bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and methylation of Dickkopf‐1 in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: He Xiufang , Xu Chunjiao , Wu Xiaoshan , Wang Miaomiao , Guo Yiting , Zhang Wenrui , Sun Yumei , Stha Alisha
Published: August 2020

Background

Dickkopf‐1 is an inhibitor of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, but the role of Dickkopf‐1 in oral submucous fibrosis remains unclear. We evaluated the protein expression and gene methylation levels of dickkopf‐1 to determine the mechanism underlying abnormal Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activation.

Methods

Healthy mucosa, oral submucous fibrosis, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and cancer‐adjacent tissues were collected. The expression and promoter methylation levels of dickkopf‐1 were analyzed.

Results

The expression levels of dickkopf‐1 in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues were lower than those in healthy and cancer‐adjacent tissues. The methylation levels of the dickkopf‐1 gene in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues were higher than those in healthy and cancer‐adjacent tissues. Dickkopf‐1 expression was negatively correlated with dickkopf‐1 gene methylation.

Conclusions

High dickkopf‐1 methylation levels in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues may decrease dickkopf‐1 expression, which may induce an abnormal activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and oral submucous fibrosis pathogenesis.
Do female frogs have higher resting metabolic rates than males? A case study with Xenopus allofraseri
Authors: Ducret V. , Videlier M. , Moureaux C. , Bonneaud C. , Herrel A.
Published: August 2020

The energetic costs of body maintenance can have a profound influence on the energy that an individual can allocate to other functions such as growth, locomotion, or reproduction. Therefore, resting metabolism can ultimately affect an individual's survival or reproductive success, especially when food is limited. Although males and females often differ in their body composition (e.g. sex organs and fat accumulation) and body size, the occurrence and direction of sexual dimorphism in resting metabolism remains poorly understood in anurans. In the present study, we investigated whether males and females of the false Fraser's clawed frog Xenopus allofraseri differ in their resting metabolic rates. We used an open‐flow push‐through respirometry system to measure the volume of carbon dioxide (VCO2) produced by animals at rest. Variation inwas explained by ambient temperature, body size, and sex. For a similar body size, our results revealed that females had about a 50% higher resting metabolic rate (RMR) than males. We suggest that the enhanced investment in gamete production in females compared to males may explain this difference. We further suggest that a lower RMR in males compared to females at similar body size could be selectively advantageous as unallocated energy may be devoted to costly mating, in support of the ‘compensation’ hypothesis.
Perioperative screening, management, and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus in bariatric surgical patients
Authors: Ooi Geraldine J. , Browning Alison , Hii Michael W. , Read Matthew
Published: August 2020

Obesity is a strong risk factor for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the only proven precursor lesion to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Bariatric surgery is currently the only reliable treatment that achieves long‐term sustained weight loss; however, it can markedly affect the development of de novo BE, and the progression or regression of existing BE. Bariatric procedures may also have implications on future surgical management of any consequent EAC. In this review, we examine the current evidence and published guidelines for BE in bariatric surgery. Current screening practices before bariatric surgery vary substantially, with conflicting recommendations from bariatric societies. If diagnosed, the presence of BE may alter the type of bariatric procedure. A selective screening approach prevents unnecessary endoscopy; however, there is poor symptom correlation with disease. Studies suggest that sleeve gastrectomy predisposes patients to gastroesophageal reflux and de novo BE. Conversely, Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass is associated with decreased reflux and potential improvement or resolution of BE. There are currently no guidelines addressing the surveillance for BE following bariatric surgery. BE is an important consideration in the management of bariatric surgical patients. Evidence‐based recommendations are required to guide procedure selection and postoperative surveillance.
Characterization of a 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase in the toosendanin biosynthetic pathway of Melia toosendan
Authors: Lian Xufan , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Fei , Wang Xiaoning , Xue Zheyong , Qi Xiaoquan
Published: August 2020

Toosendanin, bearing a furan ring, is a limonoid belonging to the group of tetranortriterpenoids. Toosendanin is a phytochemical found in the medicinal plant Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc. of the Meliaceae family. Toosendanin and its derivatives demonstrate high insecticidal activity and are important pesticides derived from plants. Despite intensive investigation of limonoids over several decades, the biosynthetic pathway of these triterpenoids is less understood. To identify the key enzymes involved in the toosendanin biosynthetic pathway, we analyzed the contents of toosendanin in various plant tissues and parts and found that the highest level of toosendanin was found in the developing fruit and gradually decreased as the fruit matured. More than 346 116 transcripts were assembled based on 394 million paired‐end Illumina reads and 6 million PacBio reads from the pooled RNA samples of fruits, leaves and young barks. A total of 186 263 genes were predicted. Six 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) genes were identified by analyzing the association between gene expression and metabolite profiles. Functional analyses using the Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression assay showed that MtOSC1 catalyzed 2,3‐oxidosqualene to produce a tetracyclic triterpene skeleton, tirucalla‐7,24‐dien‐3β‐ol, which is predicted as the precursor for toosendanin biosynthesis. We identified another OSC, MtOSC6, which is a lupeol synthase. Using synthetic biology methods, these identified enzymes could be used to model a biosynthetic pathway to produce large quantities of toosendanin.
Molecular detection of important abortion‐causing microorganisms in preputial swab of breeding bucks using PCR‐based assays
Authors: Gangwar Chetna , Kumaresan Gururaj , Mishra Anil Kumar , Kumar Anshuman , Pachoori Anjali , Saraswat Sonia , Singh Narendra Pratap , Kharche Suresh Dinkar
Published: August 2020

Infectious diseases and aetiological agents related to female reproductive systems were extensively covered compared to its male counterpart. There needs a proper study to bridge this gap, where microflora and infectious agents of both male and female reproductive are mutually intelligible. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of the preputial cavity and also screened for abortion‐causing agents which are zoonotic as well. In goats, such types of abortions are caused by Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila, Campylobacter and Coxiella etc. One of the major sources of contamination of semen is the preputial cavity, which is exposed to the external environment leading to spread of infection into the female via semen straws or by natural service. In the current study, good quality bucks (n = 32, Barbari = 12, Jamunapari = 10, Jakhrana = 10) which were routinely used for semen collection were screened for their preputial swabs, for the presence of the above pathogens. For detection of Brucella melitensis, OMP31 based TaqMan® probe real‐time PCR assay was used, and for Chlamydia, 16srRNA gene based SYBR® green real‐time PCR assay was employed for detection of Chlamydophila abortus. While for Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii, 16srRNA gene based conventional PCR and Trans‐PCR were used, respectively. In the current study, of the screened preputial swabs, none of them showed positive for Brucella and Coxiella, but of the screened 32 samples 17 showed positive for Chlamydia (53.13%) and two (6.25%) showed positive for Campylobacter spp. The current study emphasizes on the farms and laboratories which were regularly involved in screening of brucellosis also often overlook the other potential non‐brucella pathogens, causing abortions eventually incurring severe economic losses to the goat keepers.
An assessment of the seascape genetic structure and hydrodynamic connectivity for subtropical seagrass restoration
Authors: Jackson Emma L. , Smith Timothy M. , York Paul H. , Nielsen Jesper , Irving Andrew D. , Sherman Craig D. H.
Published: August 2020

Seagrass ecosystems have suffered significant declines globally and focus is shifting to restoration efforts. A key component to successful restoration is an understanding of the genetic factors potentially influencing restoration success. This includes understanding levels of connectivity between restoration locations and neighboring seagrass populations that promote natural recovery (source and sink populations), the identification of potential donor populations, and assessment of genetic diversity of restored meadows and material used for restoration. In this study, we carry out genetic surveys of 352 individuals from 13 populations using 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci to inform seagrass restoration activities by: (1) understanding levels of genetic and genotypic diversity within meadows; and (2) understanding genetic structure and patterns of connectivity among these meadows to determine which source sites may be most appropriate to assist recovery of three restoration sites. The study identified high genotypic diversity within the locations analyzed from the Port of Gladstone and Rodd's Bay region, indicating sexual reproduction is important in maintaining populations. Overall, we detected significant genetic structuring among sites with the Bayesian structure analysis identifying genetic clusters that largely conformed to a northern, central, and southern region. This suggests limited gene flow between regions, although there does appear to be some connectivity within regions. The hydrodynamic models showed that seeds were largely locally retained, while fragments were more widely dispersed. Limited gene flow between regions suggests donor material for restoration should be sourced locally where possible.
Children’s sociomoral judgements of antisocial but not prosocial others depend on recipients’ past moral behaviour
Authors: Bocian Konrad , Myslinska Szarek Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

This study investigated whether recipients’ past moral or immoral behaviour shapes 4‐year‐olds’ judgements of the agents who either harm or help the recipients. Children (N = 161) watched the agent who either harmed or helped the antisocial, prosocial, or neutral recipient. Afterwards, children indicated their sociomoral judgement of the agent’s act, their attitude towards the agent and their perception of the agent’s emotions. Children liked the agent more, ascribed less sadness to the agent, and judged the agent’s actions as less bad when the agent inflicted harm against the antisocial recipient than on the prosocial and neutral recipient. The recipient’s past behaviour did not influence children’s evaluations when the agent helped the recipient. The presented evidence indicates that by the age of 4, children develop the ability to use complex moral reasoning that allows them to monitor whether the harmful behaviour of antisocial others is justified by retaliation for past transgressions.
Measurement of serum Interleukin 34 (IL‐34) and correlation with severity and pruritus scores in client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Gow Deborah J. , Jackson Hilary , Forsythe Peter , Nuttall Tim , Gow Adam G. , Mellanby Richard J. , Hume David A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease of dogs. Interleukin (IL)‐34 is a monocyte/macrophage growth factor, produced mainly by keratinocytes, that has been implicated in several human inflammatory conditions including human AD.

Hypothesis

Canine serum IL‐34 concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and correlate with clinical lesion and pruritus scores.

Animals

Forty seven client‐owned dogs diagnosed with AD and 25 healthy, unaffected control dogs.

Methods and materials

A commercially available IL‐34 ELISA was optimized for the measurement of IL‐34 in canine serum samples. Information regarding treatment, clinical lesion scores [Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04)] and pruritus Visual Analog Score (pVAS) were recorded for each dog at the time of serum collection.

Results

Dogs with AD had significantly increased serum IL‐34 concentrations compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between IL‐34 concentrations and CADESI‐04 and pVAS scores. Concentrations of IL‐34 remained increased in dogs with AD receiving steroids or the JAK1 inhibitor, oclacitinib, compared to unaffected control dogs.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Serum IL‐34 concentrations are increased in dogs with AD and are correlated with clinical severity and pruritus. IL‐34 may be a suitable candidate therapeutic target for canine AD.
El ciego anónimo y el ἀρχιτελώνης Zaqueo: análisis de la textura narrativa y sensorial-estética de Lucas 18,35-19,10
Authors: Olivares Carlos
Published: August 2020

En el Evangelio de Lucas acontecen dos eventos en los que Jesús participa. En el primero, un mendigo ciego y anónimo clama por ayuda. En el segundo, un ἀρχιτελώνης llamado Zaqueo tiene la intención de ver a Jesús. Entre los dos eventos existen paralelos y diferencias literarias. Tales similitudes y contrastes están estructurados en relación con los sentidos, contextos espaciales y actitudes verbales. Un análisis de la textura narrativa y sensorial-estética permite establecer dichos conceptos, revelando a dos personajes que en términos narrativos comparten el hecho de encontrarse con el Jesús de Lucas.
Numerical Comparison of Leakage Flow and Rotordynamic Characteristics for Two Types of Labyrinth Seals With Baffles
Authors: Zhang Yuanqiao , Li Jun , Li Zhigang , Yan Xin
Published: August 2020

Cavity separation baffles can decrease the circumferential swirl intensity of labyrinth seals and increase the seals' rotordynamic characteristics. Compared with conventional baffles, the bristle packs of brush seal baffles can contact the rotor directly, thereby further reducing the swirl intensity of the seal cavity. This paper, using the numerical model combining a multifrequency elliptical whirling orbit model, a porous medium model, and transient Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solutions, compares the leakage flow and rotordynamic characteristics of a labyrinth seal with brush-seal baffles (LSBSB) and a labyrinth seal with conventional baffles (LSCB). Ideal air flows into the seal at an inlet preswirl velocity of 0 m/s (or 60 m/s or 100 m/s), total pressure of 690 kPa, and temperature of 14 °C. The outlet static pressure is 100 kPa and the rotational speed is 7500 r/min (surface speed of 66.8 m/s) or 15,000 r/min (surface speed of 133.5 m/s). Numerical results show that the LSBSB possesses the slightly less leakage flow rate than the LSCB due to the flow resistance of the bristle pack to the fluid. Compared with the LSCB, the LSBSB shows a higher positive effective stiffness (Keff) at all considered vibration frequencies and a higher effective damping (Ceff) for most vibration frequencies. What is more, the crossover frequency (fc0) of the LSBSB is significantly lower than that of the LSCB, which means that the LSBSB has a wider frequency range offering positive effective damping. The increasing inlet preswirl velocity and rotational speed only slightly affect the Keff for both seals. The Ceff of two seals decreases as the inlet preswirl velocity rises, especially for the LSCB. The Ceff of the LSCB slightly decreases because of the increasing rotational speed. In contrast, the Ceff of the LSBSB is not sensitive to the changes in rotational speed. In a word, the LSBSB possesses superior rotordynamic performance to the LSCB. Note that this work also investigates the leakage flow and rotordynamic characteristics a labyrinth seal with inclined baffles (LSIB) under the condition of u0 = 60 m/s and n = 15,000 r/min. The inclined baffles of the LSIB are same as the backing plates of LSBSB baffles. The LSIB has rotordynamic coefficients almost equal to the LSCB. Hence, the reason why the LSBSB possesses better rotordynamic performance than that of the LSCB is the flow resistance of bristle packs of brush seal baffles, not the inclination direction variation of baffles.
Numerical Analysis of a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack in Emergency Scenarios
Authors: Szczęśniak Arkadiusz , Milewski Jarosław , Szabłowski Łukasz , Dybiński Olaf , Futyma Kamil
Published: August 2020

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) offer several advantages that are attracting an increasingly intense research and development effort. Recent advances include improved materials and fabrication techniques as well as new designs, flow configurations, and applications. Several factors are holding back large-scale implementation of fuel cells, though, especially in distributed energy generation, a major one being their long response time to changing parameters. Alternative mathematical models of the molten carbonate fuel cell stack have been developed over the last decade. This study investigates a generic molten carbonate fuel cell stack with a nominal power output of 1 kWel. As daily, weekly, and monthly variations in the electrical power load are expected, there is a need to develop numerical tools to predict the unit’s performance with high accuracy. Hence, a fully physical dynamic model of an MCFC stack was developed and implemented in aspen hysys 10 modeling software to enable a predictive analysis of the dynamic response. The presented model exhibits high accuracy and accounts for thermal and electrochemical processes and parameters. The authors present a numerical analysis of an MCFC stack in emergency scenarios. Further functionality of the model, which was validated using real operational data, is discussed.
Photovoltaic Power Prediction for Solar Car Park Lighting Office Energy Management
Authors: Ammar Mohsen Ben , Ammar Rim Ben , Oualha Abdelmajid
Published: August 2020

The photovoltaic energy is widely used in modern power network due to its environmental and economic benefits. Solar car park is one of the solar photovoltaic system applications. The photovoltaic energy has disadvantages of intermittence and weather's variation. Thus, photovoltaic power prediction is very necessary to guarantee a balance between the produced energy and the solar car park requirements. The prediction of the photovoltaic energy is related to solar irradiation and ambient temperature forecasting. The aim of this study was to evaluate various methodologies for weather data estimation, namely, the empirical models, the multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The simulation results show that the ANFIS model can be successfully used to forecast the photovoltaic power. The forecasted photovoltaic energy was used for the solar car park lighting office management algorithm.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis and Structural Safety Assessment of a Mitigation Device to Minimize Consequence of a Containment Bypass Nuclear Accident
Authors: Wang Wung Jae , Yim Man-Sung
Published: August 2020

The thermally induced steam generator tube rupture (TI-SGTR) accident is a principal contributor to mean early and latent cancer fatality among the containment bypass accidents. To mitigate the consequence of a TI-SGTR accident, use of a bypass mitigation device has been proposed. This study investigated the feasibility of using the proposed bypass mitigation device based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and structural safety assessment using a commercial simulation software (Fluent). As TI-SGTR accident may occur if main steam safety valve (MSSV) for preventing over pressurization is stuck-open in station black out (SBO) scenario, the analysis included the modeling of the flow of dry steam from MSSV to the capturing pipe of the mitigation system. According to CFD analysis results, after passing MSSV, the inlet pressure was decreased to the atmospheric pressure. The structural safety analysis was based on evaluating the equivalent stress distribution of the capturing pipe. Under three inlet pressure conditions, the largest concentrated stress on the capturing pipe was found to be less than 10% to tensile strength of the steel. For the concrete support, the safety margins may not be sufficient for 8.7 MPa inlet pressure condition. The thermal-mechanical analysis was performed for the period of 15 min, indicating that the effect of thermal expansion is small and that the resulting strain does not pose a concern. The results of this study can also be utilized to study externally released flow through MSSV or to identify directions for supplementing or reinforcing the migration system.
A Comparison of Simplified One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Analytical Models for Predicting Metallic Recuperator Performance
Authors: Sharma Harshdeep , Goel Varun
Published: August 2020

The performance models for high-temperature metallic recuperators considering one and two-dimensional heat transfer are presented. In one-dimensional model, an explicit expression to represent the effect of both the temperature and product of partial pressure and mean beam length on the emissivity is developed using emissivity charts. The effect of upstream and downstream surroundings is neglected. A two-dimensional heat transfer model is developed using zone method along with sum-of-gray-gases approximation to study the effect of upstream and downstream surroundings on performance. The results from the two models are compared. For lower values of inlet flue gas temperatures and higher mass flow rates, one-dimensional model predicts results within 5% of two-dimensional model. One-dimensional model provides a simplified solution for the assessment of recuperator performance but predicts the surface temperature distribution on a relatively lower side for higher inlet flue gas temperatures and low mass flow rates.
General Correlations for Laminar Flow Friction Loss and Heat Transfer in Plain Rectangular Plate-Fin Cores
Authors: Lin Kuan-Ting , Shi Dantong , Jog Milind A. , Manglik Raj M.
Published: August 2020

New generalized correlations for predicting the average fanning friction factor f and average Nusselt number Nu for laminar flow in plain plate-fin compact cores of rectangular cross section are presented. These are based on extended experimental data, as well as three-dimensional computational simulations, obtained for a broad range of fin density and geometrical attributes. The results indicate that while the fully developed forced convection scales only with the interfin channel cross-sectional ratio α (fin spacing by fin height), the entrance region hydrodynamic and thermal performance is additionally a function of the fin-core length L, flow Reynolds number Re, and fluid Prandtl number Pr. The developing flow and convection is further shown to scale as: (fRe)∼(L/dhRe)1/2, and Nu ∼(L/dhRe)1/2Pr1/3ϕ(α), where f, Re, and Nu are all based on the hydraulic diameter dh of the interfin flow channel. Generalized correlations for both (fRe) and Nu are developed by the corresponding scaling of the forced convection behavior and asymptotic matching of the entrance or developing flow (short fin-core flow length) and the fully developed flow (large fin-core flow length) region performance. Finally, the predictions from these correlations are found to be within ±15% of all available experimental data for air, water, and glycol (0.71 ≤ Pr ≤ 10), and fin cores with 0 < α ≤ 1.
Experimental Comparison of Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in High Aspect Ratio Microchannels With Plain and Grooved Walls
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Wu Huiying
Published: August 2020

The dry-out easily occurs on high-aspect ratio microchannel sidewalls due to the decreasing of liquid film thickness. In this paper, the triangular microgrooves possessing the characteristic of evaporating meniscus were designed on the microchannel sidewalls. The heat sink consisted of 33 parallel microchannels, having a hydraulic diameter of 100 μm and an aspect ratio of 4. A platinum film heater and platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) were integrated on the backside of the heat sink to realize uniform heating and precise temperature measurement, respectively. Flow boiling visualization experiments were carried out by high-speed camera in triangular groove-wall and plain-wall microchannels at mass fluxes of 148–490 kg/m2·s and inlet temperatures of 42 °C and 60 °C. The boiling curve, heat transfer coefficient (HTC), pressure drop, and two-phase flow boiling instability were systematically investigated to assess the flow boiling performances. Thin liquid film was observed in the triangular grooves during the dry-out process, compared to the dry-out in plain-wall microchannels. The oscillations of wall temperature, inlet temperature, and pressure drop were significantly suppressed in triangular groove-wall microchannels. Moreover, the earlier onset of nucleate boiling, improved heat flux, and HTC were realized in triangular groove-wall microchannels compared to plain-wall microchannels. Therefore, triangular groove design on the sidewalls is a promising solution to enhance boiling heat transfer and suppress flow boiling instabilities for high-aspect ratio microchannels.
Comparison of Ellipsoidal and Equivalent Torispherical Heads Under Internal Pressure: Buckling, Plastic Collapse and Design Rules
Authors: Zheng Jinyang , Yu Yehong , Chen Yehong , Li Keming , Zhang Zekun , Peng Wenzhu , Gu Chaohua , Xu Ping
Published: August 2020

Ellipsoidal and torispherical heads, whose geometric shapes are close, are usually used as end closures of internally pressurized vessels. In pressure vessel codes, for example, ASME BPVC Section VIII and EN13445-3, ellipsoidal heads are designed as torispherical heads using geometric equivalency approaches. However, the difference between ellipsoidal and equivalent torispherical heads has not been studied in detail. In this paper, we first investigate shape deviation between the two types of heads. Then we compare elastic–plastic behaviors between ellipsoidal and equivalent torispherical heads as well as their failure modes, i.e., buckling and plastic collapse (bursting). It is found that ellipsoidal heads have more buckling resistance than equivalent torispherical heads, indicating that the current design rules for buckling of ellipsoidal heads based on the geometric equivalency approaches result in uneconomical design. In addition, experimental and numerical results show that such heads experience geometric strengthening. The finite element (FE) method considering the effect of geometric strengthening provides a good prediction of plastic collapse pressure. However, the current design equation for bursting does not consider the effect of geometric strengthening, also leading to uneconomical design. Therefore, in order to avoid uneconomical design, we recommend that (1) with respect to buckling of ellipsoidal heads, a new design equation be proposed rather than implementing the geometric equivalency approaches, and (2) the current design equation for bursting be deleted, and a new design equation, considering the effect of geometric strengthening, be proposed for bursting of ellipsoidal and torispherical heads.
Transient Response of Linear Systems Under Integral Constraints
Authors: Salih Bilal , Das Tuhin
Published: August 2020

The requirement of satisfying an integral constraint imposed on a linear system's transient step-response is considered in this paper. The problem is first analyzed to determine the specific structure of a system's transfer function that helps satisfy such constraints. Analytical results are derived for a class of second-order systems with an additional zero. The results are extended to higher order transfer functions. Subsequently, a standard compensation consisting of a combination of feedforward and feedback actions is proposed to transform a given transfer function to the desired structure. Necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee stability of the resulting closed-loop system are derived. Next, the problem of satisfying integral constraints in the presence of parametric uncertainty is addressed by augmenting adaptive estimation strategies to the feedforward and feedback compensation structure. Simulation results are provided for validation. The theory presented here is an abstraction from power management algorithms for hybrid power systems, such as a fuel cell hybridized with an ultracapacitor. Further work is ongoing to extend the theory to nonlinear systems.
Vertical Jump Testing in Rugby League: A Rationale for Calculating Take-Off Momentum
Authors: McMahon John J. , Lake Jason P. , Ripley Nicholas J. , Comfort Paul
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of calculating jump take-off momentum in rugby league (RL) by exploring its relationship with sprint momentum, due to the latter being an important attribute of this sport. Twenty-five male RL players performed 3 maximal-effort countermovement jumps on a force platform and 3 maximal effort 20-m sprints (with split times recorded). Jump take-off momentum and sprint momentum (between 0 and 5, 5 and 10, and 10 and 20 m) were calculated (mass multiplied by velocity) and their relationship determined. There was a very large positive relationship between both jump take-off and 0- to 5-m sprint momentum (r = .781, P < .001) and jump take-off and 5- to 10-m sprint momentum (r = .878, P < .001). There was a nearly perfect positive relationship between jump take-off and 10- to 20-m sprint momentum (r = .920, P < .001). Jump take-off and sprint momentum demonstrated good–excellent reliability and very large–nearly perfect associations (61%–85% common variance) in an RL cohort, enabling prediction equations to be created. Thus, it may be practically useful to calculate jump take-off momentum as part of routine countermovement jump testing of RL players and other collision-sport athletes to enable the indirect monitoring of sprint momentum.
Are the Current Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Optimized to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Sarabia José Manuel , Sánchez-Meca Julio , Oliveira José , Vera-Garcia Francisco Jose , Moya-Ramón Manuel
Published: August 2020

Previous meta-analyses have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more suitable than moderate continuous training (MCT) for improving peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in patients with coronary artery disease. However, none of these meta-analyses have tried to explain the heterogeneity of the empirical studies in optimizing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Therefore, our aims were (a) to estimate the effect of MCT and HIIT on VO2peak, and (b) to find the potential moderator variables. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Out of the 3,110 references retrieved, 29 studies fulfilled the selection criteria to be included in our meta-analysis. The mean difference was used as the effect size index. Our results showed significant enhancements in VO2peak after cardiac rehabilitation based on MCT and HIIT (mean difference = 3.23; 95% confidence interval [2.81, 3.65] ml·kg−1·min−1 and mean difference = 4.61; 95% confidence interval [4.02, 5.19] ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively), with greater increases after HIIT (p < .001). Heterogeneity analyses reached statistical significance with moderate heterogeneity for MCT (p < .001; I2 = 67.0%), whereas no heterogeneity was found for the effect of HIIT (p = .220; I2 = 22.0%). Subgroup analyses showed significant between-group heterogeneity of the MCT-induced effect based on the training mode (p < .001; I2 = 90.4%), the risk of a new event (p = .010; I2 = 77.4%), the type of cardiovascular event (p = .009; I2 = 84.8%), the wait time to start cardiac rehabilitation (p = .010; I2 = 76.6%), and participant allocation (p = .002; I2 = 89.9%). Meta-regressions revealed that the percentages of patients undergoing a revascularization procedure (B = −0.022; p = .041) and cardiorespiratory fitness at baseline (B = −0.103; p = .025) were inversely related to the MCT-induced effect on the VO2peak.
What does Congress want from the National Science Foundation? A content analysis of remarks from 1995 to 2018
Authors: Lupia A. , Soroka S. , Beatty A.
Published: August 2020

What does Congress want from the NSF?
Seeing the sound
Authors: Hong Guosong
Published: August 2020

An ultrasound-mediated deep-tissue light source for noninvasive optogenetics
Antibacterial and Antivirulence Activity of Manuka Honey against Genetically Diverse Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strains
Authors: Brown Helen L. , Metters Georgie , Hitchings Matthew D. , Wilkinson Thomas S. , Sousa Luis , Cooper Jenna , Dance Harry , Atterbury Robert J. , Jenkins Rowena
Published: August 2020

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
is an important member of the skin microbial community in animals and can cause opportunistic infections in both pets and their owners. The high incidence of antimicrobial resistance in
S. pseudintermedius
highlights that this opportunistic zoonotic pathogen can cause infections which require prolonged and intensive treatment to resolve. Manuka honey has proven efficacy against many bacterial pathogens and is an accepted topical treatment for infections in both veterinary and clinical practice, and so it is a particularly appropriate antimicrobial for use with zoonotic pathogens such as
S. pseudintermedius
. Here, we demonstrate that not only is manuka honey highly potent against novel multidrug-resistant
S. pseudintermedius
isolates, it also acts synergistically with clinically relevant antibiotics. In addition, manuka honey modulates
S. pseudintermedius
virulence activity, even at subinhibitory concentrations. In a clinical setting, these attributes may assist in controlling infection, allowing a more rapid resolution and reducing antibiotic use.
Dual Host-Intracellular Parasite Transcriptome of Enucleated Cells Hosting
Leishmania amazonensis
: Control of Half-Life of Host Cell Transcripts by the Parasite
Authors: Orikaza Cristina M. , Pessoa Carina C. , Paladino Fernanda V. , Florentino Pilar T. V. , Barbiéri Clara L. , Goto Hiro , Ramos-Sanchez Eduardo Milton , Franco da Silveira José , Rabinovitch Michel , Mortara Renato A. , Real Fernando
Published: August 2020

Enucleated cells or cytoplasts (cells whose nucleus is removed
in vitro
) represent an unexplored biological model for intracellular infection studies due to the abrupt interruption of nuclear processing and new RNA synthesis by the host cell in response to pathogen entry. Using enucleated fibroblasts hosting the protozoan parasite
Leishmania amazonensis
, we demonstrate that parasite multiplication and biogenesis of large parasitophorous vacuoles in which parasites multiply are independent of the host cell nucleus.
Interactive Regulation of Formate Dehydrogenase during CO
2
Fixation in Gas-Fermenting Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Lu , Liu Yanqiang , Zhao Ran , Zhang Can , Jiang Weihong , Gu Yang
Published: August 2020

Microbial CO
2
fixation and conversion constitute a potential solution to both utilization of greenhouse gas or industrial waste gases and sustainable production of bulk chemicals and fuels. Autotrophic gas-fermenting bacteria play central roles in this bioprocess. This study provides new insights regarding the metabolic regulatory mechanisms underlying CO
2
reduction in
Clostridium ljungdahlii
, a representative gas-fermenting bacterium. A critical formate dehydrogenase (FDH1) responsible for fixing CO
2
and a dominant reversible lysine acetylation system, At2/Dat1, were identified. Furthermore, FDH1 was found to be interactively regulated by both the At2/Dat1 system and the global transcriptional factor CcpA, and the two regulatory systems are mutually restricted. Reconstruction of this multilevel metabolic regulatory module led to improved CO
2
metabolism by
C. ljungdahlii
. These findings not only substantively expand our understanding but also provide a potentially useful metabolic engineering strategy for microbial carbon fixation.
Stress in the tropics? Impact of a latitudinal seawater δ18O gradient on Middle Jurassic temperature reconstructions at low latitudes
Authors: Alberti Matthias , Leshno Yael , Fürsich Franz T. , Edelman-Furstenberg Yael , Andersen Nils , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter
Published: August 2020

Previous stable oxygen isotope records of calcitic fossils (δ18Oshell) from Europe have been interpreted to reflect strong climatic perturbations throughout the Jurassic, but it is unknown whether they reflect global trends because data from other regions are sparse. Here, we use bivalve and brachiopod shells from western Asia and northern Africa to examine seawater temperatures at low latitudes as well as latitudinal temperature gradients in the Middle Jurassic. Our results include the first absolute temperature estimates for most of the study areas and this time interval. Furthermore, we acknowledge a latitudinal gradient in δ18O values of seawater (δ18Osea) that leads to more realistic temperature reconstructions of tropical water temperatures, which were underestimated by earlier methods. Following this approach, δ18Oshell values translate into average equatorial water temperatures during the Middle Jurassic several degrees higher than today (as high as 34–35 °C). Such high temperatures cause environmental stress, probably explaining previously documented low diversities of low-latitudinal ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs) during this time interval. A comparison with literature data raises doubts over whether previously published European temperature curves are truly representative of global patterns. Instead, they might reflect the complex paleogeography of European basins influenced by regional and/or short-term changes in δ18Osea values.
Late Miocene contourite channel system reveals intermittent overflow behavior
Authors: de Weger Wouter , Hernández-Molina F. Javier , Flecker Rachel , Sierro Francisco J. , Chiarella Domenico , Krijgsman Wout , Manar M. Amine
Published: August 2020

Paleoceanographic information from submarine overflows in the vicinity of oceanic gateways is of major importance for resolving the role of ocean circulation in modulating Earth’s climate. Earth system models are currently the favored way to study the impact of gateways on global-scale processes, but studies on overflow-related deposits are more suitable to understand the detailed changes. Such deposits, however, had not yet been documented in outcrop. Here, we present a unique late Miocene contourite channel system from the Rifian Corridor (Morocco) related to the initiation of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW). Two channel branches were identified consisting of three vertically stacked channelized sandstone units encased in muddy deposits. Both branches have different channel-fill characteristics. Our findings provide strong evidence for intermittent behavior of overflow controlled by tectonic processes and regional climatic change. These fluctuations in paleo-MOW intermittently influenced global ocean circulation.
Supplemental Material: Impact of fault damage on eastern Tibet topography
Authors: Kirkpatrick Heather , Moon Seulgi , al. et
Published: August 2020

Supplemental text, Figures S1–11, and Tables S1–S10.
Supplemental Material: Negligible surface uplift following foundering of thickened central Tibetan lower crust
Authors: Zeng Yunchuan , Xu Ji-Feng , al. et
Published: August 2020

Experimental methods, Figures S1–S5, and Tables S1–S8.
Genetic associations of myopia severities and endophenotypes in children
Authors: Li Fen Fen , Lu Shi Yao , Tang Shu Min , Kam Ka Wai , Pancy O S Tam , Yip Wilson W K , Young Alvin L , Tham Clement C , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C. , Chen Li Jia
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the associations of multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the severities and endophenotypes of myopia in children.

Methods

A total of 3300 children aged 5–10 years were recruited: 137 moderate and high myopia (SE≤−3.0D), 670 mild myopia (−3.0D−0.5D). 13 SNPs in 13 genes/loci were selected for genotyping in all subjects using TaqMan assays. Associations between each SNP with myopia severities and ocular traits (spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL) and corneal radius (CR)) were analysed.

Results

When compared with controls, SNPs ZC3H11B rs4373767 (OR=1.15, p=0.038), BICC1 rs7084402 (OR=1.18, p=0.005) and GJD2 rs524952 (OR=1.14, p=0.025) showed nominal associations with overall myopia. ZC3H11B rs4373767 and BICC1 rs7084402 showed stronger associations with moderate and high myopia (rs4373767: OR=1.42, p=0.018; rs7084402: OR=1.33, p=0.025), while GJD2 rs524952 had a stronger association with mild myopia (OR=1.14, p=0.025). GJD2 rs524952 also showed a difference between emmetropia and hyperopia (p=0.018). In quantitative trait locus analysis, ZC3H11B rs4373767, KCNQ5 rs7744813 and GJD2 rs524952 were correlated with both myopic SE (β=−0.09, p=0.03; β=−0.12, p=0.007; β=−0.13, p=0.0006, respectively) and AL (β=0.07, p=0.002; β=0.09, p=0.0008; β=0.07, p=0.0003, respectively). SNTB1 rs7839488 was correlated with both AL (β=0.07, p=0.005) and CR (β=0.02, p=0.006). Moreover, ZC3H11B rs4373767-T (β=0.006; p=0.018), KCNQ5 rs7744813-A (β=0.007; p=0.015) and GJD2 rs524952-T (β=0.009; p=0.0006) were correlated with AL-CR ratio.

Conclusions and Relevance

ZC3H11B and BICC1 are genetic risk factors for moderate and high myopia, while ZC3H11B, KCNQ5, SNTB1 and GJD2 confer risk to excessive AL in children.
Examining the relationship between poverty and length of stay: a repeated cross-sectional study of paediatric hospitalisations in Chile
Authors: Borrescio-Higa Florencia , Santistevan Dominiquo
Published: August 2020

Objective

To measure poverty-based disparities in inpatient length of stay for paediatric hospitalisations. In particular, this paper examines the relationship between municipality level poverty rates and length of stay, accounting for individual level characteristics.

Design

We use patient discharge data to conduct a repeated cross-sectional study of the totality of paediatric hospitalisations in 15 regions of Chile, in the years 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Setting

All hospital discharges in 15 regions of Chile.

Participants

1 033 222 discharges for children under the age of 15, between 2011 and 2017.

Outcome measures

Length of stay (LOS); LOS by type of insurance and type of hospital; hospitalisation rates; municipality-level average LOS.

Results

We find that municipality level poverty rates are a significant predictor of LOS, even after controlling for individual and area level characteristics, including type of insurance. Children from municipalities in the poorest quintile have a LOS that is 14% shorter as compared with children from municipalities in the richest quintile. This relationship is stronger for publicly insured children: the decrease in LOS associated with the same poverty change is of 22%.

Conclusions

This paper shows that there is an association between municipality-level poverty rates and length of stay for paediatric hospitalisations in Chile. For the vast majority of the sample, and after controlling for individual level characteristics, an increase in the municipality level poverty rate is associated with a decrease in the length of stay. Further, there is a non-linearity in the relationship, where at the highest poverty rates, poverty and LOS are positively associated. These findings are robust after controlling for type of hospital (public vs private), type of insurance (public vs private), type of diagnosis, as well as year and region fixed effects.
The Vitamin D in Pregnancy Study: a prospective prebirth cohort in southern Australia
Authors: Hyde Natalie K , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L , Wark John D , Hosking Sarah M , Vuillermin Peter J , Williams Lana J , Pasco Julie A
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The Vitamin D in Pregnancy Study is a long-term ongoing cohort study. It was conceived to explore relationships between maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy and offspring growth and development, and has since diversified to include a wide range of physical and mental health exposures and outcomes.

Participants

Recruitment was from the University Hospital Geelong (Barwon Health) antenatal clinic, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, between 2002 and 2004. 475 women were initially recruited, which resulted in 400 eligible mother–child pairs at birth.

Findings to date

The cohort has been followed up twice in pregnancy, at birth, and 1 year, 6 years and 11 years post birth. The study has reported an association between vitamin D in pregnancy and musculoskeletal health and body composition in the children.

Future plans

Subject to funding, there will be a prospective young adult follow-up. This profile aims to foster both cross-national and international collaborations with both existing and future data collection.
Web-based MINDfulness and Skills-based distress reduction in cancer (MINDS): study protocol for a multicentre observational healthcare study
Authors: Bäuerle Alexander , Teufel Martin , Schug Caterina , Skoda Eva-Maria , Beckmann Mingo , Schäffeler Norbert , Junne Florian , Erim Yesim , Zipfel Stephan , Graf Johanna
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Although a high percentage of patients with cancer experience severe psychological distress, few of them receive psycho-oncological care, largely due to barriers on the side of patients and healthcare providers that pose great challenges to delivering such care. In response, low-threshold, self-guided eHealth interventions can enable patients with cancer to deal independently and effectively with disease-related challenges and distress. Mindfulness and Skills-Based Distress Reduction in Oncology Training, nicknamed Make It Training, is one such innovative, self-guided eHealth intervention. In our study, we propose to assess different characteristics of such patients in order to define target populations for Make It Training, evaluate the intervention in terms of its usability, feasibility and sustainability and gather longitudinal data concerning the intervention’s efficacy.

Methods and analysis

Self-guided and web-based Make It Training consists of eight 30 min modules involving the use of techniques of mindfulness therapy, cognitive–behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to be completed in a 4-month period. In our observational study, adult patients with cancer who possess adequate German language skills and provide their informed consent will be recruited at Essen, Erlangen and Tübingen University Hospitals at outpatient oncological institutions and via online channels. Patients will undergo a baseline online assessment (T0), an assessment directly after completing the intervention (T1) and assessments 3 and 6 months later (T2 and T3, respectively). With the results of those assessments, we will perform descriptive analyses of their sociodemographic and medical data, compare means and conduct regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committees of the University Hospitals Essen, Erlangen and Tübingen have approved the study (19-8643-BO, 27_19 B, 293/2018BO1). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

DRKS00017119.