bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond ‘seeing is believing’: the antenna size of the photosystems in vivo
Authors: Croce Roberta
Published: June 2020

Photosystems I and II are the central components of the solar energy conversion machinery in oxygenic photosynthesis. They are large functional units embedded in the photosynthetic membranes, where they harvest light and use its energy to drive electrons from water to NADPH. Their composition and organization change in response to different environmental conditions, making these complexes dynamic units. Some of the interactions between subunits survive purification, resulting in the well‐defined structures that were recently resolved by cryo‐electron microscopy. Other interactions instead are weak, preventing the possibility of isolating and thus studying these complexes in vitro. This review focuses on these supercomplexes of vascular plants, which at the moment cannot be ‘seen’ but that represent functional units in vivo.
Mycorrhizal effector PaMiSSP10b alters polyamine biosynthesis in Eucalyptus root cells and promotes root colonization
Authors: Plett Jonathan M. , Plett Krista L. , Wong‐Bajracharya Johanna , de Freitas Pereira Maíra , Costa Maurício Dutra , Kohler Annegret , Martin Francis , Anderson Ian C.
Published: June 2020

Pathogenic microbes are known to manipulate the defences of their hosts through the production of secreted effector proteins. More recently, mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi have also been described as using these secreted effectors to promote host colonization. Here we characterize a mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted effector protein of 10 kDa produced by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus albus, PaMiSSP10b.

We demonstrate that PaMiSSP10b is secreted from fungal hyphae, enters the cells of its host, Eucalyptus grandis, and interacts with an S‐adenosyl methionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) in the polyamine pathway. Plant polyamines are regulatory molecules integral to the plant immune system during microbial challenge.

Using biochemical and transgenic approaches we show that expression of PaMiSSP10b influences levels of polyamines in the plant roots as it enhances the enzymatic activity of AdoMetDC and increases the biosynthesis of higher polyamines. This ultimately favours the colonization success of P. albus.

These results identify a new mechanism by which mutualistic microbes are able to manipulate the host´s enzymatic pathways to favour colonization.
Avian trait specialization is negatively associated with urban tolerance
Authors: Callaghan Corey T. , Benedetti Yanina , Wilshire John H. , Morelli Federico
Published: June 2020

Generalist species – with their wide niche breadths – are often associated with urban environments, while specialist species are likely to be most at‐risk of increasing urbanization processes. But studies which quantify the relationship between trait specialization (i.e. niche breadth) and urban tolerance are generally methodologically limited, with repeatable robust methods to easily quantify this relationship among different regions and time scales often lacking. Our objective was to use novel methods to quantify the relationship between trait specialization and urban tolerance over a broad spatial scale. We used ~ 2 million citizen science observations and spatially intersected these with remotely‐sensed VIIRS night‐time light values and a novel continuous measure of a species’ trait specialization for 256 European bird species. We found a negative relationship between avian urban tolerance and an overall specialization index. Nesting site niche breadth was especially negatively associated with higher urban tolerance scores. Our results highlight that species with a high degree of trait specialization likely have a lower capacity to persist in urban ecosystems, and hence, could be most at‐risk in novel urban ecosystems. We suggest that trait specialization can be used as a proxy for the degree of risk posed by urban environments to a given species.
Parasite transmission in aquatic ecosystems under temperature change: effects of host activity and elimination of parasite larvae by filter‐feeders
Authors: Gopko Mikhail , Mironova Ekaterina , Pasternak Anna , Mikheev Victor , Taskinen Jouni
Published: June 2020

A moderate increase in temperature is likely to enhance the impact of parasites on aquatic ecosystems. Thus, under higher temperatures, poikilothermic animals (e.g. fish) increase their activity, which can result in a more frequent encounter with parasites and higher infection risk. However, temperature increase may also trigger counteracting processes in ambient communities decreasing the risk of parasitic infections. For instance, the removal of free‐living stages of parasites by filter‐feeding organisms can increase with temperature and potentially mitigate the disease risk in ecosystems under temperature shift. We examined whether an enhanced parasite transmission under higher temperatures can be compensated by the increased removal of parasitic larvae by filter‐feeders. In addition, our study aimed to reveal the behavioral mechanism underlying the more successful transmission of the parasite at higher temperatures. We studied experimentally how temperature, behavior of fish hosts (rainbow trout), and presence of filter‐feeding mussels in the environment influence the infection success of trematode larvae (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum cercariae). We found that heating increased while the presence of filter‐feeding mussels in the environment decreased infection intensities in fish. However, the effect of mussel's presence was constant within the tested range of water temperatures (15–23°C), which suggests that it cannot compensate for the observed increased transmission of parasites with temperature increase. Fish activity before the exposure to parasites was positively related to the host's vulnerability to infection. However, fish activity only weakly correlated with temperature, therefore, it is unlikely to be the only factor influencing the infection success under warmer conditions. In general, we showed that the elimination of trematode larvae by filter‐feeders is unlikely to deter the potential effects of temperature increase on host–parasite interactions in temperate freshwater ecosystems.
Empowering indigenous peoples and local communities: A human rights‐based appraisal of the compliance mechanism of the Nagoya Protocol
Authors: Zheng Xiaoou
Published: June 2020

This article examines the extent to which a systemic and mutually supportive understanding of the compliance mechanism of the Nagoya Protocol and human rights law may empower indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). The international and domestic compliance mechanism and measures of the Nagoya Protocol are first unpacked with a particular focus on the role of IPLCs. Then a broad human rights framework on IPLCs’ right of access to justice is introduced to assess the strengths and limitations of the Nagoya compliance mechanism. The argument is that, based on the substantive connection between IPLCs’ right to fair and equitable benefit‐sharing and human rights pertaining to lands and natural resources, a human rights‐based approach can contribute to addressing the persisting power asymmetries between IPLCs and State authorities, as well as to facilitating the interpretation and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol that could lead to progress towards empowering IPLCs.
Regulatory disempowerment:How enabling and controlling forms of power obstruct citizen‐based regulation
Authors: Gray Garry , van Rooij Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Regulatory studies assume that citizens can act as regulators to complement or correct failing state and market forms of regulation. Yet, there is a growing literature that shows that in reality citizens may fail to be effective regulators. This paper systematically analyses how power inequalities obstruct citizens in their regulatory roles. It compares four case studies with highly different social and political contexts but with similar outcomes of citizens failing to regulate risk. The case studies are analyzed by operationalizing sociological and political science ideas about manifestations of enabling and controlling forms of power in order to understand the way power inequalities obstruct citizens in their regulatory roles across diverse contexts. The article shows how citizens, from farmers and manual workers in both authoritarian developing and democratic developed contexts to even highly trained medical professionals from the US, have limited agency and are disempowered to act as regulators. Our analysis reveals that five patterns of disempowerment play a crucial role in obstructing successful society‐based regulation: (i) dependency, (ii) capacity, (iii) social hierarchy, (iv) discursive framing, and (v) perverse effects of legal rights.
Predicting the Validity of Expert Judgments in Assessing the Impact of Risk Mitigation Through Failure Prevention and Correction
Authors: Brito Mario P. , Dawson Ian G. J.
Published: June 2020

Operational risk management of autonomous vehicles in extreme environments is heavily dependent on expert judgments and, in particular, judgments of the likelihood that a failure mitigation action, via correction and prevention, will annul the consequences of a specific fault. However, extant research has not examined the reliability of experts in estimating the probability of failure mitigation. For systems operations in extreme environments, the probability of failure mitigation is taken as a proxy of the probability of a fault not reoccurring. Using a priori expert judgments for an autonomous underwater vehicle mission in the Arctic and a posteriori mission field data, we subsequently developed a generalized linear model that enabled us to investigate this relationship. We found that the probability of failure mitigation alone cannot be used as a proxy for the probability of fault not reoccurring. We conclude that it is also essential to include the effort to implement the failure mitigation when estimating the probability of fault not reoccurring. The effort is the time taken by a person (measured in person‐months) to execute the task required to implement the fault correction action. We show that once a modicum of operational data is obtained, it is possible to define a generalized linear logistic model to estimate the probability a fault not reoccurring. We discuss how our findings are important to all autonomous vehicle operations and how similar operations can benefit from revising expert judgments of risk mitigation to take account of the effort required to reduce key risks.
Hume's Epistemology: The State of the Question
Authors: Qu Hsueh M.
Published: June 2020

This article surveys the state of the literature on Hume’s epistemology, focusing on treatments of what has come to be known as the “Kemp Smith problem,” that is, the problem of reconciling Hume’s skepticism with his naturalism. It first surveys the literature on this issue with regard to theTreatise, moving on to briefly compare theTreatiseand theEnquiryin virtue of their epistemological frameworks, before finally examining the literature with regard to the firstEnquiry.
An update on the management of male infertility
Authors: Karavolos Stamatios , Panagiotopoulou Nikoletta , Alahwany Hisham , Martins da Silva Sarah
Published: June 2020

Key content

Male infertility underlies or contributes to up to 50% of infertility cases; current therapeutic interventions rely on assisted reproductive technology (ART), as medical or surgical treatments have limited value in enhancing semen quality or parameters.

Lifestyle factors that affect male fertility could offer a therapeutic opportunity; however, their modification seems to be of variable benefit.

In the quest for sperm functional assessment and selection tests, there is controversy over which patients, if any, should be tested for sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as which test to perform. Sperm selection techniques for intracytoplasmic sperm injection do not appear to significantly improve treatment outcomes or live birth rates.

Routinely performed genetic tests are effective in determining aetiology in approximately 20% of infertile men; however, newer genetic tests could enhance diagnosis and change the future management of male infertility.

Learning objectives

To summarise the key lifestyle factors that affect male fertility.

To appraise the currently available investigations for sperm testing and selection.

To describe the genetic tests currently available to identify the aetiology of male infertility, including emerging technologies in the field of genetics and personalised genomics.

Ethical issues

How to deal with couples’ requests for unproven medical interventions to manage male infertility?
Evaluation and improvement of blood donor educational materials: results from a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wehrli Gay , Rossmann Susan N. , Waxman Dan A. , Katz Louis M.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Blood collection centers are charged with creating donor educational materials (DnEM) that are easily understood across all prospective donor populations, while addressing mandates and recommendations from regulatory agencies and professional standard setting organizations. Donors must have sufficient information to understand the donation process with its risks and benefits, time to consider options before deciding, and opportunity to choose whether to proceed with or decline donating. The goal of this multisite randomized controlled trial was to evaluate knowledge acquired using standardized DnEM. America's Blood Centers' Working Group (WG) for Donor Education and Communication was formed to evaluate and suggest modifications of these documents. Based on pilot work, a randomized clinical trial was designed to test donor knowledge across a variety of populations. The WG identified several shortcomings in the current DnEM and proposed new DnEM. The new DnEM were tested against the same, current DnEM being used at all three sites (Blood Donor Educational Material, 2016 version 2.0, published in conjunction with the AABB uniform donor history questionnaire).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One‐hundred sixty‐five first time and returning donors were randomized in a 2x2 model to review either new DnEM or current DnEM. Every participant completed a pre‐ and post‐quiz that tested their understanding of the DnEM.

RESULTS

Returning donors had greater baseline knowledge compared to new donors, but new donors improved more versus returning donors. Donors using the new DnEM showed greater improvement in knowledge than those using current DnEM.

CONCLUSION

Comprehension of DnEM can be improved. With this sample size the results suggest that the findings are independent of demographic characteristics, but a larger study would be necessary to confirm this.
Outcomes of 43 small breed dogs treated for splenic hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Story Ashton L. , Wavreille Vincent , Abrams Brittany , Egan Angela , Cray Megan , Selmic Laura E.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine outcome and prognostic factors in small breed dogs in which hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed and whether outcomes differed between small and large breed dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma.

Study design

Bi‐institutional retrospective study.

Animals

Forty‐three small breed (<20 kg) and 94 large breed client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs treated with splenectomy for splenic hemangiosarcoma. Data acquired included signalment, preoperative staging, bloodwork results, surgical findings, histopathologic findings, administration of chemotherapy, presence/absence of metastatic disease, and survival time (ST). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors associated with survival.

Results

The overall median ST was 116 days and 97 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. The ST for dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy was 207 and 139 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. The disease‐free interval (DFI) was 446 and 80 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. Dog size was associated with DFI (P= .02) but not with ST (P= .09). The presence of metastasis at diagnosis was associated with decreased ST in small (P= .03) and large (P= .0009) breed dogs. Administration of chemotherapy (P= .02) was associated with increased ST (P= .02) in small breed dogs.

Conclusion

The ST was not different in small and large breed dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with splenectomy and chemotherapy.

Clinical significance

Prognosis remains poor despite aggressive therapies in small and large breed dogs.
Photocatalysis of xenobiotic organic compounds in greywater using zinc oxide nanoparticles: a critical review
Authors: Yashni G. , Al‐Gheethi Adel , Mohamed Radin , Hossain Md. Sohrab , Kamil Amani Filzah , Abirama Shanmugan Vikneswara
Published: June 2020

The direct discharge of raw bathroom greywater has increased the concentrations of various pollutants in the water bodies. Typically, greywater contains large quantities of xenobiotic organic compounds (XOCs) owing to an increase in consumption of personal care and bath products. Therefore, it urges for a suitable technology to eliminate these compounds from contaminated waters. Photocatalytic degradation using Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has the potentiality to eliminate various XOCs. However, ZnO NPs have high tendency to aggregate, which may lower the photocatalytic degradation rate. Therefore, there is an urgency to modify ZnO NPs to overcome the limitation. The present review was conducted to determine a suitable method for the modification ZnO NPs. Besides, the potential of the modified ZnO NPs in degrading XOCs in greywater as a photocatalyst was also discussed.
Toward acellular xenogeneic heart valve prostheses: Histological and biomechanical characterization of decellularized and enzymatically deglycosylated porcine pulmonary heart valve matrices
Authors: Findeisen Katja , Morticelli Lucrezia , Goecke Tobias , Kolbeck Louisa , Ramm Robert , Höffler Hans‐Klaus , Brandes Gudrun , Korossis Sotirios , Haverich Axel , Hilfiker Andres
Published: June 2020

The use of decellularized xenogeneic heart valves might offer a solution to overcome the issue of human valve shortage. The aim of this study was to revise decellularization protocols in combination with enzymatic deglycosylation, in order to reduce the immunogenicity of porcine pulmonary heart valves, in means of cells, carbohydrates, and, primarily, Galα1‐3Gal (α‐Gal) epitope removal. In particular, the valves were decellularized with sodium dodecylsulfate/sodium deoxycholate (SDS/SD), Triton X‐100 + SDS (Tx + SDS), or Trypsin + Triton X‐100 (Tryp + Tx) followed by enzymatic digestion with PNGaseF, Endoglycosidase H, or O‐glycosidase combined with Neuraminidase. Results showed that decellularization alone reduced carbohydrate structures only to a limited extent, and it did not result in an α‐Gal free scaffold. Nevertheless, decellularization with Tryp + Tx represented the most effective decellularization protocol in means of carbohydrates reduction. Overall, carbohydrates and α‐Gal removal could strongly be improved by applying PNGaseF, in particular in combination with Tryp + Tx treatment, contrary to Endoglycosidase H and O‐glycosidase treatments. Furthermore, decellularization with PNGaseF did not affect biomechanical stability, in comparison with decellularization alone, as shown by burst pressure and uniaxial tensile tests. In conclusion, valves decellularized with Tryp + Tx and PNGaseF resulted in prostheses with potentially reduced immunogenicity and maintained mechanical stability.
Friction and Wear Characterization of Spark Plasma Sintered Hybrid Aluminum Composite Under Different Sliding Conditions
Authors: Srivyas Pranav Dev , Charoo M. S.
Published: June 2020

Friction and wear behaviors of hybrid aluminum matrix self-lubricating nanocomposite, containing varying amount of nano-aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) particles were investigated under dry and boundary lubrication sliding conditions. All the specimens were prepared by ultrasonic probe mixing followed by high-energy mechanical ball milling and spark plasma sintering fabrication route. The objective of this present study is to determine the tribological behavior of GNP as nanoreinforcement under dry and wet lubricating conditions. The wear test was carried out at room temperature on a ball-on-disc reciprocating tribometer with a contact load of 5 N, a frequency of 30 Hz, a stroke of 2 mm, and a sliding distance of 120 m. The chromium-plated chrome steel ball is used as the counter body for tribo-testing. From the results, it has been observed that GNP, as the solid lubricant reinforcement, reduces the friction by 25.33% and 68.14% under dry and wet lubricating conditions, respectively, for the hybrid composite. Reduction in wear volume by 91.15% and 90.50% is observed under dry and wet lubricating conditions, respectively, for the hybrid composite in comparison to the base eutectic Al–Si alloy. The reduction in the coefficient of friction and wear volume for the hybrid composite is attributed to the multilayer two-dimensional GNP nanoparticles that cause easy shearing by forming a conformal protective film layer on the sliding interface. Ultra-mild to severe wear regime was obtained for different composition samples including base composition to hybrid composition.
Omnidirectional passive acoustic identification tags for underwater navigation
Authors: Satish Aprameya , Trivett David , Sabra Karim G.
Published: June 2020

A class of passive acoustic identification (AID) tags with curved symmetry for underwater navigation is presented. These AID tags are composed of radially stratified shells designed to backscatter a unique specular reflection pattern independent of the incidence orientation in a monostatic configuration, thus acting as acoustic bar-codes. The AID tag's response can be uniquely engineered by selecting the thicknesses and material properties of the individual constitutive shells. Furthermore, in the high-frequency regime, the specular component of the AID tag's response can be simply predicted numerically assuming horizontally stratified layers. This approach is demonstrated using scaled experiments with an AID tag constructed from 3D printed hemispherical shells.
Comparing Developmental Trajectories of Elite Able-Bodied and Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Dehghansai Nima , Spedale Daniel , Wilson Melissa J. , Baker Joseph
Published: June 2020

Little is known about the factors influencing Paralympic athletes’ journey to expertise and whether these athletes have trajectories similar to those of their able-bodied (AB) peers. The purpose of this project was to compare the developmental trajectories of wheelchair and AB basketball players. A total of 150 participants completed the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire. Results revealed that while AB athletes reached early career milestones at a significantly younger age, athletes with congenital impairments reached midcareer milestones at similar ages to AB athletes. In addition, athletes with acquired impairments were able to reach key late-career performance milestones (i.e., national and international debuts) at a similar age to the other two groups. The findings from this study suggest complex developmental pathways that may not be reflected in current developmental models. Therefore, the authors suggest that scientists and practitioners be cognizant of context-specific needs when providing training recommendations.
TNPO3-Mediated Nuclear Entry of the Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag Protein Is Independent of the Cargo-Binding Domain
Authors: Rice Breanna L. , Stake Matthew S. , Parent Leslie J.
Published: June 2020

RSV Gag nuclear entry is facilitated using three distinct host import factors that interact with nuclear localization signals in the Gag MA and NC domains. Here, we show that the MA region is required for nuclear import of Gag through the TNPO3 pathway. Gag nuclear entry does not require the CBD of TNPO3. Understanding the molecular basis for TNPO3-mediated nuclear trafficking of the RSV Gag protein may lead to a deeper appreciation for whether different import factors play distinct roles in retrovirus replication.
Residues within the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus 3D
pol
Nuclear Localization Signal Affect Polymerase Fidelity
Authors: Kloc Anna , Rai Devendra K. , Gladue Douglas P. , Schafer Elizabeth , Kenney Mary , Rieder Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

In this study, we employed genetic and molecular dynamics approaches to analyze the role of individual amino acids of the FMDV 3D
pol
nuclear localization signal (NLS). The NLS residues were mutated to alanine using a type A full-genome cDNA clone, and the virus progeny was analyzed for defects in growth and in competition with the parental virus. We identified two mutants in 3D
pol
, T19A and L21A, that exhibited high rate of mutation, were sensitive to nucleotide analogs, and displayed reduced replicative fitness compared to the parental virus. Using molecular dynamics simulation, we demonstrated that residues T19 and L21 played a role in the structural configuration of the interaction network at the 3D
pol
palm subdomain. Cumulatively, our data suggest that the T19 and L21 3D
pol
amino acids are important for maintaining the fidelity of the FMDV polymerase and ensuring faithful replication of the FMDV genome.
Co-evolution of trace elements and life in Precambrian oceans: The pyrite edition
Authors: Mukherjee Indrani , Large Ross R.
Published: June 2020

The significance of trace elements in initiating origins and driving evolution of life on Earth is indisputable. Trace element (TE) trends in the oceans through time broadly reflect their availability and allow speculation on all possible influences on early life. A comprehensive sedimentary pyrite–TE database, covering 3000 m.y. of the Precambrian, has improved our understanding of the sequence of bio-essential TE availability in the ocean. This study probed how changing availability (and scarcity) of critical TEs in the marine environment influenced early life. The pyrite-shale matrix TE sequence shows relatively elevated concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu, and Fe, Cr, respectively, in the Archean and Paleoproterozoic. Abundances of these elements in the Archean potentially facilitated their widespread utilization by prokaryotes. The Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic saw increases in Zn and Mo but a marked decline in Ni, Co, Cu, Se, and Fe. Our data suggest the evolution of the first complex cell in the Paleoproterozoic was probably triggered by this major change in TE composition of the oceans. A decline of elements prompted alternative utilization strategies by organisms as a response to TE deficits in the middle Proterozoic. An overall increase in a multitude of elements (Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Se, V, Mo, and P) in the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian was highly advantageous to the various micro– and macro–life forms. Without questioning the importance of macronutrients and atmosphere-ocean redox state, multi-TE availability would have induced substantial heterogenous biological responses, owing to the effects of optimal, deficient, toxic, lethal, and survival levels of TEs on life.
Gait speed is associated with death or readmission among patients surviving acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Karege Gatete , Zekry Dina , Allali Gilles , Adler Dan , Marti Christophe
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Death or hospital readmission are frequent among patients surviving acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). Severity scores are not valid to predict death or readmission after AHRF. Gait speed, a simple functional parameter, has been associated with hospital admission and death in the general population. The purpose of this study is to highlight an association between gait speed at hospital discharge and death or readmission among AHRF survivors.

Design

Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Settings

Single Swiss tertiary hospital, pulmonary division.

Participants

Patients were prospectively recruited to form a cohort of patients surviving AHRF in the intensive care unit between January 2012 and May 2015.

Outcome measure

Gait speed was derived from a 6 min walking test (6MWT) before hospital discharge. All predictive variables were prospectively collected. Death or hospital readmission were recorded for 6 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between predictive variables and death or hospital readmission.

Results

71 patients performed a 6MWT. 34/71 (48%) patients died or were readmitted to the hospital during the observation period. Median gait speed was 0.7 (IQR 0.3–1.0) m/s. At 6 months, 66% (25/38) of slow walkers (gait speed <0.7 m/s) and 27% (9/33) of non-slow walkers died or were readmitted to the hospital (p=0.002). In univariate analysis, gait speed was associated with death or readmission (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.90, p=0.025). In a multivariate model adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, forced expired volume, heart failure and home mechanical ventilation, gait speed remained the only variable associated with death or readmission (multivariate HR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.88, p=0.025).

Conclusion

This study suggests that a simple functional parameter such as gait speed is associated with death or hospital readmission in patients surviving AHRF.

Trial registration number

NCT02111876.
The WOVEN trial: Wingspan One-year Vascular Events and Neurologic Outcomes
Authors: Alexander Michael J , Zauner Alois , Gupta Rishi , Alshekhlee Amer , Fraser Justin F , Toth Gabor , Given Curtis , Mackenzie Larami , Kott Brian , Hassan Ameer E , Shownkeen Harish , Baxter Blaise W , Callison R Charles , Yu Wengui
Published: June 2020

Background

Prior studies evaluating the Wingspan stent for treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease have included patients with a spectrum of both on-label and off-label indications for the stent. The WEAVE trial assessed 152 patients stented with the Wingspan stent strictly by its current on-label indication and found a 2.6% periprocedural stroke and death rate.

Objective

This WOVEN study assesses the 1-year follow-up from this cohort.

Methods

Twelve of the original 24 sites enrolling patients in the WEAVE trial performed follow-up chart review and imaging analysis up to 1 year after stenting. Assessment of delayed stroke and death was made in 129 patients, as well as vascular imaging follow-up to assess for in-stent re-stenosis.

Results

In the 1-year follow-up period, seven patients had a stroke (six minor, one major). Subsequent to the periprocedural period, no deaths were recorded in the cohort. Including the four patients who had periprocedural events in the WEAVE study, there were 11 strokes or deaths of the 129 patients (8.5%) at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The WOVEN study provides the 1-year follow-up on a cohort of 129 patients who were stented according to the current on-label use. It provides a more homogeneous patient group for analysis than prior studies, and demonstrates a relatively low 8.5% 1-year stroke and death rate in stented patients.
An observational study of pet feeding practices and how these have changed between 2008 and 2018
Authors: Dodd Sarah , Cave Nick , Abood Sarah , Shoveller Anna‐Kate , Adolphe Jennifer , Verbrugghe Adronie
Published: June 2020

Background

Pet owners have many feeding options, some may be considered unconventional by veterinary practitioners. Provision of appropriate nutrition is a basic requirement, with adverse health outcomes possible when a pet diet is inadequate.

Objective

To capture dog and cat feeding practices, with a special focus on countries with large English‐speaking populations, and to compare with data published over the previous 10 years.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was provided for dog and cat owners online. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and comparisons made with data from nine peer‐reviewed articles published over the previous 10 years.

Results

Responses from 3673 English‐speaking dog and cat owners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA were included. In previous publications, conventional (commercial, heat‐processed) products were the predominant method of feeding. In recent publications, feeding unconventional (raw, homemade, vegetarian) diets appeared more prevalent. In the present study, most (79 per cent dogs, 90 per cent cats) pets were offered conventional food. However a few (13 per cent dogs, 32 per cent cats) pets were fed conventional foods exclusively. Many pets were offered homemade (64 per cent dogs, 46 per cent cats) and/or raw (66 per cent dogs, 53 per cent cats) foods. Different feeding practices were associated with geographical location.

Conclusion

As an increased risk of nutrient insufficiency and associated conditions have been attributed to unconventional feeding practices, veterinarians must be aware of pet feeding trends and educate clients about the nutritional needs of companion animals.
105Tc nuclear structure and systematic evolution of states of 1/2+[431] intruder band in odd-A 95,97,99,101,103,105,107Tc isotopes
Authors: Zeghib Sadek
Published: June 2020

Previously observed negative and positive parity states of 105Tc were studied in the framework of the particle-rotor model. Transition properties and experimental energies were compared to the predictions of model calculations. A systematic study of the evolution of the intruder π1/2+[413] band in the nuclear structure of odd-A technetium isotopes 95,97,99,101,103,105,107Tc is presented as well. The existence of this intruder band has been argued previously in 95,97,99,101,103Tc isotopes (partially populated) and fully observed and confirmed in 105Tc. It will be shown that changes in deformation and subsequently the position of the Fermi level, vis a vis the 1/2+[431] intruder orbital originating from the π(d5/2, g7/2) subshells, predominantly affect these systematic changes. All four interpreted experimental rotational bands are naturally predicted by the rotational model as bands build on states of good Ω originating from the 5/2+[422], 5/2–[303], 3/2–[301], and 1/2+[431] orbitals near the Fermi level in deformed 105Tc (strong coupling). Further experimental investigation about missing data are needed for those observed in low lying states in both 105Tc and 103Tc to confirm the presence of the 1/2–[301] rotational band that is well defined in lighter 95,97,99,101Tc isotopes.
Limit varieties of aperiodic monoids with commuting idempotents
Authors: Gusev S. V.
Published: June 2020

A variety of algebras is called limit if it is nonfinitely-based but all its proper subvarieties are finitely-based. A monoid is aperiodic if all its subgroups are trivial. We classify all limit varieties of aperiodic monoids with commuting idempotents.
A COUPLED EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL APPROACH TO CHARACTERIZE THE ANISOTROPIC MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF AORTIC TISSUES
Authors: GRAMIGNA VERA , FRAGOMENI GIONATA , FONTANELLA CHIARA GIULIA , STEFANINI CESARE , CARNIEL EMANUELE LUIGI
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, the investigation of aortic wall biomechanics is a fundamental tool in clinical research and vascular prosthesis design. This study aims at analyzing the biomechanical behavior of aortic tissues using a coupled experimental and computational approach. Considering the typical fiber-reinforced configuration of aortic tissues, uni-axial tensile tests along six different loading directions were performed on specimens from pig aorta. Starting from the obtained experimental data, a suitable constitutive framework was defined and a methodology for the identification of the constitutive parameters was developed using the inverse analysis of mechanical tests. Transversal stretch versus loading stretch and nominal stress versus loading stretch curves were evaluated, showing the anisotropic and nonlinear mechanical behavior determined by tissue conformation with fibers distributed along preferential directions. In detail, experimental data showed different mechanical responses between longitudinal and circumferential directions, with a greater tissue stiffness along the longitudinal one. The reliability of the developed constitutive framework was evaluated by the comparison between experimental data and model results. The mentioned analysis can be considered as a useful tool for the development of reliable computational models, which allow a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases and can be applied for a proper planning of surgical procedures.
Quadratic helicity and cosmological magnetic fields
Authors: Akhmet’ev Peter , Cirilo-Lombardo Diego Julio , Smirnov Alexandr
Published: June 2020

In this work, the quadratic helicity [Formula: see text] is discussed from the physical and topological points of view. We show, after the introduction of a mathematical description of the properties of helicity and quadratic helicity in the context of standard dynamo equations, examples of the importance of these high invariants in cosmological scenarios. These scenarios consider extensions of the standard model and extensions of GR.
Discussion of “Audit Firm Assessments of Cyber-Security Risk: Evidence from Audit Fees and SEC Comment Letters”
Authors: Yoon Aaron
Published: June 2020

The study by Rosati, Gogolin, and Lynn (in this issue) examines the impact of cyber-security incidents on audit fees. Using audit fee as a proxy for audit effort and risk, it takes 168 cyber-security incidents during 2005–2014 that are collected by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and documents that breached firms are charged higher audit fees. In addition, the authors find that the increase in audit fee is only temporary and exists during the [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] window surrounding the breach. Finally, this study also finds that the audit fee increases post SEC comment letters that are related to cyber-security incidents. Overall, my assessment of the paper is that it is well executed and well written. More importantly, it adheres well to its stated research question. The following are my written comments, which are based on my discussion of this paper at the 30th Annual TJIA Conference, regarding this paper’s contribution, framing, and empirical execution.
Cobalt-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts supported on different types of N-doped carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chernyak Sergei , Burtsev Alexander , Arkhipova Ekaterina , Maksimov Sergey , Klokov Sergey , Maslakov Konstantin , Savilov Serguei , Lunin Valery
Published: June 2020

N-doped nanocarbons are promising materials for metal-free and supported catalysts. Three types of N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), by oxidation of the CVD produced N-CNTs with nitric acid, and by post-doping of oxidized undoped CNTs with ammonia. Cobalt catalysts with 20[Formula: see text]wt.% loading supported on N-CNTs were tested in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Oxidized N-CNTs containing pyridone groups demonstrated the best stabilization of cobalt nanoparticles. The catalyst on this support showed the highest selectivity towards [Formula: see text] hydrocarbons. The performance of the catalyst supported on CVD N-CNTs was the worst because of the large variation in cobalt particle size and low reduction degree. The catalysts supported on post-doped CNTs demonstrated the best activity, but high methane selectivity because of the low Co particle size ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm).
Vertex arboricity of graphs embedded in a surface of non-negative Euler characteristic
Authors: Teng Wenshun , Wang Huijuan
Published: June 2020

The vertex arboricity [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of colors the vertices of the graph [Formula: see text] can be colored so that every color class induces an acyclic subgraph of [Formula: see text]. There are many results on the vertex arboricity of planar graphs. In this paper, we replace planar graphs with graphs which can be embedded in a surface [Formula: see text] of Euler characteristic [Formula: see text]. We prove that for the graph [Formula: see text] which can be embedded in a surface [Formula: see text] of Euler characteristic [Formula: see text] if no [Formula: see text]-cycle intersects a [Formula: see text]-cycle, or no [Formula: see text]-cycle intersects a [Formula: see text]-cycle, then [Formula: see text] in addition to the [Formula: see text]-regular quadrilateral mesh.
Enhancing the dynamic load balancing technique for cloud computing using HBATAABC algorithm
Authors: Ullah Arif , Nawi Nazri Mohd
Published: June 2020

Cloud computing brings incipient transmutations in different fields of life and consists of different characteristics and virtualization is one of them. Virtual machine (VM) is one of the main elements of virtualization. VM is a process in which physical server changes into the virtual machine and works as a physical server. When a user sends data or request for data in cloud data center, a situation can occur that may cause the virtual machines to underload data or overload data. The aforementioned situation can lead to failure of the system or delay the user task. Therefore, appropriate load balancing techniques are required to surmount the above two mentioned problems. Load balancing is a technique utilized in cloud computing for management of the resource by a condition such that a maximum throughput is achieved with slightest reaction time and additionally dividing the traffic between different servers or VM so that it can get data without any delay. For the amelioration of load balancing technique in this study, a novel technique is used which is coalescence of BAT and ABC algorithms both of which are nature-inspired algorithms. When the ABC algorithm local search section changes with BAT algorithm local search section, a second modification takes place in the fitness function of BAT algorithm. The proposed technique is known as HBATAABC algorithm. The novel technique implemented by utilizing transfer strategy policy in VM improves the performance of data allocation system of VM in the cloud data center. To check the performance of the proposed algorithm, three main parameters are used which are network average time, network stability and throughput. The performance of the proposed novel technique is verified and tested with the help of cloudsim simulator. The result shows that the suggested modified algorithm increases performance by 1.30% of network average time, network stability and throughput as compared with BAT algorithm, ABC algorithm and RRA algorithm. Nevertheless, the proposed algorithm is more precise and expeditious as compared with the three models.
Relating Emerging Adaptive Network Behavior to Network Structure: A Declarative Network Analysis Perspective
Authors: Treur Jan
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the challenge for dynamic network modeling is addressed how emerging behavior of an adaptive network can be related to characteristics of the adaptive network’s structure. By applying network reification, the adaptation structure is modeled in a declarative manner as a subnetwork of a reified network extending the base network. This construction can be used to model and analyze any adaptive network in a neat and declarative manner, where the adaptation principles are described by declarative mathematical relations and functions in reified temporal-causal network format. In different examples, it is shown how certain adaptation principles known from the literature can be formulated easily in such a declarative reified temporal-causal network format. The main focus of this paper on how emerging adaptive network behavior relates to network structure is addressed, among others, by means of a number of theorems of the format “properties of reified network structure characteristics imply emerging adaptive behavior properties”. In such theorems, classes of networks are considered that satisfy certain network structure properties concerning connectivity and aggregation characteristics. Results include, for example, that under some conditions on the network structure characteristics, all states eventually get the same value. Similar analysis methods are applied to reification states, in particular for adaptation principles for Hebbian learning and for bonding by homophily, respectively. Here results include how certain properties of the aggregation characteristics of the network structure of the reified network for Hebbian learning entail behavioral properties relating to the maximal final values of the adaptive connection weights. Similarly, results are discussed on how properties of the aggregation characteristics of the reified network structure for bonding by homophily entail behavioral properties relating to clustering and community formation in a social network.
Higher order elastic tensors of crystal structure under non-linear deformation
Authors: Xiao B. , Feng J.
Published: June 2020

The higher-order elastic tensors can be used to characterize the linear and non-linear mechanical properties of crystals at ultra-high pressures. Besides the widely studied second-order elastic constants, the third- and fourth-order elastic constants are sixth and eighth tensors, respectively. The independent tensor components of them are completely determined by the symmetry of the crystal. Using the relations between elastic constants and sound velocity in solid, the independent elastic constants can be measured experimentally. The anisotropy in elasticity of crystal structures is directly determined by the independent elastic constants.
Combinatorial Control of Plant Specialized Metabolism: Mechanisms, Functions, and Consequences
Authors: Lacchini Elia , Goossens Alain
Published: June 2020

Plants constantly perceive internal and external cues, many of which they need to address to safeguard their proper development and survival. They respond to these cues by selective activation of specific metabolic pathways involving a plethora of molecular players that act and interact in complex networks. In this review, we illustrate and discuss the complexity in the combinatorial control of plant specialized metabolism. We hereby go beyond the intuitive concept of combinatorial control as exerted by modular-acting complexes of transcription factors that govern expression of specialized metabolism genes. To extend this discussion, we also consider all known hierarchical levels of regulation of plant specialized metabolism and their interfaces by referring to reported regulatory concepts from the plant field. Finally, we speculate on possible yet-to-be-discovered regulatory principles of plant specialized metabolism that are inspired by knowledge from other kingdoms of life and areas of biological research.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Potential Cardiovascular Protective Targets of the Thyroid Hormone Metabolite 3‐Iodothyronamine (3‐T1AM)
Authors: Haiyan Zhou , Bailong Hu , Bei Zhang , Yiming Wang , Xingde Liu
Published: June 2020

Background. The thyroid hormone metabolite 3‐iodothyronamine (3‐T1AM) is rapidly emerging as a promising compound in decreasing the heart rate and lowering the cardiac output. The aim of our study was to fully understand the molecular mechanism of 3‐T1AM on cardiomyocytes and its potential targets in cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods. In our study, we utilized RNA‐Seq to characterize the gene expression in H9C2 cells after 3‐T1AM treatment. Comparative transcriptome analysis, including gene ontology, signaling pathways, disease connectivity analysis, and protein‐protein interaction networks (PPI), was presented to find the critical gene function, hub genes, and related pathways. Results. A total of 1494 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (192 upregulated and 1302 downregulated genes) in H9C2 cells for 3‐T1AM treatment. Of these, 90 genes were associated with cardiovascular diseases. The PPI analysis indicated that 5 hub genes might be the targets of 3‐T1AM. Subsequently, eight DEGs characterized using RNA‐Seq were confirmed by RT‐qPCR assays. Conclusions. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of 3‐T1AM on H9C2 cells and delineates a new insight into the therapeutic intervention of 3‐T1AM for the cardiovascular diseases.