bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation‐induced cordierite breakdown–An example from western Maine, USA
Authors: Sanislav Ioan V. , Abu Sharib Ahmed S. A. A. , Quentin de Gromard Raphael S. A.
Published: June 2020

Preservation of partially completed metamorphic reactions in the form of partial pseudomorphs is very important as it provides direct insight onto the reaction mechanism and the phases involved in the reaction. The staurolite and andalusite grade rocks in western Maine, USA, contain cordierite porphyroblasts partly pseudomorphed by coarse‐grained muscovite and biotite. The pseudomorphs consist of a cordierite core surrounded by a reaction rim. Modal mineralogy, calculated using the ImageJ processing software based on backscatter images and X‐ray compositional maps, reveals that the core consists of cordierite (53.5%), muscovite (22.8%), biotite (9.1%), quartz (1 0.4%), plagioclase (3.1%) and ilmenite/pyrrhotite and apatite (1.1%) whereas the reaction rim consists of cordierite (1.8%), muscovite (51.6%), biotite (30.4%), quartz (4.3%), plagioclase (10%), garnet (1.2%), ilmenite/pyrrhotite and apatite (0.8%). The net effect of the cordierite breakdown reaction is an increase of 226% in muscovite, 334% in biotite and 323% in plagioclase content and a decrease of 97% in cordierite. The reaction involved exchange of components with the matrix requiring addition of H2O, K+, Na+ and Ti4+ and removal of SiO2, Mg2+ and PO43‐ from the reaction site. PT estimates using the garnet–biotite, Ti‐in‐biotite, Na‐in‐cordierite thermometers and the garnet–biotite–muscovite–plagioclase barometer indicate that cordierite breakdown occurred at ~550°C and 3.5 kbar. thermocalc modelling using the bulk rock composition suggests that cordierite is not stable at these conditions, whereas modelling using a thin section‐derived bulk composition indicates that cordierite stability extends to higher pressures, and most likely that the cordierite breakdown was not PT dependent. The incorporation of Na (up to 0.18 a.f.u.) into the cordierite structure has the effect of stabilizing the cordierite under a variety of H2O activity and limiting the role of fluids into destabilizing it. The cordierite cores contain evidence of plastic and brittle deformation in the form of subgrains and microcracks, which facilitated the infiltration of fluids that destabilized cordierite at constant PT conditions by leaching Na and introducing K. New mica growth along these structural heterogeneities suggests that deformation played an important role promoting breakdown of cordierite to muscovite and biotite.
Traumatic brain injury patients’ family members’ evaluations of the social support provided by healthcare professionals in acute care hospitals
Authors: Choustikova Julia , Turunen Hannele , Tuominen‐Salo Hanna , Coco Kirsi
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

The study aimed to examine traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient family members’ (FMs) experiences of the support they received from healthcare professionals in acute care hospitals.

Background

The length of hospitalisation following TBI is constantly decreasing, and patients may return home with several problems. FMs care for the patients at home although they may not be prepared for the patient's medical needs or financial burden of the illness. The burden which some FMs experience can impair patient care and rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, FMs require support during acute phases of TBI treatment.

Design

A structured questionnaire was sent to 216 TBI patients FMs. The response rate was 47% (n = 102).

Methods

A structured questionnaire—based on a systematic literature review and a previous questionnaire on TBI patient FMs’ perceptions of support—was developed and used in the data collection. The questionnaire included 46 statements and 11 background questions. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire. The STROBE checklist was followed in reporting the study.

Results

A factor analysis identified five factors that describe the guidance of TBI patient FMs: guidance of TBI patients’ symptoms and survival; benefits of guidance; needs‐based guidance; guidance for use of services; and guidance methods. Most of the FMs (51%–88%) felt that they had not received enough guidance from healthcare professionals in acute care hospitals across all five aspects of support.

Conclusions

The content of guidance should be developed, and healthcare staff should be trained to consider a FM’s starting point when providing guidance. A calm environment, proper timing, sufficient information in different forms and professional healthcare staff were found to be key factors to comprehensive guidance. Involving FMs in the discharge process and rehabilitation of their loved ones both supports the abilities of caregivers and promotes the outcome of the patient's rehabilitation.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides varied information on the need for social support of TBI patients FMs in the early stages of treatment from the FMs’ perspective. This research adopted the FM’s perspective to identify various areas of social support that need to be developed so that the FMs of TBI patients receive enough support during the early stages of TBI treatment.
Older age and comorbidity are independent mortality predictors in a large cohort of 1305 COVID‐19 patients in Michigan, United States
Authors: Imam Z. , Odish F. , Gill I. , O’Connor D. , Armstrong J. , Vanood A. , Ibironke O. , Hanna A. , Ranski A. , Halalau A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Higher comorbidity and older age have been reported as correlates of poor outcomes in COVID‐19 patients worldwide; however, US data are scarce. We evaluated mortality predictors of COVID‐19 in a large cohort of hospitalized patients in the United States.

Design

Retrospective, multicenter cohort of inpatients diagnosed with COVID‐19 by RT‐PCR from 1 March to 17 April 2020 was performed, and outcome data evaluated from 1 March to 17 April 2020. Measures included demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, laboratory values and imaging on admission. Primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, time to death and development of acute kidney injury in the first 48‐h.

Results

The 1305 patients were hospitalized during the evaluation period. Mean age was 61.0 ± 16.3, 53.8% were male and 66.1% African American. Mean BMI was 33.2 ± 8.8 kg m−2. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 2 (1–4), and 72.6% of patients had at least one comorbidity, with hypertension (56.2%) and diabetes mellitus (30.1%) being the most prevalent. ACE‐I/ARB use and NSAIDs use were widely prevalent (43.3% and 35.7%, respectively). Mortality occurred in 200 (15.3%) of patients with median time of 10 (6–14) days. Age > 60 (aOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.26–2.94) and CCI > 3 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.85–3.97) were independently associated with mortality by multivariate analyses. NSAIDs and ACE‐I/ARB use had no significant effects on renal failure in the first 48 h.

Conclusion

Advanced age and an increasing number of comorbidities are independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality for COVID‐19 patients. NSAIDs and ACE‐I/ARB use prior to admission is not associated with renal failure or increased mortality.
Accuracy of Implant Placement Position Using Nondental Open‐Source Software: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Talmazov Georgi , Bencharit Sompop , Waldrop Thomas C. , Ammoun Rami
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of implant placement position using two different dental implant planning software.

Materials and Methods

A set of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files from a cone beam computed tomography of a patient missing maxillary right first premolar was used. Implant planning was done using two open‐source programs: A nondental 3D Slicer/Blender (3DSB) software and a commercial dental implant treatment planning program: Blue Sky Plan 4 (BSP4). An intraoral scan of the same patient was used to create a standard tessellation language (STL) file of the maxillary arch and later printed into 20 identical casts. Ten surgical guides were printed for each group as well. A dental implant (3.8 mm × 12 mm, Biohorizons) was placed into each cast using fully guided surgical protocol. The horizontal displacements at the implant cervical platform and at the implant apex as well as the angulation displacements were measured using digital scanning of the implant scan bodies and were analyzed using a 3D compare software. Statistical analyses were conducted (⍺ = 0.05) using t‐test and F‐test to examine differences in trueness and precision, respectively.

Results

The average horizontal deviations for the platform and the apex, respectively, were 0.33 ± 0.12 mm and 0.76 ± 0.30 mm for 3DSB and 0.44 ± 0.21 mm and 0.98 ± 0.48 mm for BSP4. The average angulation deviations for 3DSB and BSB4 were 2.34 ± 0.93° and 3.07 ± 1.57°, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the means (t‐test) of the platform, apex, and angulation deviations (p = 0.16, p = 0.19, and p = 0.18, respectively). There were statistical differences in the variances (F test) of the platform (p = 0.043) and angulation (p = 0.049) deviations but not the apex (p = 0.059) deviations.

Conclusions

The combination of nondental open‐source software, 3D Slicer/Blender can be used to plan implant guided surgery with an accuracy similar to commercial dental software with slightly higher precision. Open‐source nondental software can be considered as an alternative in dental implant treatment planning and guided surgery.
The evolution of key functional floral traits in the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae
Authors: Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: June 2020

Potential key functional floral traits are assessed in the species‐rich early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae. Pollinators (generally beetles) are attracted by various cues (particularly visual, olfactory, and thermogenic), with pollinators rewarded by nectar (generally as stigmatic exudate), heat, and protection within the partially enclosed floral chamber. Petals sometimes function as pollinator brood sites, although this could be deceptive. Annonaceae species are self‐compatible, with outcrossing promoted by a combination of protogyny, herkogamy, floral synchrony, and dicliny. Pollination efficiency is enhanced by pollen aggregation, changes in anthesis duration, and pollinator trapping involving a close alignment between petal movements and the circadian rhythms of pollinators. Most Annonaceae flowers are apocarpous, with syncarpy restricted to very few lineages; fertilization is therefore optimized by intercarpellary growth of pollen tubes, either by stigmatic exudate (suprastylar extragynoecial compitum) or possibly the floral receptacle (infrastylar extragynoecial compitum). Although Annonaceae lack a distinct style, the stigmas in several lineages are elongated to form “pseudostyles” that are hypothesized to function as sites for pollen competition. Flowers can be regarded as immature fruits in which the ovules are yet to be fertilized, with floral traits that may have little selective advantage during anthesis theoretically promoting fruit and seed dispersal. The plesiomorphic apocarpous trait may have been perpetuated in Annonaceae flowers as it promotes the independent dispersal of fruit monocarps (derived from separate carpels), thereby maximizing the spatial/temporal distance between seedlings. This might compensate for the lack of genetic diversity among seeds within fruits arising from the limited diversity of pollen donors.
The impacts of trade‐related international intellectual property rights on domestic legislative debates: Evidence from the 104th to the 112th U.S. Congresses
Authors: Hernandes Teodoro João Paulo
Published: June 2020

Despite the large body of literature on the connection between intellectual property rights (IPRs) and trade at the international level, less attention has been paid to the impacts of such rights included in preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on domestic legislative debates. This article contributes to filling this gap by analyzing debates in the U.S. legislature where the IPRs included in PTAs were referred to. We consider the 1995–2012 period (104th to 112th Congresses). We also analyze trade laws enacted by Congress over the period. The data suggest that the IPRs negotiated with foreign partners affect Congress voting on the concession of trade promotion authority to the president. They may also trigger urges for adjustments to trade agreements and be tapped into by members of Congress to advocate for changes to domestic patent legislation. The importance placed on IPRs by members of Congress was not consistent over time and across parties. These results suggest that theoretical explanations of the U.S. trade policy must account for the diversity of views at the domestic level and for how such often divergent sentiments translate into policies, as framed by the domestic laws and institutions in place.
Overactive bladder and sleep disturbance have a significant effect on indoor falls: Results from the community health survey in Japan
Authors: Konishi Sakae , Hatakeyama Shingo , Imai Atsushi , Kumagai Mika , Okita Kazutaka , Togashi Kyo , Hamaya Tomoko , Hamano Itsuto , Okamoto Teppei , Iwamura Hiromichi , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of overactive bladder (OAB) and frailty on indoor fall events in community‐dwelling adults aged 50 or older.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study involving 723 adults between 2016 and 2017 in Hirosaki, Japan. OAB symptoms and sleep disturbance were assessed using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Indoor fall events (falls or near‐falls) within 1 year were evaluated. Frailty was evaluated by the frailty discriminant score. We investigated the association of OAB symptoms with sleep disturbance, frailty, and indoor fall events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect of OAB symptoms on fall events controlling for confounding factors such as age, gender, comorbidity, frailty, and sleep disturbance.

Results

The median age was 64. We observed OABSS ≥6 in 98 participants (14%), nocturia ≥2 in 445 (62%), urgency score ≥3 in 80 (11%), urge incontinence score ≥3 in 36 (5.0%), PSQI ≥6 in 153 (21%), frailty in 169 (23%), and indoor fall events in 251 (35%). Older age, diabetes, OABSS, nocturia, urgency, urge incontinence, and the PSQI were significantly associated with indoor fall events. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that OAB symptoms and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with fall events.

Conclusions

The effect of OAB symptoms and sleep disturbance on indoor fall events was significant. The causal relationship between OAB and falls needs further study.
Evolution is a double‐edged sword, not a silver bullet, to confront global change
Authors: Diamond Sarah E. , Martin Ryan A.
Published: June 2020

Although there is considerable optimism surrounding adaptive evolutionary responses to global change, relatively little attention has been paid to maladaptation in this context. In this review, we consider how global change might lead populations to become maladapted. We further consider how populations can evolve to new optima, fail to evolve and therefore remain maladapted, or become further maladapted through trait‐driven or eco–evo‐driven mechanisms after being displaced from their fitness optima. Our goal is to stimulate thinking about evolution as a “double‐edged sword” that comprises both adaptive and maladaptive responses, rather than as a “silver bullet” or a purely adaptive mechanism to combat global change. We conclude by discussing how a better appreciation of environmentally driven maladaptation and maladaptive responses might improve our current understanding of population responses to global change and our ability to forecast future responses.
Effects of accommodation and simulated convergence on anterior scleral shape
Authors: Niyazmand Hamed , Read Scott A , Atchison David A , Collins Michael J
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The sclera plays an important role in the biomechanical stability of the eye. We aimed to examine if changes in the shape of the anterior sclera occur in response to accommodation and convergence.

Methods

Thirty‐six healthy young adult participants aged between 18 and 30 years including 18 myopes (–0.5 to –4.0 D) and 18 emmetropes (+0.5 to –0.25 D) were recruited. Eye surface profilometry was used to evaluate the anterior eye surface shape before and during visual tasks involving accommodation (5.0 D demand), simulated convergence (9° demand) and their combination. The changes in the sagittal height and axial radius of curvature of the nasal (n = 25) and temporal (n = 31) corneal periphery and anterior sclera were analysed in those participants with complete and reliable data on these sides.

Results

Significant changes were confined to the nasal anterior scleral surface. A significant forward movement of the surface accompanied accommodation (mean change: 5 ± 2 µm), convergence (19 ± 6 µm), and their combination (16 ± 6 µm). There was flattening with convergence (0.092 ± 0.044 mm) and with the combination of accommodation and convergence (0.201 ± 0.071 mm). The changes in response to accommodation and convergence increased peripherally. Changes were not significantly different between low to moderate myopes and emmetropes.

Conclusions

Accommodation and simulated convergence affect the nasal anterior scleral shape, with the greatest changes associated with convergence and being most evident in the more peripheral nasal scleral regions.
Fall Prevention and Anti‐Osteoporosis in Osteopenia Patients of 80 Years of Age and Older: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhou Jian , Liu Bo , Qin Ming‐zhao , Liu Jin‐ping
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effects of two fall‐prevention and anti‐osteoporotic protocols in elderly patients with osteopenia (OPA).

Methods

The present randomized controlled study included patients with OPA (n =123). The age of these patients was ≥80 years old, with the mean age of 83.54 ± 2.99 years, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 2.97:1.00. Fall‐prevention guidance was given to all patients. Patients in the experiment group (n = 62) orally received 600 mg/d of calcium carbonate, 0.5 μg/d of alfacalcidol, and 70 mg/week of alendronate, while patients in the control group (n = 61) orally received 600 mg/d of calcium carbonate and 0.5 μg/d of alfacalcidol for 18 months. The grip strength, gait speed, bone turnover markers, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone mineral density were measured, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the chair rising test (CRT) were performed. Falls, fragility fractures, medication compliance, and side effects of the drugs were recorded.

Results

The serum levels of bone turnover markers (type I procollagen amino‐terminal peptide [P1NP], type I collagen carboxyl terminal peptide [β‐CTx], and osteocalcin [OC]) decreased, while the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and bilateral femoral neck increased after treatment in the experiment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The rate of change in bone mineral density of the bilateral femoral neck was higher in the experiment group than the control group (3.43% vs 0.03%, P < 0.05; 2.86% vs −0.02%, P < 0.01). After treatment, the proportion of patients with increased hip T scores in the experiment group (66.1%, 41/62) was significantly higher than the proportion (35.0%, 21/60) in the control group (P = 0.001). The incidence of fall decreased in both groups after treatment compared to that before treatment (54.8% vs 33.9% and 54.1% vs 36.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). The incidence of fragility fractures was lower in the experiment group than the control group (8.1% vs 20.0%, P = 0.057). During the intervention period, the incidence of fragility fractures in patients who did not fall (3.8%, 3/79) was significantly lower than that in patients who fell (32.6%, 14/43) (P = 0.000). The risk of fragility fractures was significantly lower in patients who did not fall compared to patients who fell (relative risk: 0.117, 95% confidence interval: 0.035–0.384).

Conclusion

The combination of alendronate sodium with alfacalcidol and calcium can significantly improve the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. For older patients with OPA, subjectively paying attention to avoiding falls can significantly reduce the risk of fragility fractures.
Root isoprene formation alters lateral root development
Authors: Miloradovic van Doorn Maja , Merl‐Pham Juliane , Ghirardo Andrea , Fink Siegfried , Polle Andrea , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Rosenkranz Maaria
Published: June 2020

Isoprene is a C5 volatile organic compound, which can protect aboveground plant tissue from abiotic stress such as short‐term high temperatures and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we uncover new roles for isoprene in the plant belowground tissues. By analysing Populus x canescens isoprene synthase (PcISPS) promoter reporter plants, we discovered PcISPS promoter activity in certain regions of the roots including the vascular tissue, the differentiation zone and the root cap. Treatment of roots with auxin or salt increased PcISPS promoter activity at these sites, especially in the developing lateral roots (LR). Transgenic, isoprene non‐emitting poplar roots revealed an accumulation of O2− in the same root regions where PcISPS promoter activity was localized. Absence of isoprene emission, moreover, increased the formation of LRs. Inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activity suppressed LR development, suggesting the involvement of ROS in this process. The analysis of the fine root proteome revealed a constitutive shift in the amount of several redox balance, signalling and development related proteins, such as superoxide dismutase, various peroxidases and linoleate 9S‐lipoxygenase, in isoprene non‐emitting poplar roots. Together our results indicate for isoprene a ROS‐related function, eventually co‐regulating the plant‐internal signalling network and development processes in root tissue.
Host‐pathogen interaction in the tissue environment during Plasmodium blood‐stage infection
Authors: Yui Katsuyuki , Inoue Shin‐Ichi
Published: June 2020

Human malarial infection occurs after an infectious Anopheles mosquito bites. Following the initial liver‐stage infection, parasites transform into merozoites, infecting red blood cells (RBCs). Repeated RBC infection then occurs during the blood‐stage infection, while patients experience various malarial symptoms. Protective immune responses are elicited by this systemic infection, but excessive responses are sometimes harmful for hosts. As parasites infect only RBCs and their immediate precursors during this stage, direct parasite‐host interactions occur primarily in the environment surrounded by endothelial lining of blood vessels. The spleen is the major organ where the immune system encounters infected RBCs, causing immunological responses. Its tissue structure is markedly altered during malarial infection in mice and humans. Plasmodium falciparum parasites inside RBCs express proteins, such as PfEMP‐1 and RIFIN, transported to the RBC surfaces in order to evade immunological attack by sequestering themselves in the peripheral vasculature avoiding spleen or by direct immune cell inhibition through inhibitory receptors. Host cell production of regulatory cytokines IL‐10 and IL‐27 limits excessive immune responses, avoiding tissue damage. The regulation of the protective and inhibitory immune responses through host‐parasite interactions allows chronic Plasmodium infection. In this review, we discuss underlying interaction mechanisms relevant for developing effective strategies against malaria.
A modified crow search algorithm for the weapon-target assignment problem
Authors: Sonuç Emrullah
Published: June 2020

The Weapon-Target Assignment (WTA) problem is one of the most important optimization problems in military operation research. In the WTA problem, assets of defense aim the best assignment of each weapon to target for decreasing expected damage directed by the offense. In this paper, Modified Crow Search Algorithm (MCSA) is proposed to solve the WTA problem. In MCSA, a trial mechanism is used to improve the quality of solutions using parameter LIMIT. If the solution is not improved after a predetermined number of iterations, then MCSA starts with a new position in the search space. Experimental results on the different sizes of the WTA problem instances show that MCSA outperforms CSA in all problem instances. Also, MCSA achieved better results for 11 out of 12 problem instances compared with four state-of-the-art algorithms. The source codes of MCSA for the WTA are publicly available at http://www.3mrullah.com/MCSA.html.
Qualitative behavior of stiff ODEs through a stochastic approach
Authors: Uslu Hande , Sari Murat , Cosgun Tahir
Published: June 2020

In the last few decades, stiff differential equations have attracted a great deal of interest from academic society, because much of the real life is covered by stiff behavior. In addition to importance of producing model equations, capturing an exact behavior of the problem by dealing with a solution method is also handling issue. Although there are many explicit and implicit numerical methods for solving them, those methods cannot be properly applied due to their computational time, computational error or effort spent for construction of a structure. Therefore, simulation techniques can be taken into account in capturing the stiff behavior. In this respect, this study aims at analyzing stiff processes through stochastic approaches. Thus, a Monte Carlo based algorithm has been presented for solving some stiff ordinary differential equations and system of stiff linear ordinary differential equations. The produced results have been qualitatively and quantitatively discussed.
Application of spectral conjugate gradient methods for solving unconstrained optimization problems
Authors: Ibrahim Sulaiman Mohammed , Yakubu Usman Abbas , Mamat Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Conjugate gradient (CG) methods are among the most efficient numerical methods for solving unconstrained optimization problems. This is due to their simplicty and  less computational cost in solving large-scale nonlinear problems. In this paper, we proposed some spectral CG methods using the classical CG search direction. The proposed methods are applied to real-life problems in regression analysis. Their convergence proof was establised under exact line search. Numerical results has shown that the proposed methods are efficient and promising.
Low sleep efficiency does not impact upper or lower limb vascular function in young adults
Authors: Scott Matthew C. , Hogwood Austin C. , Fralin Richard C. , Weggen Jennifer B. , Zúñiga Tiffany M. , Garten Ryan S.
Published: June 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We sought to investigate whether young adults reporting low sleep quality possessed lower vascular function and altered autonomic nervous system modulation when compared with young adults reporting high sleep quality.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The study revealed that in young adults reporting low sleep quality, neither vascular nor autonomic function was significantly different when compared with young adults reporting high sleep quality. These findings suggest that young adults are either not substantially impacted by or can adequately adapt to the negative consequences commonly associated with poor sleep.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether young adults reporting low sleep quality also possessed lower vascular function, potentially stemming from altered autonomic nervous system modulation, when compared with young adults reporting high sleep quality. Thirty‐one healthy young adults (age 24 ± 4 years) underwent a 7 night sleep assessment (Actigraph GT3X accelerometer). After the sleep assessment, subjects meeting specific criteria were separated into high (HSE; ≥85%; n = 11; eight men and three women) and low (LSE; <80%; n = 11; nine men and two women) sleep efficiency groups. Peripheral vascular function was assessed in the upper and lower limb, using the flow‐mediated dilatation technique in the arm (brachial artery) and leg (superficial femoral artery). Heart rate variability was evaluated during 5 min of rest and used frequency parameters reflective of parasympathetic and/or sympathetic nervous system modulation (high‐ and low‐frequency parameters). By experimental design, significant differences in sleep quality between groups were reported, with the LSE group exhibiting a longer time awake after sleep onset, higher number of awakenings and longer average time per awakening when compared with the HSE group. Despite these differences in sleep quality, no significant differences in upper and lower limb vascular function and heart rate variability measures were revealed when comparing the LSE and HSE groups. Additionally, in all subjects (n = 31), no correlations between sleep efficiency and vascular function/autonomic modulation were revealed. This study revealed that low sleep quality does not impact upper or lower limb vascular function or autonomic nervous system modulation in young adults.
Electrophysiological significance of the interatrial conduction including cavo‐tricuspid isthmus during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lim Byounghyun , Park Je‐Wook , Hwang Minki , Ryu Ah‐Jin , Kim In Soo , Yu Hee Tae , Joung Boyoung , Shim Eun Bo , Pak Hui‐Nam
Published: June 2020

Key points

The interatrial conduction, including Bachmann's bundle, the posterior septal conduction, the anterior septal conduction, and the cavo‐tricuspid isthmus, contributes to the maintenance mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in a 3D biatrial model.

The interatrial conduction ablation including a cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation significantly affects the wave dynamics of atrial fibrillation (AF) and facilitates the AF termination or atrial tachycardia conversion of the AF after the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation.

Additional cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation after the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation improves long‐term rhythm outcome after clinical AF catheter ablation.

Although it is known that atrial fibrillation (AF) is mainly a left atrial (LA) disease, the role of the right atrium (RA) and interatrial conduction (IAC), including the cavo‐tricuspid isthmus (CTI), has not been clearly defined. We tested AF wave dynamics with or without IAC in computational modelling and the rhythm outcome of AF catheter ablation (AFCA) including CTI ablation in clinical cohort data. We evaluated the dominant frequency (DF) in 3D biatrial AF simulations integrated with 3D‐computed tomograms obtained from 10 patients. The IAC was implemented at Bachmann's bundle, posterior septum and the CTI. After virtual circumferential PV isolation (CPVI), we disconnected IACs one by one, and observed the wave dynamics. We compared the long‐term rhythm outcome after CPVI alone and additional CTI ablation in 846 patients with AFCA. LA‐DF was higher than RA‐DF in AF (P < 0.001). After CPVI, the DF decreased significantly by additional IAC ablation (P = 0.003), especially in the LA (P = 0.016). The amount of DF reduction (P = 0.020) and rates of AF termination (P < 0.001) or AT conversion (P = 0.021) were significantly higher after IAC ablations including CTI than those without. In clinical AFCA, the AF recurrence rate was significantly lower in patients with additional CTI ablation than CPVI alone during 25 ± 20 months’ follow‐up (hazard ratio 0.60 [0.46–0.79], P < 0.001, Log rank P < 0.001). IAC contributes to the maintenance mechanism of AF, and IAC including CTI ablation affects AF wave dynamics, facilitating AF termination in 3D biatrial modelling. Additional CTI ablation after CPVI improves the long‐term rhythm outcome in clinical AFCA, potentially in a paroxysmal type with accompanying atrial flutter, or atrial dimension close to normal.
Implementation of the inductively coupled plasma etching processes for forming gallium nitride nanorods used in ultraviolet light-emitting diode technology
Authors: Ekielski Marek , Wzorek Marek , Gołaszewska Krystyna , Domanowska Alina , Taube Andrzej , Sochacki Mariusz
Published: June 2020

This report presents the results of fabricating GaN nanorods by inductively coupled plasma etching using BCl3/Cl2 chemistry. Interestingly, the GaN nanorods are formed only in the area initially masked by the sacrificial metal mask. In addition to the metallic mask, a specific feature of this process is the application of an insulating ceramic carrier for the improvement of the process performance. The authors show that using the same etching parameters but with a conductive silicon carrier significantly reduces the efficiency of nanorod formation. Auger electron spectroscopy was applied to propose and confirm the mechanism of nanorod formation ceramic carrier and properly selected metallic masks. The usefulness of the developed method of nanorod production has been confirmed by its application in the fabrication and characterization of GaN-based UV light-emitting diodes.
Is Stretching Exercise An Adequate Control Group in Clinical Trials Aimed at Improving Physical Fitness and Function of Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sanchez-Lastra Miguel A. , Molina Antonio J. , Martin Vicente , Fernández-Villa Tania , Cancela Jose M. , Ayan Carlos
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine if stretching exercise can be implemented as an adequate control therapy in exercise randomized controlled trials aimed at improving physical fitness and physical function in older adults. Five electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials focused in the physical fitness and function of older adults using stretching exercise as control group. The methodological quality was assessed and a meta-analysis was carried out. Sixteen studies were included, 13 in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality ranged from fair to good. The meta-analysis only in the controls resulted in significant improvements in different functional parameters related to walking, balance, knee flexion strength, or global physical function. The interventions, compared with the controls, significantly improved balance and knee strength parameters. Stretching exercise as control therapy in older people can lead to beneficial effects and could influence the interpretation of the effect size in the intervention groups.
Reducing Sitting Time in Obese Older Adults: The I-STAND Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rosenberg Dori E. , Anderson Melissa L. , Renz Anne , Matson Theresa E. , Lee Amy K. , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Arterburn David E. , Gardiner Paul A. , Kerr Jacqueline , McClure Jennifer B.
Published: June 2020

Background: The authors tested the efficacy of the “I-STAND” intervention for reducing sitting time, a novel and potentially health-promoting approach, in older adults with obesity. Methods: The authors recruited 60 people (mean age = 68 ± 4.9 years, 68% female, 86% White; mean body mass index = 35.4). The participants were randomized to receive the I-STAND sitting reduction intervention (n = 29) or healthy living control group (n = 31) for 12 weeks. At baseline and at 12 weeks, the participants wore activPAL devices to assess sitting time (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, blood pressure, and weight. Linear regression models assessed between-group differences in the outcomes. Results: The I-STAND participants significantly reduced their sitting time compared with the controls (–58 min per day; 95% confidence interval [–100.3, –15.6]; p = .007). There were no statistically significant changes in the secondary outcomes. Conclusion: I-STAND was efficacious in reducing sitting time, but not in changing health outcomes in older adults with obesity.
Row! Row! Row Your Boat! Transformative Value Cocreation and Codestruction in Elite and Olympic Rowers
Authors: Mulcahy Rory , Luck Edwina
Published: June 2020

This article explores in-depth interviews with elite and Olympic rowers to examine transformative value, dimensions of value creation that generate uplifting change and greater well-being, and the resources integrated to cocreate or destroy these benefits. This study is the first to demonstrate transformative value in a sport setting, extending theorizing on value in sport studies and demonstrating the utility of the multidimensional frameworks with five dimensions: emotional, social, functional, epistemic, and community value. The authors also uncover the cocreative “social support” and “restorative” resources, the cocreative and codestructive resource of “coperformance,” and the codestructive resources of “interpersonal misbehavior” and “sport misbehavior.” This study provides greater understanding of transformative value by concurrently examining resource integration from both a cocreation and codestruction perspective.
NELL2-mediated lumicrine signaling through OVCH2 is required for male fertility
Authors: Kiyozumi Daiji , Noda Taichi , Yamaguchi Ryo , Tobita Tomohiro , Matsumura Takafumi , Shimada Kentaro , Kodani Mayo , Kohda Takashi , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Ozawa Manabu , Yu Zhifeng , Miklossy Gabriella , Bohren Kurt M. , Horie Masato , Okabe Masaru , Matzuk Martin M. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: June 2020

Local control of sperm maturation

Newly produced spermatozoa within the testis do not have fertilizing ability but become fully functional when they mature in the epididymis. The development of the epididymis itself is dependent on testicular factors arriving via luminal flow. Improper signaling between the testis and epididymis is hypothesized to result in male infertility. Kiyozumi
et al.
identified NELL2 as a testicular luminal protein that binds to its receptor, ROS1, on the luminal epididymis surface and induces epididymal differentiation (see the Perspective by Lord and Oatley). In turn, differentiated epididymis secretes a fertility-essential protease, ovochymase-2, to make spermatozoa fully mature and functional. Thus, testis-epididymis interorgan communication by this “lumicrine” regulation ensures mammalian reproduction.

Science
, this issue p.
1132
; see also p.
1053
Restoring light sensitivity using tunable near-infrared sensors
Authors: Nelidova Dasha , Morikawa Rei K. , Cowan Cameron S. , Raics Zoltan , Goldblum David , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Szikra Tamas , Szabo Arnold , Hillier Daniel , Roska Botond
Published: June 2020

Making blind retinas see again

Photoreceptor degeneration is an important cause of blindness. Nelidova
et al.
used tunable, near-infrared sensors to render diseased photoreceptors light sensitive again (see the Perspective by Franke and Vlasits). Gold nanorods capable of detecting infrared light were coupled with an antibody to temperature-sensitive ion channels. When the nanorods absorbed light and converted it into heat, the coupled ion channels were gated by infrared light. In a mouse model of retinal degeneration, these ion channels were successfully targeted to cone photoreceptors, and responses to near infrared light could be detected. In the primary visual cortex, more cells responded to near-infrared stimuli in mice expressing these ion channels than in controls. By changing the length of the gold nanorods, the system could be tuned to different infrared wavelengths.

Science
, this issue p.
1108
; see also p.
1057
Thresholds of mangrove survival under rapid sea level rise
Authors: Saintilan N. , Khan N. S. , Ashe E. , Kelleway J. J. , Rogers K. , Woodroffe C. D. , Horton B. P.
Published: June 2020

Mangroves under sea level rise

The rate of sea level rise has doubled from 1.8 millimeters per year over the 20th century to ∼3.4 millimeters per year in recent years. Saintilan
et al.
investigated the likely effects of this increasing rate of rise on coastal mangrove forest, a tropical ecosystem of key importance for coastal protection (see the Perspective by Lovelock). They reviewed data on mangrove accretion 10,000 to 7000 years before present, when the rate of sea level rise was even higher than today as a result of glacial ice melt. Their analysis suggests an upper threshold of 7 millimeters per year as the maximum rate of sea level rise associated with mangrove vertical development, beyond which the ecosystem fails to keep up with the change. Under projected rates of sea level rise, they predict that a deficit between accretion and sea level rise is likely to commence in the next 30 years.

Science
, this issue p.
1118
; see also p.
1050
Nontargeted mass-spectral detection of chloroperfluoropolyether carboxylates in New Jersey soils
Authors: Washington John W. , Rosal Charlita G. , McCord James P. , Strynar Mark J. , Lindstrom Andrew B. , Bergman Erica L. , Goodrow Sandra M. , Tadesse Haile K. , Pilant Andrew N. , Washington Benjamin J. , Davis Mary J. , Stuart Brittany G. , Jenkins Thomas M.
Published: June 2020

Perfluorocarbons' path into soils

Covering carbon chains with fluorines has produced a variety of useful nonstick coatings. However, growing concern about the toxicity and extraordinary environmental persistence of the underlying compounds is spurring a search for alternatives. The precise structure of these next-generation alternatives often remains a trade secret. Washington
et al.
sampled soils in New Jersey and then used mass spectrometry to assign plausible structures—incorporating chlorine and ether segments into the CF
2
chain—to compounds that appear to have emanated from their manufacture (see the Policy Forum by Gold and Wagner). The data can inform in-depth studies of these compounds' environmental transport and persistence.

Science
, this issue p.
1103
; see also p.
1066
Deep-ocean seafloor islands of plastics
Authors: Mohrig David
Published: June 2020

The processes controlling sediment transport also concentrate microplastics
Testicular-borne factors affect sperm fertility
Authors: Lord Tessa , Oatley Jon M.
Published: June 2020

Immature testicular germ cells secrete factors that influence sperm maturation in mice
Blue carbon from the past forecasts the future
Authors: Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: June 2020

Coastal mangrove ecosystems must rise above sea level to survive
Follow the barcoded microbes
Authors: Nivala Jeff
Published: June 2020

Genetically engineered spores give object provenance technology new avenues
In Vitro
Activity of Manogepix (APX001A) and Comparators against Contemporary Molds: MEC Comparison and Preliminary Experience with Colorimetric MIC Determination
Authors: Jørgensen Karin Meinike , Astvad Karen M. T. , Arendrup Maiken Cavling
Published: June 2020

Manogepix (APX001A) is the active moiety of the drug candidate fosmanogepix (APX001), currently in clinical development for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. We compared manogepix EUCAST minimum effective concentrations (MECs) to MICs of five comparators and CLSI MECs and MICs by a colorimetric method against contemporary molds. EUCAST susceptibility testing was performed for 161 isolates. Interlaboratory and intermethod reproducibility were determined by comparison with published manogepix MECs.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Clonality of Vaginally Derived Multidrug-Resistant
Mobiluncus
Isolates in China
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Bai Yongying , Zhang Long , Draz Mohamed S. , Ruan Zhi , Zhu Yuning
Published: June 2020

Here, the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance mechanisms, and clonality of
Mobiluncus
sp. isolates recovered from gynecological outpatients in China were investigated. Compared to
M. mulieris
,
M. curtisii
exhibited higher antimicrobial resistance to metronidazole, clindamycin, and tetracycline. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the clindamycin resistance gene
erm
(X) was located on a transposable element, Tn
5432
, which was composed of two IS
1249
sequences.
Metagenomics as a Tool To Monitor Reclaimed-Water Quality
Authors: Hong Pei-Ying , Mantilla-Calderon David , Wang Changzhi
Published: June 2020

Many biological contaminants are disseminated through water, and their occurrence has potential detrimental impacts on public and environmental health. Conventional monitoring tools rely on cultivation and are not robust in addressing modern water quality concerns. This review proposes metagenomics as a means to provide a rapid, nontargeted assessment of biological contaminants in water. When further coupled with appropriate methods (e.g., quantitative PCR and flow cytometry) and bioinformatic tools, metagenomics can provide information concerning both the abundance and diversity of biological contaminants in reclaimed waters.
Fish Skin and Gut Microbiomes Show Contrasting Signatures of Host Species and Habitat
Authors: Sylvain François-Étienne , Holland Aleicia , Bouslama Sidki , Audet-Gilbert Émie , Lavoie Camille , Val Adalberto Luis , Derome Nicolas
Published: June 2020

Whether host-associated microbiomes are mostly shaped by species-specific or environmental factors is still unresolved. In particular, it is unknown to what extent microbial communities from two different host tissues from the same host respond to these factors. Our study is one of the first to focus on the microbiome of teleost fish to shed a light on this topic as we investigate how the phylogenetic structure of microbial communities from two distinct fish tissues are shaped by species- and habitat-specific factors. Our study showed that in contrast to the teleost gut microbiome, skin mucus communities are highly environment dependent. This result has various implications: (i) the skin mucus microbiome should be used, rather than the gut, to investigate bacterial biomarkers of ecosystem perturbance in the wild, and (ii) the gut microbiome is better suited for studies of the drivers of phylosymbiosis, or the coevolution of fish and their symbionts.
Effect of Rubusoside, a Natural Sucrose Substitute, on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Cariogenic Potential and Virulence Gene Expression
In Vitro
Authors: Guan Chunru , Che Faai , Zhou Huoxiang , Li Yiwei , Li Yaru , Chu Jinpu
Published: June 2020

Dental caries is a major public health challenge and places heavy biological, social, and financial burdens on individuals and health care systems. To palliate the deleterious effect of sucrose on the virulence factors of
S. mutans
, massive commercial efforts have been oriented toward developing products that may act as sucrose substitutes. Rubusoside, a natural sucrose substitute, is a plant extract with a high level of sweetness. Although some studies have shown that rubusoside does not produce acids or inhibit the growth of
S. mutans
, little attention has been paid to its effect on dental biofilm and the underlying mechanisms. Our study focuses on the effect of rubusoside on the formation and structure of biofilms and the expression of virulence genes. The results confirm that rubusoside can inhibit accumulation, bacterial viability, polysaccharide production by the biofilm, and related gene expression. These results provide further insight into the cariogenicity of
S. mutans
biofilms and demonstrate a new perspective for studying the impact of sucrose substitutes on caries.