bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From cyanobacteria to Archaeplastida: new evolutionary insights into PII signalling in the plant kingdom
Authors: Selim Khaled A. , Ermilova Elena , Forchhammer Karl
Published: February 2020

The PII superfamily consists of signal transduction proteins found in all domains of life. Canonical PII proteins sense the cellular energy state through the competitive binding of ATP and ADP, and carbon/nitrogen balance through 2‐oxoglutarate binding. The ancestor of Archaeplastida inherited its PII signal transduction protein from an ancestral cyanobacterial endosymbiont. Over the course of evolution, plant PII proteins acquired a glutamine‐sensing C‐terminal extension, subsequently present in all Chloroplastida PII proteins. The PII proteins of various algal strains (red, green and nonphotosynthetic algae) have been systematically investigated with respect to their sensory and regulatory properties. Comparisons of the PII proteins from different phyla of oxygenic phototrophs (cyanobacteria, red algae, Chlorophyta and higher plants) have yielded insights into their evolutionary conservation vs adaptive properties. The highly conserved role of the controlling enzyme of arginine biosynthesis, N‐acetyl‐l‐glutamate kinase (NAGK), as a main PII‐interactor has been demonstrated across oxygenic phototrophs of cyanobacteria and Archaeplastida. In addition, the PII signalling system of red algae has been identified as an evolutionary intermediate between that of Cyanobacteria and Chloroplastida. In this review, we consider recent advances in understanding metabolic signalling by PII proteins of the plant kingdom.
Restoration of Proximal Femoral Anatomy during Total Hip Arthroplasty for High Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Original Technique
Authors: Wu Kerong , Zhang Xianzuo , Chen Min , Shang Xifu
Published: February 2020

Objective

To introduce a modified osteotomy method for proximal femur reconstruction (PFR) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for high developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Method

A retrospective study was performed in a series of 24 patients (26 hips) with Crowe III/IV DDH who underwent THA and simultaneous PFR. We used an animated video to illustrate and help understand the procedure for this technique. Patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically with an average follow‐up of 31 months. The Harris hip score (HHS) was recorded preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

All patients achieved primary bone union. No revision was needed up to the latest follow‐up. One patient had a dislocation due to self‐fall and received manual reduction under general anesthesia. No patient had intraoperative femoral fractures, sciatic nerve injury, or infection. The mean HHS improved from 33.48 ± 9.06 preoperatively to 84.61 ± 4.78 immediately after surgery and 90.84 ± 4.96 at 12 months.

Conclusion

Proximal femur reconstruction is a simple and practical technique for femoral remolding during THA in patients with high DDH.
Development and Biomechanical Study of a New Open Dynamic Anterior Cervical Nail Plate System
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐feng , Zhao Yi‐bo , Lu Xiang‐dong , Wang Wen‐xuan , Qi De‐tai , Yang Xu , Wang Xiao‐nan , Zhou Run‐tian , Jin Yuan‐zhang , Zhao Bin
Published: February 2020

Objective

To develop a new type of open dynamic cervical spine system and study its biomechanical properties.

Methods

Ten fresh goat spine specimens were used in this study. Using high precision digital display grating displacement sensor system, a new type of open dynamic nail plate fixation was compared with Atlantis nail plate fixation in terms of the stability of cervical vertebrae, pull‐out strength, and fatigue strength.

Results

Biomechanical tests showed: (i) the new type of open dynamic cervical anterior nail plate system has similar three‐dimensional stability as the Atlantis nail plate system, and can ensure the stability of anterior cervical fixation surgery; (ii) the fatigue life and fatigue strength of this new open dynamic anterior cervical nail plate and Atlantis nail plate are similar, and can adequately maintain the cervical stability after anterior bone graft fusion, to ensure long‐term safety and efficacy of the nail plate system in the body; and (iii) the overall fixed performance of the new type of open dynamic cervical nail system is satisfactory.

Conclusion

The new type of open dynamic anterior cervical nail plate system has satisfactory biomechanical characteristics and cervical spine stability effect.
Changes in Cartilage and Subchondral Bone of Femoral Trochlear Groove After Patellectomy in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Lu Jiangfeng , Wang Chenghai , Li Faquan , Ji Gang , Wang Yanru , Wang Fei
Published: February 2020

Objective

To explore the effects of patellectomy on the bony and cartilaginous morphology of the trochlear groove in growing rabbits.

Methods

Forty‐eight 4‐week‐old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group underwent a sham surgical procedure, whereas the patellectomy group underwent patella excision surgery. Half of the rabbits in each group were sacrificed 3 months postoperatively; the rest were sacrificed 6 months postoperatively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on collected samples. Measurements included the bony and cartilaginous sulcus angles of the trochlear groove. In addition, the thickness of the articular cartilage at the deepest sulcus position (central thickness) and at the mid‐position of the medial and lateral facets was measured and compared between groups.

Results

Three months after surgery, histological images revealed significant differences between the control group and the patellectomy group in cartilaginous sulcus angle (144.2° ± 1.5° vs 151.9° ± 2.4°, respectively; P < 0.001). No obvious difference in bony sulcus angle was found between the groups. Six months after surgery, significant between‐group differences were observed in cartilaginous sulcus angle (136.3° ± 2.5° in control group vs 160.7° ± 3.0° in patellectomy group, P < 0.001) and bony sulcus angle (136.2° ± 2.2° in control group vs 160.4° ± 2.6° in patellectomy group, P < 0.001). However, there were no significant intra‐group differences between cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles in either group. Three months after surgery, significant between‐group differences were detected in articular cartilage thickness at the three different positions (medial facet: 324.3 ± 14.0 μm in control group vs 391.7 ± 98.8 μm in patellectomy group, P = 0.029; central position: 362.1 ± 13.6 μm in control group vs 730.3 ± 76.8 μm in patellectomy group, P < 0.001; lateral facet: 324.6 ± 12.7 μm in control group vs 358.5 ± 38.7 μm in patellectomy group, P = 0.009). No between‐group differences in cartilage thickness were found at 6 months.

Conclusions

Abnormal mechanical stress (patellectomy) during a rabbit's development can cause flattening of the femoral trochlear cartilage, followed by changes in the subchondral osseous layer. Abnormal mechanical stress is a crucial factor in the development of trochlear groove dysplasia.
Living Alone over the Life Course: Cross‐National Variations on an Emerging Issue
Authors: Esteve Albert , Reher David S. , Treviño Rocío , Zueras Pilar , Turu Anna
Published: February 2020

The increasing proportion of persons living alone has come to be emblematic in many ways of modern Western societies because it represents the importance conceded to the individual and to individual goals at the expense, basically, of the family. Solo living has been interpreted within the context of changing values and preferences, changing personal and conjugal realities, and the changing work contexts so often associated with the Second Demographic Transition. We know little about patterns and trends in living alone over the life course in much of the world because most research to date has concentrated on regional and national portrayals or on living arrangements in later life. This study provides a systematic look at the differences in living alone by age and sex in 113 countries. Our aim is to understand the extent to which behavior differs around the world and the implications this has for society. We also examine the relationship between trends in living alone and levels of human development. Results are taken from three massive datasets: census and survey microdata from IPUMS‐international, Demographic Health Surveys, and EU‐Labor Force Surveys.
Exploring BODIPY Derivatives as Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizers for PDT
Authors: Prieto‐Montero Ruth , Prieto‐Castañeda Alejandro , Sola‐Llano Rebeca , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , García‐Fresnadillo David , López‐Arbeloa Iñigo , Villanueva Angeles , Ortiz María J. , de la Moya Santiago , Martínez‐Martínez Virginia
Published: February 2020

This minireview is devoted to honoring the memory of Dr. Thomas Dougherty, a pioneer of modern photodynamic therapy (PDT). It compiles the most important inputs made by our research group since 2012 in the development of new photosensitizers based on BODIPY chromophore which, thanks to the rich BODIPY chemistry, allows a finely tuned design of the photophysical properties of this family of dyes to serve as efficient photosensitizers for the generation of singlet oxygen. These two factors, photophysical tuning and workable chemistry, have turned BODIPY chromophore as one of the most promising dyes for the development of improved photosensitizers for PDT. In this line, this minireview is mainly related to the establishment of chemical methods and structural designs for enabling efficient singlet oxygen generation in BODIPYs. The approaches include the incorporation of heavy atoms, such as halogens (iodine or bromine) in different number and positions on the BODIPY scaffold, and also transition metal atoms, by their complexation with Ir(III) center, for instance. On the other hand, low‐toxicity approaches, without involving heavy metals, have been developed by preparing several orthogonal BODIPY dimers with different substitution patterns. The advantages and drawbacks of all these diverse molecular designs based on BODIPY structural framework are described.
Phylogenetic diversity is a better predictor of wetland community resistance toAlternanthera philoxeroidesinvasion than species richness
Authors: Qin T.‐J. , Zhou J. , Sun Y. , Müller‐Schärer H. , Luo F.‐L. , Dong B.‐C. , Li H.‐L. , Yu F.‐H.
Published: February 2020

Highly biodiversity communities have been shown to better resist plant invasions through complementarity effects. Species richness (SR) is a widely used biodiversity metric but lacks explanatory power when there are only a few species. Communities with low SR can have a wide variety of phylogenetic diversities (PD), which might allow for a better prediction of invasibility.

We assessed the effect of diversity reduction of a wetland community assemblage typical of the Beijing area on biotic resistance to invasion of the exotic weedAlternanthera philoxeroidesand compared the reduction in SR and PD in predicting community invasibility.

The eight studied resident species performed similarly when grown alone and when grown in eight‐species communities together with the invasiveA. philoxeroides.Variation partitioning showed that PD contributed more to variation in bothA. philoxeroidestraits and community indicators than SR. AllA. philoxeroidestraits and community indicators, except for evenness index, showed a linear relationship with PD. However, only stem length ofA. philoxeroidesdiffered between the one‐ and two‐species treatments, and the diversity index of the communities differed between the one‐ and two‐species treatments and between the one‐ and four‐species treatments.

Our results showed that in natural or semi‐natural wetlands with relatively low SR, PD may be a better predictor of invasibility than SR. When designing management strategies for mitigatingA. philoxeroidesinvasion, deliberately raising PD is expected to be more efficient than simply increasing species number.
The Origins of Conflict in Polycentric Governance Systems
Authors: Lubell Mark , Mewhirter Jack , Berardo Ramiro
Published: February 2020

Natural resources are governed by polycentric systems, which can be conceptualized as an “ecology of games” in which policy actors participate in multiple policy forums governing interdependent issues. This article analyzes why actors perceive different payoffs across the forums in which they participate, ranging from mutually beneficial games of cooperation to conflictual zero‐sum games in which one actor's gain means another actor's loss. The authors develop hypotheses at the level of the individual, the forum, and the overall polycentric system and test them using survey data collected in three research sites: Tampa Bay, Florida; the Paraná River delta, Argentina; and the Sacramento–San Joaquin River delta, California. The empirical findings suggest that levels of conflict in policy forums are higher when the actors who participate in them are concerned with hot‐button issues, when the forums have large and diverse memberships, and in systems with a long history of conflict. The results shed new light on the drivers of conflict and cooperation in complex governance systems and suggest ways to manage conflict.
Different amounts of sugarcane trash left on the soil: Effects on microbial and enzymatic indicators in a short‐term experiment
Authors: Vieira Rosana Faria , Ramos Nilza P. , Pazianotto Ricardo Antônio A.
Published: February 2020

When using mechanical harvesting, the sugarcane trash can be partially recovered for use as feedstock for bioenergy. However, the amount of trash that can be removed without prejudicing the sustainability of the sugarcane production system has still been little studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term impact of removing part of the sugarcane trash using enzymatic and microbiological soil quality indicators. We tested three rates of trash removal: 0% (T0), 50% (T50) and 100% (T100). The microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic), β‐glucosidase activity (GA) and the ratios Cmic as a per cent of Ctot and Nmic as a per cent of Ntot were highest for T100. The urease activity decreased with an increase in trash removal. The specific activity of β‐glucosidase did not differ between the treatments, while the specific activity of urease showed the same pattern as the absolute activity. The metabolic quotients (qCO2) were higher for T50 and T100 with no significant difference between them. The principal component analysis showed that the first component, which explained 77.66% of the total variance, was significantly correlated with Nmic, basal respiration and GA and discriminated the three treatments. The results showed that the removal of part of the trash adversely affected some of the soil quality attributes. This suggests the need for monitoring over a period of years in sugarcane areas where part of the trash is removed for industrial purposes, in order to better understand the cumulative impact on soil quality and to ensure the sustainability of bioenergy production.
Twelve new HLA class I alleles described in the Spanish population
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel A. , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: February 2020

Twelve new HLA class I alleles were characterized in the Spanish population.
Successful management of clinical signs associated with hepatic encephalopathy with manual therapeutic plasma exchange in a dog
Authors: Culler Christine A. , Reinhardt Alyx , Vigani Alessio
Published: February 2020

Objective

To describe the use of manual therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to manage hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in a dog.

Case summary

A 9‐year‐old neutered female Dachshund presented for HE secondary to a previously diagnosed portosystemic shunt. The hyperammonemia and severe clinical signs of HE persisted despite extensive medical management. Therapeutic plasma exchange was performed for stabilization prior to surgical shunt ligation. A total of 1 plasma volume was processed during a single manual TPE session. The ammonia immediately prior to TPE was 235 μmol/L (reference interval, 10‐30 μmol/L) and decreased to 117 μmol/L by the end of the session. The dog showed significant improvement in clinical signs shortly after the session and remained stable thereafter. Shunt ligation was performed 5 days later with no complications observed with TPE or postoperatively. The dog was discharged 3 days after surgery with no neurological signs and was doing well 100 days after surgery.

New or unique information provided

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published report of manual TPE to manage HE in veterinary medicine. Therapeutic plasma exchange should be further investigated as a possible strategy to manage clinical signs of HE in patients that are refractory to medical management. Achieving this with manual TPE may be considered in patients that are too small for conventional TPE due to extracorporeal volume or in situations where conventional TPE is not available.
Retrospective evaluation of the induction of emesis with apomorphine as treatment for gastric foreign bodies in dogs (2010‐2014): 61 cases
Authors: Zersen Kristin M. , Peterson Nathan , Bergman Philip J.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine the success rate and complications associated with inducing emesis in dogs that have ingested foreign material.

Design

Retrospective case series, 2010–2014.

Setting

Private practice and referral center.

Animals

Sixty‐one client‐owned dogs that had emesis induced for the treatment of ingestion of foreign material.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Emesis was successfully induced in 59 of 61 (97%) dogs administered an emetic. Of those 59 dogs, 46 (78%) produced the foreign body. There were no complications reported in any of the dogs in which emesis was successfully induced. Dogs in which emesis was successfully induced were likely to produce the foreign body (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, emesis appears to be a safe and effective means for the removal of certain gastric foreign bodies in dogs.
Successful xenotransfusion in a domestic ferret with spontaneous hemoperitoneum using feline packed red blood cells
Authors: Bell Amy L. , Gladden Jay N. , Graham Jennifer E.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To describe the diagnosis, management, and outcome of a ferret with spontaneous hemoperitoneum with surgical intervention and xenotransfusion of type A feline packed red blood cells (pRBCs).

Case Summary

A domestic ferret diagnosed with a spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to a hepatic mass received isotonic crystalloids, hypertonic saline, and an allogenic blood transfusion perioperatively. Postoperatively, the ferret developed progressive anemia and tachycardia refractory to fluid therapy and, given a lack of additional allogenic blood sources, received a xenotransfusion of feline pRBCs. The ferret was hospitalized for 4 days postoperatively and developed a presumed delayed transfusion reaction characterized by transient hyperbilirubinemia. At a 6‐month recheck, the ferret was doing well clinically.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first reported case of successful xenotransfusion of feline pRBCs in a ferret. Although xenotransfusion of ferrets with feline blood products is not recommended as a routine procedure, it remains a viable option in critical situations in which ferret blood is unavailable.
Resolution of caval syndrome during initial hemodynamic stabilization in dogs with heartworm disease
Authors: Pariaut Romain , Jung Seung Woo , Vila Jorge , Newhard Daniel K.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To report on the spontaneous resolution of caval syndrome in 5 dogs selected for their response to medical stabilization prior to scheduled heartworm extraction.

Series summary

Five dogs with heartworm caval syndrome were treated with sildenafil, fluid, and supplemental oxygen therapy. Moreover, 4 of 5 dogs were also administered pimobendan to achieve hemodynamic stabilization in preparation for percutaneous heartworm extraction. Spontaneous heartworm migration back into the pulmonary arteries was detected from 2 h to 5 days after treatment initiation.

Unique information provided

Unanticipated spontaneous resolution of caval syndrome was documented in a low number of dogs after initiation of a patient stabilization protocol aiming at improving right ventricular hemodynamics and reducing pulmonary artery pressure prior to scheduled heartworm extraction. At this time, it is unknown if intervention to improve the hemodynamic status of the animal prior to heartworm extraction improves procedure outcome, and which factors contributed to the migration of the heartworms back into the pulmonary arteries in these selected cases. Therefore, this approach cannot be recommended in place of current recommendations for treatment of caval syndrome.
Translingual practices at a Shanghai university
Authors: Song Yang , Lin Angel M. Y.
Published: February 2020

The present study examines translingual practices among students enrolled in international English‐medium instruction (EMI) Master's degree programmes in a top‐rated comprehensive university in Shanghai, China. Ethnographic observations across urban/institutional spaces and social media as well as in‐depth student interviews converge to reveal that while English has been used as a lingua franca for disciplinary teaching, learning, and navigation of everyday life, students have been engaged in translingual practices (1) to understand and create meaning out of intercultural experiences in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, and (2) to negotiate epistemic frameworks as contextualized in both the institutional student management setting and the global politics of discipline‐specific knowledge production. This article is hence aimed at expanding the scope of translingual research to include critical inquiry into the role of English as a lingua franca in students’ transcultural/trans‐epistemic experiences in EMI programmes in the context of internationalization of higher education.
IMPROVING EVOLUTION ADVOCACY: TRANSLATING VACCINE INTERVENTIONS TO THE EVOLUTION WARS
Authors: Aechtner Thomas
Published: February 2020

When considering the persuasive characteristics and prospective influences of Darwin‐skeptic mass media, uncertainties remain about how to reciprocally promote evolutionary theory to skeptical audiences. This study aims to improve evolution advocacy by translating some of the most successful methods of science endorsement to Evolution Wars contexts. In particular, strategies used to address vaccine hesitancies and enhance immunization uptake policies are reinterpreted for those seeking to improve pro‐evolution communications to religious publics. What results are three recommendation categories described as General Guiding Principles, Proximate Interventions, and Auxiliary Interventions.
SOCIAL RESEARCH ON SCIENCE AND RELIGION IN NORDIC COUNTRIES
Authors: Vuolanto Pia , Nissilä Paula , Qadir Ali
Published: February 2020

This article presents a review of the literature on science and religion in Nordic countries. Seventy‐seven articles, books, and chapters on the topic were collected from five major scholarly databases between 1997 and 2018. We scrutinized how research in this data set was engaged with social scientific research. Most of the research was not social scientific. It was primarily philosophical, theological, and historical research; very little presented empirical and theoretical social scientific research. The studies reflected societal discussions, bringing out some cultural dimensions and social issues, but not specifically in the Nordic context. Some societal aspects were highlighted, such as ethics and climate change, but these were not necessarily tied to the Nordic societies. We propose that in the Nordic context there seems to be a need for social scientific research on science and religion. This research could use theoretical perspectives from, for instance, sociology, science and technology studies, higher education studies, and anthropological research.
Whose Archaeological Site Is It? The public's involvement in the caretaking and opening of archaeological sites in Switzerland
Authors: Dunning Thierstein Cynthia
Published: February 2020

This article presents the roles of associations in the caretaking and presentation of archaeological sites and museums in Switzerland. These very popular non-governmental non-profit organisations can help the State agencies to ensure the preservation of archaeological sites under their control. However, a few challenges have to be solved to render the work of these institutions viable for the future.
Cet article présente le rôle des associations dans l'entretien et la présentation des sites archéologiques et des musées en Suisse. Ces organisations non gouvernementales à but non lucratif très populaires peuvent aider les services de l'Etat à développer la préservation des sites archéologiques sous leur responsabilité. Cependant, il reste encore quelques défis à relever pour rendre le travail de ces institutions viable pour l'avenir.
Dieser Artikel stellt die Rolle von Vereinen bei der Pflege und Präsentation von archäologischen Fundstellen Museen in der Schweiz vor. Diese sehr beliebten nichtstaatlichen gemeinnützigen Organisationen können den Behörden helfen, die Erhaltung archäologischer Fundstätten unter ihrer Kontrolle zu fördern. Dennoch müssen einige Herausforderungen gelöst werden, um die Arbeit dieser Institutionen zukunftsfähig zu machen.
Management of Isolated Islands: The example of Sceilg Mhichíl, Ireland
Authors: Bourke Edward
Published: February 2020

The island of Skellig Michael (in Irish, Sceilg Mhichíl) lies 11.6km off the westernmost tip of the Iveragh peninsula, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The island is approximately 21.9 hectares in area. It is owned by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on behalf of the Irish people, with the exception of the lower (working) lighthouse and its curtilage, the helipad and adjacent store. Skellig Michael is primarily managed as a National Monument in state ownership. The entire island was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 in recognition of the outstanding universal significance of its cultural landscape and the importance of its protection to the highest international standards. As well as the World Heritage Site, the rocks are home to gannets, puffins, storm petrels and many other birds. Owing to its ornithological importance, Skellig Michael is also designated as a Statutory Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area, and is a proposed Natural Heritage Area. As an Atlantic island situated a significant distance from the mainland, the management of the site, in terms of protection, conservation and providing a guide service, comes with many unusual and unique challenges.
Description of the Flow in a Two-Stage Low-Pressure Turbine With Hub Cavities
Authors: Fiore Maxime , Gourdain Nicolas , Boussuge Jean-François , Lippinois Eric
Published: February 2020

In gas turbine, multi-stage row blading and technological effects can exhibit significant differences for the flow compared with isolated smooth blade rows. Upstream stages promote a non-uniform flow field at the inlet of the downstream rows that may have large effects on mixing or boundary layer transition processes. The rows of current turbines (and compressors) are already very closely spaced. Axial gaps between adjacent rows of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 of the axial blade chord are common practice. Future designs with higher loading and lower aspect ratios, i.e., fewer and bigger blades, and the ever present aim at minimizing engine length or compactness, will aggravate this condition even further. Interaction between cascade rows will therefore keep increasing and need to be taken into account in loss generation estimation. Also the cavities at hub platform induce purge flow blowing into main annulus and additional losses for the turbine. A robust method to account for the loss generated due to these different phenomena needs to be used. The notion of exergy (energy in the purpose to generate work) provides a general framework to deal with the different transfers of energy between the flow and the gas turbine. This study investigates the flow in a two-stage configuration representative of a low-pressure turbine including hub cavities based on large eddy simulation (LES). A description of the flow in the cavities, the main annulus, and at rim seal interface is proposed. The assessment of loss generated in the configuration is proposed based on an exergy analysis. The study of losses restricted to boundary layer contributions and secondary flows show the interaction processes of secondary vortices and wake generated in upstream rows on the flow in downstream rows.
Uranium fission and plutonium production in the undergraduate lab
Authors: van Willigen Jos , Loman Casper , Thibaudier Pjotr , Fokkema David B. R. A. , Hijmans Tom W.
Published: February 2020

An experiment in which the fission of uranium-238 upon bombardment with neutrons is demonstrated in the context of an undergraduate lab course. The occurrence of fission is shown by means of gamma spectroscopy which reveals the presence of the fission product strontium-92. In addition, we also investigate the reaction in which plutonium-239 is formed after neutron activation of the uranium, with neptunium-239 as an intermediary step. From the gamma spectra, it is found that both reactions are demonstrated with a significance of more than 5σ. For the fission reaction, a cross section of (2.8±1.4)×10−2 barn is inferred.
Misconceptions about gyroscopic stabilization
Authors: Müller Patric , Sack Achim , Pöschel Thorsten
Published: February 2020

A spinning gyroscope resists small torques in directions perpendicular to its axis, that is, the angular orientation of a body rigidly attached to a gyroscope is stable against rotation around certain axes. Since the angular orientation of a body is described by three angles (e.g., Euler angles), one might conclude that it is possible to stabilize the orientation of an object against rotation using a combination of three gyroscopes spinning around non-collinear axes. We perform experiments under conditions of weightlessness to demonstrate that systems of coupled gyroscopes cannot arrest the angular orientation of free-floating objects, in contradiction to a widespread myth about gyroscopic stabilization, based on the above arguments.
Key biology you should have learned in physics class: Using ideal-gas mixtures to understand biomolecular machines
Authors: Zuckerman Daniel M.
Published: February 2020

The biological cell exhibits a fantastic range of behaviors, but ultimately, these are governed by a handful of physical and chemical principles. Here, we explore a simple theory, known for decades and based on the simple thermodynamics of mixtures of ideal gases, that illuminates several key functions performed within the cell. Our focus is the free-energy-driven import and export of molecules, such as nutrients and other vital compounds, via transporter proteins. Complementary to a thermodynamic picture is a description of transporters via “mass-action” chemical kinetics, which lends further insights into biological machinery and free energy use. Both thermodynamic and kinetic descriptions can shed light on the fundamental non-equilibrium aspects of transport. On the whole, our biochemical-physics discussion will remain agnostic to chemical details, but we will see how such details ultimately enter a physical description through the example of the cellular fuel ATP.
Top Rated on Five Networks—and Nearly as Many Devices: The NFL, Social TV, Fantasy Sport, and the Ever-Present Second Screen
Authors: Billings Andrew C. , Lewis Melvin , Brown Kenon A. , Xu Qingru
Published: February 2020

A national sample of 393 NFL (National Football League [professional]) fans were surveyed about their use of ancillary devices when consuming NFL media products. Results indicate that male, younger, and highly educated participants were more likely to use second-screen options. Such second-screen activities were just as likely to be used for distraction (multitasking other content not related to the NFL) as for enhancement (bolstering NFL consumption with other NFL-related content). Moreover, the more participants used second screens for multitasking and distracting purposes, the more they felt that second-screening helped build, interact, and maintain vast social networks; advanced social interactions among their social groups for a shared purpose; and made them feel psychologically present among other people. Fantasy-sport participation was also found to be a relevant predictor of second-screen use.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Performance-Profile Intervention With College Dancers
Authors: Castillo Elmer A. , Chow Graig M.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the impact of a revised performance-profile (PP) intervention on college dancers’ self-awareness and behavior-change levels. The secondary aim was to assess dancers’ perceptions of the benefits and future use of the revised-PP technique. Forty-four dancers were randomly allocated to a revised-PP condition or a didactic-PP condition to examine the pre–post impacts of a single PP intervention on the outcome measures. Results revealed significant differences in the pre–postintervention self-awareness scores between conditions, with a significant increase in the revised-PP condition and a decrease in the didactic-PP condition. There was no significant difference in pre–post behavior scores between the experimental and active-control conditions. Revised-PP participants indicated that the intervention provided several benefits and that they were highly likely to use their individual PPs again in the future.
Etymology of the elements
Antimony, Gold, and Jupiter's Wolf: How the Elements Were Named
Peter Wothers
Oxford University Press, 2020. 304 pp.
Authors: Pohl Nicola
Published: February 2020

Charming anecdotes and historical diversions come to life in tales of how the chemical elements were named
Recording waves, reading minds
Electric Brain
R. Douglas Fields
BenBella Books, 2020. 480 pp.
Authors: James Cyan
Published: February 2020

A neuroscientist confronts the history and future of our quest to understand electricity's role in brain function
Smaller, greener, better
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: February 2020

During my 15 years riding on the administrative Tilt-a-Whirl, I was a no-show at scientific conferences. Prior to that, during my faculty years, my go-to conferences were the national American Chemical Society meetings and Gordon Research Conferences—especially Metals in Biology, which is in January in Ventura, California. This past January, I went back to Ventura after a 15-year hiatus. A lot of things struck me about how things have changed—mostly for the better—and how some things have stayed the same. One thing that is increasingly on peoples' minds is the future of scientific meetings.
The Antifungal Drug Isavuconazole Is both Amebicidal and Cysticidal against Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Shing Brian , Singh Seema , Podust Larissa M. , McKerrow James H. , Debnath Anjan
Published: February 2020

Current treatments for
Acanthamoeba
keratitis rely on a combination of chlorhexidine gluconate, propamidine isethionate, and polyhexamethylene biguanide. These disinfectants are nonspecific and inherently toxic, which limits their effectiveness. Furthermore, in 10% of cases, recurrent infection ensues due to the difficulty in killing both trophozoites and double-walled cysts. Therefore, development of efficient, safe, and target-specific drugs which are capable of preventing recurrent
Acanthamoeba
infection is a critical unmet need for averting blindness.
IRF5 Promotes Influenza Virus-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Myeloid Cells and Murine Models
Authors: Forbester Jessica L. , Clement Mathew , Wellington Dannielle , Yeung Amy , Dimonte Sandra , Marsden Morgan , Chapman Lucy , Coomber Eve L. , Tolley Charlotte , Lees Emily , Hale Christine , Clare Simon , Udalova Irina , Dong Tao , Dougan Gordon , Humphreys Ian R.
Published: February 2020

The inflammatory response to influenza A virus (IAV) participates in infection control but contributes to disease severity. After viral detection, intracellular pathways are activated, initiating cytokine production, but these pathways are incompletely understood. We show that interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) mediates IAV-induced inflammation and, in mice, drives pathology. This was independent of antiviral type 1 IFN and virus replication, implying that IRF5 could be specifically targeted to treat influenza virus-induced inflammation. We show for the first time that human iPSC technology can be exploited in genetic studies of virus-induced immune responses. Using this technology, we deleted IRF5 in human myeloid cells. These IRF5-deficient cells exhibited impaired influenza virus-induced cytokine production and revealed that IRF5 acts downstream of Toll-like receptor 7 and possibly retinoic acid-inducible gene I. Our data demonstrate the importance of IRF5 in influenza virus-induced inflammation, suggesting that genetic variation in the IRF5 gene may influence host susceptibility to viral diseases.
A Bivalent, Spherical Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Enhances Breadth of Immune Responses against Pathogenic Ebola Viruses in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Singh Karnail , Marasini Bishal , Chen Xuemin , Ding Lingmei , Wang Jaang-Jiun , Xiao Peng , Villinger Francois , Spearman Paul
Published: February 2020

Ebola outbreaks result in significant morbidity and mortality in affected countries. Although several leading candidate Ebola vaccines have been developed and advanced in clinical testing, additional vaccine candidates may be needed to provide protection against different Ebola species and to extend the durability of protection. A novel approach demonstrated here is to express two genetically diverse glycoproteins on a spherical core, generating a vaccine that can broaden immune responses against known pathogenic Ebola viruses. This approach provides a new method to broaden and potentially extend protective immune responses against Ebola viruses.
Thyroid function in preterm infants and neurodevelopment at 2 years
Authors: Williams Fiona L R , Lindgren Alice , Watson Jennifer , Boelen Anita , Cheetham Timothy
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Postnatal thyroid dysfunction is common in preterm infants but the relationship between mild dysfunction and neurodevelopment is unclear. Our aim is to describe the relationship between thyroid function and neurodevelopment.

Design

Cohort analysis.

Patients

1275 infants born under 31 weeks’ gestation; there were no exclusion criteria.

Setting

The infants were part of a UK daily iodine supplementation trial.

Main outcomes

Thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid-binding globulin and total thyroxine levels were measured in dried blood spots on postnatal days 7, 14, 28 and the equivalent of 34 weeks’ gestation. Neurodevelopment was measured using the Bayley-III Scales of infant development at 2 years of age.

Results

No infant was identified as hypothyroid through routine screening. The 3% of infants consistently in the top decile of gestationally age-adjusted thyroid-stimulating hormone levels had a reduction in cognitive score of 7 Bayley units when compared with those not in the top decile (95% CI –13 to –1). A reduction in motor composite score of 6 units (95% CI −12 to <−0.1) and fine motor score of 1 unit (95% CI –2 to –0.1) was also identified. The 0.7% of infants consistently in the bottom decile of age-adjusted thyroxine levels had a reduction in motor composite score of 14 units (95% CI –25 to –2) and its two subset scores, fine and gross motor, of 2 units (95% CI respectively −4.5 to <−0.1 and –4.3 to –0.3).

Conclusions

Preterm infants with consistent ‘mild’ thyroid dysfunction score less on neurodevelopmental tests at 2 years of age. Many of these infants will not be detected by current clinical protocols or screening programmes.
Two centuries of immunisation in the UK (part II)
Authors: Lang Sarah , Loving Sarah , McCarthy Noel Denis , Ramsay Mary Elizabeth , Salisbury David , Pollard Andrew J
Published: February 2020

The centrally coordinated response that controlled the polio epidemics of the 1950s through immunisation led to the development of a national immunisation strategy in the UK and the formation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in 1963, which oversees the immunisation programme and advises the UK Department of Health on new vaccine introductions. As a result of technological advances in vaccine development and scientific advances in immunology and microbiology over the 56 years since then, and the formation of a comprehensive public health surveillance system for vaccine-preventable disease, the National Health Service immunisation programme now covers 18 serious diseases of childhood, with an astonishing impact on child health. Here we consider the formation of the JCVI and the development of the national immunisation programme and review the introduction of vaccines over the past half century to defend public health.
Congenital monocular elevation deficiency associated with a novelTUBB3gene variant
Authors: Thomas Mervyn G , Maconachie Gail D E , Constantinescu Cris S , Chan Wai-Man , Barry Brenda , Hisaund Michael , Sheth Viral , Kuht Helen J , Dineen Rob A , Harieaswar Sreemathi , Engle Elizabeth C , Gottlob Irene
Published: February 2020

Background

The genetic basis of monocular elevation deficiency (MED) is unclear. It has previously been considered to arise due to a supranuclear abnormality.

Methods

Two brothers with MED were referred to Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK from the local opticians. Their father had bilateral ptosis and was unable to elevate both eyes, consistent with the diagnosis of congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles (CFEOM). Candidate sequencing was performed in all family members.

Results

Both affected siblings (aged 7 and 12 years) were unable to elevate the right eye. Their father had bilateral ptosis, left esotropia and bilateral limitation of elevation. Chin up head posture was present in the older sibling and the father. Bell’s phenomenon and vertical rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex were absent in the right eye for both children. Mild bilateral facial nerve palsy was present in the older sibling and the father. Both siblings had slight difficulty with tandem gait. MRI revealed hypoplastic oculomotor nerve. Left anterior insular focal cortical dysplasia was seen in the older sibling. Sequencing ofTUBB3revealed a novel heterozygous variant (c.1263G>C, p.E421D) segregating with the phenotype. This residue is in the C-terminal H12 α-helix of β-tubulin and is one of three putative kinesin binding sites.

Conclusion

We show that familial MED can arise from aTUBB3variant and could be considered a limited form of CFEOM. Neurological features such as mild facial palsy and cortical malformations can be present in patients with MED. Thus, in individuals with congenital MED, consideration may be made forTUBB3mutation screening.
Decrease in serum testosterone levels after short-term occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate in male workers
Authors: Henrotin Jean-Bernard , Feigerlova Eva , Robert Alain , Dziurla Mathieu , Burgart Manuela , Lambert-Xolin Anne-Marie , Jeandel Fanny , Weryha Georges
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DINP) on serum testosterone levels in male workers.

Methods

From 2015 to 2018, 97 male workers were recruited from six French factories in the plastics industry. In a short longitudinal study, changes over 3 days in the level of total or free serum testosterone and DINP exposure were measured. DINP exposure was measured by urinary biomonitoring: mono-4-methyl-7-oxo-octyl phthalate (OXO-MINP), mono-4-methyl-7-hydroxy-octyl phthalate (OH-MINP) and mono-4-methyl-7-carboxyheptylphthalate (CX-MINP). We further analysed changes in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, total testosterone to oestradiol ratio and two bone turnover markers (procollagen-type-I-N propeptide, C terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen), and erectile dysfunction via standardised questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function, Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males). Linear mixed models were used with the variables ‘age’ and ‘abdominal diameter’ included as confounder.

Results

Increased urinary OXO-MINP was associated with a significant decrease in total serum testosterone concentrations, but only for workers who exhibited the smallest variations and lowest exposures (p=0.002). The same pattern was observed for CX-MINP but was not significant; no association with OH-MINP was detectable. More self-reported erectile problems were found in workers exposed directly to DINP at the workstation (p=0.01). No changes were observed for the other biological parameters.

Conclusions

Short-term exposure to DINP is associated with a decrease in total serum testosterone levels in male workers. Our results suggest that DINP could present weak antiandrogenic properties in humans, but these need to be confirmed by other studies.
Falsely low arterial blood pressure due to pressure transducer damage in three horses
Authors: Le Chevallier Delphine , Van Oostrom Hugo
Published: February 2020

Three horses undergoing general anaesthesia for orthopaedic procedures between August 2018 and January 2019 at Langford Veterinary Equine Services, Bristol University had falsely low arterial blood pressures due to damage of the non‐disposable invasive arterial blood pressure transducer interface. The invasive arterial blood pressure transducer interface is not currently a component that is checked during the anaesthetic machine check prior starting a general anaesthetic procedure. Starting treatment for hypotension based on incorrect information due to faulty equipment can have severe negative consequences for the patient, such as extreme hypertension, increased myocardial workload and oxygen demand, and reduced perfusion of splanchnic and muscle tissue due to vasoconstriction. Therefore, we recommend routinely using the square wave test and checking the integrity of the blood pressure transducer interface before starting a general anaesthetic procedure, and when unexpected hypotensive readings are obtained and/or a state of hypotension is not responsive to treatment.
Foreign body cystitis in a male guinea pig due to a sedge (Carexspecies) leaf
Authors: Meyer Jean , Schmiderer Corinna , Richter Barbara
Published: February 2020

A foreign body cystitis in a 1.5‐year‐old male guinea pig with treatment‐resistant stranguria and haematuria was diagnosed by ultrasonographic examination. A sedge leaf (Carexspecies) was identified as the causing agent by sequencing of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1) and a chloroplast marker (trnL‐trnF) from the leaf obtained on postmortem examination. The eventual mechanism of migration of the plant leaf into the bladder was investigated. A concomitant fungal lower urinary tract infection withCandida albicanswas diagnosed by cultural means and DNA sequencing. Firm granules composed of inflammatory secretions blocked the urethra and interfered with diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of foreign body cystitis in a small rodent, which should be on the differential list of therapy‐resistant lower urinary tract disease in guinea pigs.