bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact bandstop filters using coupled lines and open/short stubs with multiple transmission poles
Authors: Cai Yijun , Xu Kai Da , Ma Zhewang , Liu Yanhui
Published: May 2019

A compact bandstop filter (BSF) using parallel‐coupled lines and open stubs with four transmission poles (TPs) is proposed. Through theoretical equation deduction, the positions of these four TPs can be obtained. Good roll‐off skirts and stopband suppression characteristics of the BSF can be realised with the help of multiple TPs. To improve transition band roll‐off rates, another BSF with five TPs is designed, where a short‐circuited T‐stub is loaded on the middle of the above BSF circuit structure. For demonstration, two filter examples with centre frequencies at 2 and 1.8 GHz are implemented with generation of four and five TPs, respectively, for theoretically calculated certification. Good agreement between simulated and measured results validates the design method.
Cascaded Boost‐Class‐E for rotary capacitive power transfer system
Authors: Yusop Yusmarnita , Saat Shakir , Ghani Zamre , Husin Huzaimah , M.K Adie , Kiong Nguang Sing
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a capacitive power transfer (CPT) system design for low‐power rotary applications. The aim of a rotary CPT system is to be free of power cables so it can achieve 360 degrees of free rotation, while remaining simple and easy to clean. In this work, a class‐E high‐frequency inverter with second‐order LC compensation is proposed to drive the rotary CPT system. An LC compensation circuit is applied on both stationary and rotating sides in order to maximise the power transfer by increasing the voltage across the coupling plates. By implementing the proposed technique, the Class‐E LCCL rotary CPT system that is efficient and less sensitive to load variations can be achieved. A Boost converter is also proposed here to provide input impedance matching and tune the input power of the Class‐E LCCL rotary CPT system. A 10 W multiple plate rotary CPT prototype based on cascaded Boost‐ Class E LCCL is designed and implemented to demonstrate efficient wireless power transfer (WPT) across the rotating load. The results reveal >76% power transfer efficiency is successfully achieved at 1 MHz operating frequency and with 7.67 W output power.
Design and comparative evaluation of converter topologies for six‐phase switched reluctance motor drives
Authors: Deng Xu , Mecrow Barrie
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a novel converter topology for six‐phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives, which reduces the number of switches and diodes by half, compared with the conventional asymmetric half‐bridge (AHB) converter, and needs no additional energy storage component. A dynamic model of a six‐phase SRM is developed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment and conventional control technique is applied to the proposed converter, demonstrating successful operation with modified conventional current control technique, lower converter losses, and higher system efficiency compared with the AHB converter. Furthermore, a direct torque control (DTC) method has been proposed for the novel converter to further reduce the torque ripple. Experimental tests comparing the proposed converter with the AHB are described and verify the predictions of the simulations.
Evaluation of three optical‐encoder‐based speed estimation methods for motion control.
Authors: Vazquez‐Gutierrez Yeny , O'Sullivan Dara L. , Kavanagh Richard C.
Published: May 2019

Three speed estimation methodologies: pulse count, elapsed time, and constant sample‐time digital tachometer (CSDT) methods, used with optical incremental encoders, are implemented and compared in a closed‐loop system setup using a specialised Analog Devices CM403f DSP. Dedicated hardware for quadrature encoders on the DSP facilitates the implementation of advanced speed estimation methods, such as the CSDT, by minimising the delay resulting from software intervention. The error of each methodology is evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The CSDT has limited error over all its speed range. The error of the elapsed time method increases as the speed increases. On the contrary, the relative error of the pulse count method (which is often substantial) decreases with increased speed. Several filtering techniques can be used to reduce the error of the elapsed time method; here an oversampling technique is implemented with that aim.
Performance assessment of triple redundant nine‐phase delta‐ and wye‐connected permanent magnet‐assisted synchronous reluctance motor under healthy and fault conditions
Authors: Shi Yanwen , Wang Jiabin , Wang Bo
Published: May 2019

In this study, the performance of a triple redundant nine‐phase permanent magnet‐assisted synchronous reluctance motor with delta‐connected windings is comprehensively assessed and compared with that of wye‐connected winding under healthy and fault conditions, including open circuit, inter‐turn short‐circuit and terminal short circuit. The steady‐state torque behaviour, loss, efficiency and temperature distribution of the two winding configurations are analysed and compared. It is shown that the delta‐connected winding has higher output torque under one phase open‐circuit fault and lower inter‐turn short‐circuit current with three‐phase terminal short circuit.
Development of a straight pole four‐phase double‐stator switched reluctance machine
Authors: Lu Yang , Widmer James D.
Published: May 2019

This study introduces the development of the straight pole four‐phase double‐stator switched reluctance machine (SRM) which is considered to provide high torque density and low copper loss. The basic concept behind this design is to combine the features of the mutually coupled SRM and the double‐stator SRM. In this study, the analytical method alongside the 2D finite element method (FEM) verification would be presented to reveal the developing path. Moreover, to verify the proposed SRM concept, the prototype machine has been designed and built. The performance result from 2D FEM is presented.
Detailed X-ray spectroscopy of the magnetar 1E 2259+586
Authors: Pizzocaro D. , Tiengo A. , Mereghetti S. , Turolla R. , Esposito P. , Stella L. , Zane S. , Rea N. , Coti Zelati F. , Israel G.
Published: May 2019

Magnetic field geometry is expected to play a fundamental role in magnetar activity. The discovery of a phase-variable absorption feature in the X-ray spectrum of SGR 0418+5729, interpreted as cyclotron resonant scattering, suggests the presence of very strong non-dipolar components in the magnetic fields of magnetars. We performed a deep XMM-Newton observation of pulsar 1E 2259+586 to search for spectral features due to intense local magnetic fields. In the phase-averaged X-ray spectrum, we found evidence for a broad absorption feature at very low energy (0.7 keV). If the feature is intrinsic to the source, it might be due to resonant scattering and absorption by protons close to star surface. The line energy implies a magnetic field of ∼1014 G, which is roughly similar to the spin-down measure, ∼6 × 1013 G. Examination of the X-ray phase-energy diagram shows evidence for another absorption feature, the energy of which strongly depends on the rotational phase (E ≳ 1 keV). Unlike similar features detected in other magnetar sources, notably SGR 0418+5729, it is too shallow and limited to a short phase interval to be modeled with a narrow phase-variable cyclotron absorption line. A detailed phase-resolved spectral analysis reveals significant phase-dependent variability in the continuum, especially above 2 keV. We conclude that all the variability with phase in 1E 2259+586 can be attributed to changes in the continuum properties, which appear consistent with the predictions of the resonant Compton scattering model.
Spectropolarimetric analysis of an active region filament
Authors: Díaz Baso C. J. , Martínez González M. J. , Asensio Ramos A.
Published: May 2019

Aims. The determination of the magnetic filed vector in solar filaments is made possible by interpreting the Hanle and Zeeman effects in suitable chromospheric spectral lines like those of the He I multiplet at 10 830 Å. We study the vector magnetic field of an active region filament (NOAA 12087).

Methods. Spectropolarimetric data of this active region was acquired with the GRIS instrument at the GREGOR telescope and studied simultaneously in the chromosphere with the He I 10 830 Å multiplet and in the photosphere Si I 10 827 Å line. As has been done in previous studies, only a single-component model was used to infer the magnetic properties of the filament. The results are put into a solar context with the help of the Solar Dynamic Observatory images.

Results. Some results clearly point out that a more complex inversion had to be performed. First, the Stokes V map of He I does not show a clear signature of the presence of the filament. Second, the local azimuth map follows the same pattern as Stokes V; it appears that polarity of Stokes V is conditioning the inference to very different magnetic fields even with similar linear polarization signals. This indication suggests that the Stokes V could be dominated from below by the magnetic field coming from the active region, and not from the filament itself. This evidence, and others, will be analyzed in depth and a more complex inversion will be attempted in the second part of this series.
Spontaneous ring formation in wind-emitting accretion discs
Authors: Riols A. , Lesur G.
Published: May 2019

Rings and gaps have been observed in a wide range of proto-planetary discs, from young systems like HLTau to older discs like TW Hydra. Recent disc simulations have shown that magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence (in both the ideal or non-ideal regime) can lead to the formation of rings and be an alternative to the embedded planets scenario. In this paper, we have investigated the way in which these ring form in this context and seek a generic formation process, taking into account the various dissipative regimes and magnetisations probed by the past simulations. We identify the existence of a linear and secular instability, driven by MHD winds, and giving birth to rings of gas that have a width larger than the disc scale height. We show that the linear theory is able to make reliable predictions regarding the growth rates, the contrast and spacing between ring and gap, by comparing these predictions to a series of 2D (axisymmetric) and 3D MHD numerical simulations. In addition, we demonstrate that these rings can act as dust traps provided that the disc is sufficiently magnetised, with plasma beta lower than 104. Given its robustness, the process identified in this paper could have important implications, not only for proto-planetary discs but also for a wide range of accreting systems threaded by large-scale magnetic fields.
The evolution of luminous red nova AT 2017jfs in NGC 4470
Authors: Pastorello A. , Chen T.-W. , Cai Y.-Z. , Morales-Garoffolo A. , Cano Z. , Mason E. , Barsukova E. A. , Benetti S. , Berton M. , Bose S. , Bufano F. , Callis E. , Cannizzaro G. , Cartier R. , Chen Ping , Dong Subo , Dyrbye S. , Elias-Rosa N. , Flörs A. , Fraser M. , Geier S. , Goranskij V. P. , Kann D. A. , Kuncarayakti H. , Onori F. , Reguitti A. , Reynolds T. , Losada I. R. , Sagués Carracedo A. , Schweyer T. , Smartt S. J. , Tatarnikov A. M. , Valeev A. F. , Vogl C. , Wevers T. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Izzo L. , Inserra C. , Kankare E. , Maguire K. , Smith K. W. , Stalder B. , Tartaglia L. , Thöne C. C. , Valerin G. , Young D. R.
Published: May 2019

We present the results of our photometric and spectroscopic follow-up of the intermediate-luminosity optical transient AT 2017jfs. At peak, the object reaches an absolute magnitude of Mg = −15.46 ± 0.15 mag and a bolometric luminosity of 5.5 × 1041 erg s−1. Its light curve has the double-peak shape typical of luminous red novae (LRNe), with a narrow first peak bright in the blue bands, while the second peak is longer-lasting and more luminous in the red and near-infrared (NIR) bands. During the first peak, the spectrum shows a blue continuum with narrow emission lines of H and Fe II. During the second peak, the spectrum becomes cooler, resembling that of a K-type star, and the emission lines are replaced by a forest of narrow lines in absorption. About 5 months later, while the optical light curves are characterized by a fast linear decline, the NIR ones show a moderate rebrightening, observed until the transient disappears in solar conjunction. At these late epochs, the spectrum becomes reminiscent of that of M-type stars, with prominent molecular absorption bands. The late-time properties suggest the formation of some dust in the expanding common envelope or an IR echo from foreground pre-existing dust. We propose that the object is a common-envelope transient, possibly the outcome of a merging event in a massive binary, similar to NGC 4490−2011OT1.
Population dynamics of a commercially harvested, non-native bivalve in an area protected for shorebirds: Ruditapes philippinarum in Poole Harbour, UK
Authors: Clarke Leo John , Esteves Luciana S. , Stillman Richard A. , Herbert Roger J.H.
Published: May 2019

The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is one of the most commercially valuable bivalve species worldwide and its range is expanding, facilitated by aquaculture and fishing activities. In existing and new systems, the species may become commercially and ecologically important, supporting both local fishing activities and populations of shorebird predators of conservation importance. This study assessed potential fishing effects and population dynamics of R. philippinarum in Poole Harbour, a marine protected area on the south coast of the UK, where the species is important for oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus as well as local fishers. Sampling was undertaken across three sites of different fishing intensities before and after the 2015 fishing season, which extends into the key overwintering period for shorebird populations. Significant differences in density, size and condition index are evident between sites, with the heavily dredged site supporting clams of poorer condition. Across the dredge season, clam densities in the heavily fished area were significantly reduced, with a harvesting efficiency of legally harvestable clams of up to 95% in this area. Despite occurring at significantly higher densities and growing faster under heavy fishing pressure, lower biomass and condition index of R. philippinarum in this area, coupled with the dramatic reduction in densities across the fishing season, may be of concern to managers who must consider the wider ecological interactions of harvesting with the interest of nature conservation and site integrity.
The effect of a large-scale fishing restriction on angling harvest: a case study of grayling Thymallus thymallus in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lyach Roman , Remr Jiri
Published: May 2019

In Central Europe, European grayling Thymallus thymallus is an endangered and vanishing fish species with high recreational angling value. For that reason, in January 2016, the minimum legal angling size for grayling was increased from 30 to 40 cm in the Czech Republic. This study evaluated if the increase in minimum angling size had any effect on grayling harvest. Data from 229 fishing sites covering the years 2011–2017 were used in this study. The data originated from individual angling logbooks, collected in the regions of Prague and Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Over the 7 yr, anglers visited the studied fishing sites 3.6 million times and harvested 105 000 salmonids. Grayling made up only 0.5% of the overall salmonid harvest. The fishing restriction caused a decrease in grayling harvest per visit. It also decreased the contribution of grayling to the overall harvest as well as the number of fishing sites where anglers successfully harvested graylings. Fish stocking was constant during the study period. Increased minimum angling size led to increased average body weight of harvested fish. In conclusion, the increase in minimum angling size significantly affected fish harvest and composition.
Cabomba caroliniana Gray (Cabombaceae) invades major waterways in Belgium
Authors: Scheers Kevin , Denys Luc , Jacobs Indra , Packet Jo , Smeekens Vincent , Adriaens Tim
Published: May 2019

Recently, unattached viable stem fragments of the invasive macrophyte Cabomba caroliniana Gray were found at several locations in two canals in northern Belgium. A subsequent survey of the canal Zuid-Willemsvaart revealed one site with rooted plants and the presence of floating stem fragments along the entire length of the canal (25 km). These findings indicate that C. caroliniana is already well established in the Zuid-Willemsvaart and probably considerably more widespread than previous records from isolated lentic water bodies indicate. We have summarised the new records and discuss the potential spread and risks associated with further establishment and spread of C. caroliniana in Belgium.
A relaxation scheme for a hyperbolic multiphase flow model
Authors: Saleh Khaled
Published: May 2019

This article is the first of two in which we develop a relaxation finite volume scheme for the convective part of the multiphase flow models introduced in the series of papers (Hérard, C.R. Math. 354 (2016) 954–959; Hérard, Math. Comput. Modell. 45 (2007) 732–755; Boukili and Hérard, ESAIM: M2AN 53 (2019) 1031–1059). In the present article we focus on barotropic flows where in each phase the pressure is a given function of the density. The case of general equations of state will be the purpose of the second article. We show how it is possible to extend the relaxation scheme designed in Coquel et al. (ESAIM: M2AN 48 (2013) 165–206) for the barotropic Baer–Nunziato two phase flow model to the multiphase flow model with N – where N is arbitrarily large – phases. The obtained scheme inherits the main properties of the relaxation scheme designed for the Baer–Nunziato two phase flow model. It applies to general barotropic equations of state. It is able to cope with arbitrarily small values of the statistical phase fractions. The approximated phase fractions and phase densities are proven to remain positive and a fully discrete energy inequality is also proven under a classical CFL condition. For N = 3, the relaxation scheme is compared with Rusanov’s scheme, which is the only numerical scheme presently available for the three phase flow model (see Boukili and Hérard, ESAIM: M2AN 53 (2019) 1031–1059). For the same level of refinement, the relaxation scheme is shown to be much more accurate than Rusanov’s scheme, and for a given level of approximation error, the relaxation scheme is shown to perform much better in terms of computational cost than Rusanov’s scheme. Moreover, contrary to Rusanov’s scheme which develops strong oscillations when approximating vanishing phase solutions, the numerical results show that the relaxation scheme remains stable in such regimes.
First report and multilocus genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from Tibetan pigs in southwestern China
Authors: Luo Run , Xiang Leiqiong , Liu Haifeng , Zhong Zhijun , Liu Li , Deng Lei , Liu Ling , Huang Xiangming , Zhou Ziyao , Fu Hualin , Luo Yan , Peng Guangneng
Published: May 2019

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common intestinal pathogen in a variety of animals. While E. bieneusi genotypes have become better-known, there are few reports on its prevalence in the Tibetan pig. This study investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in the Tibetan pig in southwestern China. Tibetan pig feces (266 samples) were collected from three sites in the southwest of China. Feces were subjected to PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 83 (31.2%) of Tibetan pigs from the three different sites, with 25.4% in Kangding, 56% in Yaan, and 26.7% in Qionglai. Prevalence varies according to age group, from 24.4% (age 0–1 years) to 44.4% (age 1–2 years). Four genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified: two known genotypes EbpC (n = 58), Henan-IV (n = 24) and two novel genotypes, SCT01 and SCT02 (one of each). We compare our results with a compilation of published results on the host range and geographical distribution of E. bieneusi genotypes in China. Phylogenetic analysis showed these four genotypes clustered to group 1 with zoonotic potential. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of three microsatellites (MS1, MS3, MS7) and one minisatellite (MS4) was successful in 47, 48, 23 and 47 positive specimens and identified 10, 10, 5 and 5 genotypes at four loci, respectively. This study indicates the potential danger of E. bieneusi to Tibetan pigs in southwestern China, and offers basic advice for preventing and controlling infections.
Benzoylphenyl ureas as veterinary antiparasitics. An overview and outlook with emphasis on efficacy, usage and resistance
Authors: Junquera Pablo , Hosking Barry , Gameiro Marta , Macdonald Alicia
Published: May 2019

Six benzoylphenyl ureas are currently used in formulations approved as veterinary medicines: diflubenzuron for fly control mainly on cattle, lice and blowfly strike control on sheep, and lice control on farmed salmonids; lufenuron for flea control on dogs and cats and for lice control on farmed salmonids; triflumuron for lice and blowfly strike control on sheep; fluazuron for tick control on cattle; teflubenzuron for lice control on farmed salmon; and novaluron for fly and tick control on cattle and for flea control on dogs. Resistance to diflubenzuron and triflumuron has already been reported for sheep body lice and blowflies, and to fluazuron in cattle ticks. These and other minor veterinary usages, as well as the current status of resistance, are reviewed and perspectives for future opportunities are discussed based on unexplored potentials and threats posed by future resistance development.
ESA’s Gaia mission: a billion stars with a billion pixels
Authors: De Bruijne Jos , Erdmann Matthias
Published: May 2019

Astrometry is the astronomical discipline of measuring the positions, and changes therein, of celestial bodies. Accurate astrometry from the ground is limited by the blurring effects induced by the Earth’s atmosphere. Since decades, Europe has been at the forefront of making astrometric measurements from space. The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the first satellite dedicated to astrometry, named Hipparcos, in 1989, culminating in the release of the Hipparcos Catalogue containing astrometric data for 117 955 stars in 1997. Since mid 2014, Hipparcos’ successor, Gaia, has been collecting astrometric data, with a 100 times improved precision, for 10 000 times as many stars.
Mutational Processes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Story of Aristolochic Acid
Authors: Nault Jean-Charles , Letouzé Eric
Published: May 2019

Each hepatocellular carcinoma displays dozens of mutations in driver and passenger genes. The analysis of the types of substitutions and their trinucleotide context defines mutational signatures that recapitulate the endogenous and exogenous mutational processes operative in tumor cells. Aristolochic acid is present in plants from the genus Aristolochia and causes chronic nephropathy. Moreover, aristolochic acid has genotoxic properties responsible for the occurrence of urothelial carcinoma. Metabolites of aristolochic acid form DNA adducts on adenine residues leading to a specific mutational signature with almost exclusively A:T to T:A transversions, preferentially in a CTG trinucleotide context. Interestingly, this mutational fingerprint has been identified in a subset of hepatocellular carcinomas suggesting that aristolochic acid is a new risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. More data are warranted to capture the real impact of exposure to aristolochic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence worldwide.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis—Current State and Future Directions
Authors: Zenouzi Roman , Welle Christopher L. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Schramm Christoph , Eaton John E.
Published: May 2019

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by biliary inflammation and fibrosis leading to bile duct strictures, cirrhosis, and carries an increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the imaging modality of choice in PSC. As an evolving technology, MRI has other potential applications in the care and study of those patients with PSC. In this review, the authors aim to provide a technical overview on MRI/MRCP and related technologies, summarize its contemporary use in PSC, and discuss its evolving role to predict outcomes and look ahead toward emerging MRI technologies relevant to PSC.
Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Sedation Following Stereotactic Lead Placement
Authors: Xu Hope , Bui Anthony H. , La Vega-Talbott Maite , Zackai Sheemon P.
Published: May 2019

Dexmedetomidine has become an increasingly popular alternative to benzodiazepines and opioids as a safe agent for sedation and pain control, especially in pediatric populations. In this study, we present a case of postoperative use of dexmedetomidine in a pediatric patient, with a known history of behavioral difficulties, who underwent stereotactic lead placement for medically refractory epilepsy.
Venous Thromboembolism in Brain Tumors: Risk Factors, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Challenges
Authors: Riedl Julia , Ay Cihan
Published: May 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with primary brain tumors, with up to 20% of patients per year having a VTE event. Clinical risk factors for VTE include glioblastoma subtype, paresis, or surgery. Furthermore, specific factors playing a role in tumor biology were recently identified to predispose to prothrombotic risk. For instance, mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene, which occurs in a subgroup of glioma, correlate with risk of VTE, with low incidence in patients with presence of an IDH1 mutation compared with those with IDH1 wild-type status. In addition, expression of the glycoprotein podoplanin on brain tumors was associated with both intratumoral thrombi and high risk of VTE. As podoplanin has the ability to activate platelets, a mechanistic role of podoplanin-mediated platelet activation in VTE development has been suggested. From a clinical point of view, the management of patients with primary brain tumors and VTE is challenging. Anticoagulation is required to treat patients; however, it is associated with increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage. This review focuses on describing the epidemiology, risk factors, and mechanisms of brain tumor-associated thrombosis and discusses clinical challenges in the prevention and treatment of VTE in patients with brain tumors.
New approach measures strain in semiconductor
Authors: Kish Stacy W.
Published: May 2019

Researchers introduce technique to more efficiently measure strain maps in semiconductor devices.
Meteorologists predict better weather forecasting with AI
Authors: Lopatka Alex
Published: May 2019

More advanced estimates of atmospheric conditions depend on merging the knowledge gained from humans and computers.
The effect of high ultimate pH on the quality of three muscles from farm-raised fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Bykowska Marta , Ludwiczak Agnieszka , Składanowska-Baryza Joanna , Stanisz Marek
Published: May 2019

Muscles (m. supraspinatus, SP; m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum, LTL; m. semimembranosus, SM) of 16 farm-raised fallow deer were analysed to study the effect of normal and high pH on the quality of venison. While 60% of analysed SP muscles were characterised with an ultimate pH (pHu) of ≥6.0, the pHu of LTL and SM was of a normal level (pH ≤ 6.0) for most of the analysed fallow deer. The SP with a normal and high pH had the highest pHu among the analysed muscles (P = 0.009). High pHu resulted in redder meat (P = 0.004). LTL and SM with a high pHu were characterised with the lowest value of H° (P = 0.006). The drip loss and the percentage of total water were higher for SP than for the other analysed muscles (P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The free water and the free-water share in total water were most affected by the pHu (P = 0.001) among the analysed traits related to water-holding capacity of meat, and were lower for venison with a high pHu than for that with a normal pHu. The high-pHu venison was related to a lower cooking loss (P = 0.002) and a slightly higher meat plasticity (P = 0.027) than was the meat with a normal pHu. The proximal chemical composition of the fallow deer muscles was not influenced by the pHu (P = 0.817–0.983) nor by the carcass weight (P = 0.121–0.964). From the present results, it can be concluded that high-pH and normal-pH venison have different qualities. This also means different culinary and technological characteristics depending on the pHu value. The incidence of high pHu was the highest in the SP.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) mediates the LH-induced stimulation of progesterone synthesis in the porcine corpus luteum
Authors: Zhang Di , Liu Ying , Cui Yan , Cui Sheng
Published: May 2019

Progesterone (P4) synthesized by the corpus luteum (CL) plays a key role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The LH signal is important for luteinisation and P4 synthesis in pigs. In a previous study, we demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) regulates P4 synthesis in mouse CL, but whether the function and mechanism of MAP3K8 in the pig is similar to that in the mouse is not known. Thus, in the present study we investigated the effects of MAP3K8 on porcine CL. Abundant expression of MAP3K8 was detected in porcine CL, and, in pigs, MAP3K8 expression was higher in mature CLs (or those of the mid-luteal phase) than in regressing CLs (late luteal phase). Further functional studies in cultured porcine luteal cells showed that P4 synthesis and the expression of genes encoding the key enzymes in P4 synthesis are significantly reduced when MAP3K8 is inhibited with the MAP3K8 inhibitor Tpl2 kinase inhibitor (MAP3K8i, 10μM). After 12–24h treatment of luteal cells with 100ngmL−1 LH, MAP3K8 expression and P4 secretion were significantly upregulated. In addition, the 10μM MAP3K8 inhibitor blocked the stimulatory effect of LH on P4 synthesis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation in porcine luteal cells. The LH-induced increases in MAP3K8 phosphorylation and expression, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and P4 synthesis were all blocked when protein kinase A was inhibited by its inhibitor H89 (20 μM) in porcine luteal cells. In conclusion, MAP3K8 mediates the LH-induced stimulation of P4 synthesis through the PKA/mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway in porcine CL.
Effect of exogenous hormones on R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) gene expression and embryo development in Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Liang Hongwei , Meng Yan , Cao Lihuan , Li Xiang , Zou Guiwei
Published: May 2019

Little is known about sex determination and differentiation in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. R-Spondin 1 (RSPO1), a candidate sex-determining gene, is an important regulator of ovarian differentiation in animals. Exogenous drugs can affect sex differentiation. In this study we cloned the RSPO1 gene from P. sinensis (psRSPO1) and analysed its expression profile. The psRSPO1 gene exhibited sequence identity with RSPO1 genes from other species. RSPO1 protein-based phylogenetic analysis showed that psRSPO1 in P. sinensis is closely related to RSPO1 proteins from other turtles. psRSPO1 showed abundant expression in adult brain and gonads, with higher levels in females than males. We also evaluated the effects of three finaconcentration of 2.5, 5.0 and 10mgmL−1 exogenous oestradiol (E2) and aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) on the expression of psRSPO1, external embryo morphology, growth status of embryos and the sex ratio when the drugs were injected to eggs during incubation. The expression of psRSPO1 was upregulated and downregulated by exogenous oestradiol and letrozole respectively, despite inconsistent expression trends at different embryo development times. External embryo morphology, growth status and sex ratio were affected by both exogenous oestradiol and the aromatase inhibitor. Feminisation was induced by oestradiol, but inhibited by letrozole. These results will contribute to studies of the potential molecular mechanisms underlying sex differentiation and sex control in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle.
The regular black hole in four dimensional Born–Infeld gravity
Authors: Böhmer Christian G , Fiorini Franco
Published: May 2019

In the context of Born–Infeld gravity theories we report the existence of a regular black hole interior representing a spherically symmetric vacuum solution of the theory. It reduces to the Schwarzschild interior metric in the weak field region. In particular, there is a new length scale which is related to the Born–Infeld parameter

. This endows the spacetime with an inner (i.e. well inside the event horizon) asymptotic region which is unattainable for observers. The central curvature singularity is replaced by an infinitely long cosmic string with constant curvature invariants related to

. The presence of this limiting curvature spacetime renders the black hole timelike and null geodesically complete, free from the classical Schwarzschild singularity. The transition between the usual black hole interior and this maximum curvature space is achieved without introducing any kind of matter content nor topological changes.
Connection between the anisotropic structure and nonlinear rheology of sheared colloidal suspensions investigated by Brownian dynamics simulations
Authors: Sánchez-Diáz Luis E , Iwashita Takuya , Egami Takeshi , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: May 2019

Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we investigate the connection between the shear-induced microstructural distortion and nonlinear rheology of charged colloidal suspensions subject to steady shear. We demonstrate that their rate-dependent flow behavior is a consequence of localized elastic response, which we define as transient elastic zone (TEZ), generated by particle interaction. The body of colloids under shear behaves like an elastic solid in short distances but like a fluid at long distances. The short-lived, localized elastic region, i.e. transient elastic zone, plays a crucial role in determining the observed rheological behaviors. Our findings shed new light on understanding the nature of nonlinear rheology of soft matters with strong interactions.
Chromosome misalignment is associated with PLK1 activity at cenexin-positive mitotic centrosomes
Authors: Colicino Erica G. , Stevens Katrina , Curtis Erin , Rathbun Lindsay , Bates Michael , Manikas Julie , Amack Jeffrey , Freshour Judy , Hehnly Heidi
Published: May 2019

The mitotic kinase, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), facilitates the assembly of the two mitotic spindle poles, which are required for the formation of the microtubule-based spindle that ensures appropriate chromosome distribution into the two forming daughter cells. Spindle poles are asymmetric in composition. One spindle pole contains the oldest mitotic centriole, the mother centriole, where the majority of cenexin, the mother centriole appendage protein and PLK1 binding partner, resides. We hypothesized that PLK1 activity is greater at the cenexin-positive older spindle pole. Our studies found that PLK1 asymmetrically localizes between spindle poles under conditions of chromosome misalignment, and chromosomes tend to misalign toward the oldest spindle pole in a cenexin- and PLK1-dependent manner. During chromosome misalignment, PLK1 activity is increased specifically at the oldest spindle pole, and this increase in activity is lost in cenexin-depleted cells. We propose a model where PLK1 activity elevates in response to misaligned chromosomes at the oldest spindle pole during metaphase.
Cystic and Encapsulated Atypical Thymoma (World Health Organization Type B3)
Authors: Lindholm Kaleigh E , Moran Cesar A
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Eight cases of encapsulated and cystic atypical thymomas (World Health Organization type B3) are presented.

Methods

Cases were identified after review of more than 500 thymomas. Histologic material from surgical resections was evaluated.

Results

The patients are seven men and one woman aged 43 to 71 years. Seven patients presented with nonspecific symptoms while one mass was found on autopsy. The tumors were 4 to 6 cm in greatest dimension and showed prominent cystic changes with an epithelial proliferation arranged in sheets and cords. Increased mitotic activity and nuclear pleomorphism were not identified. All tumors were encapsulated. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor cells positive for keratin cocktail, keratin 5/6, and p63. Clinical follow-up was available in five patients. All were alive without recurrence.

Conclusions

These cases represent an unusual variant of atypical thymoma that can be misdiagnosed as thymic carcinoma or multilocular thymic cyst. Awareness of this histologic growth pattern is important for accurate diagnosis.
Successes and Failures of the Live-attenuated Influenza Vaccine: Can We Do Better?
Authors: Matrajt Laura , Halloran M Elizabeth , Antia Rustom
Published: May 2019

Background

The effectiveness of the live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) can vary widely, ranging from 0% to 50%. The reasons for these discrepancies remain largely unclear.

Methods

We use mathematical models to explore how the efficacy of LAIV is affected by the degree of mismatch with the currently circulating influenza strain and interference with pre-existing immunity. The models incorporate 3 key antigenic distances: the distances between the vaccine strain, pre-existing immunity, and the challenge strain.

Results

Our models show that an LAIV that is matched with the currently circulating strain is likely to have only modest efficacy. Our results suggest that the efficacy of the vaccine would be increased (optimized) if, rather than being matched to the circulating strain, it is antigenically slightly further from pre-existing immunity than the circulating strain. The models also suggest 2 regimes in which LAIV that is matched to circulating strains may be protective: in children before they have built immunity to circulating strains and in response to novel strains (such as antigenic shifts) which are at substantial antigenic distance from previously circulating strains. We provide an explanation for the variation in vaccine effectiveness between studies and countries of vaccine effectiveness observed during the 2014–2015 influenza season.

Conclusions

LAIV is offered to children across the world; however, its effectiveness significantly varies between studies. Here, we propose a mechanistic explanation to understand these differences. We further propose a way to select the LAIV strain that would have a higher chance of being protective.
Imaging the injured beating heart intravitally and the vasculoprotection afforded by haematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Kavanagh Dean P J , Lokman Adam B , Neag Georgiana , Colley Abigail , Kalia Neena
Published: May 2019

Aims

Adequate microcirculatory perfusion, and not just opening of occluded arteries, is critical to salvage heart tissue following myocardial infarction. However, the degree of microvascular perfusion taking place is not known, limited primarily by an inability to directly image coronary microcirculation in a beating heart in vivo. Haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) offer a potential therapy but little is known about their homing dynamics at a cellular level and whether they protect coronary microvessels. This study used intravital microscopy to image the anaesthetized mouse beating heart microcirculation following stabilization.

Methods and results

A 3D-printed stabilizer was attached to the ischaemia–reperfusion injured (IRI) beating heart. The kinetics of neutrophil, platelet and HSPC recruitment, as well as functional capillary density (FCD), was imaged post-reperfusion. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was used for the first time to monitor ventricular blood flow in beating hearts. Sustained hyperaemic responses were measured throughout reperfusion, initially indicating adequate flow resumption. Intravital microscopy confirmed large vessel perfusion but demonstrated poor transmission of flow to downstream coronary microvessels. Significant neutrophil adhesion and microthrombus formation occurred within capillaries with the latter occluding them, resulting in patchy perfusion and reduced FCD. Interestingly, ‘patrolling’ neutrophils were also observed in capillaries. Haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells readily trafficked through the heart but local retention was poor. Despite this, remarkable anti-thromboinflammatory effects were observed, consequently improving microvascular perfusion.

Conclusion

We present a novel approach for imaging multiple microcirculatory perturbations in the beating heart with LSCI assessment of blood flow. Despite deceptive hyperaemic responses, increased microcirculatory flow heterogeneity was seen, with non-perfused areas interspersed with perfused areas. Microthrombi, rather than neutrophils, appeared to be the major causative factor. We further applied this technique to demonstrate local stem cell presence is not a pre-requisite to confer vasculoprotection. This is the first detailed in vivo characterization of coronary microcirculatory responses post-reperfusion injury.
The Effectiveness of Biographical Approaches in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Menn Lara , Corsten Sabine , Lauer Norina , Wallace Sarah J
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives

Older adults in long-term residential aged care experience loneliness and reduced quality of life (QoL). Biographical approaches use the recall of the past events to increase self-efficacy, promote acceptance, and improve QoL. The aim of the systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of biographical approaches in improving the QoL of older adults in long-term residential aged care.

Research Design and Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using databases Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. A 2-phase search strategy was used to identify research literature relating to the use of biographical interventions. Narrative analysis was used to synthesize results.

Results

Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria for this review, comprising both group and individual interventions. The findings were inconsistent. Subjective elements of QoL of older adults improved in a narrow majority of the studies. Of a total of 21 outcomes investigated in group interventions, 11 resulted in significant improvements in QoL. The 16 outcomes of the individual interventions resulted in 10 significant improvements. The most significant influence was observed in life satisfaction. Group reminiscence also had a particularly strong influence on self-esteem.

Discussion and Implications

Although benefits were observed, it remains unclear why some interventions led to improvements in subjective elements of QoL and others did not. Exploration of the participant perspective through qualitative data collection and more detailed description of interventions in future studies could lead to a better understanding of the treatment components that are related to improved outcomes for older adults.
Datastorr: a workflow and package for delivering successive versions of 'evolving data' directly into R
Authors: Falster Daniel S , FitzJohn Richard G , Pennell Matthew W , Cornwell William K
Published: May 2019

The sharing and re-use of data has become a cornerstone of modern science. Multiple platforms now allow easy publication of datasets. So far, however, platforms for data sharing offer limited functions for distributing and interacting with evolving datasets— those that continue to grow with time as more records are added, errors fixed, and new data structures are created. In this article, we describe a workflow for maintaining and distributing successive versions of an evolving dataset, allowing users to retrieve and load different versions directly into the R platform. Our workflow utilizes tools and platforms used for development and distribution of successive versions of an open source software program, including version control, GitHub, and semantic versioning, and applies these to the analogous process of developing successive versions of an open source dataset. Moreover, we argue that this model allows for individual research groups to achieve a dynamic and versioned model of data delivery at no cost.
Tissue-specific sex differences in human gene expression
Authors: Kassam Irfahan , Wu Yang , Yang Jian , Visscher Peter M , McRae Allan F
Published: May 2019

Despite extensive sex differences in human complex traits and disease, the male and female genomes differ only in the sex chromosomes. This implies that most sex-differentiated traits are the result of differences in the expression of genes that are common to both sexes. While sex differences in gene expression have been observed in a range of different tissues, the biological mechanisms for tissue-specific sex differences (TSSDs) in gene expression are not well understood. A total of 30 640 autosomal and 1021 X-linked transcripts were tested for heterogeneity in sex difference effect sizes in n = 617 individuals across 40 tissue types in Genotype–Tissue Expression (GTEx). This identified 65 autosomal and 66 X-linked TSSD transcripts (corresponding to unique genes) at a stringent significance threshold. Results for X-linked TSSD transcripts showed mainly concordant direction of sex differences across tissues and replicate previous findings. Autosomal TSSD transcripts had mainly discordant direction of sex differences across tissues. The top cis-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) across tissues for autosomal TSSD transcripts are located a similar distance away from the nearest androgen and estrogen binding motifs and the nearest enhancer, as compared to cis-eQTLs for transcripts with stable sex differences in gene expression across tissue types. Enhancer regions that overlap top cis-eQTLs for TSSD transcripts, however, were found to be more dispersed across tissues. These observations suggest that androgen and estrogen regulatory elements in a cis region may play a common role in sex differences in gene expression, but TSSD in gene expression may additionally be due to causal variants located in tissue-specific enhancer regions.