bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of international remittances on expenditure patterns of the left‐behind households in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ajefu Joseph B. , Ogebe Joseph O.
Published: September 2020

This article explores the effects of international remittances on the expenditure patterns of households in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). This article focuses on five countries in SSA, which are some of the destinations that account for the highest receipt of international remittances. We analyze both aggregate and distributional effects of international remittances on expenditure patterns of households. To investigate the distributional effect of international remittances, we adopt the instrumental variable quantile (IV‐quantile) regression framework that allows us to simultaneously address the endogeneity of international remittances and possible heterogeneity in the impact of international remittances on households’ expenditure patterns. We instrument for international remittances by using the economic conditions in migrants’ countries as an instrument for international remittances. Our results show that the receipt of international remittances increases expenditures on food, durables, education, and health. Using the IV‐quantile regression, we find the effects of international remittances on household expenditure on food, durables, education, and health increase across the different expenditure quantiles.
The effect of Angelman syndrome on enamel and dentin mineralization
Authors: Zilberman Itai , Zilberman Uri
Published: September 2020

Aims

To analyze the mineralization and ion content in deciduous, permanent teeth of Angelman syndrome in comparison to match‐paired teeth from normal children.

Methods

Three deciduous teeth and a third molar and a mesiodens extracted during routine dental treatment and their match‐paired normal teeth were examined using energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer program under a scanning electron microscope.

Results

The morphology of the enamel and dentin of Angelman syndrome (AS) teeth was similar to normal but the thickness of the enamel of deciduous canine and permanent teeth was reduced. The most marked differences were found in the enamel—in AS teeth, the enamel contained nitrogen in concentrations similar to dentin, implicating that the protein content of the enamel is different from normal teeth where nitrogen is absent.

Conclusions

AS affects morphology and mineralization of enamel. It caused hypoplastic enamel and abnormal protein content in comparison to match‐paired normal teeth. These findings show that AS also affects odontogenesis in addition to the known oral motor challenges.
Early teeth extraction in patients with generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case series
Authors: Véliz Sebastián , Huber Hinrich , Yubero María Joao , Fuentes Ignacia , Alsayer Fatimah , Krämer Susanne M.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To present early teeth extractions as a treatment option in severe dental crowding in patients with generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).

Materials and methods

Three patients with generalized RDEB were treated with early teeth extractions to prevent severe dental crowding.

Results

Two patients had bilateral upper first premolars extraction, and the third patient had permanent maxillary canine extraction. Crowding was avoided, and no further orthodontic treatment was necessary.

Conclusion

Considering the challenges of severe mucosal fragility and microstomia in patients with generalized RDEB, early teeth extractions are a reasonable option as an orthodontic management. This approach reduces the severity of dental crowding as the child gets older and reduces the need for orthodontic appliances. Individual factors such as access to dental care, general health, and oral health have an important impact on the decision‐making process. Orthodontic treatment planning should include a multidisciplinary team.
Lymphopenia an important immunological abnormality in patients with COVID‐19: Possible mechanisms
Authors: Jafarzadeh Abdollah , Jafarzadeh Sara , Nozari Parvin , Mokhtari Pejman , Nemati Maryam
Published: September 2020

The lymphopenia as a major immunological abnormality occurs in the majority of severe COVID‐19 patients, which is strongly associated with mortality rate. A low proportion of lymphocytes may express the main receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, called angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can also use ACE2‐independent pathways to enter lymphocytes. Both SARS‐CoV‐2‐ and immune‐mediated mechanisms may contribute to the occurrence of lymphopenia through influencing the lymphocyte production, survival or tissue re‐distribution. The metabolic and biochemical changes can also affect the production and survival of lymphocytes in COVID‐19 patients. Lymphopenia can cause general immunosuppression and promote cytokine storm, both of them play an important role in the viral persistence, viral replication, multi‐organ failure and eventually death. Here, a comprehensive view concerning the possible mechanisms that may lead to the lymphocyte reduction in COVID‐19 patients is provided, while highlighting the potential intervention approaches to prevent lymphopenia.
Epidemiology of all‐complaint injuries in youth basketball
Authors: Owoeye Oluwatoyosi B. A. , Ghali Brianna , Befus Kimberley , Stilling Carlyn , Hogg Abigail , Choi John , Palacios‐Derflingher Luz , Pasanen Kati , Emery Carolyn A.
Published: September 2020

This study evaluated the incidence and characteristics of all‐complaint injuries, including acute and overuse injuries, in female and male youth basketball players. A total of 518 players (16 ± 1.4 years; 38.6% females), from 63 teams, participated in this prospective cohort study. Players were observed through one competitive high school or club basketball season to record exposure and all‐complaint injuries, defined as any complaint resulting from participating in basketball‐related activities, including but irrespective of the need for medical attention or time loss. Injury incidence rates and rate ratios were derived from Poisson's regression with 99.4% CI (Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons). The overall injury incidence rate was 14.4 (99.4% CI: 12.2‐17.0) injuries/1000 h; 13.8 (99.4% CI: 11.2‐16.8) in females and 14.8 (99.4% CI: 11.7‐18.8) in males. While the incidence of injury was similar across injury classifications for female and male players, a potential lower overuse knee injury rate was noted for females vs males [IRR = 0.61 (99.4% CI: 0.34‐1.07)]. The most commonly injured body location was the ankle (45%) in females and the knee (51%) in males. Overuse (vs acute) injuries were about 2x more common in the knee while acute (vs overuse) injuries were about 3x more common in the ankle, overall, and for female and male players. Based on an all‐complaint injury definition, injury rates in competitive female and male youth basketball players are much higher than previously reported. This study provides an evidence base to inform more tailored interventions to reduce injuries in youth basketball.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated smooth muscle tumor in a kidney transplant recipient: A case‐report and review of the literature
Authors: Tardieu Laurène , Meatchi Tchao , Meyer Lara , Grataloup Christine , Bernard‐Tessier Alice , Karras Alexandre , Thervet Eric , Lazareth Hélène
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus linked to pre‐malignant lymphoproliferative diseases and up to nine distinct human tumors. The most frequent EBV‐associated malignancies are lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. By promoting smooth muscle proliferation, EBV can induce EBV‐associated smooth muscle tumors (SMT) which remain a very rare oncological entity. This study reports one case report of SMT and aims to offer the largest review of literature on post‐transplantation‐SMT (PT‐SMT) in kidney transplant recipients, with a focus on therapeutic management and evolution of graft function.

Methods

Case reports and case series of PT‐SMT in kidney transplant recipients were collected from 1996 to 2019.

Results

A total of 59 PT‐SMT were evaluated. The median time at diagnosis was 74.6 months after kidney transplantation. The most frequent localizations were liver and lung. EBV seroconversion was notified in all six patients with previously negative status. Preferred therapeutic option was surgery (65.9%), associated with a reduction in immunosuppression (77.2%), which includes switch to mTOR inhibitors (29.5%), and discontinuation of MMF (32%). In our review, 13% of patients experienced rejection, 8.7% lost their graft and went back on hemodialysis; 8.8% of patients died of PT‐SMT.

Conclusion

PT‐SMT is a rare but serious condition in kidney transplant recipients. EBV seroconversion following transplantation appears as a risk factor in developing PT‐SMT in solid‐organ recipients. In the absence of guidelines, therapeutic management for PT‐SMT is challenging and exposes the patient to high risk of graft loss.
The Effect of Antibiotic‐Cycling Strategy on Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacterial Infections or Colonization in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jin , Liu Yong , Du Liang , Kang Yan
Published: September 2020

Background

Antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, especially multidrug‐resistant strains, play a key role in impeding critical patients from survival and recovery. The effectiveness of the empiric use of antibiotics in the circling manner in intensive care units (ICUs) has not been analyzed in detail and remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate antibiotic‐cycling effect on the incidence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science for studies focusing on whether a cycling strategy of empiric use of antibiotics could curb the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in ICUs. The major outcomes were risk ratios (RRs) of antibiotic‐resistant infections or colonization per 1,000 patient days before and after the implementation of antibiotic cycling. A random‐effects model was adopted to estimate results in consideration of clinical heterogeneity among studies. The registration number of the meta‐analysis is CRD42018094464.

Results

Twelve studies, involving 2,261 episodes of resistant infections or colonization and 160,129 patient days, were included in the final analysis. Based on the available evidence, the antibiotic‐cycling strategy did not reduce the overall incidence of infections or colonization with resistant bacteria (RR = 0.823, 95% CI 0.655–1.035, p = .095). In subgroup analyses, the cycling strategy cut down the incidence of resistant bacteria more significantly than baseline period (p = .028) but showed no difference in comparison with mixing strategy (p = .758).

Linking Evidence to Action

Although the cycling strategy performed better than relatively free usage of antibiotics in the baseline period on reducing resistant bacteria, the cycling strategy did not show advantage when compared with the mixing strategy in subgroup analyses. In addition, these viewpoints still need more evidence to confirm.
Regulation of chemoconvulsant‐induced seizures by store‐operated Orai1 channels
Authors: Hori Kotaro , Tsujikawa Shogo , Novakovic Michaela M. , Yamashita Megumi , Prakriya Murali
Published: September 2020

Key points

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a complex neurological disease caused by imbalance of excitation and inhibition in the brain. Growing literature implicates altered Ca2+ signalling in many aspects of epilepsy but the diversity of Ca2+ channels that regulate this syndrome are not well‐understood.

Here, we report that mice lacking the store‐operated Ca2+ channel, Orai1, in the brain show markedly stronger seizures in response to the chemoconvulsants, kainic acid and pilocarpine.

Electrophysiological analysis reveals that selective deletion of Orai1 channels in inhibitory neurons disables chemoconvulsant‐induced excitation of GABAergic neurons in the CA1 hippocampus.

Likewise, deletion of Orai1 in GABAergic neurons abrogates the chemoconvulsant‐induced burst of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) on CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. This loss of chemoconvulsant inhibition likely aggravates status epilepticus in Orai1 KO mice.

These results identify Orai1 channels as regulators of hippocampal interneuron excitability and seizures.

Store‐operated Orai1 channels are a major mechanism for Ca2+ entry in many cells and mediate numerous functions including gene expression, cytokine production and gliotransmitter release. Orai1 is expressed in many regions of the mammalian brain; however, its role in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic function and brain disorders has only now begun to be investigated. To investigate a potential role of Orai1 channels in status epilepticus induced by chemoconvulsants, we examined acute seizures evoked by intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid (KA) and pilocarpine in mice with a conditional deletion of Orai1 (or its activator STIM1) in the brain. Brain‐specific Orai1 and STIM1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited significantly stronger seizures (P = 0.00003 and P < 0.00001), and higher chemoconvulsant‐induced mortality (P = 0.02) compared with wildtype (WT) littermates. Electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal brain slices revealed that KA stimulated the activity of inhibitory interneurons in the CA1 hippocampus (P = 0.04) which failed to occur in Orai1 KO mice. Further, KA and pilocarpine increased the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons >twofold (KA: P = 0.04; pilocarpine: P = 0.0002) which was abolished in Orai1 KO mice. Mice with selective deletion of Orai1 in GABAergic neurons alone also showed stronger seizures to KA (P = 0.001) and pilocarpine (P < 0.00001) and loss of chemoconvulsant‐induced increases in sIPSC responses compared with WT controls. We conclude that Orai1 channels regulate chemoconvulsant‐induced excitation in GABAergic neurons and that destabilization of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in Orai1 KO mice aggravates chemoconvulsant‐mediated seizures. These results identify Orai1 channels as novel molecular regulators of hippocampal neuronal excitability and seizures.
Minimizing Flute Engagement to Adjust Tool Orientation for Reducing Surface Errors in Five-Axis Ball End Milling Operations
Authors: Habibi M. , Kilic Z. M. , Altintas Y.
Published: September 2020

Surface errors due to force-induced tool and workpiece deflections are one of the major errors in multi-axis machining of parts especially with thin-walled structures. Dominant approaches to reduce these surface errors are re-machining the part, feed scheduling, and tool path modification. These methods are time consuming and computationally costly, and they rely on experimental data which is used in cutting force and deflection predictions. The present paper introduces a pure geometrical approach to reduce surface errors drastically by minimizing the engagement lengths of flutes’ cutting edges when a point on the flute’s cutting edge is in contact with the design surface. The total engagement length of the flutes’ cutting edges when one of them generates a contact point on the workpiece surface is formulated and considered as the minimization objective function of an optimization problem. Tilt and lead angles, which define the tool orientation, are the design variables of the optimization problem subjected to constraints based on the geometrical requirements of the ball end milling process. The optimization problem uses the nominal tool path to generate an optimal tool path with adjusted tool orientations. The presented method is computationally inexpensive and does not need any experimentally calibrated coefficients to predict cutting forces because of the pure geometrical nature of the approach. The method is experimentally validated through five-axis ball end milling experiments in which more than 90% surface error reduction is achieved.
Computational Design of Microstructures With Stochastic Property Closures
Authors: Acar Pinar
Published: September 2020

The present work addresses a stochastic computational solution to define the property closures of polycrystalline materials under uncertainty. The uncertainty in material systems arises from the natural stochasticity of the microstructures as a result of the fluctuations in deformation processes. The microstructural uncertainty impacts the performance of engineering components by causing unanticipated anisotropy in properties. We utilize an analytical uncertainty quantification algorithm to describe the microstructural stochasticity and model its propagation on the volume-averaged material properties. The stochastic solution will be integrated into linear programming to generate the property closure that shows all possible values of the volume-averaged material properties under the uncertainty. We demonstrate example applications for stiffness parameters of α-Titanium, and multi-physics parameters (stiffness, yield strength, magnetostrictive strain) of Galfenol. Significant differences observed between stochastic and deterministic closures imply the importance of considering the microstructural uncertainty when modeling and designing materials.
The Effect of Notches on the Failure of Two-Dimensional Nonwoven Fiber Networks
Authors: Chen Yinglong , Siegmund Thomas
Published: September 2020

The tearing response of sheets of nonwoven fiber material is investigated. It addresses the question on how notch length and notch geometry is related to the tearing strength and tearing processes. The system considered consists of elastic-brittle fibers connected by strong interfiber bonds. Fiber fracture is the only failure mechanism. For a random fiber orientation case, deformation of the unnotched specimen occurs by long-range fiber chains connecting the load inducing boundaries, and failure is by tearing the cross section. The strength of the notched random fiber sheets is well described by a net section criterion, independent of the notch geometry. For a fiber orientation with symmetry relative to the loading direction, tensile loading is transferred by formation of the X-shaped fiber chains centered in the specimen. The subsequent failure occurs along the fiber chain by shear. Thus, the tearing strength is independent of the notch depth in double-edge notched and single-edge notched specimens, when the presence of shallow notch does not disrupt the force chains in the model. As the notch disturbs the fiber chains, alternative shear failure path forms near the notch tip, leading to a dependence of failure strength on the notch geometry. Then, the failure strength of notched nonwoven networks is described by a shear strength and a notch geometry term.
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam–Welded Ti70/TA5 Dissimilar Joint
Authors: Wang Donghui , Wang Shaogang , Zhang Wen
Published: September 2020

The dissimilar titanium alloys Ti70/TA5 are welded by using electron beam welding. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints are systematically investigated, and the welding parameters are optimized. Results show that the fusion zone (FZ) is mainly α’ martensite, and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in the Ti70 side consists of fine α’ martensite, residual α phase, and original β phase, while the HAZ in the TA5 side is composed of coarser α phase, serrated and acicular α phase. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis demonstrates that the martensite in the FZ presents the lath-like morphology. There are high-density dislocations within martensite, which has a certain orientation relationship with the β phase. Under the appropriate welding procedure, the tensile strength of the dissimilar joint is close to that of the TA5 base metal. The joint fracture dominantly presents the characteristic of ductile fracture. During welding, electron beam scanning is beneficial to improving the solidification of molten pool and grain refinement; thus, the mechanical property of the welded joint is increased to a certain extent.
Fine Particulate Deposition in an Effusion Plate Geometry
Authors: Varney Bruce , Barker Brett , Bons Jeffrey , Gnanaselvam Pritheesh , Wolff Trent
Published: September 2020

Fine particulate deposition testing was conducted with an effusion plate geometry representative of a gas turbine combustor liner. Preheated coolant air with airborne particulate was fed into an effusion plate test fixture with the flow parallel to the target plate. The test fixture was in an electric kiln that establishes elevated plate temperature, similar to a gas turbine combustor. Test variables include hole diameter, length/diameter ratio, inclination angle, and compound angle. In addition, coolant and plate temperature were varied independently to determine their influence. All tests were continued until the effusion holes had blocked to produce a 25% reduction in mass flowrate while maintaining constant pressure ratio. The blockage rate was found to be more sensitive to flow temperature than to plate temperature over the range studied. Blockage rate was insensitive to effusion hole diameter from 0.5 to 0.75 mm but increased dramatically for hole diameter below 0.5 mm. Blockage shows a moderate increase with hole length/diameter ratio. The strongest dependency was found with the inclination angle; roughly an order of magnitude increase in blockage rate was documented when increasing from a 30 deg to 150 deg. A compound angle of 45 deg caused a negligible change in blockage rate, while a compound angle of 90 deg increased blockage rate for low inclination angles while decreasing it for high inclination angles. For the flow angle dependency, interpretation is provided by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the particulate delivery and initial deposition location prediction using the Ohio State University (OSU) deposition model.
Tonal Noise Reduction for a Maneuverable Marine Hydrokinetic Cycloturbine Vehicle Using Turbine Clocking
Authors: Goldschmidt Margalit Z. , Jonson Michael L. , Horn Joseph
Published: September 2020

A Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) cycloturbine vehicle can exploit tidal currents to generate sustainable power and also has the ability to station keep and maneuver. The vehicle consists of four counterrotating cycloturbines, which radiate sound underwater. Acoustic control is important to curtail the vehicle’s vibrations and acoustic signature, potentially preventing harmful effects on aquatic life, as well as to reduce the vehicle’s fatigue for longer deployment. A method of reducing the radiated acoustics of the vehicle is determined for tones at foil passing frequency and multiples, by means of clocking the blades between turbines. Experimental work includes testing of a subscale demonstrator in ARL’s Reverberant Tank facility. Fixing the subscale demonstrator to a reaction frame in the tank provides the ability to measure the generated loads using load cells. These measurements verify the effects of turbine clocking on the radiated acoustics.
Rolling Soup Cans Down an Inclined Plane
Authors: Greenslade Thomas B.
Published: September 2020

In a familiar demonstration, a hoop and a solid disk of the same diameter and mass are started from rest at the top of an inclined plane and race to the bottom. The disk reaches the bottom with a larger speed than the hoop and arrives first. Why?
An Approach to a Physical Understanding of Color Mixing
Authors: Schulze Tina , Quast Günter , Bergmann Antje , Dengler Roman
Published: September 2020

Although nearly everyone is familiar with colors from an early age and the fundamentals of color mixing are taught at various abstraction levels throughout kindergarten to high school, we repeatedly observe that our student teachers in physics have problems in explaining the subject. Therefore, we propose an experimental setup that focuses on the physical principles instead of on primary colors and that allows one to observe the color perception and the spectral composition simultaneously. Customary school equipment is sufficient to realize the setup. The concepts are appropriate for junior high level learners and above, encouraging students to experience color as a continuum rather than discrete shades. Moreover, teachers can inspect the quality of available color filters and prepare for experimental difficulties.
Seeing Is Believing: Demonstrating the RC Time Constant Visually
Authors: Syed M. Qasim , Lovatt Ian
Published: September 2020

RC circuits are ubiquitous. They are the most common entities in modern electronics; introductory physics courses typically include a chapter and a lab on RC circuits. Several papers dealing with many aspects of RC circuits have been published in The Physics Teacher and other educational journals. An RC circuit contains a series combination of a resistor and a capacitor (with resistance and capacitance R and C, respectively). In this circuit the capacitor stores electric charge, and the resistor controls the rate of charging or discharging. The potential difference (ΔV) across a discharging capacitor is given by the following exponential function of time (t)
Determining Transistor Characteristics with Arduino
Authors: Önder Fatih , Önder Esra Bilal , Oğur Mehmet
Published: September 2020

Transistors are semiconductor devices that form the basis of today’s electronic technology. Following the first step of developing a point-contact transistor developed by Walter Brattain and John Bardeen in 1947, the development of the junction transistor by William Shockley in early 1948 opened the way for rapid progress in electronic technology. The processors of today’s computers or mobile phones can contain millions of transistors. For this reason, the way to understand how today’s technology works is to first understand the transistors that form the basis of these technologies. In this paper we describe an alternative way of determining transistor characteristics by using the Arduino.
Active Learning in an Inequitable Learning Environment Can Increase the
Gender Performance Gap: The Negative Impact of Stereotype Threat
Authors: Maries Alexandru , Karim Nafis I. , Singh Chandralekha
Published: September 2020

In the past few decades, educators and physics education researchers have been developing and evaluating instructional approaches designed to improve students’ conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in physics for students with different prior preparation and backgrounds. These instructional approaches often require students to be active participants in their learning, and are often developed through research, which provides evidence for their effectiveness. Hence, we refer to them as “Evidence-Based Active Engagement” (EBAE) strategies.
We’d like to know how we’re doing and where we’re going!
Authors: Heafner Joe
Published: September 2020

The beginning of a new publication year is a good time to reflect on where we are and how we got here. When AstroNotes was rebooted in 2014, I had in mind that I did not want to “break” anything so to speak, but at the same time I hoped to provide a platform for some new ideas. I additionally wanted to appeal to physics teachers looking for ways to show the connections, both obvious and subtle, between physics and its subspecialty, astronomy. As the person charged with editing AstroNotes for the past six years, my biased opinion is that we met all of those goals to one extent or the other. However, the ultimate judge is you, our readers.
A new role for the Cartesian diver: Showing free-fall weightlessness
Authors: Slisko Josip
Published: September 2020

The interior of a free-falling system, if it is small enough, can be thought of as a “gravity-free space” in accordance with Einstein’s equivalence principle, meaning all gravity-related forces, such as weight and the buoyant force, disappear. The last force lifts the Cartesian diver up from the bottom when the external pressure on a stationary water-filled bottle is released. Nevertheless, if the external pressure is released and, simultaneously, the bottle with the diver at the bottom is allowed to fall, the Cartesian diver will stay on the bottle’s bottom. This behavior of the diver is due to the fact that the interior of a free-falling bottle can be thought of as a gravity-free space.
High sensitivity of Bering Sea winter sea ice to winter insolation and carbon dioxide over the last 5500 years
Authors: Jones Miriam C. , Berkelhammer Max , Keller Katherine J. , Yoshimura Kei , Wooller Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

Anthropogenic CO
2
emissions and long-term winter insolation forcing drive Bering Sea ice extent to lowest in the last 5,500 years.
A trusted node–free eight-user metropolitan quantum communication network
Authors: Joshi Siddarth Koduru , Aktas Djeylan , Wengerowsky Sören , Lončarić Martin , Neumann Sebastian Philipp , Liu Bo , Scheidl Thomas , Lorenzo Guillermo Currás , Samec Željko , Kling Laurent , Qiu Alex , Razavi Mohsen , Stipčević Mario , Rarity John G. , Ursin Rupert
Published: September 2020

An eight-user fully connected and scalable city-wide quantum communication network can be a basis for the future quantum internet.
DSCAM regulates delamination of neurons in the developing midbrain
Authors: Arimura Nariko , Okada Mako , Taya Shinichiro , Dewa Ken-ichi , Tsuzuki Akiko , Uetake Hirotomo , Miyashita Satoshi , Hashizume Koichi , Shimaoka Kazumi , Egusa Saki , Nishioka Tomoki , Yanagawa Yuchio , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Inoue Yukiko U. , Inoue Takayoshi , Kaibuchi Kozo , Hoshino Mikio
Published: September 2020

DSCAM regulates neuronal delamination from the ventricular surface by suppressing RapGEF2/Rap1 and N-cadherin.
Widespread hematite at high latitudes of the Moon
Authors: Li Shuai , Lucey Paul G. , Fraeman Abigail A. , Poppe Andrew R. , Sun Vivian Z. , Hurley Dana M. , Schultz Peter H.
Published: September 2020

Moon orbital data analysis reveals the unexpected presence of Hematite, an oxidization product under highly reducing conditions.
Primary cilium-dependent cAMP/PKA signaling at the centrosome regulates neuronal migration
Authors: Stoufflet Julie , Chaulet Maxime , Doulazmi Mohamed , Fouquet Coralie , Dubacq Caroline , Métin Christine , Schneider-Maunoury Sylvie , Trembleau Alain , Vincent Pierre , Caillé Isabelle
Published: September 2020

The primary cilium regulates neuronal migration via cyclic AMP production activating protein kinase A at the centrosome.
Biaxiality-driven twist-bend to splay-bend nematic phase transition induced by an electric field
Authors: Meyer Claire , Blanc Christophe , Luckhurst Geoffrey R. , Davidson Patrick , Dozov Ivan
Published: September 2020

An electric field–induced, symmetry-breaking, transition from N
TB
to N
SB
nematics reveals the importance of local biaxiality.
Agrin induces long-term osteochondral regeneration by supporting repair morphogenesis
Authors: Eldridge Suzanne E. , Barawi Aida , Wang Hui , Roelofs Anke J. , Kaneva Magdalena , Guan Zeyu , Lydon Helen , Thomas Bethan L. , Thorup Anne-Sophie , Fernandez Beatriz F. , Caxaria Sara , Strachan Danielle , Ali Ahmed , Shanmuganathan Kanatheepan , Pitzalis Costantino , Whiteford James R. , Henson Frances , McCaskie Andrew W. , De Bari Cosimo , Dell’Accio Francesco
Published: September 2020

Agrin heals joint surfaces by recruiting joint stem cells and inducing the formation of cartilage and bone with correct architecture in mice and sheep.
PARP inhibitors unleash the antitumor immune response
Authors: Ileana-Dumbrava Ecaterina
Published: September 2020

Combination of a PARP inhibitor with immune checkpoint blockade showed promising antitumor activity without additional toxicity.
Novel Monomeric Fungal Subtilisin Inhibitor from a Plant-Pathogenic Fungus, Choanephora cucurbitarum: Isolation and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Pathiraja Duleepa , Chun Youngeun , Cho Junghwan , Min Byoungnam , Lee Saeyoung , Park Hongjae , Byun Juan , Choi In-Geol
Published: September 2020

Until recently,
Streptomyces
subtilisin inhibitors (SSI) were reported and characterized only in bacteria. We found SSI-like domains in a plant-pathogenic fungus,
Choanephora cucurbitarum
KUS-F28377, which contains 11 sequentially diverged SSI-like domains. None of these fungal SSI-like domains were functionally characterized before. The active form of fungal SSI-like protein is a monomer, in contrast to the homodimeric bacterial SSI. We constructed a synthetic monomer of bacterial SSI to demonstrate the modulation of its activity based on structural integrity and not reactive sites. Our results suggest the duplication and divergence of SSI-like domains of
C. cucurbitarum
within the genome to inhibit various cognate proteases during evolution by modulating both binding and reactivity. The molecular functional characterization of fungal SSI-like domains will be useful in understanding their biological role and future biotechnological applications.
Inhibition of Cathepsin K Alleviates Autophagy-Related Inflammation in Periodontitis-Aggravating Arthritis
Authors: Yue Yuan , Yin Wuwei , Yang Qin , Ren Jie , Tan Liangyu , Wang Jiajia , Liu Jie , Lu Qiuyu , Ding Handong , Zhan Weicheng , Hao Liang , Wang Min
Published: September 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis share many epidemiological and pathological features, with emerging studies reporting a relationship between the two diseases. Recently, RA and periodontitis have been associated with autophagy. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cathepsin K (CtsK) inhibition on RA with periodontitis in a mouse model and its immunological function affecting autophagy. To topically inhibit CtsK periodontitis with arthritis in the animal model, adeno-associated virus (AAV) transfection was performed in periodontal and knee joint regions.
The Role of YggS in Vitamin B6 Homeostasis in Salmonella enterica Is Informed by Heterologous Expression of Yeast SNZ3
Authors: Vu Huong N. , Ito Tomokazu , Downs Diana M.
Published: September 2020

YggS (COG0325) is a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-binding protein proposed to be involved in homeostasis of B6 vitamers. In Salmonella enterica, lack of yggS resulted in phenotypes that were distinct and others that were similar to those of a yggS mutant of Escherichia coli. Like other organisms, yggS mutants of S. enterica accumulate endogenous pyridoxine 5′-phosphate (PNP). Data herein show that strains lacking YggS accumulated ∼10-fold more PLP in growth medium than a parental strain. The deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate-dependent biosynthetic pathway for PLP and the PNP/pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate (PMP) oxidase credited with interconverting B6 vitamers were replaced with a single PLP synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The impact of a yggS deletion on the intracellular and extracellular levels of B6 vitamers in this restructured strain supported a role for PdxH in PLP homeostasis and led to a general model for YggS function in PLP-PMP cycling. Our findings uncovered broader consequences of a yggS mutation than previously reported and suggest that the accumulation of PNP is not a direct effect of lacking YggS but rather a downstream consequence.

IMPORTANCE Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is an essential cofactor for enzymes in all domains of life. Perturbations in PLP or B6 vitamer content can be detrimental, notably causing B6-dependent epilepsy in humans. YggS homologs are broadly conserved and have been implicated in altered levels of B6 vitamers in multiple organisms. The biochemical activity of YggS, expected to be conserved across domains, is not yet known. Herein, a simplified heterologous pathway minimized metabolic variables and allowed the dissection of this system to generate new metabolic knowledge that will be relevant to understanding YggS.
Utility of the Rapid Antigen Detection Test E. histolytica Quik Chek for the Diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica Infection in Nonendemic Situations
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Shimogawara Rieko , Endo Tomoyuki , Fukushima Rika , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Hayasaka Kasumi , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Kobayashi Taiichiro , Koga Michiko , Koibuchi Tomohiko , Miyagawa Toshikazu , Nagata Ayaka , Nakata Hirotomo , Oka Shinichi , Otsuka Risa , Sakai Kazumi , Shibuya Mami , Shingyochi Hiroyuki , Tsuchihashi Etsuko , Watanabe Koji , Yagita Kenji
Published: September 2020

Entamoeba histolytica
infection is an increasingly common sexually transmitted infection in Japan. Currently, stool ova and parasite examination (O&P) is the only approved diagnostic method. Here, we assessed the utility of the commercially available rapid antigen detection test (Quik Chek) for
E. histolytica
. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Stool samples that had been submitted for O&P were included. The samples were subjected to both Quik Chek and PCR, and the Quik Chek results were assessed in comparison with PCR as the reference standard.
Retinoic Acid Inducible Gene I and Protein Kinase R, but Not Stress Granules, Mediate the Proinflammatory Response to Yellow Fever Virus
Authors: Beauclair Guillaume , Streicher Felix , Chazal Maxime , Bruni Daniela , Lesage Sarah , Gracias Ségolène , Bourgeau Salomé , Sinigaglia Laura , Fujita Takashi , Meurs Eliane F. , Tangy Frédéric , Jouvenet Nolwenn
Published: September 2020

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne acute hemorrhagic disease caused by yellow fever virus (YFV). The mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis remain largely unknown, although increased inflammation has been linked to worsened outcome. YFV targets the liver, where it primarily infects hepatocytes. We found that two RNA-sensing proteins, RIG-I and PKR, participate in the induction of proinflammatory mediators in human hepatocytes infected with YFV. We show that YFV infection promotes the formation of cytoplasmic structures, termed stress granules, in a PKR- but not RIG-I-dependent manner. While stress granules were previously postulated to be essential platforms for immune activation, we found that they are not required for the production of proinflammatory mediators upon YFV infection. Collectively, our work uncovered molecular events triggered by the replication of YFV, which could prove instrumental in clarifying the pathogenesis of the disease, with possible repercussions for disease management.
The Bipartite Sequence Motif in the N and C Termini of gp85 of Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus Plays a Crucial Role in Receptor Binding and Viral Entry
Authors: Zhang Yao , Yu Mengmeng , Xing Lixiao , Liu Peng , Chen Yuntong , Chang Fangfang , Wang Suyan , Bao Yuanling , Farooque Muhammad , Li Xinyi , Guan Xiaolu , Liu Yongzhen , Liu Aijing , Qi Xiaole , Pan Qing , Zhang Yanping , Gao Li , Li Kai , Liu Changjun , Cui Hongyu , Wang Xiaomei , Gao Yulong
Published: September 2020

Infection of a cell by retroviruses requires the attachment and fusion of the host and viral membranes. The specific adsorption of envelope (Env) surface proteins to cell receptors is a key step in triggering infections and has been the target of antiviral drug screening. ALV-J is an economically important avian pathogen that belongs to the genus
Alpharetrovirus
and has a wider host range than other ALV subgroups. Our results showed that the amino acids 38 to 131 of the N terminus and 159 to 283 of the C terminus of ALV-J gp85 controlled the efficiency of gp85 binding to chNHE1 and were critical for viral infection. In addition, the glycosylation sites (N6 and N11) and cysteines (C3 and C9) of gp85 played a crucial role in the receptor binding and viral entry. These findings might help elucidate the mechanism of the entry of ALV-J into host cells and provide antiviral targets for the control of ALV-J.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Hypha-Colonizing
Rhizobium
sp. Strain 76, a Potential Biocontrol Agent
Authors: Sun Rui-Liang , Jing Yu-Ling , Guo Rong-Jun , Li Shi-Dong
Published: September 2020

The genome sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. strain 76, a bacterium isolated from the hyphosphere of
Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp.
cucumerinum
, is reported here. Genome sequencing and assembly yielded 5,375,961 bases with a 59.14% G+C content, comprising two chromosomes and one plasmid.
Intentional weight loss as a predictor of type 2 diabetes occurrence in a general adult population
Authors: Sares-Jäske Laura , Knekt Paul , Eranti Antti , Kaartinen Niina E , Heliövaara Markku , Männistö Satu
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Observational and intervention studies have verified that weight loss predicts a reduced type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. At the population level, knowledge on the prediction of self-report intentional weight loss (IWL) on T2D incidence is, however, sparse. We studied the prediction of self-report IWL on T2D incidence during a 15-year follow-up in a general adult population.

Research design and methods

The study sample from the representative Finnish Health 2000 Survey comprised 4270 individuals, aged 30–69 years. IWL was determined with questions concerning dieting attempts and weight loss during the year prior to baseline. Incident T2D cases during a 15-year follow-up were drawn from national health registers. The strength of the association between IWL and T2D incidence was estimated with the Cox model.

Results

During the follow-up, 417 incident cases of T2D occurred. IWL predicted an increased risk of T2D incidence (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.87, p=0.008) in a multivariable model. In interaction analyses comparing individuals with and without IWL, a suggestively elevated risk emerged in men, the younger age group, among less-educated people and in individuals with unfavorable values in several lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

Self-report IWL may predict an increased risk of T2D in long-term, probably due to self-implemented IWL tending to fail. The initial prevention of weight gain and support for weight maintenance after weight loss deserve greater emphasis in order to prevent T2D.
Trends and determinants of home delivery in Ethiopia: further multivariate decomposition analysis of 2005–2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys
Authors: Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Lakew Ayenew Molla , Yigizaw Seblewongel Tigabu , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the trends and factors that had contributed to the change in home delivery in Ethiopia over the last decade.

Design, setting and analysis

A nationally representative repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted using 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. Multivariate decomposition logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant factors that have been contributed to the change in home delivery. Level of statistical significance was declared at a two-sided p value <0.05.

Outcome measure

Trends of home delivery.

Participants

A total of 33 482 women were included.

Results

Home delivery has been decreased by 21% over the last decade in Ethiopia. In the last decade, 39% of the decrements in home delivery attributed to change in women’s compositional characteristics. Antenatal care visits, educational status of the women and husband, birth order, religion, wealth index and distance from a health facility were the main sources of compositional change factors for the change of home delivery. Behavioural changes towards health facility delivery contributed approximately two-thirds of the decline of home delivery in Ethiopia. Antenatal care visits, birth order and religion have significantly contributed to the change of home delivery resulted from behavioural changes towards healthcare facility utilisation over the last decade.

Conclusion

Despite the importance of health facility delivery, a significant number of women still deliver at home in Ethiopia. Women’s compositional characteristics and behaviour changes were significantly associated with the change in home delivery. Multisectoral educational intervention is needed to change women’s attitudes towards home delivery. Antenatal care coverage and healthcare facility coverage should increase thereby to improve healthcare facility based-delivery practice. Further research needs to be done to explore the potential barriers of health facility delivery from a religious perspective.
Randomised cross-over trial of vildagliptin and pioglitazone as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: predicting Which One is Right Here (WORTH) study protocol
Authors: Yeu Rui Qian , Brandon Rebecca , Jiang Yannan , Griffiths Dale , Smallman Kate , Moffitt Allan , Doherty Glenn , Paul Ryan , Harré Hindmarsh Jennie , Merriman Tony R , Macaskill-Smith Kerry , Orr-Walker Brandon , Murphy Rinki
Published: September 2020

Introduction

There is emerging evidence for stratified glucose-lowering responses to certain oral medications for type 2 diabetes (T2D) by individual characteristics. The objective of this study was to test whether glycaemic response to representative treatments of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (vildagliptin) and thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone) varies according to ethnicity, gender, baseline obesity, triglyceride level or genetic variation.

Methods

This is a multicentre, two-period, two-treatment, open-label, randomised cross-over trial of vildagliptin and pioglitazone as second-line or third-line therapy in patients with T2D who have suboptimal glycaemic control on metformin and/or sulfonylurea therapy. It is conducted in New Zealand with a target of 300 patients (40% with Māori or Pacific ancestry) eligible if aged ≥18 and ≤80 years, with T2D for more than 1 year, on stable doses of metformin and/or sulfonylurea for at least 3 months, with HbA1c between 59 and 110 mmol/mol inclusive. Participants are assigned to complete 4 months of vildagliptin 50 mg per day or pioglitazone 30 mg per day, followed by 4 months of the other medications in randomly allocated sequences. Participant characteristics, including ethnicity, obesity, lipid profile and candidate genotypes are collected at baseline. Primary outcome variable is on treatment HbA1c. Secondary outcomes include weight change, frequency of side effects and patient preference.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval of the trial has been obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (18/STH/242). The trial commenced in February 2019 and recruitment is expected to be completed by March 2020. Results will be reported in articles submitted to peer-reviewed journals, as well as in presentations at national and international meetings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001907235.