bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis on structure of sound energy field decay of acoustical radiosity model with finite initial excitation
Authors: Honghu Zhang
Published: January 2020

The acoustical radiosity model (ARM) is a typical algorithm in geometrical acoustics to simulate the sound field in a room of ideally diffusely reflecting boundary. Even in such a room, the sound field decay is a complex process, as the relaxation of the sound field observed in simulations has shown. Based on the Laplace transform of the acoustical radiosity equation, this paper gives a set of properties of the ARM. It shows the system has a series of real or complex conjugate L-eigenvalues and corresponding L-eigenfunctions. Under the relaxation condition, the sound energy decay on the room boundary, generated by finite initial excitation, can be expanded as a summation of decay components, which are composed of real and/or complex conjugate decay modes. Each decay mode is a decaying and oscillating L-eigenfunction corresponding to an L-eigenvalue. The real part of the L-eigenvalue is the exponential decay rate, and the image part is the angular frequency of the oscillation. The reverberant sound field inside the room space has a similar decay structure to the boundary. As an example, the decay structure in a sphere is analyzed. The relaxation of the sound field is explained by the geometrical significance of the sound field decay.
Two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain formulation for sound propagation in a temperature-dependent elastomer-fluid medium
Authors: Huang Yunke , Hou Hong , Oterkus Selda , Wei Zhengyu , Gao Nansha
Published: January 2020

This study focuses on the two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) formulations to investigate the acoustic wave propagation in elastomers contained in a fluid region under different thermal conditions. The developed FDTD formulation is based on a direct solution of the time-domain wave equation and the Havriliak-Negami (H-N) dynamic mechanical response of the elastomers. The H-N representation, including double fractional derivative operators, can be accurately transferred from the frequency-domain to the time-domain by using Riemann-Liouville theory and the Grunwald-Letnikov operator for fractional derivative approximations. Since the Williams-Landel-Ferry shift function is related to the relaxation time for different thermal conditions, the proposed scheme represents a simple and accurate prediction of acoustic wave propagation for varying thermal conditions. The pulse-wave propagation in a viscous fluid field is simulated by investigating the Navier-Stokes equations. The acoustic properties of different elastomers in a variety of temperatures are obtained by means of the proposed FDTD formulation and validated by a good agreement with the experimental data over a wide frequency range. Additionally, the 2-D examples relevant to wave propagation in different elastomers contained in a fluid field are implemented. The proposed FDTD formulation can be used to predict 2-D acoustic wave propagation in different thermal conditions accurately.
Plant chemokine mimics
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: January 2020

Human immune cells migrate in response to plant chemokine orthologs that bind to and activate the chemokine receptor CXCR4.
Comparison of MIC Test Strip and Sensititre YeastOne with the CLSI and EUCAST Broth Microdilution Reference Methods for
In Vitro
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Delma Fatima Zohra , Al-Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Buil Jochem B. , van der Lee Hein , Tehupeiory-Kooreman Marlou , de Hoog G. Sybren , Meletiadis Joseph , Verweij Paul E.
Published: January 2020

We compared MIC test strip (MTS) and Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) methods with EUCAST and CLSI methods for amphotericin B, 5-fluocytosine, fluconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole against 106
Cryptococcus neoformans
isolates. The overall essential agreement between the EUCAST and CLSI methods was >72% and >94% at ±1 and ±2 dilutions, respectively. The essential agreements between SYO and EUCAST/CLSI for amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine, fluconazole, and voriconazole were >89/>93% and between MTS and EUCAST/CLSI were >57/>75%.
Immediate Interferon Gamma Induction Determines Murine Host Compatibility Differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum
Authors: Coombs Rachel S. , Blank Matthew L. , English Elizabeth D. , Adomako-Ankomah Yaw , Urama Ifeanyi-Chukwu Samuel , Martin Andrew T. , Yarovinsky Felix , Boyle Jon P.
Published: January 2020

Rodents are critical for the transmission ofToxoplasma gondiito the definitive feline host via predation, and this relationship has been extensively studied as a model for immune responses to parasites.Neospora caninumis a closely related coccidian parasite of ruminants and canines but is not naturally transmitted by rodents. We compared mouse innate immune responses toN. caninumandT. gondiiand found marked differences in cytokine levels and parasite growth kinetics during the first 24 h postinfection (hpi).
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O/CATHAY Genome Sequences from Five Outbreaks in Vietnam, 2017 to 2019
Authors: Vierra David , Bertram Miranda R. , Palinski Rachel M. , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Vu Le T. , Hoang Bui H. , Phuong Nguyen T. , Hung Vo V. , Vu Pham P. , Dung Nguyen K. , Tien Nguyen N. , Dong Pham V. , Dung Do H. , Arzt Jonathan
Published: January 2020

We report the genomes of five foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDVs) from distinct provinces in Vietnam. All five viruses were grouped within the O/CATHAY topotype. Sequences contain the full polyprotein coding sequence and partial untranslated regions. These genomes provide critical data on the spread and evolution of FMDVs in the region.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lignin-Degrading
Streptomyces
sp. Strain S6, Isolated from an Oil Palm Plantation in Malaysia
Authors: Yusof Nurtasbiyah , Abdullah Tahir Analhuda , Riyadi Fatimah Azizah , Ahmad Sabri Nurul Syazwani , Md Akhir Fazrena Nadia , Othman Nor’azizi , Chin Kah Lock , Tseng Kuang Yu , Chin Siang Tean , Zakaria Zuriati , Lai Cheng Yu , Hara Hirofumi
Published: January 2020

Streptomyces
spp. are bacteria that are responsible for the degradation of aromatic compounds and produce secondary metabolites. Here, we present a complete genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain S6, which was isolated from an oil palm plantation, with a 7.8-Mbp liner chromosome, a GC content of 72%, and 4,266 coding sequences.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Confirms the Coexistence of Different Colonizing Group B
Streptococcus
Isolates Underscored by CRISPR Typing
Authors: Beauruelle Clémence , Branger Maxime , Cochard Thierry , Pastuszka Adeline , Biet Franck , Lanotte Philippe
Published: January 2020

Streptococcus agalactiae
is a major pathogen and is the leading cause of neonatal infections in industrialized countries. The diversity of strains isolated from two pregnant women was investigated. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of strains W8A2, W8A6, W10E2, and W10F3, obtained in order to ascertain their phylogenetic affiliation.
Astronomically forced hydrology of the Late Cretaceous sub-tropical Potosí Basin, Bolivia
Authors: Tasistro-Hart Adrian , Maloof Adam , Schoene Blair , Eddy Michael P.
Published: January 2020

Periodic variations in Earth’s orbital parameters force climate on local and global scales, with global responses particularly sensitive to the presence of ice sheets and their associated feedbacks. Therefore, determining whether orbital forcings influenced sedimentary records of the past, and if so, which had such an effect, can shed light on Earth’s climate sensitivity and global ice volume. To this end, we present a field- and drone-based cyclostratigraphy of the predominantly lacustrine El Molino Formation of the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleogene Potosí Basin in present day Bolivia, which contains carbonate mud parasequences that record fluctuating hydrological conditions, including ephemeral marine connections, from 73 Ma to 64 Ma. We introduce a novel methodology for incorporating drone imagery into a quantitative, three-dimensional stratigraphic model that generates an upward-younging quantity comparable to stratigraphic height, and we find that our model outperforms our own field measurements of stratigraphic height. We project drone imagery at two sites into the stratigraphic model to construct time series of outcrop color, which vary systematically with facies and track basin water depth. Spectral analysis of these time series reveals sedimentary periodicities corresponding to short eccentricity, precession, and semi-precession, which are corroborated with measurements of magnetic susceptibility from mudstones. We generate independent age models at both study areas from four new U-Pb chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA–ID–TIMS) ages, which are consistent with an orbital interpretation for observed sedimentary periodicities. Importantly, we observe the presence of obliquity-scale periodicity in sedimentation during a period of marine connection, suggesting that sea level oscillations were driven by obliquity. This observation is consistent with previous claims about the presence of a small, orbitally forced Antarctic ice sheet during the latest Cretaceous.
Rare case of acute on chronic hepatic failure in a patient with multiple myeloma-associated amyloidosis
Authors: Muhammad Khan Muzammil , Ur Rashid Mamoon , Ullah Waqas , Hussain Ishtiaq , Hurairah Abu
Published: January 2020

Amyloidosis is the extracellular deposition of unique protein fibrils in different tissue organs. It is most commonly associated with B-cell malignancy such as multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia. It involves the liver, heart, kidney, peripheral nerves and soft tissues. Liver however is affected, but clinically apparent disease is very rare. Hepatomegaly and mild elevation of alkaline phosphatase is the most common presentation in patients with liver involvement. Acute hepatic failure is a rare presentation with myeloma-induced amyloidosis. The diagnosis can be difficult requiring biopsy or sometimes special staining of the tissue. Management is still very challenging
Lung cancer mortality among construction workers: implications for early detection
Authors: Dement John M , Ringen Knut , Hines Stella , Cranford Kim , Quinn Patricia
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This study examined predictors of lung cancer mortality, beyond age and smoking, among construction workers employed at US Department of Energy (DOE) sites to better define eligibility for low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening.

Methods

Predictive models were based on 17 069 workers and 352 lung cancer deaths. Risk factors included age, gender, race/ethnicity, cigarette smoking, years of trade or DOE work, body mass index (BMI), chest X-ray results, spirometry results, respiratory symptoms, beryllium sensitisation and personal history of cancer. Competing risk Cox models were used to obtain HRs and to predict 5-year risks.

Results

Factors beyond age and smoking included in the final predictive model were chest X-ray changes, abnormal lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory symptoms, BMI, personal history of cancer and having worked 5 or more years at a DOE site or in construction. Risk-based LDCT eligibility demonstrated improved sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value compared with current US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. The risk of lung cancer death from 5 years of work in the construction industry or at a DOE site was comparable with the risk from a personal cancer history, a family history of cancer or a diagnosis of COPD. LDCT eligibility criteria used for DOE construction workers, which includes factors beyond age and smoking, identified 86% of participants who eventually would die from lung cancer compared with 51% based on age and smoking alone.

Conclusions

Results support inclusion of risk from occupational exposures and non-malignant respiratory clinical findings in LDCT clinical guidelines.
Prevalence of smoking in adults with spinal cord stimulators: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hooten W Michael , Moman Rajat N , Dvorkin Jodie , Pollard E Morgan , Wonderman Robalee , Murad M Hassan
Published: January 2020

Background

Smoking adversely impacts pain-related outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). However, the proportion of SCS patients at risk of worse outcomes is limited by an incomplete knowledge of smoking prevalence in this population. Thus, the primary aim of this systematic review is to determine the prevalence of smoking in adults with chronic pain treated with SCS.

Methods

A comprehensive search of databases from 1 January 1980 to 3 January 2019 was conducted. Eligible study designs included (1) randomized trials; (2) prospective and retrospective cohort studies; and (3) cross-sectional studies. The risk of bias was assessed using a tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. A total of 1619 records were screened, 19 studies met inclusion criteria, and the total number of participants was 10 838.

Results

Thirteen studies had low or moderate risk of bias, and six had a high risk of bias. All 19 studies reported smoking status and the pooled prevalence was 38% (95% CI 30% to 47%). The pooled prevalence in 6 studies of peripheral vascular diseases was 56% (95% CI 42% to 69%), the pooled prevalence of smoking in 11 studies of lumbar spine diagnoses was 28% (95% CI 20% to 36%) and the pooled prevalence in 2 studies of refractory angina was 44% (95% CI 31% to 58%).

Conclusions

The estimated prevalence of smoking in SCS patients is 2.5 times greater than the general population. Future research should focus on development, testing and deployment of tailored smoking cessation treatments for SCS patients.
Surgical removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst in a geriatric dog
Authors: Markou Miltiadis , Anatolitou Anthi
Published: January 2020

A 12‐year‐old, body condition score (BCS) 9, female, Poodle mix dog was presented for coughing, gasping sounds and exercise intolerance. The symptoms started 2 months prior to the presentation. Clinical findings revealed a large, fluid‐filled mass on the ventral aspect of the neck. Ultrasound examination identified a large anechoic cyst. Thoracic radiographs revealed signs of bronchial pattern and right‐sided cardiomegaly, as a consequence of chronic bronchitis. There was no evidence of metastatic disease. Serum concentrations of T4, fT4 and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) were within normal limits. The cyst was removed via marginal excision. The histopathological findings were suggestive of thyroglossal duct cyst. A thyroglossal duct tract was not identified. Apart from the formation of a temporary seroma, there were no other postsurgical complications. There was no recurrence of the cyst 3 months postoperatively. To the authors’ knowledge, this is a rare case of thyroglossal duct cyst in a geriatric dog.
Acoustic vs. photographic monitoring of gray wolves (Canis lupus): a methodological comparison of two passive monitoring techniques
Authors: Garland Laura , Crosby Andrew , Hedley Richard , Boutin Stan , Bayne Erin
Published: January 2020

Remote camera traps are often used in large-mammal research and monitoring programs because they are cost-effective, allow for repeat surveys, and can be deployed for long time periods. Statistical advancements in calculating population densities from camera-trap data have increased the popularity of camera usage in mammal studies. However, drawbacks to camera traps include their limited sampling area and tendency for animals to notice the devices. In contrast, autonomous recording units (ARUs) record the sounds of animals with a much larger sampling area but are dependent on animals producing detectable vocalizations. In this study, we compared estimates of occupancy and detectability between ARUs and remote cameras for gray wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) in northern Alberta, Canada. We found ARUs to be comparable with cameras in their detectability and occupancy of wolves, despite only operating for 3% of the time that cameras were active. However, combining cameras and ARUs resulted in the highest detection probabilities for wolves. These advances in survey technology and statistical methods provide innovative avenues for large-mammal monitoring that, when combined, can be applied to a broad spectrum of conservation and management questions, provided assumptions for these methods are rigorously tested and met.
Constraints on a special running vacuum model
Authors: Geng Chao-Qiang , Lee Chung-Chi , Yin Lu
Published: January 2020

We study a special running vacuum model (RVM) with $$\Lambda = 3 \alpha H^2+3\beta H_0^4 H^{-2}+\Lambda _0$$Λ=3αH2+3βH04H-2+Λ0, where $$\alpha $$α, $$\beta $$β and $$\Lambda _0$$Λ0 are the model parameters and H is the Hubble one. This RVM has non-analytic background solutions for the energy densities of matter and radiation, which can only be evaluated numerically. From the analysis of the CMB power spectrum and baryon acoustic oscillation along with the prior of $$\alpha >0$$α>0 to avoid having a negative dark energy density, we find that $$\alpha <2.83\times 10^{-4}$$α<2.83×10-4 and $$\beta =(-0.2^{+3.9}_{-4.5})\times 10^{-4}$$β=(-0.2-4.5+3.9)×10-4 (95$$\%$$% C.L.). We show that the RVM fits the cosmological data comparably to the $$\Lambda \hbox {CDM}$$ΛCDM. In addition, we relate the fluctuation amplitude $$\sigma _8$$σ8 to the neutrino mass sum $$\Sigma m_\nu $$Σmν.
Adaptive Incident Radiance Field Sampling and Reconstruction Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Huo Yuchi , Wang Rui , Zheng Ruzahng , Xu Hualin , Bao Hujun , Yoon Sung-Eui
Published: January 2020

Serious noise affects the rendering of global illumination using Monte Carlo (MC) path tracing when insufficient samples are used. The two common solutions to this problem are filtering noisy inputs to generate smooth but biased results and sampling the MC integrand with a carefully crafted probability distribution function (PDF) to produce unbiased results. Both solutions benefit from an efficient incident radiance field sampling and reconstruction algorithm. This study proposes a method for training quality and reconstruction networks (Q- and R-networks, respectively) with a massive offline dataset for the adaptive sampling and reconstruction of first-bounce incident radiance fields. The convolutional neural network (CNN)-based R-network reconstructs the incident radiance field in a 4D space, whereas the deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based Q-network predicts and guides the adaptive sampling process. The approach is verified by comparing it with state-of-the-art unbiased path guiding methods and filtering methods. Results demonstrate improvements for unbiased path guiding and competitive performance in biased applications, including filtering and irradiance caching.
Silence
Authors: Goren Guy , Moses Yoram
Published: January 2020

The cost of communication is a substantial factor affecting the scalability of many distributed applications. Every message sent can incur a cost in storage, computation, energy, and bandwidth. Consequently, reducing the communication costs of distributed applications is highly desirable. The best way to reduce message costs is by communicating without sending any messages whatsoever. This article initiates a rigorous investigation into the use of silence in synchronous settings, in which processes can fail. We formalize sufficient conditions for information transfer using silence, as well as necessary conditions for particular cases of interest. This allows us to identify message patterns that enable communication through silence. In particular, a pattern called a
silent choir
is identified, and shown to be central to information transfer via silence in failure-prone systems. The power of the new framework is demonstrated on the
atomic commitment
problem (AC). A complete characterization of the tradeoff between message complexity and round complexity in the synchronous model with crash failures is provided, in terms of lower bounds and matching protocols. In particular, a new message-optimal AC protocol is designed using silence, in which processes decide in three rounds in the common case. This significantly improves on the best previously known message-optimal AC protocol, in which decisions were performed in Θ(
n
) rounds.

And in the naked light I saw

Ten thousand people, maybe more

People talking without speaking

…

People writing songs that voices never share

And no one dared

Disturb the sound of silence

Paul Simon, 1964
Influence of Conductive Additives and Binder on the Impedance of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes: Effect of Morphology
Authors: Hein Simon , Danner Timo , Westhoff Daniel , Prifling Benedikt , Scurtu Rares , Kremer Lea , Hoffmann Alice , Hilger André , Osenberg Markus , Manke Ingo , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Schmidt Volker , Latz Arnulf
Published: January 2020

Most cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries exhibit a low electronic conductivity. Hence, a significant amount of conductive graphitic additives are introduced during electrode production. The mechanical stability and electronic connection of the electrode is enhanced by a mixed phase formed by the carbon and binder materials. However, this mixed phase, the carbon binder domain (CBD), hinders the transport of lithium ions through the electrolyte pore network. Thus, reducing the performance at higher currents. In this work we combine microstructure resolved simulations with impedance measurements on symmetrical cells to identify the influence of the CBD distribution. Microstructures of NMC622 electrodes are obtained through synchrotron X-ray tomography. Resolving the CBD using tomography techniques is challenging. Therefore, three different CBD distributions are incorporated via a structure generator. We present results of microstructure resolved impedance spectroscopy and lithiation simulations, which reproduce the experimental results of impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic lithiation measurements, thus, providing a link between the spatial CBD distribution, electrode impedance, and half-cell performance. The results demonstrate the significance of the CBD distribution and enable predictive simulations for battery design. The accumulation of CBD at contact points between particles is identified as the most likely configuration in the electrodes under consideration.
Analysis of Chemical and Electrochemical Lithiation/Delithiation of a Lithium-Ion Cathode Material
Authors: Gupta Devanshi , Koenig Gary M.
Published: January 2020

Redox targeting reactions between lithium-ion battery materials and redox shuttles have been proposed to design high energy density redox flow batteries. Designing these batteries would require a deeper understanding of the kinetics of redox targeting reactions and the phase transformation of the materials involved. In this study, the oxidation and reduction of lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO4, via chemical and electrochemical routes will be compared. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used as a technique to characterize the extent of chemical lithiation/delithiation during chemical redox of LiFePO4, while the electrochemical redox was characterized using battery coin cells. The kinetic parameters extracted using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Erofeyev–Kolomogorov model suggested that chemical redox was slower than electrochemical redox within the experimental regimes. Calculated apparent activation energies suggested the limitations in the chemical redox rate were due to different processes than the electrochemical redox. In addition, asymmetry observed for oxidation and reduction of LiFePO4 materials will be discussed. As pairs of solid battery electroactive particles and soluble redox shuttles are designed, tools and analysis such as those in this study will be needed for interrogating and comparing electrochemical and chemical oxidation and reduction of the solid particles to understand and design these systems.
An Analysis of Solid-State Electrodeposition-Induced Metal Plastic Flow and Predictions of Stress States in Solid Ionic Conductor Defects
Authors: Barroso-Luque Luis , Tu Qingsong , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: January 2020

The use of inorganic solid-ionic conductors with a metal electrode, has been proposed as a way to increase energy density, decrease capacity loss and prevent failure from metal propagation. Current observations of Li-metal electrodes causing cell shorting in solid-state systems have been identified as main obstacles limiting the development of this technology. However, many aspects of the involved phenomenon have not been fully addressed theoretically. In this work, we derive a mathematical model of electrodeposition-induced plastic flow in metal/inorganic solid-conductor systems. We use a semi-analytical solution to derive pressure increase expressions at metal protrusions and assess the possibility of fracture. The results give flow solutions analogous to laminar channel flow. The solutions also show how taking into account a boundary traction potential from built up pressure, leads to ionic redistribution and effectively screens isolated flaws, making local current focusing an incomplete explanation for observed electrolyte fracture. We show that the boundary traction potential sets a maximum value for the pressure increase that can occur from deposition at an isolated flaw. We derive conditions under which fracture can occur, and quantify the role of ionic conductivity and electrolyte fracture toughness in extending safe operating regimes of solid-state electrolytes with metal electrodes.
Blockade of endothelial, but not epithelial, cell expression of PD-L1 following severe shock attenuates the development of indirect acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Xu Shumin , Yang Qian , Bai Jianwen , Tao Tianzhu , Tang Lunxian , Chen Yaping , Chung Chun-Shiang , Fallon Eleanor A. , Ayala Alfred
Published: January 2020

This study sets out to establish the comparative contribution of PD-L1 expression by pulmonary endothelial cells (ECs) and/or epithelial cells (EpiCs) to the development of indirect acute lung injury (iALI) by taking advantage of the observation that treatment with naked siRNA by intratracheal delivery in mice primarily affects lung EpiCs, but not lung ECs, while intravenous delivery of liposomal-encapsulated siRNA largely targets vascular ECs including the lung, but not pulmonary EpiCs. We showed that using a mouse model of iALI [induced by hemorrhagic shock followed by septic challenge (Hem-CLP)], PD-L1 expression on pulmonary ECs or EpiCs was significantly upregulated in the iALI mice at 24 h post–septic insult. After documenting the selective ability of intratracheal versus intravenous delivery of PD-L1 siRNA to inhibit PD-L1 expression on EpiCs versus ECs, respectively, we observed that the iALI-induced elevation of cytokine/chemokine levels (in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung lysates, or plasma), lung myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 activities could largely only be inhibited by intravenous, but not intratracheal, delivery of PD-L1 siRNA. Moreover, intravenous, but not intratracheal, delivery led to a preservation of normal tissue architecture, lessened pulmonary edema, and reduced neutrophils influx induced by iALI. In addition, in vitro mouse endothelial cell line studies showed that PD-L1 gene knockdown by siRNA or knockout by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene manipulation, reduced monolayer permeability, and maintained tight junction protein levels upon recombinant IFN-γ stimulation. Together, these data imply a critical role for pulmonary vascular ECs in mediating PD-1:PD-L1–driven pathological changes resulting from systemic stimuli such as Hem-CLP.
ACKR2 contributes to pulmonary dysfunction by shaping CCL5:CCR5-dependent recruitment of lymphocytes during influenza A infection in mice
Authors: Tavares Luciana P. , Garcia Cristiana C. , Gonçalves Ana Paula F. , Kraemer Lucas R. , Melo Eliza M. , Oliveira Fabrício M. S. , Freitas Camila S. , Lopes Gabriel A. O. , Reis Diego C. , Cassali Geovanni D. , Machado Alexandre M. , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Teixeira Mauro M. , Russo Remo C.
Published: January 2020

Inflammation triggered by influenza A virus (IAV) infection is important for viral clearance, induction of adaptive responses, and return to lung homeostasis. However, an exaggerated immune response, characterized by the overproduction of chemokines, can lead to intense lung injury, contributing to mortality. Chemokine scavenger receptors, such as ACKR2, control the levels of CC chemokines influencing the immune responses. Among the chemokine targets of ACKR2, CCL5 is important to recruit and activate lymphocytes. We investigated the role of ACKR2 during IAV infection in mice. Pulmonary ACKR2 expression was increased acutely after IAV infection preceding the virus-induced lung dysfunction. ACKR2-knockout (ACKR2−/−) mice were protected from IAV, presenting decreased viral burden and lung dysfunction. Mechanistically, the absence of ACKR2 resulted in augmented airway CCL5 levels, secreted by mononuclear and plasma cells in the lung parenchyma. The higher chemokine gradient led to an augmented recruitment of T and B lymphocytes, formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and production of IgA in the airways of ACKR2−/−mice post-IAV. CCL5 neutralization in ACKR2−/−mice prevented lymphocyte recruitment and increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels and pulmonary dysfunction. Finally, CCR5−/−mice presented increased disease severity during IAV infection, displaying increased neutrophils, pulmonary injury and dysfunction, and accentuated lethality. Collectively, our data showed that ACKR2 dampens CCL5 levels and the consequent recruitment of CCR5+T helper 1 (Th1), T regulatory cells (Tregs), and B lymphocytes during IAV infection, decreasing pathogen control and promoting lung dysfunction in wild type mice. Therefore, ACKR2 is detrimental and CCR5 is protective during IAV infection coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses in mice.
Lower respiratory tract delivery, airway clearance, and preclinical efficacy of inhaled GM-CSF in a postinfluenza pneumococcal pneumonia model
Authors: Umstead Todd M. , Hewage Eranda Kurundu , Mathewson Margaret , Beaudoin Sarah , Chroneos Zissis C. , Wang Ming , Halstead E. Scott
Published: January 2020

Inhaled granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) shows promise as a therapeutic to treat viral and bacterial pneumonia, but no mouse model of inhaled GM-CSF has been described. We sought to 1) develop a mouse model of aerosolized recombinant mouse GM-CSF administration and 2) investigate the protection conferred by inhaled GM-CSF during influenza A virus (IAV) infection against secondary bacterial infection with pneumococcus. To assess lower respiratory tract delivery of aerosolized therapeutics, mice were exposed to aerosolized fluorescein (FITC)-labeled dextran noninvasively via an aerosolization tower or invasively using a rodent ventilator. The efficiency of delivery to the lower respiratory tracts of mice was 0.01% noninvasively compared with 0.3% invasively. The airway pharmacokinetics of inhaled GM-CSF fit a two-compartment model with a terminal phase half-life of 1.3 h. To test if lower respiratory tract levels were sufficient for biological effect, mice were infected intranasally with IAV, treated with aerosolized recombinant mouse GM-CSF, and then secondarily infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Inhaled GM-CSF conferred a significant survival benefit to mice against secondary challenge with S. pneumoniae ( P < 0.05). Inhaled GM-CSF did not reduce airway or lung parenchymal bacterial growth but significantly reduced the incidence of S. pneumoniae bacteremia ( P < 0.01). However, GM-CSF overexpression during influenza virus infection did not affect lung epithelial permeability to FITC-dextran ingress into the bloodstream. Therefore, the mechanism of protection conferred by inhaled GM-CSF appears to be locally mediated improved lung antibacterial resistance to systemic bacteremia during IAV infection.
Increased particle flow rate from airways precedes clinical signs of ARDS in a porcine model of LPS-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Stenlo Martin , Hyllén Snejana , Silva Iran A. N. , Bölükbas Deniz A. , Pierre Leif , Hallgren Oskar , Wagner Darcy E. , Lindstedt Sandra
Published: January 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of death in the intensive care unit, with mortality rates of ~30–40%. To reduce invasive diagnostics such as bronchoalveolar lavage and time-consuming in-hospital transports for imaging diagnostics, we hypothesized that particle flow rate (PFR) pattern from the airways could be an early detection method and contribute to improving diagnostics and optimizing personalized therapies. Porcine models were ventilated mechanically. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered endotracheally and in the pulmonary artery to induce ARDS. PFR was measured using a customized particles in exhaled air (PExA 2.0) device. In contrast to control animals undergoing mechanical ventilation and receiving saline administration, animals who received LPS developed ARDS according to clinical guidelines and histologic assessment. Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 increased significantly compared with baseline after 120 and 180 min, respectively. On the other hand, the PFR significantly increased and peaked 60 min after LPS administration, i.e., ~30 min before any ARDS stage was observed with other well-established outcome measurements such as hypoxemia, increased inspiratory pressure, and lower tidal volumes or plasma cytokine levels. The present results imply that PFR could be used to detect early biomarkers or as a clinical indicator for the onset of ARDS.
Pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 ameliorates muscle and liver ceramide content after disuse in previously physically active mice
Authors: McKenzie Alec I. , Reidy Paul T. , Nelson Daniel S. , Mulvey Jade L. , Yonemura Nikol M. , Petrocelli Jonathan J. , Mahmassani Ziad S. , Tippetts Trevor S. , Summers Scott A. , Funai Katsuhiko , Drummond Micah J.
Published: January 2020

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a proposed mediator of ceramide accumulation, muscle atrophy, and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. It is currently unknown whether pharmacological inhibition of TLR4, using the TLR4-specific inhibitor TAK-242 during muscle disuse, is able to prevent changes in intracellular ceramide species and consequently preserve muscle size and insulin sensitivity in physically active mice. To address this question, we subjected running wheel-conditioned C57BL/6 male mice (13 wk old; ∼10/group) to 7 days of hindlimb suspension (HS), 7 days of continued wheel running (WR), or daily injections of TAK-242 during HS (HS + TAK242) for 7 days. We measured hindlimb muscle morphology, intramuscular and liver ceramide content, HOMA-IR, mRNA proxies of ceramide turnover and lipid trafficking, and muscle fatty acid and glycerolipid content. As a result, soleus and liver ceramide abundance was greater ( P < 0.05) in HS vs. WR but was reduced with TLR4 inhibition (HS + TAK-242 vs. HS). Muscle mass declined ( P < 0.01) with HS (vs. WR), but TLR4 inhibition did not prevent this loss (soleus: P = 0.08; HS vs. HS + TAK-242). HOMA-IR was impaired ( P < 0.01) in HS versus WR mice, but only fasting blood glucose was reduced with TLR4 inhibition (HS + TAK-242 vs HS, P < 0.05). Robust decreases in muscle Spt2 and Cd36 mRNA and muscle lipidomic trafficking may partially explain reductions in ceramides with TLR4 inhibition. In conclusion, pharmacological TLR4 inhibition in wheel-conditioned mice prevented ceramide accumulation during the early phase of hindlimb suspension (7 days) but had little effect on muscle size and insulin sensitivity.
Somatosensory changes associated with motor skill learning
Authors: Mirdamadi Jasmine L. , Block Hannah J.
Published: January 2020

Trial-and-error motor adaptation has been linked to somatosensory plasticity and shifts in proprioception (limb position sense). The role of sensory processing in motor skill learning is less understood. Unlike adaptation, skill learning involves the acquisition of new movement patterns in the absence of perturbation, with performance limited by the speed-accuracy trade-off. We investigated somatosensory changes during motor skill learning at the behavioral and neurophysiological levels. Twenty-eight healthy young adults practiced a maze-tracing task, guiding a robotic manipulandum through an irregular two-dimensional track featuring several abrupt turns. Practice occurred on days 1 and 2. Skill was assessed before practice on day 1 and again on day 3, with learning indicated by a shift in the speed-accuracy function between these assessments. Proprioceptive function was quantified with a passive two-alternative forced-choice task. In a subset of 15 participants, we measured short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) to index somatosensory projections to motor cortex. We found that motor practice enhanced the speed-accuracy skill function ( F4,108 = 32.15, P < 0.001) and was associated with improved proprioceptive sensitivity at retention ( t22 = 24.75, P = 0.0031). Furthermore, SAI increased after training ( F1,14 = 5.41, P = 0.036). Interestingly, individuals with larger increases in SAI, reflecting enhanced somatosensory afference to motor cortex, demonstrated larger improvements in motor skill learning. These findings suggest that SAI may be an important functional mechanism for some aspect of motor skill learning. Further research is needed to test what parameters (task complexity, practice time, etc.) are specifically linked to somatosensory function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Somatosensory processing has been implicated in motor adaptation, where performance recovers from a perturbation such as a force field. We investigated somatosensory function during motor skill learning, where a new motor pattern is acquired in the absence of perturbation. After skill practice, we found changes in proprioception and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), signifying somatosensory change at both the behavioral and neurophysiological levels. SAI may be an important functional mechanism by which individuals learn motor skills.
A novel method for quantifying periodicity and time delay in dynamic neural networks using unstable subaction potential threshold depolarizations
Authors: Sorensen Julian , Spencer Nick J.
Published: January 2020

Techniques to identify and correlate the propagation of electrical signals (like action potentials) along neural networks are well described, using multisite recordings. In these cases, the waveform of action potentials is usually relatively stable and discriminating relevant electrical signals straightforward. However, problems can arise when attempting to identify and correlate the propagation of signals when their waveforms are unstable (e.g., fluctuations in amplitude or time course). This makes correlation of the degree of synchronization and time lag between propagating electrical events across two or more recording sites problematic. Here, we present novel techniques for the determination of the periodicity of electrical signals at individual sites. When recording from two independent sites, we present novel analytical techniques for joint determination of periodicity and time delay. The techniques presented exploit properties of the cross-correlation function, rather than utilizing the time lag at which the cross-correlation function is maximized. The approach allows determination of directionality of the spread of excitation along a neural network based on measurements of the time delay between recording sites. This new method is particularly applicable to analysis of signals in other biological systems that have unstable characteristics in waveform that show dynamic variability.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The determination of frequency(s) at which two sources are synchronized, and relative time delay between them, is a fundamental problem for a wide a range of signal-processing applications. In this methodology paper, we present novel procedures for periodicity estimation for single time series and joint periodicity and time delay estimation for two time series. The methods use properties of the cross-correlation function rather than the cross-correlation function explicitly.
Nosocomial Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a Pediatric Patient in Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Rojano Hugo , Huerta Herón , Hernández-Triana Luis M. , Ruiz Pérez Eduardo Francisco , Sámano Reyna
Published: January 2020

Prevention of nosocomial myiasis, or hospital-acquired larvae infestation, should be an essential part of all hospital infection control programs. However, little is known about nosocomial myiasis, despite the extensive medical and psychological effects it has on patients and their families and the negative effects it has on hospitals’ reputation and finances. This report describes a case of nosocomial myiasis of a 13-year-old boy who was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit for congestive heart failure, anemia, uremic encephalopathy, hypertension, and severe respiratory distress. Ten days after admission, the pediatrician and the nurse perceived an increase in the volume of the gingival mucosa of the upper buccal vestibule and the presence of fly larvae. The maggots were sent to the Instituto de Diagnostico y Referencia Epidemiologicos for identification and were found to be Lucilia sericata larvae. This report highlights the need to educate medical and paramedical personnel, as well as creation and implement protocols in hospitals to avoid nosocomial myiasis and improvement of general sanitation.
Upper Bound on the Bit Error Probability of Systematic Binary Linear Codes via Their Weight Spectra
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Mingyu , Wang Chaoyong , Chen Rongjun , An Xiaofeng , Wang Yufei
Published: January 2020

In this paper, upper bound on the probability of maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoding error for systematic binary linear codes over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels is proposed. The proposed bound on the bit error probability is derived with the framework of Gallager’s first bounding technique (GFBT), where the Gallager region is defined to be an irregular high-dimensional geometry by using a list decoding algorithm. The proposed bound on the bit error probability requires only the knowledge of weight spectra, which is helpful when the input-output weight enumerating function (IOWEF) is not available. Numerical results show that the proposed bound on the bit error probability matches well with the maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding simulation approach especially in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region, which is better than the recently proposed Ma bound.
Pattern and Outcome of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bedry Tuji , Tadele Henok
Published: January 2020

Background. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death/disability in children. The Glasgow coma scale and other parameters are used for treatment/follow-up of TBI. Childhood TBI data are scarce from sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to determine the pattern and predictors of the TBI outcome in Southern Ethiopia. Methods. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to September 2018 at Hawassa University Hospital. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Significant associations were declared at a P value of <0.05. Results. There were 4,258 emergency room (ER) visits during the study period, and TBI contributed to 317 (7.4%) cases. The mean age of study subjects was 7.66 ± 3.88 years. Boys, predominantly above 5 years of age, comprise 218 (68.8%) of the study subjects with a male to female ratio of 2.2 : 1. Pedestrian road traffic accidents (RTA), 120 (37.9%), and falls, 104 (32.8%), were the commonest causes of TBI. Mild, moderate, and severe TBI were documented in 231 (72.9%), 61 (19.2%), and 25 (7.9%) of cases, respectively. Most of the TBI cases presented within 24 hrs of injury, 258 (81.4%). Recovery with no neurologic deficit, 267 (84.2%); focal neurologic deficit, 30 (9.5%); depressed mentation, 10 (3.2%); and death, 10 (3.2%), were documented. Signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) at admission [AOR: 1.415 (95% CI: 1.4058–9.557)], severe TBI [AOR: 2.553 (95% CI: 1.965–4.524)], presence of hyperglycemia [AOR: 2.318 (95% CI: 1.873–7.874)], and presence of contusion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), or intracranial bleeding on the head computed tomography (CT) scan [AOR: 2.45 (95% CI: 1.811–7.952)] predicted poor TBI outcome. Conclusion. TBI contributed to 7.4% of pediatric ER visits. Pedestrian RTA and falls, early presentation (<24 hours of injury), and mild form of TBI among boys were the most common documented patterns. ICP, hyperglycemia, severe TBI, and presence of contusion, DAI, or intracranial bleeding on head CT predicted poor outcome. Strategies to ensure road safety and to prevent falls and animal-related injuries and TBI follow-up for ICP and glycemic controls are recommended.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Acute Amphetamine Toxicosis in a Dog
Authors: Smith M. Ryan , Wurlod Virginie A.
Published: January 2020

A 3-year-old female spayed rat terrier presented for hyperactivity and repetitive circling to the right of less than one-hour duration. On examination, the patient was dehydrated, hyperactive, and dysphoric. Laboratory tests initially revealed elevations in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Serial chemistries indicated significant progression of CK elevation to a maximum of 181,900 U/L on day 3 along with the development of profuse myoglobinuria. A urine drug screening test was positive for amphetamine metabolites. This patient was treated with sedatives, aggressive fluid diuresis, and antioxidants. The dog recovered uneventfully with no indicators of renal dysfunction based on serial blood chemistries and was discharged five days after presentation. Follow-up blood chemistries taken four days after discharge revealed near normalization of CK and resolution of myoglobinuria. This case report describes a particularly severe case of rhabdomyolysis associated with amphetamine toxicity and its successful treatment.