatively evaluated. Microstructural observations indicated that prior β grain size increased with an increase in heat-treatment temperature and time, which was described by the modified Sellars model. The grain-growth exponent (n = 2.741) and activation energy (Q = 161.0 kJ mol−1) during β treatment were confirmed. The α colony size similar to β grain varied significantly with the heat-treatment conditions, while α plate thickness changed slightly. The Hall–Petch equation could qualitatively exhibit the relationships between the lamellar microstructure parameters (prior β grain size, α colony size, and α plate thickness) and mechanical properties (strength, ductility, and impact toughness). The fine prior β grain that contained different orientated α colonies produced more boundaries to hinder dislocation motion and crack propagation, which contributed a more circuitous crack growth path. The results indicated that the control of α colony size was critical to improve the mechanical performance of TC4–DT alloy.
Enhanced thermal conductivity for traditional epoxy packaging composites by constructing hybrid conductive network
Authors: Gao Cong , Shen Yucai , Wang Tingwei
Published: June 2020

A cost-efficient and practical strategy was developed for preparing high thermal conductive epoxy packaging composites. The effective conductive network was constructed by the bridging effect between boron nitride (BN) and spherical silica (SiO2). Compared to the epoxy (EP) composites with randomly dispersed BN and SiO2, the EP/SiO2@BN showed a great enhancement in thermal conduction. The thermal conductivity of EP/SiO2@BN reached to 0.86 W m−1 K−1 with 60 wt% content of hybrid filler, which was 91% higher than that of EP/SiO2 samples and was around 12% higher than that of epoxy composites with unmodified BN and SiO2. In addition, the EP/SiO2@BN exhibited lower thermal interface resistance in comparison with EP/SiO2&BN composites according to the effective medium theory (EMT). The encapsulation of BN on the surface of SiO2 greatly enhanced the thermal transfer efficiency of the epoxy matrix and showed great potential in the epoxy packaging practical application.
Scientific AI in materials science: a path to a sustainable and scalable paradigm
Authors: DeCost BL , Hattrick-Simpers JR , Trautt Z , Kusne AG , Campo E , Green ML
Published: June 2020

Recently there has been an ever-increasing trend in the use of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods by the materials science, condensed matter physics, and chemistry communities. This perspective article identifies key scientific, technical, and social opportunities that the materials community must prioritize to consistently develop and leverage Scientific AI (SciAI) to provide a credible path towards the advancement of current materials-limited technologies. Here we highlight the intersections of these opportunities with a series of proposed paths forward. The opportunities are roughly sorted from scientific/technical (e.g. development of robust, physically meaningful multiscale material representations) to social (e.g. promoting an AI-ready workforce). The proposed paths forward range from developing new infrastructure and capabilities to deploying them in industry and academia. We provide a brief introduction to AI in materials science and engineering, followed by detailed discussions of each of the opportunities and paths forward.
Transformative Learning in Field Education: Students Bridging the Theory/Practice Gap
Authors: Archer-Kuhn Beth , Samson Patricia , Damianakis Thecla , Barrett Betty , Matin Sumaiya , Ahern Christine
Published: June 2020

In a four-year, four cohort study utilising a series of six focus groups, forty Masters of Social Work students preparing to graduate defined their personal and professional experiences of transformation in their respective social work field education settings. Using an inductive thematic analysis, students highlighted four key themes in their transformative learning (TL) process: (i) defining the nature of disorienting dilemmas in field education; (ii) critical self-reflection, coping and moving through disorienting dilemmas; (iii) identifying the transformative outcomes in a field context; and (iv) facilitative factors to TL in field education. The findings illuminate the essential role of the field supervisor in creating ‘relationship’. The field supervisor/student relationship is the conduit to students’ deep learning, critical reflection, identity shifts and empathy supporting the student’s navigation through their disorientating moments towards transformative and meaningful outcomes. This study extends our understanding of the role of TL theory within experiential learning contexts and the feasibility of its use in the social work field education experience.
Cold stress protein RBM3 responds to hypothermia and is associated with good stroke outcome
Authors: Ávila-Gómez Paulo , Vieites-Prado Alba , Dopico-López Antonio , Bashir Saima , Fernández-Susavila Héctor , Gubern Carme , Pérez-Mato María , Correa-Paz Clara , Iglesias-Rey Ramón , Sobrino Tomás , Bustamante Alejandro , Wellmann Sven , Montaner Joan , Serena Joaquín , Castillo José , Hervella Pablo , Campos Francisco
Published: June 2020

RNA-binding motif protein 3 is a molecular marker of hypothermia that has proved neuroprotective in neurodegenerative disease models. However, its relationship to the well-recognized therapeutic effect of hypothermia in ischaemic stroke had not been studied. In this work, the expression of RNA-binding motif protein 3 was investigated in ischaemic animal models subjected to systemic and focal brain hypothermia, specifically the effects of RNA-binding motif protein 3 silencing and overexpression on ischaemic lesions. Moreover, the association of RNA-binding motif protein 3 levels with body temperature and clinical outcome was evaluated in two independent cohorts of acute ischaemic stroke patients (n = 215); these levels were also determined in a third cohort of 31 patients derived from the phase III EuroHYP-1 trial of therapeutic cooling in ischaemic stroke. The preclinical data confirmed the increase of brain RNA-binding motif protein 3 levels in ischaemic animals subjected to systemic and focal hypothermia; this increase was selectively higher in the cooled hemisphere of animals undergoing focal brain hypothermia, thus confirming the direct effect of hypothermia on RNA-binding motif protein 3 expression, while RNA-binding motif protein 3 up-regulation in ischaemic brain regions led to functional recovery. Clinically, patients with body temperature <37.5°C in the first two cohorts had higher RNA-binding motif protein 3 values at 24 h and good outcome at 3 months post-ischaemic stroke, while RNA-binding motif protein 3 levels in the cooled third cohort tended to exceed those in placebo-treated patients. These results make RNA-binding motif protein 3 a molecular marker associated with the effect of hypothermia in ischaemic stroke and suggest its potential application as a promising protective target.
Pandemic Planning in Homeless Shelters: A Pilot Study of a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Testing and Support Program to Mitigate the Risk of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Congregate Settings
Authors: O’Shea Timothy , Bodkin Claire , Mokashi Vaibhav , Beal Kerry , Wiwcharuk Jill , Lennox Robin , Guenter Dale , Smieja Marek , Bulir David , Chong Sylvia
Published: June 2020

We tested 104 residents and 141 staff for coronavirus disease 2019 who failed daily symptom screening in homeless shelters in Hamilton, Canada. We detected 1 resident (1%), 7 staff (5%), and 1 case of secondary spread. Shelter restructuring to allow physical distancing, testing, and isolation can decrease outbreaks in shelters.
Altered Immune Reconstitution in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Murray Daniel D , Zaunders John , Milliken Samuel T , Mee Ling Munier C , Ford Carole , Orla Morrissey C , Visweswaran Malini , Avery Sharon , Sasadeusz Joseph , Kwan John , Desai Shrinivas , Law Matthew , Koelsch Kersten K , Lewin Sharon R , Moore John , Kelleher Anthony D , Polizzotto Mark N
Published: June 2020

Background

Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at elevated risk of developing the malignant diseases that require allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Recent data suggest that these individuals are also at an elevated risk of certain complications post-ASCT. This risk may result from preexisting HIV-related factors affecting dynamics of immune reconstitution post-ASCT. However, to date, there has been little work describing the dynamics of immune reconstitution post-ASCT in persons with HIV and none comparing these data to controls without HIV.

Methods

We assessed T-cell reconstitution in 6 ASCT with HIV recipients (HIV+ASCT) compared to a control population of 21 ASCT without HIV recipients. In a subset of HIV+ASCT recipients we performed additional flow cytometry profiling of CD8+ T-cell subsets and antigen specificity of reconstituting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Results

We observe no difference in post-ASCT CD4+ T cells between HIV+ASCT and HIV-negative ASCT recipients, despite much lower pre-ASCT CD4+ T-cell counts in the HIV+ASCT group. In contrast, we observed significantly higher CD8+ T-cell numbers in the HIV+ASCT group post-ASCT. The reconstituting CD8+ T-cells were predominantly CD45RO+, whereas homing markers and antigen specificity of these cells varied between participants.

Conclusion

This study represents the most extensive characterization of immune-reconstitution post-ASCT in persons with HIV, and the first to our knowledge to compare these data to ASCT controls without HIV. The results indicate that immune reconstitution in this group can be affected by preexisting HIV infection and post-ASCT antigen exposure.
Conserved white-rot enzymatic mechanism for wood decay in the Basidiomycota genus Pycnoporus
Authors: Miyauchi Shingo , Hage Hayat , Drula Elodie , Lesage-Meessen Laurence , Berrin Jean-Guy , Navarro David , Favel Anne , Chaduli Delphine , Grisel Sacha , Haon Mireille , Piumi François , Levasseur Anthony , Lomascolo Anne , Ahrendt Steven , Barry Kerrie , LaButti Kurt M , Chevret Didier , Daum Chris , Mariette Jérôme , Klopp Christophe , Cullen Daniel , de Vries Ronald P , Gathman Allen C , Hainaut Matthieu , Henrissat Bernard , Hildén Kristiina S , Kües Ursula , Lilly Walt , Lipzen Anna , Mäkelä Miia R , Martinez Angel T , Morel-Rouhier Mélanie , Morin Emmanuelle , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Ram Arthur F J , Wösten Han A B , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco J , Riley Robert , Record Eric , Grigoriev Igor V , Rosso Marie-Noëlle
Published: June 2020

White-rot (WR) fungi are pivotal decomposers of dead organic matter in forest ecosystems and typically use a large array of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes to deconstruct lignocellulose. However, the extent of lignin and cellulose degradation may vary between species and wood type. Here, we combined comparative genomics, transcriptomics and secretome proteomics to identify conserved enzymatic signatures at the onset of wood-decaying activity within the Basidiomycota genus Pycnoporus. We observed a strong conservation in the genome structures and the repertoires of protein-coding genes across the four Pycnoporus species described to date, despite the species having distinct geographic distributions. We further analysed the early response of P. cinnabarinus, P. coccineus and P. sanguineus to diverse (ligno)-cellulosic substrates. We identified a conserved set of enzymes mobilized by the three species for breaking down cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. The co-occurrence in the exo-proteomes of H2O2-producing enzymes with H2O2-consuming enzymes was a common feature of the three species, although each enzymatic partner displayed independent transcriptional regulation. Finally, cellobiose dehydrogenase-coding genes were systematically co-regulated with at least one AA9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase gene, indicative of enzymatic synergy in vivo. This study highlights a conserved core white-rot fungal enzymatic mechanism behind the wood-decaying process.
Oral bacteria affect the gut microbiome and intestinal immunity
Authors: Kobayashi Ryoki , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Hashizume-Takizawa Tomomi , Kurita-Ochiai Tomoko
Published: June 2020

Recently, it has been suggested that the oral administration of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen for periodontal disease, induces dysbiosis of the mouse intestinal microbiota and affects intestinal barrier function. Since oral streptococci are the predominant oral bacterial group, we compared the effect of their oral administration on the intestinal tract compared to that of P. gingivalis. Swallowing oral bacteria caused gut dysbiosis, due to increased Bacteroides and Staphylococcus and decreased Lactobacillus spp. Furthermore, oral bacterial infection caused an increase in lactate and decreases in succinate and n-butyrate contents. In the small intestine, the decrease in Th17 cells was considered to be a result of oral bacterial infection, although the population of Treg cells remained unaffected. In addition, oral bacterial challenge increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and decreased the immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titer in feces. These results suggest that gut dysbiosis caused by oral bacteria may cause a decrease in Th17 cells and fecal IgA levels and an increase in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio, thereby promoting chronic inflammation.
Dementia is Associated With Poorer Quality of Care and Outcomes After Stroke: An Observational Study
Authors: Callisaya Michele L , Purvis Tara , Lawler Katherine , Brodtmann Amy , Cadilhac Dominique A , Kilkenny Monique F
Published: June 2020

Background

To determine whether preexisting dementia is associated with poorer quality of care and outcomes after stroke in the acute hospital phase.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of pooled data from the Australian Stroke Foundation national audit conducted in 2015 and 2017. Dementia status was obtained from the medical records. Processes of care to assess quality included: stroke unit care, time-dependent therapy, nursing/allied health assessments, and preparation for discharge. Outcomes included in-hospital complications, independence on discharge, and destination. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between dementia status and processes of care. Multilevel random effects logistic regression, with level defined as hospital, was used to examine associations between dementia status and outcomes.

Results

There were 683/7,070 (9.7%) audited patients with dementia included. Patients with dementia were less likely to be treated in stroke units (58.3% vs 70.6%), receive thrombolysis if an ischemic stroke (5.8% vs 11.1%), have access within 48 hours to physiotherapy (56.4% vs 69.7%) or occupational therapy (46.8% vs 55.6%), see a dietitian if problems with nutrition (64.4% vs 75.9%), or have mood assessed (2.6% vs 12.3%). Patients with dementia were more likely to receive no rehabilitation (adjusted odds ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.25, 2.83) and be discharged to residential care (adjusted odds ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.50, 3.72).

Conclusion

People with dementia received poorer quality of care and had worse outcomes after stroke. Our findings raise questions regarding equity and the need for better understanding of why the quality of care differs after stroke for people with dementia.
Endocytosis of Intestinal Tight Junction Proteins: In Time and Space
Authors: Nighot Prashant , Ma Thomas
Published: June 2020

Eukaryotic cells take up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding milieu and also internalize membrane proteins via a precise process of endocytosis. The role of endocytosis in diverse physiological processes such as cell adhesion, cell signaling, tissue remodeling, and healing is well recognized. The epithelial tight junctions (TJs), present at the apical lateral membrane, play a key role in cell adhesion and regulation of paracellular pathway. These vital functions of the TJ are achieved through the dynamic regulation of the presence of pore and barrier-forming proteins within the TJ complex on the plasma membrane. In response to various intracellular and extracellular clues, the TJ complexes are actively regulated by intracellular trafficking. The intracellular trafficking consists of endocytosis and recycling cargos to the plasma membrane or targeting them to the lysosomes for degradation. Increased intestinal TJ permeability is a pathological factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the TJ permeability could be increased due to the altered endocytosis or recycling of TJ proteins. This review discusses the current information on endocytosis of intestinal epithelial TJ proteins. The knowledge of the endocytic regulation of the epithelial TJ barrier will provide further understanding of pathogenesis and potential targets for IBD and a wide variety of human disease conditions.
Evidence that the Dorsal Velvet of Barn Owl Wing Feathers Decreases Rubbing Sounds during Flapping Flight
Authors: LePiane Krista , Clark Christopher J
Published: June 2020

Synopsis

Owls have specialized feather features hypothesized to reduce sound produced during flight. One of these features is the velvet, a structure composed of elongated filaments termed pennulae that project dorsally from the upper surface of wing and tail feathers. There are two hypotheses of how the velvet functions to reduce sound. According to the aerodynamic noise hypothesis, the velvet reduces sound produced by aerodynamic processes, such as turbulence development on the surface of the wing. Alternatively, under the structural noise hypothesis, the velvet reduces frictional noise produced when two feathers rub together. The aerodynamic noise hypothesis predicts impairing the velvet will increase aerodynamic flight sounds predominantly at low frequency, since turbulence formation predominantly generates low frequency sound; and that changes in sound levels will occur predominantly during the downstroke, when aerodynamic forces are greatest. Conversely, the frictional noise hypothesis predicts impairing the velvet will cause a broadband (i.e., across all frequencies) increase in flight sounds, since frictional sounds are broadband; and that changes in sound levels will occur during the upstroke, when the wing feathers rub against each other the most. Here, we tested these hypotheses by impairing with hairspray the velvet on inner wing feathers (P1-S4) of 13 live barn owls (Tyto alba) and measuring the sound produced between 0.1 and 16 kHz during flapping flight. Relative to control flights, impairing the velvet increased sound produced across the entire frequency range (i.e., the effect was broadband) and the upstroke increased more than the downstroke, such that the upstroke of manipulated birds was louder than the downstroke, supporting the frictional noise hypothesis. Our results suggest that a substantial amount of bird flight sound is produced by feathers rubbing against feathers during flapping flight.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Scientific Societies Meeting on Research Training Efforts: Summary of Recommendations to Address Early-Stage Investigators
Authors: Gaillard Shawn R , Strickland Paula S , Fenton Matthew J
Published: June 2020

A group of representatives from scientific societies and organizations met to discuss possible solutions for funding and retaining early-stage investigators in research that supports the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases research agenda. This article describes perspectives voiced during that meeting.
Screening of a Library of Recombinant Schistosoma mansoni Proteins With Sera From Murine and Human Controlled Infections Identifies Early Serological Markers
Authors: Crosnier Cécile , Hokke Cornelis H , Protasio Anna V , Brandt Cordelia , Rinaldi Gabriel , Langenberg Marijke C C , Clare Simon , Janse Jacqueline J , Wilson Shona , Berriman Matthew , Roestenberg Meta , Wright Gavin J
Published: June 2020

Background

Schistosomiasis is a major global health problem caused by blood-dwelling parasitic worms, which is currently tackled primarily by mass administration of the drug praziquantel. Appropriate drug treatment strategies are informed by diagnostics that establish the prevalence and intensity of infection, which, in regions of low transmission, should be highly sensitive.

Methods

To identify sensitive new serological markers of Schistosoma mansoni infections, we have compiled a recombinant protein library of parasite cell-surface and secreted proteins expressed in mammalian cells.

Results

Together with a time series of sera samples from volunteers experimentally infected with a defined number of male parasites, we probed this protein library to identify several markers that can detect primary infections with as low as 10 parasites and as early as 5 weeks postinfection.

Conclusions

These new markers could be further explored as valuable tools to detect ongoing and previous S mansoni infections, including in endemic regions where transmission is low.
ACE2 Expression Is Increased in the Lungs of Patients With Comorbidities Associated With Severe COVID-19
Authors: Pinto Bruna G G , Oliveira Antonio E R , Singh Youvika , Jimenez Leandro , Gonçalves Andre N A , Ogava Rodrigo L T , Creighton Rachel , Schatzmann Peron Jean Pierre , Nakaya Helder I
Published: June 2020

Patients who died from COVID-19 often had comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive lung disease. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 to bind and enter host cells, no study has systematically assessed the ACE2 expression in the lungs of patients with these diseases. Here, we analyzed over 700 lung transcriptome samples from patients with comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 and found that ACE2 was highly expressed in these patients compared to control individuals. This finding suggests that patients with such comorbidities may have higher chances of developing severe COVID-19. Correlation and network analyses revealed many potential regulators of ACE2 in the human lung, including genes related to histone modifications, such as HAT1, HDAC2, and KDM5B. Our systems biology approach offers a possible explanation for increased COVID-19 severity in patients with certain comorbidities.
The challenging pathway towards the identification of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 therapeutics
Authors: Siccardi Marco , Schapiro Jonathan , Di Perri Giovanni , Back David J
Published: June 2020

The development of therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19  faces numerous barriers and a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity is essential. Experimental and preclinical data should be integrated into a comprehensive analysis, where drug potency, the timing of therapy initiation, drug combinations, variability in systemic and local drug exposure and short- and long-term toxicities represent fundamental factors for the rational identification of candidates and prioritization of clinical investigations. Although the identification of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics is a priority, rigorous and transparent methodologies are crucial to ensure that accelerated research programmes result in high-quality and reproducible findings.
The synergistic effects of elevated temperature and CO2-induced ocean acidification reduce cardiac performance and increase disease susceptibility in subadult, female American lobsters Homarus americanus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae) from the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Harrington Amalia M , Harrington Robert J , Bouchard Deborah A , Hamlin Heather J
Published: June 2020

Increased greenhouse gas emissions have caused rapid ocean warming (OW) and reduced ocean pH via acidification (OA). Both OW and OA will likely impact marine crustaceans, but they are often examined in isolation. We conducted an environmental-stressor experiment to understand how exposure to current summer conditions (16 °C, pH 8.0), OW only (20 °C, pH 8.0), OA only (16 °C, pH 7.6), or both acidification and warming, OAW (20 °C, pH 7.6), differentially influence thermal physiology and immune response of female subadults of the American lobster, Homarus americanus H. Milne Edwards, 1837. Following a 42 d exposure, cardiac performance was assessed during an acute thermal stress, and lobsters were subjected to a subsequent 21 d pathogen challenge with the bacterium Aerococcus viridans var. homari, the causative agent of gaffkemia. Lobsters under OAW had significantly lower (P ≤ 0.02) Arrhenius break temperatures (ABT), an indicator of thermal limits of capacity, compared to lobsters exposed to all other treatments, suggesting these stressors act synergistically to reduce physiological performance. Individuals from the OW and OAW treatments also had significantly lower (P ≤ 0.035) total hemocyte counts (THCs), an indicator of immune response, and showed a reduced median time to death (by up to 5 d sooner) post A. viridans injection compared to lobsters exposed to current summer conditions. Moreover, nearly twice as many lobsters exposed to OAW lost at least one claw during the pathogen challenge compared to all other treatment groups, potentially increasing the risk of mortality due to secondary infection. Together, these results suggest that OAW will impact the physiology and immune response of subadult H. americanus, potentially influencing successful recruitment to the fishery.
Male Sex and the Risk of Childhood Cancer: The Mediating Effect of Birth Defects
Authors: Marcotte Erin L , Schraw Jeremy M , Desrosiers Tania A , Nembhard Wendy N , Langlois Peter H , Canfield Mark A , Meyer Robert E , Plon Sharon E , Lupo Philip J
Published: June 2020

Background

There is a persistent, unexplained disparity in sex ratio among childhood cancer cases, whereby males are more likely to develop most cancers. This male predominance is also seen for most birth defects, which are strongly associated with risk of childhood cancer. We conducted mediation analysis to estimate whether the increased risk of cancer among males is partially explained by birth defect status.

Methods

We used a population-based birth cohort with linked data from birth certificates, birth defects registries, and cancer registries from Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas. We conducted counterfactual mediation analysis to estimate the natural direct and indirect effects of sex on cancer risk, modeling birth defect status as mediator. State; birth year; plurality; and maternal race and ethnicity, age, and education were considered confounders. We conducted separate analyses limited to cancers diagnosed younger than 1 year of age.

Results

Our dataset included 10 181 074 children: 15 110 diagnosed with cancer, 539 567 diagnosed with birth defects, and 2124 co-occurring cases. Birth defect status mediated 38% of the association between sex and cancer overall. The proportion mediated varied by cancer type, including acute myeloid leukemia (93%), neuroblastoma (35%), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (6%). Among children younger than 1 year of age at cancer diagnosis, the proportion mediated was substantially higher (82%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that birth defects mediate a statistically significant proportion of the relationship between sex and childhood cancer. The proportion mediated varied by cancer type and diagnosis age. These findings improve our understanding of the causal pathway underlying male sex as a risk factor for childhood cancer.