bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A porous microneedle electrochemical glucose sensor fabricated on a scaffold of a polymer monolith
Authors: Kai Hiroyuki , Kumatani Akichika
Published: February 2021

Porous microneedle electrodes with pores of ∼1 µm diameter were fabricated by electroless plating of nickel followed by gold on a polymer monolith of poly(glycidyl methacrylate). The specific surface area of the fabricated electrode evaluated by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method was 2.559 ± 0.050 m2 g−1 (standard error of mean), while that of the non-porous control was <0.001 m2 g−1. Electrochemical glucose sensors were then fabricated by immobilizing glucose oxidase on the gold-plated microneedle electrodes. The sensitivity of the porous microneedle glucose sensor between 0 and 15 mM glucose was 22.99 ± 0.72 µA mM−1, and that of the non-porous control was 3.16 ± 0.56 µA mM−1. The amperometry of glucose concentration in solution was demonstrated using the fabricated electrode as a working electrode, along with an Ag/AgCl reference electrode and gold counter electrode both of which were made of microneedles. These results indicate the advantages of porous structures for electrochemical sensing with increased sensitivity.
Towards addressing environmental challenges: rational design of metal-organic frameworks-based photocatalysts via a microdroplet approach
Authors: Chen Jianping , Zhu Zan , Wang Wei-Ning
Published: February 2021

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in the past decades owing to their amazing properties, including rich surface chemistry, flexible structure, superior surface area, and tunable porosity. MOFs are conventionally synthesized via wet-chemistry methods, which, however, are oftentimes plagued by long reaction durations, inhomogeneous mixing, and limited batch processes. This article reviews a rapid microdroplet-based nanomanufacturing process to fabricate MOFs-based functional materials with controlled hierarchical nanostructures to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of wet-chemistry processes. The general formation pathways of MOFs inside the microdroplets were investigated by both experimental and theoretical approaches. Further, strategies to integrate MOFs with semiconductors to form hybrid photocatalysts are also summarized towards addressing environmental challenges, with a major focus on CO2 photoreduction. The quantitative mechanisms of CO2 adsorption, activation, and charge transfer within the hybrid nanostructures were explored by various in-situ techniques, such as diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This review provides a new avenue for the rational design of MOFs-based functional materials to tackle a variety of environmental issues, including but not limited to global warming, air pollution, and water contamination.
Legged-wheeled small robot capable of terrain-adaptive locomotion via a soft actuator
Authors: Tang Chao , Li Bo , Li Zhiqiang , Ma Wentao , Liu Lei , Chen Hualing , Chen Guimin
Published: February 2021

The small-scale robot using soft materials features extraordinary compliance and a large amount of degree of freedoms, but its nonlinearity in material increases the system complexity for control strategy. In this paper, as inspired by the skiing-sport, a lightweight locomotion robot with a rigid poking pole is designed and driven by an artificial muscle, a conical dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). The poking mechanism transmits the stroke of DEA into robot motion, contributing the material compliance to the capability of terrain adaptivity in the robot. The combination of a soft actuator and a rigid transmission mechanism lowers the complexity in the robotic kinetics and increases the loading capability for device carrying. Experiments verify the locomotion on the dimple and wavy pavement as well as clambering a slope. This robot offers performances including: (i) a maximum speed of 64.1 mm (0.43 body length) per second; (ii) a loading capability of 7.7 times of its weight; (iii) a steering angle of 25°at a radius of 18 cm.
Inner-nuclear-membrane–associated degradation employs Dfm1-independent retrotranslocation and alleviates misfolded transmembrane-protein toxicity
Authors: Flagg Matthew P. , Wangeline Margaret A. , Holland Sarah R. , Duttke Sascha H. , Benner Christopher , Neal Sonya , Hampton Randolph Y.
Published: February 2021

To undergo degradation, transmembrane ER and inner-nuclear-membrane (INM) proteins are extracted from lipid bilayers in a process known as retrotranslocation. In ERAD-M, retrotranslocation requires Dfm1. We show that INM-associated degradation is Dfm1 independent. Nonetheless, private ER and INM channels constitute a crucial proteostatic network.
The Usefulness of the Test-Positive Proportion of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 as a Surveillance Tool
Authors: Hitchings Matt D T , Dean Natalie E , García-Carreras Bernardo , Hladish Thomas J , Huang Angkana T , Yang Bingyi , Cummings Derek A T
Published: February 2021

Comparison of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case numbers over time and between locations is complicated by limits to virological testing to confirm severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The proportion of tested individuals who have tested positive (test-positive proportion, TPP) can potentially be used to inform trends in incidence. We propose a model for testing in a population experiencing an epidemic of COVID-19 and derive an expression for TPP in terms of well-defined parameters related to testing and presence of other pathogens causing COVID-19-like symptoms. In the absence of dramatic shifts of testing practices in time or between locations, the TPP is positively correlated with the incidence of infection. We show that the proportion of tested individuals who present COVID-19-like symptoms encodes information similar to the TPP but has different relationships with the testing parameters, and can thus provide additional information regarding dynamic changes in TPP and incidence. Finally, we compare data on confirmed cases and TPP from US states up to October 2020. We conjecture why states might have higher or lower TPP than average. Collection of symptom status and age/risk category of tested individuals can increase the utility of TPP in assessing the state of the pandemic in different locations and times.
Lexical Access in L1 Attrition—Competition versus Frequency: A Comparison of Turkish and Moroccan Attriters in the Netherlands
Authors: Schmid Monika S , Yilmaz Gülsen
Published: February 2021

Lexical access and lexical diversity are often assumed to be vulnerable to first language (L1) attrition. They also differ between monolinguals and nonimmersed bilinguals. This raises the question whether lexical attrition can be ascribed to nonuse or to competition between the two languages. We compare two populations of late L2 learners of Dutch living in the Netherlands. One of them was largely monolingual prior to emigration (Turkish migrants), while the other comes from a highly multilingual society (Morocco). While both experimental populations should be affected by erosion due to nonuse, we expect competition effects to be more strongly pronounced when compared against a monolingual versus a multilingual baseline population. The results show that this is not the case with attrition effects being even stronger in the Moroccan group than in the Turkish group. Furthermore, there is no impact of individual measures of frequency of exposure or language attitudes among the attriters. We conclude that being immersed in an L2 environment leads to weakening of lexical access.
‘I Feel … Slightly out of Touch’: a Longitudinal Study of Teachers Learning to Teach English Pronunciation over a Six-Year Period
Authors: Burri Michael , Baker Amanda
Published: February 2021

Recent longitudinal studies have contributed substantially to the understanding of teacher learning. Yet, research on learning to teach English pronunciation is still in its infancy with the aim of this article being the exploration of the longitudinal development of four L2 instructors’ practices and cognitions about English pronunciation pedagogy. Qualitative data were collected in three phases over six years, ranging from the beginning of a pronunciation pedagogy course into the teacher’s current professional careers. Pre- and post-course questionnaires, a course assignment, focus groups, observations, narrative frames, and semi-structured interviews were triangulated to produce detailed teacher profiles, which then provided a thorough understanding of the practitioner’s developing practices and cognitions. Findings demonstrated complex and continuous yet nonlinear and individual development, especially in two areas: (i) the teachers’ delivery of pronunciation instruction and (ii) their focus on pronunciation pedagogy. Four specific factors were also identified as impacting the developmental process of teachers’ practices and cognitions about pronunciation. In light of these findings, the article concludes with a recommendation to extend an existing framework for preparing pronunciation teachers.
Dihydropyriculol produced by Pyricularia oryzae inhibits the growth of Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Furuyama Yuuki , Motoyama Takayuki , Nogawa Toshihiko , Kamakura Takashi , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Dihydropyriculol is a major secondary metabolite of Pyricularia oryzae. However, the biological activity of dihydropyriculol has not been reported. Here, we showed that dihydropyriculol has inhibitory activity against Streptomyces griseus. Localization analysis of dihydropyriculol revealed that dihydropyriculol could reach to S. griseus under confrontation culture. These results suggest that dihydropyriculol can be used as a chemical weapon against S. griseus.
Explainability in transformer models for functional genomics
Authors: Clauwaert Jim , Menschaert Gerben , Waegeman Willem
Published: February 2021

The effectiveness of deep learning methods can be largely attributed to the automated extraction of relevant features from raw data. In the field of functional genomics, this generally concerns the automatic selection of relevant nucleotide motifs from DNA sequences. To benefit from automated learning methods, new strategies are required that unveil the decision-making process of trained models. In this paper, we present a new approach that has been successful in gathering insights on the transcription process in Escherichia coli. This work builds upon a transformer-based neural network framework designed for prokaryotic genome annotation purposes. We find that the majority of subunits (attention heads) of the model are specialized towards identifying transcription factors and are able to successfully characterize both their binding sites and consensus sequences, uncovering both well-known and potentially novel elements involved in the initiation of the transcription process. With the specialization of the attention heads occurring automatically, we believe transformer models to be of high interest towards the creation of explainable neural networks in this field.
DECO: a framework for jointly analyzingde novoand rare case/control variants, and biological pathways
Authors: Nguyen Tan-Hoang , He Xin , Brown Ruth C , Webb Bradley T , Kendler Kenneth S , Vladimirov Vladimir I , Riley Brien P , Bacanu Silviu-Alin
Published: February 2021

Motivation: Rare variant-based analyses are beginning to identify risk genes for neuropsychiatric disorders and other diseases. However, the identified genes only account for a fraction of predicted causal genes. Recent studies have shown that rare damaging variants are significantly enriched in specific gene-sets. Methods which are able to jointly model rare variants and gene-sets to identify enriched gene-sets and use these enriched gene-sets to prioritize additional risk genes could improve understanding of the genetic architecture of diseases.

Results: We propose DECO (Integrated analysis of de novo mutations, rare case/control variants and omics information via gene-sets), an integrated method for rare-variant and gene-set analysis. The method can (i) test the enrichment of gene-sets directly within the statistical model, and (ii) use enriched gene-sets to rank existing genes and prioritize additional risk genes for tested disorders. In simulations, DECO performs better than a homologous method that uses only variant data. To demonstrate the application of the proposed protocol, we have applied this approach to rare-variant datasets of schizophrenia. Compared with a method which only uses variant information, DECO is able to prioritize additional risk genes.

Availability: DECO can be used to analyze rare-variants and biological pathways or cell types for any disease. The package is available on Github https://github.com/hoangtn/DECO.
Identification of active molecules againstMycobacterium tuberculosisthrough machine learning
Authors: Ye Qing , Chai Xin , Jiang Dejun , Yang Liu , Shen Chao , Zhang Xujun , Li Dan , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: February 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and it has been one of the top 10 causes of death globally. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), extensively resistant to the commonly used first-line drugs, has emerged as a major challenge to TB treatment. Hence, it is quite necessary to discover novel drug candidates for TB treatment. In this study, based on different types of molecular representations, four machine learning (ML) algorithms, including support vector machine, random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and deep neural networks (DNN), were used to develop classification models to distinguish Mtb inhibitors from noninhibitors. The results demonstrate that the XGBoost model exhibits the best prediction performance. Then, two consensus strategies were employed to integrate the predictions from multiple models. The evaluation results illustrate that the consensus model by stacking the RF, XGBoost and DNN predictions offers the best predictions with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.842 and 0.942 for the 10-fold cross-validated training set and external test set, respectively. Besides, the association between the important descriptors and the bioactivities of molecules was interpreted by using the Shapley additive explanations method. Finally, an online webserver called ChemTB (http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/chemtb/) was developed, and it offers a freely available computational tool to detect potential Mtb inhibitors.
Statistical inference on shape and size indexes for counting processes
Authors: Sun Yifei , Chiou Sy Han , Marr Kieren A , Huang Chiung-Yu
Published: February 2021

Single-index models have gained increased popularity in time-to-event analysis owing to their model flexibility and advantage in dimension reduction. We propose a semiparametric framework for the rate function of a recurrent event counting process by modelling its size and shape components with single-index models. With additional monotone constraints on the two link functions for the size and shape components, the proposed model possesses the desired directional interpretability of covariate effects and encompasses many commonly used models as special cases. To tackle the analytical challenges arising from leaving the two link functions unspecified, we develop a two-step rank-based estimation procedure to estimate the regression parameters with or without informative censoring. The proposed estimators are asymptotically normal, with a root-$n$ convergence rate. To guide model selection, we develop hypothesis testing procedures for checking shape and size independence. Simulation studies and a data example on a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation study are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Capturing Practice Wisdom: Advancing the Empowerment of Women from Refugee and Migrant Backgrounds
Authors: Whitaker Louise , Hughes Mandy , Rugendyke Barbara
Published: February 2021

Internationally, the evidence about the successful design of refugee settlement programs is limited. To help address this gap, we examined staff practices within a program that aimed to advance the education, employment and empowerment of women from refugee and migrant backgrounds in communities in Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland in Australia. We engaged staff in collaborative critical reflection about their practice. Viewed through intersectionality, our findings revealed the empowering practice of staff in program design, in the ways that they worked together as a team and in their collaboration with broader supportive social networks. This practice was crucial to the program’s success and informed staff’ conceptualisation of what constituted that success. In brief, this study revealed the complex, often subtle features of professional practice that strives to be empowering in both the delivery of social service programs in this field and in the conceptualisation of program success. Future research is needed to acknowledge and support the developing practice wisdom in this field.
Phenotyping the Preterm Brain: Characterizing Individual Deviations From Normative Volumetric Development in Two Large Infant Cohorts
Authors: Dimitrova Ralica , Arulkumaran Sophie , Carney Olivia , Chew Andrew , Falconer Shona , Ciarrusta Judit , Wolfers Thomas , Batalle Dafnis , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Price Anthony N , Teixeira Rui P A G , Hughes Emer , Egloff Alexia , Hutter Jana , Makropoulos Antonios , Robinson Emma C , Schuh Andreas , Vecchiato Katy , Steinweg Johannes K , Macleod Russell , Marquand Andre F , McAlonan Grainne , Rutherford Mary A , Counsell Serena J , Smith Stephen M , Rueckert Daniel , Hajnal Joseph V , O’Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Edwards A David
Published: February 2021

The diverse cerebral consequences of preterm birth create significant challenges for understanding pathogenesis or predicting later outcome. Instead of focusing on describing effects common to the group, comparing individual infants against robust normative data offers a powerful alternative to study brain maturation. Here we used Gaussian process regression to create normative curves characterizing brain volumetric development in 274 term-born infants, modeling for age at scan and sex. We then compared 89 preterm infants scanned at term-equivalent age with these normative charts, relating individual deviations from typical volumetric development to perinatal risk factors and later neurocognitive scores. To test generalizability, we used a second independent dataset comprising of 253 preterm infants scanned using different acquisition parameters and scanner. We describe rapid, nonuniform brain growth during the neonatal period. In both preterm cohorts, cerebral atypicalities were widespread, often multiple, and varied highly between individuals. Deviations from normative development were associated with respiratory support, nutrition, birth weight, and later neurocognition, demonstrating their clinical relevance. Group-level understanding of the preterm brain disguises a large degree of individual differences. We provide a method and normative dataset that offer a more precise characterization of the cerebral consequences of preterm birth by profiling the individual neonatal brain.
A Stronger Innate Immune Response During Hyperacute Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection Is Associated With Acute Retroviral Syndrome
Authors: Hassan Amin S , Hare Jonathan , Gounder Kamini , Nazziwa Jamirah , Karlson Sara , Olsson Linnéa , Streatfield Claire , Kamali Anatoli , Karita Etienne , Kilembe William , Price Matt A , Borrow Persephone , Björkman Per , Kaleebu Pontiano , Allen Susan , Hunter Eric , Ndung’u Thumbi , Gilmour Jill , Rowland-Jones Sarah , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Sanders Eduard J
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) is associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype and disease progression, but the underlying immunopathological pathways are poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate associations between innate immune responses during hyperacute HIV-1 infection (hAHI) and ARS.

Methods

Plasma samples obtained from volunteers (≥18.0 years) before and during hAHI, defined as HIV-1 antibody negative and RNA or p24 antigen positive, from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Sweden were analyzed. Forty soluble innate immune markers were measured using multiplexed assays. Immune responses were differentiated into volunteers with stronger and comparatively weaker responses using principal component analysis. Presence or absence of ARS was defined based on 11 symptoms using latent class analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between immune responses and ARS.

Results

Of 55 volunteers, 31 (56%) had ARS. Volunteers with stronger immune responses (n = 36 [65%]) had increased odds of ARS which was independent of HIV-1 subtype, age, and risk group (adjusted odds ratio, 7.1 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.7–28.8], P = .003). Interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10 was 14-fold higher during hAHI, elevated in 7 of the 11 symptoms and independently associated with ARS. IP-10 threshold >466.0 pg/mL differentiated stronger immune responses with a sensitivity of 84.2% (95% CI: 60.4–96.6) and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI]: 90.3–100.0).

Conclusions

A stronger innate immune response during hAHI was associated with ARS. Plasma IP-10 may be a candidate biomarker of stronger innate immunity. Our findings provide further insights on innate immune responses in regulating ARS and may inform the design of vaccine candidates harnessing innate immunity.
Schlafen 11 Is a Novel Target for Mucosal Regeneration in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Watanabe Sho , Nishimura Ryu , Shirasaki Tomoaki , Katsukura Nobuhiro , Hibiya Shuji , Kirimura Susumu , Negi Mariko , Okamoto Ryuichi , Matsumoto Yuka , Nakamura Tetsuya , Watanabe Mamoru , Tsuchiya Kiichiro
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an intractable course. Although the goal of UC therapy is to achieve mucosal healing, the pathogenesis of mucosal injury caused by chronic inflammation remains unknown. We therefore aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms of mucosal injury by establishing in vitro and in vivo humanised UC-mimicking models.

Methods

An in vitro model using human colon organoids was established by 60 weeks of inflammatory stimulation. The key gene for mucosal injury caused by long-term inflammation was identified by microarray analysis. An in vivo model was established by xenotransplantation of organoids into mouse colonic mucosa.

Results

An in vitro model demonstrated that long-term inflammation induced irrecoverable changes in organoids: inflammatory response and apoptosis with oxidative stress and suppression of cell viability. This model also mimicked organoids derived from patients with UC at the gene expression and phenotype levels. Microarray analysis revealed Schlafen11 [SLFN11] was irreversibly induced by long-term inflammation. Consistently, SLFN11 was highly expressed in UC mucosa but absent in normal mucosa. The knockdown of SLFN11 [SLFN11-KD] suppressed apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells [IECs] induced by inflammation. Moreover, SLFN11-KD improved the take rates of xenotransplantation and induced the regenerative changes of crypts observed in patients with UC in remission.

Conclusions

In vitro and in vivo UC-mimicking models were uniquely established using human colonic organoids. They revealed that SLFN11 is significant for mucosal injury in UC, and demonstrated its potential as a novel target for mucosal regeneration.
Comparative Meta-analysis Effects of Nonnative Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), and Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Native Confamilials
Authors: Hartshorn Jessica A , Coyle David R
Published: February 2021

Nonnative species often transform local communities to the detriment of native species. Much of the existing invasion ecology research focuses on the effects of a few extremely impactful species, and it is less clear how nonnative species which are not causing economic or ecological impacts alter closely related natives at risk of being displaced. Filling these knowledge gaps is critical because consequences of nonnative species are likely to vary depending on taxonomic scale, functional trait, and spatial or temporal niche. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate how biodiversity of native Formicidae (ants), Carabidae (ground beetles), and Scolytinae (bark and ambrosia beetles) species changes across a gradient of pressure from nonnative confamilials. We calculated Hill numbers for each group from data presented in literature and correlated native diversity metrics to proportion of nonnative species. Species richness of native ants was significantly negatively correlated with proportions of nonnative ants, whereas bark and ambrosia beetle metrics showed a nonsignificant negative correlation. Nonnative ground beetles had neutral effects on diversity of native ground beetles. Resulting contrasting patterns of invasive species effects on natives suggest complex biotic and abiotic factors driving effects of nonnative species in these groups. Our results suggest that a few extreme examples (e.g., red imported fire ants) drive most of the changes seen in native arthropod communities. To accurately assess impacts of invaders on native arthropod diversity, baseline data are needed, and community analyses must consider diverse functional traits of native taxa and improve the depth and breadth of community sampling.
The Comparative Panel File: Harmonized Household Panel Surveys from Seven Countries
Authors: Turek Konrad , Kalmijn Matthijs , Leopold Thomas
Published: February 2021

The Comparative Panel File (CPF) harmonizes the world’s largest and longest-running household panel surveys from seven countries: Australia (HILDA), Germany (SOEP), United Kingdom (BHPS and UKHLS), South Korea (KLIPS), Russia (RLMS), Switzerland (SHP), and the United States (PSID). The project aims to support the social science community in the analysis of comparative life course data. The CPF builds on the Cross-National Equivalent File but offers a larger range of variables, larger and more recent samples, an easier and more flexible workflow, and an open science platform for development. The CPF is not a data product but an open-source code that integrates individual and household panel data from all seven surveys into a harmonized three-level data structure. The CPF allows analysing individual trajectories, time trends, contextual effects, and country differences. The project is organized as an open science platform. The CPF version 1.0 contains 2.7 million observations from 360,000 respondents, covering the period from 1968 to 2019 and up to 40 panel waves per respondent. In this data brief, we present the background, design, and content of the CPF.
Neighbourhood characteristics and children’s oral health: a multilevel population-based cohort study
Authors: van Meijeren-van Lunteren Agatha W , Oude Groeniger Joost , Wolvius Eppo B , Kragt Lea
Published: February 2021

Background

To understand determinants of oral health inequalities, multilevel modelling is a useful manner to study contextual factors in relation to individual oral health. Several studies outside Europe have been performed so far, however, contextual variables used are diverse and results conflicting. Therefore, this study investigated whether neighbourhood level differences in oral health exist, and whether any of the neighbourhood characteristics used were associated with oral health.

Methods

This study is embedded in The Generation R Study, a prospective cohort study conducted in The Netherlands. In total, 5 960 6-year-old children, representing 158 neighbourhoods in the area of Rotterdam, were included. Data on individual and neighbourhood characteristics were derived from questionnaires, and via open data resources. Caries was assessed via intraoral photographs, and defined as decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft).

Results

Differences between neighbourhoods explained 13.3% of the risk of getting severe caries, and 2% of the chance of visiting the dentist yearly. After adjustments for neighbourhood and individual characteristics, neighbourhood deprivation was significantly associated with severe dental caries (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.02–2.15), and suggestive of a low odds of visiting the dentist yearly (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.56–1.18).

Conclusions

Childhood caries and use of dental services differs between neighbourhoods and living in a deprived neighbourhood is associated with increased dental caries and decreased yearly use of dental services. This highlights the importance of neighbourhoods for understanding differences in children’s oral health, and for targeted policies and interventions to improve the oral health of children living in deprived neighbourhoods.
How are people with mild cognitive impairment or subjective memory complaints managed in primary care? A systematic review
Authors: Hallam Brendan , Rees Jessica , Petersen Irene , Cooper Claudia , Avgerinou Christina , Walters Kate
Published: February 2021

Background

Primary care is typically the first point of contact in the health care system for people raising concerns about their memory. However, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence and understanding about how primary care professionals (PCPs) currently manage people at higher risk of developing dementia.

Objectives

To systematically review management strategies provided by PCPs to reduce cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment and subjective memory complaints.

Method

A systematic search for studies was conducted in December 2019 across five databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science). Methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two authors using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

An initial 11 719 were found, 7250 were screened and 9 studies were included in the review. Most studies were self-reported behaviour surveys. For non-pharmacological strategies, the most frequent advice PCPs provided was to increase physical activity, cognitive stimulation, diet and social stimulation. For pharmacological strategies, PCPs would most frequently not prescribe any treatment. If PCPs did prescribe, the most frequent prescriptions targeted vascular risk factors to reduce the risk of further cognitive decline.

Conclusion

PCPs reported that they are much more likely to provide non-pharmacological strategies than pharmacological strategies in line with guidelines on preventing the onset of dementia. However, the quality of evidence within the included studies is low and relies on subjective self-reported behaviours. Observational research is needed to provide an accurate reflection of how people with memory problems are managed in primary care.
Bulk modulus for fluid-saturated rocks at high frequency: modification of squirt flow model proposed by Mavko & Jizba
Authors: Zhao Liming , Chen Tongjun , Mukerji Tapan , Tang Genyang
Published: February 2021

The squirt flow model, proposed by Mavko & Jizba, has been widely used in explaining the frequency-related modulus and velocity dispersion between ultrasonic and seismic measurements. In this model, the saturated bulk modulus at high frequency is obtained by taking the so-called unrelaxed frame bulk modulus into Biot's or Gassmann's formula. When using Gassmann's formula, the mineral bulk modulus is taken as matrix bulk modulus. However, the soft pores (cracks) in rocks have a weakening effect on the matrix bulk modulus. The saturated bulk modulus at high frequency calculated with mineral bulk modulus as matrix bulk modulus is higher than the real values. To overcome this shortcoming we propose a modified matrix bulk modulus based on the Betti–Rayleigh reciprocity theorem and non-interaction approximation. This modification takes the weakening effect of soft pores (cracks) into consideration and allows calculating the correct saturated bulk modulus at high frequency under different soft-pore fractions (the ratio of soft porosity to total porosity) or crack densities. We also propose an alternative expression of the modified matrix bulk modulus, which can be directly obtained from laboratory measurements. The numerical results show that the saturated bulk modulus at high frequency using the original matrix bulk modulus (i.e. mineral bulk modulus) is approximated to that using the modified one only for rocks containing a small amount of soft-pore fraction. However, as the soft-pore fraction becomes substantial, using the original bulk matrix modulus is not applicable, but the modified one is still applicable. Furthermore, the results of the modified squirt flow model show good consistency with published numerical and experimental data. The proposed modification extends the applicable range of soft-pore fraction (crack density) of the previous model, and has potential applications in media having a relatively substantial fraction of soft pores or almost only soft pores, such as granite, basalt and thermally cracked glasses.
Upcoming immunotherapeutic combinations for B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Greve Patrick , Meyer-Wentrup Friederike A G , Peperzak Victor , Boes Marianne
Published: February 2021

After initial introduction for B-cell lymphomas as adjuvant therapies to established cancer treatments, immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies are now integrated in mainstream regimens, both in adult and pediatric patients. We here provide an overview of the current status of combination therapies for B-cell lymphoma, by in-depth analysis of combination therapy trials registered between 2015–2020. Our analysis provides new insight into the rapid evolution in lymphoma treatment, as propelled by new additions to the treatment arsenal. We conclude with prospects on upcoming clinical trials which will likely use systematic testing approaches of more combinations of established chemotherapy regimens with new agents, as well as new combinations of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Future trials will be set up as basket or umbrella-type trials to facilitate the evaluation of new drugs targeting specific genetic changes in the tumor or associated immune microenvironment. As such, lymphoma patients will benefit by receiving more tailored treatment that is based on synergistic effects of chemotherapy combined with new agents targeting specific aspects of tumor biology and the immune system.
The structure of maps on the space of all quantum pure states that preserve a fixed quantum angle
Authors: Gehér György Pál , Mori Michiya
Published: February 2021

Let $H$ be a Hilbert space and $P(H)$ be the projective space of all quantum pure states. Wigner’s theorem states that every bijection $\phi \colon P(H)\to P(H)$ that preserves the quantum angle between pure states is automatically induced by either a unitary or an antiunitary operator $U\colon H\to H$. Uhlhorn’s theorem generalizes this result for bijective maps $\phi $ that are only assumed to preserve the quantum angle $\frac{\pi }{2}$ (orthogonality) in both directions. Recently, two papers, written by Li–Plevnik–Šemrl and Gehér, solved the corresponding structural problem for bijections that preserve only one fixed quantum angle $\alpha $ in both directions, provided that $0 < \alpha \leq \frac{\pi }{4}$ holds. In this paper we solve the remaining structural problem for quantum angles $\alpha $ that satisfy $\frac{\pi }{4} < \alpha < \frac{\pi }{2}$, hence complete a programme started by Uhlhorn. In particular, it turns out that these maps are always induced by unitary or antiunitary operators, however, our assumption is much weaker than Wigner’s.
Foucault’s Christianities
Authors: Clements Niki Kasumi
Published: February 2021

The publication of Michel Foucault’s Les Aveux de la chair (History of Sexuality, Volume 4: Confessions of the Flesh) thirty-four years after his death highlights and complicates the relevance of Christian texts—notably from the second through fifth centuries—to Foucault’s forms of critical analysis between 1974 and 1984, as his interests migrate from monastic disciplines to pastoral power to governmentality to the care of the self. What begins as suspicion towards confession as a tool of Catholic power anticipating modern psychoanalysis becomes a critical genealogy of subjectivity from western antiquity to modernity. To frame Foucault’s dynamic engagement with forms of Christianity, I establish three stages over his last decade as he moves from diagnosing mechanisms of power to analyzing ethics as care of the self. Tracing Foucault’s textual and critical developments enables better analysis of Confessions of the Flesh and affirms methodological possibilities in the study of religion today.
Optimum grape pomace proportion in feedlot cattle diets: ruminal fermentation, total tract nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites
Authors: Vinyard James R , Myers Cheyanne A , Murdoch Gordon K , Rezamand Pedram , Chibisa Gwinyai E
Published: February 2021

Because of its high content of polyphenolic compounds, the dietary inclusion of grape pomace (GP) in ruminant diets can reduce reactive nitrogen (N) and methane emissions and enhance the shelf life and beneficial fatty acids (FAs) content of meat. However, the dietary inclusion of GP beyond a threshold that is still to be determined for feedlot cattle can also compromise nutrient supply and, thus, growth performance. This study investigated the optimum proportion of GP in finishing cattle diets. Nutrient intake and apparent total tract digestion, ruminal pH and fermentation, estimated microbial protein synthesis, route of N excretion, and blood metabolites were measured. Six ruminally fistulated crossbred beef heifers (mean initial body weight ± SD: 714 ± 50.7 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Dietary treatments were 0%, 15%, and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM) as GP, with diets containing 84%, 69%, and 54% dry-rolled barley grain, respectively. There was a linear increase (P = 0.07) in DM intake and quadratic change (P ≤ 0.01) in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake. There was a quadratic change (P ≤ 0.04) in apparent total tract DM, NDF, and crude protein digestibility as dietary GP content increased. However, there were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.18) on total ruminal short-chain FA concentration and duration and area pH < 6.2, 5.8, and 5.5. Although N intake did not differ (269, 262, 253 g/d; P = 0.33) across dietary treatments, feeding GP led to a tendency for a quadratic change (P ≤ 0.07) in ruminal ammonia-N and plasma urea-N concentrations. Total N excretion also changed (quadratic, P = 0.03) because of changes (quadratic, P = 0.02) in fecal N excretion as urinary excretion of N and urea-N did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) across treatments. Feeding GP led to quadratic changes (P ≤ 0.01) in fecal excretion of fiber-bound N. Microbial N flow and apparent N retention also changed (quadratic, P ≤ 0.04) as dietary GP proportion increased. In conclusion, responses to dietary GP proportion were mostly quadratic with indications that nutrient supply as reflected by changes in apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, microbial N supply, and apparent N retention could be compromised beyond a 15% dietary inclusion level.
Inhibition of flippase-like activity by tubulin regulates phosphatidylserine exposure in erythrocytes from hypertensive and diabetic patients
Authors: Muhlberger Tamara , Balach Melisa Micaela , Bisig Carlos Gastón , Santander Verónica Silvina , Monesterolo Noelia Edith , Casale Cesar Horacio , Campetelli Alexis Nazareno
Published: February 2021

Plasma membrane tubulin is an endogenous regulator of P-ATPases and the unusual accumulation of tubulin in the erythrocyte membrane results in a partial inhibition of some their activities, causing hemorheological disorders like reduced cell deformability and osmotic resistance. These disorders are of particular interest in hypertension and diabetes, where the abnormal increase in membrane tubulin may be related to the disease development. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is more exposed on the membrane of diabetic erythrocytes than in healthy cells. In most cells, PS is transported from the exoplasmic to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the membrane by lipid flippases. Here, we report that PS is more exposed in erythrocytes from both hypertensive and diabetic patients than in healthy erythrocytes, which could be attributed to the inhibition of flippase activity by tubulin. This is supported by: (i) the translocation rate of a fluorescent PS analog in hypertensive and diabetic erythrocytes was slower than in healthy cells, (ii) the pharmacological variation of membrane tubulin in erythrocytes and K562 cells was linked to changes in PS translocation and (iii) the P-ATPase-dependent PS translocation in inside-out vesicles (IOVs) from human erythrocytes was inhibited by tubulin. These results suggest that tubulin regulates flippase activity and hence, the membrane phospholipid asymmetry.
XR collaboration beyond virtual reality: work in the real world
Authors: Lee Yongjae , Yoo Byounghyun
Published: February 2021

Collaborating in a physically remote location saves time and money. Many remote collaboration systems have been studied and commercialized. Their capabilities have been confined to virtual objects and information. More recent studies have focused on collaborating in a physical environment and with physical objects. However, they have limitations including shaky and unstable views (scenes), view dependence, low scalability, and poor content expression. In this paper, we propose a web-based extended reality (XR) collaboration system that alleviates the aforementioned issues and enables effective, reproducible cooperation. Our proposed system comprises three parts: interaction device webization, which expands the web browser’s device interfaces; unified XR representation, which describes content interoperable in both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR); and unified coordinate creation, which enables presenting physical objects’ pose in world coordinates. With this system, a user in VR can intuitively instruct the manipulation of a physical object by manipulating a virtual object representative of the physical object. Conversely, a user in AR can catch up with the instruction by observing the augmented virtual object on the physical object. Moreover, as the pose of the physical object at the AR user’s worksite is reflected in the virtual object, the VR user can recognize the working progress and give feedback to the AR user. To improve remote collaboration, we surveyed XR collaboration studies and proposed a new method for classifying XR collaborative applications based on the virtual–real engagement and ubiquitous computing continuum. We implemented a prototype and conducted a survey among submarine crews, most of whom were positively inclined to use our system, to convey that the system would be helpful in improving their job performance. Furthermore, we suggested possible improvements to it to enhance each participant’s understanding of the other user’s context within the XR collaboration.
Biocontrol Potential ofNeoseiulus californicus(Mesostigmata : Phytoseiidae) AgainstOligonychus punicae(Acari: Tetranychidae) in Avocado
Authors: Oliveira Hamilton , Sarmento Renato de Almeida , Girardo Alberto S , Alonzo Cecilia , Hernández Gustavo , Gutierrez Gabriel , Pinto Ismael O
Published: February 2021

Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) is a common pest in Mexican avocado orchards. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) is frequently found associated with avocado orchards in Mexico and may be an important aid for controlling O. punicae. Given the lack of information in the scientific literature, this study evaluated the predation and oviposition of N. californicus when fed O. punicae at different developmental stages in a no-choice experiment. We also assessed fluctuations in the population size of O. punicae and N. californicus in commercial avocado orchards; correlations among mite density and air temperature, humidity, and precipitation in commercial avocado orchards; and the correlations between prey and predator populations. The no-choice test revealed that N. californicus adult females fed on O. punicae of all developmental stages, with higher levels of predation being recorded for eggs, followed by larvae. The highest oviposition values of N. californicus females were observed when females were fed O. punicae eggs. In orchards, the populations of both mites increased between February and June. The populations peaked during the warmest months of the year, with O. punicae populations peaking between June and July and N. californicus peaking in August. In addition, the population size of N. californicus was significantly and positively correlated with rainfall, air temperature, and the population densities of O. punicae. Meanwhile, O. punicae population size was positively correlated with air temperature, and the population of its predator N. californicus.
Fitness Costs Associated with Pyrethroid Resistance in Halotydeus destructor (Tucker) (Acari: Penthaleidae) Elucidated Through Semi-field Trials
Authors: Cheng Xuan , Hoffmann Ary A , Edwards Owain R , Umina Paul A
Published: February 2021

Pyrethroid resistance in the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker), is primarily attributed to a kdr (knockdown resistance) mutation in the parasodium channel gene. To assess fitness costs associated with this resistance, adult resistant and susceptible populations were mixed in different proportions in microcosm tubs and placed in a shade-house simulating field conditions. Three separate experiments were undertaken whereby parental mites were collected from the field and offspring were followed for two to three generations. The association between fitness costs and kdr-mediated resistance was investigated by examining differences in mite numbers and changes in resistant allele frequencies across generations. In two (of the three) experiments, the population fitness measure of mites was significantly lower in microcosms containing a higher proportion of resistant individuals compared with treatments containing susceptible mites. No differences in mite fitness were observed between treatments in the third experiment; in this instance, the starting proportion of individuals homozygous for the resistant mutation was much lower (~40%) than in the other experiments (>90%). In all three experiments, a decrease in the resistant allele frequency across mite generations was observed. These findings indicate a potential deleterious pleiotropic effect of the kdr mutation on the fitness of H. destructor and have implications for resistance management strategies aimed at this important agricultural pest. Further experiments investigating fitness costs directly in the field are warranted.