bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological clues to the diagnosis of metastasis to the breast from extramammary malignancies
Authors: Lee Andrew H S , Hodi Zsolt , Soomro Irshad , Sovani Vishakha , Abbas Areeg , Rakha Emad , Ellis Ian O
Published: May 2020

Aims

The aims of this study were to review the histological features useful for the identification of metastases to the breast and to investigate the impression that this diagnosis has become more common.

Methods and results

The histological features of metastases to the breast from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed. Seventy‐four biopsies from 66 patients were identified: 1% compared with primary carcinoma of the breast. Non‐haematological metastases comprised 0.75% compared with 0.3% in a series from 1996 to 2005. The most common tumour types were pulmonary carcinoma (22), lymphoma (15), melanoma (13), gastrointestinal carcinoma (eight) and serous papillary carcinoma (four). In 73% there were histological features that were not typical of primary mammary carcinoma. Some metastases were histologically similar to breast cancer and the history was essential to making the correct diagnosis. Useful histological clues included small‐cell morphology for pulmonary carcinoma, glands containing necrosis for gastrointestinal carcinoma, intranuclear inclusions, marked pleomorphism and spindle cells for melanoma, clear cells for renal carcinoma, papillary architecture for serous papillary carcinoma and sheets of centroblasts or nodules of centroblasts and centrocytes for lymphoma. Useful immunohistochemical markers included TTF‐1 for pulmonary carcinoma, S100, melan‐A and HMB45 for melanoma, CK20 and CDX2 for colorectal carcinoma, PAX8 and WT1 for serous papillary carcinoma and lymphoid markers for lymphomas, in addition to the absence of expression of mammary markers ER, GATA3 and GCDFP‐15.

Conclusion

The majority of metastases to the breast have histological clues to the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry is helpful. This diagnosis is being made more frequently.
Evaluation of disruptive camouflage of avian cup‐nests
Authors: Mulder Tom , Campbell Cori J. , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: May 2020

Parent birds employ various strategies to protect their offspring against nest predators. Two well‐researched anti‐nest‐predation strategies involve visual concealment of the nest by way of parental camouflage and egg camouflage. By contrast, camouflage of nest structures is relatively under‐researched, particularly in the case of cup‐nests in trees and bushes. We explored how birds camouflage cup‐nests in nature. Specifically, we tested Hansell’s hypothesis that birds use externally applied pale and white objects such as spider cocoons and lichens to achieve cup‐nest camouflage. To test Hansell’s hypothesis, three complementary experiments were performed: (1) an in situ nest predation experiment; (2) a photo‐based visual search experiment; and (3) contrast analyses using PAT‐GEOM software in IMAGEJ. White paper and chalk spots were used to mimic white objects used by birds in nature. Whereas predation rates in Experiment 1 were not affected by white spots, location rates in Experiment 2 were lower for natural nests with white spots than without white spots. Experiment 3 demonstrated that white spots significantly increased the contrast between different visual elements of nests. It was concluded that white objects can potentially camouflage nests against some nest predators, and that any improved camouflage was probably achieved via disruptive camouflage.
Epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of 465 hospitalized cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) from Zhejiang province in China
Authors: Lian Jiangshan , Jin Xi , Hao Shaorui , Jia Hongyu , Cai Huan , Zhang Xiaoli , Hu Jianhua , Zheng Lin , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Shanyan , Ye Chanyuan , Jin Ciliang , Yu Guodong , Gu Jueqing , Lu Yingfeng , Yu Xiaopeng , Xiang Dairong , Li Lanjuan , Liang Tingbo , Sheng Jifang , Yang Yida
Published: May 2020

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the associated coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) have spread throughout China. Previous studies predominantly focused on its place of origin, Wuhan, causing over estimation of the disease severity due to selection bias. We analyzed 465 confirmed cases in Zhejiang province to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of COVID‐19.

Methods

Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and management data from qRT‐PCR confirmed COVID‐19 patients from January 17, 2020, to January 31, 2020, were collected, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis for independent predictors of severe/critical‐type COVID‐19 and bioinformatic analysis for features of SARS‐CoV‐2 from Zhejiang province.

Results

Among 465 COVID‐19 patients, median age was 45 years, while hypertension, diabetes, and chronic liver disease were the most common comorbidities. History of exposure to the epidemic area was present in 170 (36.56%) and 185 (39.78%) patients were clustered in 77 families. Severe/critical‐type of COVID‐19 developed in 49 (10.54%) patients. Fever and cough were the most common symptoms, while diarrhea/vomiting was reported in 58 (12.47%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed eight risk factors for severe/critical COVID‐19. Glucocorticoids and antibiotics were administered to 60 (12.90%) and 218(46.88%) patients, respectively. Bioinformatics showed four single amino acid mutations and one amino acid position loss in SARS‐CoV‐2 from Zhejiang province, with more similarity to humans than to viruses.

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2 showed virological mutations and more human transmission in Zhejiang province, indicating considerable epidemiological and clinical changes. Caution in glucocorticoid and antibiotics use is advisable.
Molecular mechanism of c‐Myc and PRPS1/2 against thiopurine resistance in Burkitt's lymphoma
Authors: Li Ting , Song Lili , Zhang Yingwen , Han Yali , Zhan Zhiyan , Xv Zhou , Li Yang , Tang Yuejia , Yang Yi , Wang Siqi , Li Shanshan , Zheng Liang , Li Yanxin , Gao Yijin
Published: May 2020

Patients with relapsed/refractory Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) have a dismal prognosis. Current research efforts aim to increase cure rates by identifying high‐risk patients in need of more intensive or novel therapy. The 8q24 chromosomal translocation of the c‐Myc gene, a main molecular marker of BL, is related to the metabolism by regulating phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2 (PRPS2). In our study, BL showed significant resistance to thiopurines. PRPS2 homologous isoenzyme, PRPS1, was demonstrated to play the main role in thiopurine resistance. c‐Myc did not have direct effects on thiopurine resistance in BL for only driving PRPS2. PRPS1 wild type (WT) showed different resistance to 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐mp) in different metabolic cells because it could be inhibited by adenosine diphosphate or guanosine diphosphate negative feedback. PRPS1 A190T mutant could dramatically increase thiopurine resistance in BL. The interim analysis of the Treatment Regimen for Children or Adolescent with mature B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in China (CCCG‐B‐NHL‐2015 study) confirms the value of high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine (ARA‐C) in high‐risk paediatric patients with BL. However, there remains a subgroup of patients with lactate dehydrogenase higher than four times of the normal value (4N) for whom novel treatments are needed. Notably, we found that the combination of thiopurines and the phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART) inhibitor lometrexol could serve as a therapeutic strategy to overcome thiopurine resistance in BL.
Effects of inbreeding on behavioural plasticity of parent–offspring interactions in a burying beetle
Authors: Ratz Tom , Perodaskalaki Anastasia , Moorad Jacob , Smiseth Per T.
Published: May 2020

Inbreeding depression is defined as a fitness decline in progeny resulting from mating between related individuals, the severity of which may vary across environmental conditions. Such inbreeding‐by‐environment interactions might reflect that inbred individuals have a lower capacity for adjusting their phenotype to match different environmental conditions better, as shown in prior studies on developmental plasticity. Behavioural plasticity is more flexible than developmental plasticity because it is reversible and relatively quick, but little is known about its sensitivity to inbreeding. Here, we investigate effects of inbreeding on behavioural plasticity in the context of parent–offspring interactions in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. Larvae increase begging with the level of hunger, and parents increase their level of care when brood sizes increase. Here, we find that inbreeding increased behavioural plasticity in larvae: inbred larvae reduced their time spent associating with a parent in response to the length of food deprivation more than outbred larvae. However, inbreeding had no effect on the behavioural plasticity of offspring begging or any parental behaviour. Overall, our results show that inbreeding can increase behavioural plasticity. We suggest that inbreeding‐by‐environment interactions might arise when inbreeding is associated with too little or too much plasticity in response to changing environmental conditions.
Individual and contextual predictors of retention in Special Olympics for youth with intellectual disability: who stays involved?
Authors: Weiss J. A. , Robinson S. , Harlow M. , Mosher A. , Fraser‐Thomas J. , Balogh R. , Lunsky Y.
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite the recognised benefits of sport, participation is often reported to be low for youth with intellectual disability (ID). The current study was the first to longitudinally examine sport retention in this population, a critical aspect of ensuring participation.

Methods

Study participants were parents/caregivers of athletes with ID involved in community Special Olympics (SO), 11–22 years of age (N = 345). Participants completed an online survey in 2012 that included caregiver demographic and athlete intrapersonal, interpersonal and broader contextual variables. Retention rates for 2019 were determined using the SO provincial registration lists.

Results

Of the 345 survey participants, 81.7% remained active athletes in 2019. Caregiver demographic and athlete intrapersonal factors were largely unrelated to retention. In contrast, retention was associated with the frequency and number of sports athletes participated in, the perceived psychosocial gains of SO involvement and the environmental supports that were available to facilitate participation; frequency of sport participation was the strongest predictor of remaining a registered athlete.

Conclusions

This study has implications for future initiatives aimed at increasing sport retention in a population that struggles to be engaged in sport. Efforts should focus on the athlete experience and sport‐specific factors. Coaches and caregivers can foster positive experiences and play an important role in continued sport participation.
MR Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Song Jae W. , Moon Brianna F. , Burke Morgan P. , Kamesh Iyer Srikant , Elliott Mark A. , Shou Haochang , Messé Steven R. , Kasner Scott E. , Loevner Laurie A. , Schnall Mitchell D. , Kirsch John E. , Witschey Walter R. , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify trends and extent of variability in intracranial vessel wall MR imaging (VWI) techniques and protocols. Although variability in selection of protocol design and pulse sequence type is known, data on what and how protocols vary are unknown. Three databases were searched to identify publications using intracranial VWI. Publications were screened by predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Technical development publications were scored for completeness of reporting using a modified Nature Reporting Summary Guideline to assess reproducibility. From 2,431 articles, 122 met the inclusion criteria. Trends over the last 23 years (1995‐2018) show increased use of 3‐Tesla MR (P < .001) and 3D volumetric T1‐weighted acquisitions (P < .001). Most (65%) clinical VWI publications report achieving a noninterpolated in‐plane spatial resolution of ≤.55 mm. In the last decade, an increasing number of technical development (n = 20) and 7 Tesla (n = 12) publications have been published, focused on pulse sequence development, improving cerebrospinal fluid suppression, scan efficiency, and imaging ex vivo specimen for histologic validation. Mean Reporting Summary Score for the technical development publications was high (.87, range: .63‐1.0) indicating strong scientific technical reproducibility. Innovative work continues to emerge to address implementation challenges. Gradual adoption into the research and scientific community was suggested by a shift in the name in the literature from “high‐resolution MR” to “vessel wall imaging,” specifying diagnostic intent. Insight into current practices and identifying the extent of technical variability in the literature will help to direct future clinical and technical efforts to address needs for implementation.
Metformin inhibits extracellular matrix accumulation, inflammation and proliferation of mesangial cells in diabetic nephropathy by regulating H19/miR-143-3p/TGF-β1 axis
Authors: Xu Jiang , Xiang Ping , Liu Linqing , Sun Jianran , Ye Shandong
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Metformin (MET) has protective effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study aims to demystify the mechanism of MET function in DN.

Methods

Mouse glomerular membrane epithelial cell line SV40-MES-13 was treated with normal or high glucose combined with or without MET. The relationships among H19, miR-143-3p and TGF-β1 were evaluated by luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. The levels of inflammatory factors were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to examine gene and protein expression.

Key Findings

H19 was up-regulated in the SV40-MES-13 cells after treated with high glucose, which was effectively repressed by MET treatment. MET promoted extracellular matrix accumulation, inflammation and proliferation in the SV40-MES-13 cells after treated with high glucose. These influences conferred by MET were abolished by H19 overexpression. H19 regulated TGF-β1 expression by sponging miR-143-3p. Furthermore, MET inhibited extracellular matrix accumulation, inflammation and proliferation by regulating H19/miR-143-3p/TGF-β1 axis.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrated that the protective effect of MET on DN was attributed to the inhibition of proliferation, inflammation and ECM accumulation in mesangial cells via H19/miR-143-3p/TGF-β1 axis, which suggested that the H19/miR-143-3p/TGF-β1 axis could be a valuable target for DN therapies.
Association between morningness‐eveningness, sleep duration, weekend catch‐up sleep and depression among Korean high‐school students
Authors: Koo Dae Lim , Yang Kwang Ik , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Daeyoung , Sunwoo Jun‐Sang , Hwangbo Young , Lee Hwa Reung , Hong Seung Bong
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to examine the association between morningness‐eveningness preferences, sleep duration, weekend catch‐up sleep duration and depression among Korean high‐school students. A total of 8,655 high‐school students participated from 15 districts in South Korea and completed an online self‐report questionnaire. The following sleep characteristics were assessed: weekday and weekend sleep duration, weekend catch‐up sleep duration, morningness‐eveningness preference, perceived sufficiency of sleep, self‐reported snoring and sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, and sleep environment. Age, gender, body mass index, number of private classes, proneness to internet addiction, and depressive mood were also evaluated. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to compute odds ratios for the association between depression and sleep characteristics, after controlling for relevant covariates. Eveningness preference was a significant predictor of depressive mood (adjusted OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.47–1.99). Weekend CUS durations that were ≥2 hr and enrollment in numerous private classes were associated with a lower risk for depression (0.68, 0.55–0.85; 0.76, 0.60–0.95; respectively). Female gender, underweight and obese body weight, short weekday sleep durations, excessive daytime sleepiness, perceived excessiveness and insufficiency of sleep, self‐reported snoring and sleep apnea, proneness to internet addiction and a non‐optimal sleep environment were associated with an increased risk for depression. Eveningness preference and insufficient weekday sleep duration were associated with an increased risk for depression. Weekend CUS duration ≥2 hr reduced the risk for depression. Diverse aspects, including sleeping habits and sleep‐related environmental factors, should be considered to reduce depressive symptoms in late adolescents.
Differential expression of akirin gene in black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in response to immunostimulant administration and infections with Vibrio harveyi and white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Dechamma Mundanda M. , Mani Madhu K. , Rajeish Moger , Santhosh Kogaluru S. , Akhila Dharnappa S. , Maiti Biswajit , Bossier Peter , Karunasagar Iddya , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: May 2020

The akirin gene, which is strictly localized in the nucleus, plays a critical role in regulating antimicrobial peptide transcription, and has parallel functions to NF‐κB signaling pathway in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In shrimp, the akirin gene is expressed as innate immunity in response to microbial infection. In the present study, expression of akirin gene in Penaeus monodon with respect to Vibrio harveyi and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infections and immunostimulant (β‐glucan) administration were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The gene was expressed in various tissue samples of healthy shrimp. Maximum level of expression was immediately after V. harveyi infection, suggesting that it may be an early response gene. Gene expression was remarkably upregulated in the lymphoid organ, gill, and hepatopancreas, whereas downregulation was observed in hemocytes compared with the control. In the case of WSSV‐infected samples, the akirin gene was significantly downregulated in the lymphoid organ but there was no significant difference in expression pattern in hemocytes compared to the control. In gill tissue, maximum expression was observed after 2 hr of infection, the same in hepatopancreas. Experimental challenge of β‐glucan fed shrimp infected with V. harveyi and WSSV resulted in significant upregulation of akirin gene expression in lymphoid and gill tissue.
The Role of Linguistic Alignment on Question Development in Face‐to‐Face and Synchronous Computer‐Mediated Communication Contexts: A Conceptual Replication Study
Authors: Kim YouJin , Skalicky Stephen , Jung YeonJoo
Published: May 2020

To date, linguistic alignment studies in second language acquisition have mainly been conducted during face‐to‐face (FTF) interactions. In the current study, we examined and compared the effect of structural alignment on the development of English direct and indirect questions in FTF and synchronous computer‐mediated communication (SCMC) contexts. Additionally, we assessed participants’ working memory capacity and previous knowledge of the target structures. We assigned 50 Korean learners of English to either an FTF or SCMC modality. Over 3 weeks, they completed a pretest, two interactive alignment sessions, a working memory test, and immediate and delayed posttests. Results indicate that primed production of direct and indirect questions is significantly more likely than unprimed production. Moreover, we found an interaction with modality for primed production of direct questions but not for indirect questions. Findings suggest learning effects for direct questions only and that this effect is facilitated by the degree of alignment.
Global patterns in seed germination after ingestion by mammals
Authors: Torres Diego A. , Castaño John H. , Carranza‐Quiceno Jaime A.
Published: May 2020

Mammals play an important role in seed germination through the ingestion of fruits and seeds. Since seed germination is a basic step in seedling recruitment, understanding how mammals affect germination improves our understanding of the effect of loss of mammal populations on the dynamics of plant communities.

We used meta‐analytical methods to describe global patterns in the effect of seed ingestion by mammals on seed germination success and rate. We collected data from 154 studies that included 115 mammal species and 448 plant species.

Our results showed a positive cumulative effect of mammals on seed germination. However, this effect differed between mammalian orders; thus, some groups such as elephants, primates, and new world marsupials emerged as important enhancers of seed germination. Also, the effect varied depending on the plant family and the bioregion. Increased seed germination after ingestion was positively related to fast germination.

This meta‐analysis, the first to synthesise and compare most of the information presently available on how mammals affect seed germination after ingestion, shows a global positive effect of mammals as enhancers of seed germination. However, behind that positive effect lies a diversity of neutral, negative, and positive effects of different magnitudes, which may have multifactorial explanations. We hope that the patterns presented here open up new questions and help guide future research efforts.
Physical activity is associated with accelerated gastric emptying and increased ghrelin in obesity
Authors: Davis Judith , Camilleri Michael , Eckert Deborah , Burton Duane , Joyner Michael , Acosta Andres
Published: May 2020

Background

Rapid gastric emptying, increased food intake, and alterations in gastrointestinal hormones are associated with obesity. The effect of regular physical activity (PA) on food intake, gastric emptying (GE), gastric accommodation, and gastrointestinal (GI) hormones in adults with obesity remains unclear. Our aim was to compare, at time of presentation, weight trends, eating behavior, GE, and GI hormone levels among individuals with obesity who engage in regular PA compared to those who do not.

Methods

In 270 participants with obesity, we performed validated measurements of GI phenotypes: GE of solids and liquids, gastric volume (GV) during fasting and after consumption of 200 mL Ensure®, satiety by kcal intake (T‐kcal) during a buffet meal, satiation (volume to fullness [VTF] and maximal tolerated volume [MTV]) of a liquid nutrient, and plasma levels of fasting and postprandial GLP‐1, PYY, CCK, and ghrelin. Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire was used to assess whether participants were regularly PA or not.

Key results

PA was associated with lower BMI (Δ 2.01 kg/m2, P = .001) and body weight (Δ 4.42 kg, P = .0278). GE of solids (T‐50% Δ 7.54 min, P = .021) and liquids (T‐50% Δ 2.99 min, P = .029%) was significantly more rapid in physically active participants. PA was also associated with relatively higher postprandial ghrelin AUC (Δ 10.4 pg/mL, P = .015). There was no significant difference in postprandial satiation, satiety, GV, or other GI hormones (CCK, PYY, or GLP‐1) between groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

Physical activity is associated with lower BMI, but faster GE and higher postprandial ghrelin levels, two factors that are also associated with obesity.
Shoot‐level flammability across the Dracophyllum (Ericaceae) phylogeny: evidence for flammability being an emergent property in a land with little fire
Authors: Cui Xinglei , Paterson Adrian M. , Alam Md Azharul , Wyse Sarah V. , Marshall Kate , Perry George L. W. , Curran Timothy J.
Published: May 2020

Plant flammability varies across species, but the evolutionary basis for this variation is not well understood. Phylogenetic analysis of interspecific variation in flammability can provide insights into the evolution of plant flammability.

We measured four components of flammability (ignitability, sustainability, combustibility and consumability) to assess the shoot‐level flammability of 21 species of Dracophyllum (Ericaceae). Using a macroevolutionary approach, we explored phylogenetic patterns of variation in shoot‐level flammability.

Shoot‐level flammability varied widely in Dracophyllum. Species in the subgenus Oreothamnus had higher flammability and smaller leaves than those in the subgenus Dracophyllum. Shoot flammability (ignitability, combustibility and consumability) and leaf length showed phylogenetic conservatism across genus Dracophyllum, but exhibited lability among some closely related species, such as D. menziesii and D. fiordense. Shoot flammability of Dracophyllum species was negatively correlated with leaf length and shoot moisture content, but had no relationship with the geographic distribution of Dracophyllum species.

Shoot‐level flammability varied widely in the genus Dracophyllum, but showed phylogenetic conservatism. The higher flammability of the subgenus Oreothamnus may be an incidental or emergent property as a result of the evolution of flammability‐related traits, such as smaller leaves, which were selected for other functions and incidentally changed flammability.
Photobiomodulation therapy inhibits oral submucous fibrosis in mice
Authors: Chiang Min‐Hsuan , Lee Kun‐Tsung , Chen Chia‐Hsin , Chen Ker‐Kong , Wang Yan‐Hsiung
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder. However, the best therapeutic treatment for OSMF remains uncertain. Our previous study showed that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy and forskolin could reduce arecoline‐induced fibrosis reactions via the cAMP pathway. The present study aimed to establish an animal model of areca nut extract (ANE)‐induced OSMF and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PBM and forskolin for ANE‐induced OSMF.

Subjects and methods

The mice were divided into five groups. The buccal tissues were harvested for histomorphological analysis and immunoblotting.

Results

Our results showed that PBM significantly reduced the development of ANE‐induced OSMF, quantified by changes in submucosal layer thickness and collagen deposition. Additionally, PBM could extensively reduce the protein expression of the fibrotic marker genes alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in buccal submucous lesions. However, forskolin treatment significantly decreased the protein expression of fibrotic marker genes but slightly decreased the observed histomorphological changes.

Conclusions

We established an ANE‐induced OSMF mouse model, which also provided a model for the development of a therapeutic treatment for OSMF. The anti‐fibrotic effects of PBM and forskolin may be useful for clinical interventions.
Understanding and managing suspended solids in intensive salmonid aquaculture: a review
Authors: Schumann Mark , Brinker Alexander
Published: May 2020

The intensive aquaculture of salmonids is a relatively young discipline within the animal husbandry sector. It differs to terrestrial livestock farming in one obvious and fundamental aspect – the aquatic environment. Besides great advantages such as buoyancy, the fluid medium also poses specific challenges for fish and fish farmers. One issue identified as a central problem in aquaculture is the presence of undissolved particulate matter in the water column. The ideal of fish living in pure, transparent water is seldom a reality as virtually every water body is subject to multiple inputs of solid matter, for example from the ground, the air and from the organisms living in it. In aquaculture, these solids are derived from both natural and anthropogenic sources, but by far the biggest input comprises excreted waste from the relatively high biomass of fish. The ratio of different inputs varies significantly between individual systems, dependent on factors such as the type of husbandry system, water exchange rate, the species being farmed, stocking density and the composition of the feed being supplied. This review aims to summarize potential sources of solid wastes in salmonid aquaculture, the properties of those solids and their implications for system stability, the quality of connected environments and the welfare of fish being reared. We will also review the expanding opportunities for solid management.
Met and unmet blood demand, recipients profiles and associated trends in Eritrea
Authors: Ali Sham Adem , Tesfaghiorghis Yosief Kidane , Tesema Meron Tesfamariam , Achila Oliver Okoth
Published: May 2020

Objective

To estimate Eritrean national blood demand and demand satisfaction and to assess the associated trend of blood and blood products usage.

Background

Estimating blood demand to determine collection goals is a challenge in many low‐income countries, including Eritrea.

Methodology

This study was a 5‐year survey of a representative sample of hospitals and was conducted in the National Blood Transfusion Center of Eritrea. Four referral hospitals in Asmara were selected. Blood bank registers and blood request papers were reviewed retrospectively from 2013 to 2017 to determine the number of components requested and the number and units issued. Data were calculated for annual trends in the difference between request and issue of blood products and the annual national estimate.

Results

The largest met‐demand percentages were seen for International Organization for Cardiac Centre Asmara (IOCCA) (88.63%) followed by surgeries (79.49%), active bleeding (73.76%) and anaemia (67.82%), which were mostly requested for adult patients (>40 years). The mean value of requested products and issued products per patient were 2.50 (±0.972) and 1.81 (±0.839), respectively. The calculated correlation coefficient for the difference between demand and demand satisfaction was strong (R2 = 0.967), implying an increasing linear difference. It was estimated that nearly 72% of blood component demand was met over the 5 years.

Conclusion

Even though there was an increase in blood collection over years, the Eritrean National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) still falls short in satisfying the full demand.
Extended discourse‐pragmatic usage ofnowin Nigerian English
Authors: Oladipupo Rotimi O. , Unuabonah Foluke O.
Published: May 2020

Apart from the occurrence ofnowas a temporal adverb and as an attention pragmatic marker, there is the existence of a third type ofnowwhich until now has not been explored in Nigerian English. This paper, examines the phonetic properties, meaning, frequency, syntactic patterns, and extended discourse‐pragmatic functions of an indigenisednowin Nigerian English. The paper takes its data from conversations in the International Corpus of English‐Nigeria and analyses this nativisednowfrom a grammatical‐pragmatic approach. The results reveal that this third type ofnowhas adopted the tonal structure of some indigenous Nigerian languages and occurs mainly at the final position of utterances. This Nigerian indigenisednowperforms only interpersonal functions as it serves as an emphasis marker and as a mitigation marker.
Modeling the effects of light wavelength on the growth of Nostoc ellipsosporum
Authors: Ortiz-Moreno Martha Lucia , Cárdenas-Poblador Jaleydi , Agredo Julián , Solarte-Murillo Laura Vanessa
Published: May 2020

Mathematical models provide information about population dynamics under different conditions. In the study, four models were evaluated and employed to describe the growth kinetics of Nostoc ellipsosporum with different light wavelengths: Baranyi-Roberts, Modiﬁed Gompertz, Modiﬁed Logistic, and Richards. N. ellipsosporum was grown in BG-11 liquid medium for 9 days, using 12 hours of photoperiod and the following treatments: white light (400-800 nm), red light (650-800 nm), yellow light (550-580 nm) and blue light (460-480 nm). Each experiment was performed in triplicate. The optical density (OD) was measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, using a spectrophotometer at 650 nm. The maximum cell growth was obtained under white light (OD650 : 0.090 ± 0.008), followed by the yellow light (OD650 :0.057 ± 0.004). Conversely, blue light showed a marked inhibitory effect on the growth of N. ellipsosporum (OD650 : 0.009 ± 0.001). The results revealed that the Baranyi-Roberts model had a better ﬁt with the experimental data from N. ellipsosporum growth in all four treatments. The ﬁndings from this modeling study could be used in several biotechnological applications that require the productionof N. ellipsosporum and its bioproducts.
Numerical and Dynamic Errors Analysis of Planar Multibody Mechanical Systems With Adjustable Clearance Joints Based on Lagrange Equations and Experiment
Authors: Li Hui , Xie Jin , Wei Wei
Published: May 2020

For theoretical study and engineering application, it is necessary to provide an accurate and simple dynamical model to simulate the multibody mechanical systems with clearance joints and it is also the subject of this article. Based on Lagrange equations of the first kind, a different numerical methodology, the length and rotation angle of the clearance joints are looked as independent coordinates for the first time, is presented in detail. The slider–crank mechanism, with a single or double adjustable revolute clearance joints, is used as a numerical model. A test rig and a simulink model, fully in accordance with the numerical model, are used to measure the velocity, displacement, and acceleration. The numerical results tally with experimental and simulink results reveal that the new methodology, presented in this paper, provides a correct approach to build the dynamical equations of mechanism with clearance joints. Lyapunov exponent is used to analyze the motion status, chaotic or periodic, of the slider. Based on data points, mean absolute deviation (MAD) is applied to judge the dynamical errors, displacement, velocity, and acceleration, of the slider due to clearance joints. With the help of Lyapunov exponent and MAD, the results indicated that various clearance sizes and drive speeds can change the dynamical behaviors of the slider, which is complex but can be predicted in some way.
On the Interrupted Creep Test Under Low Stress Levels for the Power Law Parameter Extraction
Authors: Yang Bin , Xuan Fu-Zhen , Jiang Wen-Chun
Published: May 2020

Low stress interrupted creep test, as an interim compromise, can provide essential data for creep deformation design. However, there are no clear guidelines on the characterization of the terminating time for interrupted low-stress creep test. To obtain a suitable terminating time in terms of economy and effectiveness, long-term creep strain data of 9%Cr steels are collected from literatures and their creep deformation characterization is analyzed. First, the variations of normalized time and strain of each creep stage with the stress level are discussed. Then, the effect of the terminating time on final fitted results of Norton–Bailey equation is estimated. Third, the relationship between demarcation points at different creep stages and minimum/steady-state creep rate is analyzed. The results indicate that when the creep rupture life is considered as an important factor for creep design, the tertiary creep stage is of greatest significance due to the largest life fraction and creep strain fraction at low stress level. However, the primary and secondary creep stages are of great significance for design due to their larger contribution to 1% limited creep strain. And the long-term secondary creep data could be extrapolated by combining the primary creep strain data obtained from interrupted creep tests with the time to onset of tertiary creep derived from a similar Monkman–Grant relationship.
Modeling the Interfacial Debonding Behavior Between Steel Wire and Adhesive
Authors: Shi Jun , Zeng Li , Wan Yu , Shi Jianfeng , Nie Xinyu , Chen Hanxin , Yu Zhen , Li Guangzhong
Published: May 2020

A polyethylene pipe reinforced by winding steel wires (PSP) has been widely used in the petroleum, chemical, and water supply industries. The PSP has outstanding mechanical properties due to its unique composite structure. However, interfacial debonding between steel wire and adhesive sometimes occurs when the temperature and inner pressure increases to some extent in the application. In this study, the interfacial behavior between steel wire and adhesive was investigated and the interfacial failure process was analyzed. First, to acquire test data of interfacial failure, pull-out tests were conducted using specimens consisted of steel wire and adhesive. Specimens were prepared per the PSP manufacturing process, and a temperature change occurred in the specimens' preparation. Second, as the details of failure process could not be observed directly, finite element models were established to represent the mechanical behavior of the steel-polymer interface in-order to reproduce the debonding failure process. The thermal preload was taken into account in the model, and its influence on interfacial behavior was discussed. Contact surface with cohesive behavior was utilized to characterize the interfacial property. Finally, the interfacial failure process including stick–slip interaction and frictional sliding interaction was modeled in the simulation. The simulation result agreed well with the experimental data. Based on the finite element model, the cause and the distribution of thermal residual stress in pull-out specimen were illuminated. Further, it is discussed that how the stress distribution changes along the adhesive interface.
Simplified External Pressure Design of ASME Pressure Vessels Using Closed Form Solution
Authors: Vinayka Sandip
Published: May 2020

The procedure of design of cylindrical shells under external pressure as outlined in ASME Sec VIII Div.1 is iterative and tedious, not suitable for quick hand calculations. This paper provides an alternative simplified procedure to calculate the required thickness for shells under external pressure, as well as to size the stiffeners as required using closed form solutions. An example is provided to demonstrate the working of the procedure and to validate the results with the current ASME Sec VIII Div.1 methodology.
Best-Estimate Plus Uncertainty Analysis of CANDU Fuel Reliability Using Manufacturing and Simulated Core Data
Authors: Song Jason J. , Chan Paul K. , Bonin Hugues W. , Pandey Mahesh
Published: May 2020

A novel method of assessing the reliability of 37-element Canada deuterium uranium (reactor) (CANDU) fuel bundle was explored. The method implements a “best-estimate plus uncertainty” (BEPU) approach where a probabilistic treatment of manufacturing and operating inputs is used to predict fuel performance. The fuel performance was predicted using the Canadian industry standard codes for fuel performance, ELESTRESS and ELOCA, which, respectively, model fuel behaviors during normal and transient conditions. The outputs of the codes were compared against failure criteria from industry norms to determine the probability of failure. A Monte Carlo simulation method was applied to analyze this problem. Probability distributions of manufacturing input variables were estimated from real data, which were then randomly sampled. The inputs for fuel burnup and power were simulated using core-following data generated using a three-dimensional diffusion code, the Reactor Fuelling Simulation Program (RFSP), which were also then randomly sampled. The results of the simulations predict significant improvements in margins to limits for all performance parameters. An average improvement of 500 °C in centerline temperature, 10 °C in sheath temperature, 12 MPa in element internal pressure, and 0.8% in pellet end sheath hoop strain was predicted for the highest-powered region of the core, during normal operations, in comparison with the limit-of-envelope (LOE) benchmark. An 80% reactor overhead break (ROH) transient simulation was also simulated, and an average improvement of 500 °C in centerline temperature, 150 °C in sheath temperature, 6.5 MPa in internal pressure, and 2% in sheath hoop strain was predicted.
Slowing DNA translocation through a solid-state nanopore by applying hydrophobic microchannel-guided walls
Authors: Kang Jae-Hyun , Lee Kidan , Kim Hyun-Mi , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: May 2020

Here, the authors present a novel solid-state nanopore device, fabricated by a transfer of a nanopore device to a dielectric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel-guided structure, and investigate the characteristics of DNA translocation through the nanopore. Apart from the extremely low noise level exhibited by this device on a highly insulating and low dielectric PDMS microchannel, this device also shows a slow translocation speed of 48 kbp Lambda DNA (λ-DNA), with a reduction of more than one order of magnitude than that in previously reported results on SiNx nanopores. The authors propose that the electrostatic interaction between the PDMS microchannel and DNA, resulting from the hydrophobicity of both PDMS and DNA, provides an additional attraction force that slows down DNA translocation. Such advanced solid-state nanopore devices can be utilized in various fields, including DNA or protein sequencing, drug screening, and microRNA detection.
Comparison of direct and indirect perceptual head-related transfer function selection methods
Authors: Zagala Franck , Noisternig Markus , Katz Brian F. G.
Published: May 2020

When a personalized set of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) is not available, a common solution is identifying a perceptually appropriate substitute from a database. There are various approaches to this selection process whether based on localization cues, subjective evaluations, or anthropomorphic similarities. This study investigates whether HRTF rankings that stem from different selection methods yield comparable results. A perceptual study was carried out using a basic source localization method and a subjective quality judgment method for a common set of eight HRTFs. HRTF rankings were determined according to different metrics from each method for each subject and the respective results were compared. Results indicate a significant and positive mean correlation between certain metrics. The best HRTFs selected according to one method had significant above-average rating scores according to metrics in the second method.
Probing the Molecular Mechanism of Rifampin Resistance Caused by the Point Mutations S456L and D441V on Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA Polymerase through Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Tan Shuoyan , Xiao Tong , Liu Hongli , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Liu Huanxiang
Published: May 2020

Rifampin is the first-line antituberculosis drug, with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
RNA polymerase as the molecular target. Unfortunately,
M. tuberculosis
strains that are resistant to rifampin have been identified in clinical settings, which limits its therapeutic effects. In clinical isolates, S531L and D516V (in
Escherichia coli
) are two common mutated codons in the gene
rpoB
, corresponding to S456L and D441V in
M. tuberculosis
.
Mutations in
TAC1B
: a Novel Genetic Determinant of Clinical Fluconazole Resistance in Candida auris
Authors: Rybak Jeffrey M. , Muñoz José F. , Barker Katherine S. , Parker Josie E. , Esquivel Brooke D. , Berkow Elizabeth L. , Lockhart Shawn R. , Gade Lalitha , Palmer Glen E. , White Theodore C. , Kelly Steve L. , Cuomo Christina A. , Rogers P. David
Published: May 2020

Candida auris
is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen of global concern, known to be responsible for outbreaks on six continents and to be commonly resistant to antifungals. While the vast majority of clinical
C. auris
isolates are highly resistant to fluconazole, an essential part of the available antifungal arsenal, very little is known about the mechanisms contributing to resistance. In this work, we show that mutations in the transcription factor
TAC1B
significantly contribute to clinical fluconazole resistance. These studies demonstrated that mutations in
TAC1B
can arise rapidly
in vitro
upon exposure to fluconazole and that a multitude of resistance-associated
TAC1B
mutations are present among the majority of fluconazole-resistant
C. auris
isolates from a global collection and appear specific to a subset of lineages or clades. Thus, identification of this novel genetic determinant of resistance significantly adds to the understanding of clinical antifungal resistance in
C. auris
.
Core
N
-Glycan Structures Are Critical for the Pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans by Modulating Host Cell Death
Authors: Thak Eun Jung , Lee Su-Bin , Xu-Vanpala Shengjie , Lee Dong-Jik , Chung Seung-Yeon , Bahn Yong-Sun , Oh Doo-Byoung , Shinohara Mari L. , Kang Hyun Ah
Published: May 2020

We previously reported that the outer mannose chains of
N
-glycans are dispensable for the virulence of
C. neoformans
, which is in stark contrast to findings for the other human-pathogenic yeast,
Candida albicans
. Here, we present evidence that an intact core
N
-glycan structure is required for
C. neoformans
pathogenicity by systematically analyzing
alg3Δ, alg9Δ
, and
alg12Δ
strains that have defects in lipid-linked
N-
glycan assembly and in
in vivo
virulence. The
alg
null mutants producing truncated core
N
-glycans were defective in inducing host cell death after phagocytosis, which is triggered as a mechanism of pulmonary escape and dissemination of
C. neoformans
, thus becoming inactive in causing fatal infection. The results clearly demonstrated the critical features of the
N
-glycan structure in mediating the interaction with host cells during fungal infection. The delineation of the roles of protein glycosylation in fungal pathogenesis not only provides insight into the glycan-based fungal infection mechanism but also will aid in the development of novel antifungal agents.
Halogens in hydrothermal sphalerite record origin of ore-forming fluids
Authors: Frenzel Max , Cook Nigel J. , Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Slattery Ashley D. , Wade Benjamin P. , Gilbert Sarah , Ehrig Kathy , Burisch Mathias , Verdugo-Ihl Max R. , Voudouris Panagiotis
Published: May 2020

The halogens Cl and Br are sensitive indicators for the origin of ore-forming fluids. Here, we use a combination of microchemical and microscopic methods to show that measurable concentrations of these elements commonly occur as atomic-scale substitutions in hydrothermal sphalerite. Furthermore, the Cl/Br ratios of halogen-rich sphalerites are indistinguishable from those of the corresponding ore-forming fluids. Thus, they record fluid compositions, which in turn record fluid origin. Given the abundance of sphalerite in hydrothermal base-metal deposits, as well as the relative ease of conducting in situ microchemical analyses, the halogen signature of sphalerite has the potential to become a sensitive proxy to distinguish between different ore-forming environments.