bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting evolutionary histories in Neotropical birds: Divergence across an environmental barrier in South America
Authors: Lavinia Pablo D. , Barreira Ana S. , Campagna Leonardo , Tubaro Pablo L. , Lijtmaer Darío A.
Published: January 2019

Avian diversity in the Neotropics has been traditionally attributed to the effect of vicariant forces promoting speciation in allopatry. Recent studies have shown that phylogeographical patterns shared among codistributed species cannot be explained by a single vicariant event, as species responses to a common barrier depend on the biological attributes of each taxon. The open vegetation corridor (OVC) isolates Amazonia and the Andean forests from the Atlantic Forest, creating a notorious pattern of avian taxa that are disjunctly codistributed in these forests. Here, we studied and compared the evolutionary histories of Ramphotrigon megacephalum and Pipraeidea melanonota, two passerines with allopatric populations east and west of the OVC that represent different subspecies. These species differ in their biological attributes: R. megacephalum is a sedentary, forest specialist mostly confined to bamboo understorey, whereas P. melanonota is a seasonal migrant and generalist species that ranges in a variety of closed and semi‐open environments. We performed genetic and genomic analyses, complemented with the study of coloration and behavioural differentiation, to assess population divergence across the OVC. We found that the evolutionary histories of both R. megacephalum and P. melanonota have been shaped by this environmental barrier. However, these species responded in different and asynchronous manners to the establishment of the OVC and to past connections between the currently isolated South American forests, which can be mostly explained by their distinct ecologies and dispersal abilities. Our results support the fact that the biological attributes of species can make their evolutionary histories idiosyncratic.
Mummified and skeletal southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from the Victoria Land Coast, Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Koch Paul L. , Hall Brenda L. , de Bruyn Mark , Hoelzel A. Rus , Baroni Carlo , Salvatore M. Cristina
Published: January 2019

We report on an accumulation of mummified southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Inexpressible Island on the Victoria Land Coast (VLC), western Ross Sea, Antarctica. This accumulation is unusual, as elephant seals typically breed and molt on sub‐Antarctic islands further north and do not currently occupy the VLC. Prior ancient DNA analyses revealed that these seals were part of a large, Antarctic breeding population that crashed ~1,000 yr ago. Radiocarbon dates for Inexpressible Island mummies range from 380 to 3,270 yr before present, too old to have been created by Scott's Northern Party in 1912 and varying too widely in age to represent a catastrophic death assemblage. Skeletal measurements reveal that most Inexpressible Island mummies are adult or subadult males. The presence of male elephant seals on Inexpressible Island until several hundred years ago suggests that, at a minimum, it served as a haul‐out site for the large Antarctic population and may have hosted a breeding colony. The conditions that allowed this Antarctic population to use the Ross Sea, the factors spurring its decline, and the implications for the adaptability and sensitivity of the species to environmental change all merit further study.
Invited Review: Long non‐coding RNAs: important regulators in the development, function and disorders of the central nervous system
Authors: Cuevas‐Diaz Duran R. , Wei H. , Kim D. H. , Wu J. Q.
Published: January 2019

Genome‐wide transcriptional studies have demonstrated that tens of thousands of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) genes are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and that they exhibit tissue‐ and cell‐type specificity. Their regulated and dynamic expression and their co‐expression with protein‐coding gene neighbours have led to the study of the functions of lncRNAs in CNS development and disorders. In this review, we describe the general characteristics, localization and classification of lncRNAs. We also elucidate the examples of the molecular mechanisms of nuclear and cytoplasmic lncRNA actions in the CNS and discuss common experimental approaches used to identify and unveil the functions of lncRNAs. Additionally, we provide examples of lncRNA studies of cell differentiation and CNS disorders including CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we review novel lncRNA‐based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the important biological roles of lncRNAs in CNS functions and disorders.
Haemoglobin variability and all‐cause mortality in haemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Lingfei , Hu Chenxia , Cheng Jun , Zhang Ping , Jiang Hua , Chen Jianghua
Published: January 2019

Aim

Haemoglobin (Hb) variability has been reported to be associated with mortality in dialysis patients in some but not all studies. We aimed to establish the prognostic significance of Hb variability with all‐cause mortality in haemodialysis patients through this meta‐analysis.

Methods

The Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the association between Hb variability and all‐cause mortality in haemodialysis patients after adjustment for other covariates.

Results

We included three studies of five cohorts with a total of 262 641 patients. Forest plots showed that the combined hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality was 1.09 (95% CI = 1.01–1.08; P = 0.03) per 1 g/dL increase in Hb variability.

Conclusion

Based on the current evidence, our meta‐analysis found an association between Hb variability and all‐cause mortality in patients receiving haemodialysis therapy.
Exploring the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Zak Donald R. , Pellitier Peter T. , Argiroff WilliamA. , Castillo Buck , James Timothy Y. , Nave Lucas E. , Averill Colin , Beidler Kaitlyn V. , Bhatnagar Jennifer , Blesh Jennifer , Classen Aimée T. , Craig Matthew , Fernandez Christopher W. , Gundersen Per , Johansen Renee , Koide Roger T. , Lilleskov Erik A. , Lindahl Björn D. , Nadelhoffer Knute J. , Phillips Richard P. , Tunlid Anders
Published: January 2019

The extent to which ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi enable plants to access organic nitrogen (N) bound in soil organic matter (SOM) and transfer this growth‐limiting nutrient to their plant host, has important implications for our understanding of plant–fungal interactions, and the cycling and storage of carbon (C) and N in terrestrial ecosystems. Empirical evidence currently supports a range of perspectives, suggesting that ECM vary in their ability to provide their host with N bound in SOM, and that this capacity can both positively and negatively influence soil C storage. To help resolve the multiplicity of observations, we gathered a group of researchers to explore the role of ECM fungi in soil C dynamics, and propose new directions that hold promise to resolve competing hypotheses and contrasting observations. In this Viewpoint, we summarize these deliberations and identify areas of inquiry that hold promise for increasing our understanding of these fundamental and widespread plant symbionts and their role in ecosystem‐level biogeochemistry.
POLQ plays a key role in the repair of CRISPR/Cas9‐induced double‐stranded breaks in the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Mara Kostlend , Charlot Florence , Guyon‐Debast Anouchka , Schaefer Didier G. , Collonnier Cécile , Grelon Mathilde , Nogué Fabien
Published: January 2019

Double‐stranded breaks can be repaired by different mechanisms such as homologous recombination (HR), classical nonhomologous end joining (C‐NHEJ) and alternative end joining (Alt‐EJ). Polymerase Q (POLQ) has been proposed to be the main factor involved in Alt‐EJ‐mediated DNA repair.

Here we describe the role of POLQ in DNA repair and gene targeting in Physcomitrella patens. The disruption of the POLQ gene does not influence the genetic stability of P. patens nor its development.

The polq mutant shows the same sensitivity as wild‐type towards most of the genotoxic agents tested (ultraviolet (UV), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and cisplatin) with the notable exception of bleomycin for which it shows less sensitivity than the wild‐type. Furthermore, we show that POLQ is involved in the repair of CRISPR‐Cas9‐induced double‐stranded breaks in P. patens. We also demonstrate that POLQ is a potential competitor and/or inhibitor of the HR repair pathway.

This finding has a consequence in terms of genetic engineering, as in the absence of POLQ the frequency of gene targeting is significantly increased and the number of clean two‐sided HR‐mediated insertions is enhanced. Therefore, the control of POLQ activity in plants could be a useful strategy to optimize the tools of genome engineering for plant breeding.
Modelling water fluxes in plants: from tissues to biosphere
Authors: Mencuccini Maurizio , Manzoni Stefano , Christoffersen Bradley
Published: January 2019

Models of plant water fluxes have evolved from studies focussed on understanding the detailed structure and functioning of specific components of the soil–plant–atmosphere (SPA) continuum to architectures often incorporated inside eco‐hydrological and terrestrial biosphere (TB) model schemes. We review here the historical evolution of this field, examine the basic structure of a simplified individual‐based model of plant water transport, highlight selected applications for specific ecological problems and conclude by examining outstanding issues requiring further improvements in modelling vegetation water fluxes. We particularly emphasise issues related to the scaling from tissue‐level traits to individual‐based predictions of water transport, the representation of nonlinear and hysteretic behaviour in soil–xylem hydraulics and the need to incorporate knowledge of hydraulics within broader frameworks of plant ecological strategies and their consequences for predicting community demography and dynamics.
On the postglacial spread of human commensal Arabidopsis thaliana: journey to the East
Authors: Hsu Che‐Wei , Lo Cheng‐Yu , Lee Cheng‐Ruei
Published: January 2019

With more sequenced genomes, our understanding of the demographic history of Arabidopsis thaliana is rapidly expanding. However, no‐one has yet compiled previous data to investigate patterns of genetic variation across Eurasia.

While sub‐Saharan accessions have been reported to be the most divergent group, in the nuclear genome we found accessions from Yunnan, China to be genetically closest to the sub‐Saharan group. In chloroplast, several deeply diverged haplogroups exist only in Eurasia, and African populations have lower variation in many haplogroups that they share with the Eurasian populations. These patterns cannot be easily explained by a single out‐of‐Africa event suggested previously.

For more recent demographic history, we dated the nonrelict expansion to 10 ka. In the Chinese Yangtze nonrelicts, we found clear traces of gene flow with local relicts, and genes under strong selection were enriched for traces of relict introgression, especially those related to biotic and immune responses. The results suggest the ability of nonrelicts to obtain locally adaptive alleles through admixture with relicts is important for the expansion across environmental gradients of Eurasia.

Our re‐analyses provide another model for the early history as well as elucidating factors contributing to the recent demographic turnover event of this species.
Inside out: root cortex‐localized LHK1 cytokinin receptor limits epidermal infection of Lotus japonicus roots by Mesorhizobium loti
Authors: Miri Mandana , Janakirama Preetam , Huebert Terry , Ross Loretta , McDowell Tim , Orosz Kathleen , Markmann Katharina , Szczyglowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

During Lotus japonicus–Mesorhizobium loti symbiosis, the LOTUS HISTIDINE KINASE1 (LHK1) cytokinin receptor regulates both the initiation of nodule formation and the scope of root infection. However, the exact spatiotemporal mechanism by which this receptor exerts its symbiotic functions has remained elusive.

In this study, we performed cell type‐specific complementation experiments in the hyperinfected lhk1‐1 mutant background, targeting LHK1 to either the root epidermis or the root cortex. We also utilized various genetic backgrounds to characterize expression of several genes regulating symbiotic infection.

We show here that expression of LHK1 in the root cortex is required and sufficient to regulate both nodule formation and epidermal infections. The LHK1‐dependent signalling that restricts subsequent infection events is triggered before initial cell divisions for nodule primordium formation. We also demonstrate that AHK4, the Arabidopsis orthologue of LHK1, is able to regulate M. loti infection in L. japonicus, suggesting that an endogenous cytokinin receptor could be sufficient for engineering nitrogen‐fixing root nodule symbiosis in nonlegumes.

Our data provide experimental evidence for the existence of an LHK1‐dependent root cortex‐to‐epidermis feedback mechanism regulating rhizobial infection. This root‐localized regulatory module functionally links with the systemic autoregulation of nodulation (AON) to maintain the homeostasis of symbiotic infection.
Adjustments and coordination of hydraulic, leaf and stem traits along a water availability gradient
Authors: Rosas Teresa , Mencuccini Maurizio , Barba Josep , Cochard Hervé , Saura‐Mas Sandra , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi
Published: January 2019

Trait variability in space and time allows plants to adjust to changing environmental conditions. However, we know little about how this variability is distributed and coordinated at different organizational levels.

For six dominant tree species in northeastern Spain (three Fagaceae and three Pinaceae) we quantified the inter‐ and intraspecific variability of a set of traits along a water availability gradient. We measured leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf nitrogen (N) concentration, carbon isotope composition in leaves (δ13C), stem wood density, the Huber value (Hv, the ratio of cross‐sectional sapwood area to leaf area), sapwood‐specific and leaf‐specific stem hydraulic conductivity, vulnerability to xylem embolism (P50) and the turgor loss point (Ptlp).

Differences between families explained the largest amount of variability for most traits, although intraspecific variability was also relevant. Species occupying wetter sites showed higher N,P50andPtlp, and lower LMA, δ13C and Hv. However, when trait relationships with water availability were assessed within species they held only for Hv andPtlp.

Overall, our results indicate that intraspecific adjustments along the water availability gradient relied primarily on changes in resource allocation between sapwood and leaf area and in leaf water relations.
Cross‐compartment metabolic coupling enables flexible photoprotective mechanisms in the diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Broddrick Jared T. , Du Niu , Smith Sarah R. , Tsuji Yoshinori , Jallet Denis , Ware Maxwell A. , Peers Graham , Matsuda Yusuke , Dupont Chris L. , Mitchell B. Greg , Palsson Bernhard O. , Allen Andrew E.
Published: January 2019

Photoacclimation consists of short‐ and long‐term strategies used by photosynthetic organisms to adapt to dynamic light environments. Observable photophysiology changes resulting from these strategies have been used in coarse‐grained models to predict light‐dependent growth and photosynthetic rates. However, the contribution of the broader metabolic network, relevant to species‐specific strategies and fitness, is not accounted for in these simple models.

We incorporated photophysiology experimental data with genome‐scale modeling to characterize organism‐level, light‐dependent metabolic changes in the model diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum. Oxygen evolution and photon absorption rates were combined with condition‐specific biomass compositions to predict metabolic pathway usage for cells acclimated to four different light intensities.

Photorespiration, an ornithine‐glutamine shunt, and branched‐chain amino acid metabolism were hypothesized as the primary intercompartment reductant shuttles for mediating excess light energy dissipation. Additionally, simulations suggested that carbon shunted through photorespiration is recycled back to the chloroplast as pyruvate, a mechanism distinct from known strategies in photosynthetic organisms.

Our results suggest a flexible metabolic network inP. tricornutumthat tunes intercompartment metabolism to optimize energy transport between the organelles, consuming excess energy as needed. Characterization of these intercompartment reductant shuttles broadens our understanding of energy partitioning strategies in this clade of ecologically important primary producers.
Variance in biomass‐allocation fractions is explained by distribution in European trees
Authors: Veresoglou Stavros D. , Peñuelas Josep
Published: January 2019

Intraspecific variability in ecological traits confers the ability of a species to adapt to an ever‐changing environment. Fractions of biomass allocation in plants (BAFs) represent both ecological traits and direct expressions of investment strategies and so have important implications on plant fitness, particularly under current global change.

We combined data on BAFs of trees in > 10 000 forest plots with their distributions in Europe. We aimed to test whether plant species with wider distributions have more or less variable intraspecific variance of the BAFs foliage–woody biomass and shoot–root ratios than species with limited distribution.

Irrespective of corrections for tree age and phylogenetic relatedness, the standard deviation in BAFs was up to three times higher in species with the most extensive distributions than in those with the least extensive distribution due to a higher genetic diversity. Variance in BAFs also increased with latitude.

We show that a combination of 36% tree genetic diversity and 64% environmental variability explains variance in BAFs and implies that changes in genetic diversity occur quickly. Genetic diversity should thus play a key role in regulating species responses to future climate change. Loss of habitat, even if transient, could induce a loss of genetic diversity and hinder species survival.
Comparative genomics of Rhizophagus irregularis, R. cerebriforme, R. diaphanus and Gigaspora rosea highlights specific genetic features in Glomeromycotina
Authors: Morin Emmanuelle , Miyauchi Shingo , San Clemente Hélène , Chen Eric C. H. , Pelin Adrian , de la Providencia Ivan , Ndikumana Steve , Beaudet Denis , Hainaut Mathieu , Drula Elodie , Kuo Alan , Tang Nianwu , Roy Sébastien , Viala Julie , Henrissat Bernard , Grigoriev Igor V. , Corradi Nicolas , Roux Christophe , Martin Francis M.
Published: January 2019

Glomeromycotina is a lineage of early diverging fungi that establish arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with land plants. Despite their major ecological role, the genetic basis of their obligate mutualism remains largely unknown, hindering our understanding of their evolution and biology.

We compared the genomes of Glomerales (Rhizophagus irregularis, Rhizophagus diaphanus, Rhizophagus cerebriforme) and Diversisporales (Gigaspora rosea) species, together with those of saprotrophic Mucoromycota, to identify gene families and processes associated with these lineages and to understand the molecular underpinning of their symbiotic lifestyle.

Genomic features in Glomeromycotina appear to be very similar with a very high content in transposons and protein‐coding genes, extensive duplications of protein kinase genes, and loss of genes coding for lignocellulose degradation, thiamin biosynthesis and cytosolic fatty acid synthase. Most symbiosis‐related genes in R. irregularis and G. rosea are specific to Glomeromycotina. We also confirmed that the present species have a homokaryotic genome organisation.

The high interspecific diversity of Glomeromycotina gene repertoires, affecting all known protein domains, as well as symbiosis‐related orphan genes, may explain the known adaptation of Glomeromycotina to a wide range of environmental settings. Our findings contribute to an increasingly detailed portrait of genomic features defining the biology of AM fungi.
Retention of osteocytic micromorphology by sclerostin antibody in a concurrent ovariectomy and functional disuse model
Authors: Zhang Dongye , Miranda Mariana , Li Xiaofei , Han Jiangmeng , Sun Yueli , Rojas Nancy , He Shan , Hu Minyi , Lin Liangjun , Li Xiaodong , Ke Hua Zhu , Qin Yi‐Xian
Published: January 2019

Prolonged mechanical unloading in bedridden patients and concurrent hormonal dysregulation represents the cause of one of the severest forms of osteoporosis, a condition for which there are very few efficacious interventions available to date. Sclerostin, a Wnt antagonist, acts as a negative regulator of bone formation. Sclerostin antibody (Scl‐Ab)–mediated blockade of sclerostin can dramatically enhance bone formation and reduce bone resorption. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of the Scl‐Ab on severe bone loss induced by concurrent mechanical unloading and estrogen deficiency in a hindlimb‐suspended and ovariectomized rat model, and to study the cellular mechanisms underlying severe osteoporosis and Scl‐Ab action. Unloading and ovariectomy resulted in severe loss of trabecular and cortical bone mass and strength; Scl‐Ab can significantly counteract the deterioration of bone in unloaded and/or ovariectomized rats, with noticeably increased cortical bone formation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that unloading and ovariectomy lead to multiple morphological and structural abnormalities of osteocytes in cortical bone and the abnormalities were abolished by Scl‐Ab administration. This study extends our previous conclusion that Scl‐Ab represents a promising therapeutic approach for severe bone loss that occurs after being exposed to estrogen deficiency and prolonged mechanical unloading.
Impact of chest radiography‐based definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Arai Hirokazu , Ito Tomoo , Ito Masato , Ota Syozo , Takahashi Tsutomu ,   The Neonatal Research Network of Japan
Published: January 2019

Background

Bubbly/cystic appearance on chest radiograph is an important factor in severe‐type bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the perinatal characteristics and neonatal complications of the bubbly/cystic(+) group in extremely preterm infants with BPD, that is, oxygen dependency at day 28 after birth (BPD28).

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of population data from infants (birthweight, <1,500 g) enrolled in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan. Of the 15 480 infants born at <28 weeks’ gestational age (GA) between 2003 and 2012, 8,979 met the BPD28 criteria. The BPD28 infants were classified according to bubbly/cystic appearance on radiograph (±) at >28 postnatal days.

Results

The bubbly/cystic(+) group had lower GA and birthweight and required longer mechanical ventilation and oxygen dependency than the bubbly/cystic(−) group. After adjustment for confounding factors, bubbly/cystic appearance was an independent risk factor for home oxygen therapy at discharge.

Conclusion

Bubbly/cystic appearance on chest radiograph was a predictor of short‐term respiratory outcomes in infants with BPD28, which is diagnosed much earlier (≥28 postnatal days), and has a potentially different etiology to BPD36 (oxygen and/or positive pressure respiratory support dependency at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age).
Problematic alcohol use and depression in secondary school students in Miri, Malaysia
Authors: Chhoa Keng Hong , Zakaria Hazli , Abd Rahman Fairuz Nazri
Published: January 2019

Background

Alcohol consumption in the under‐aged is one of the main concerns regarding Malaysian adolescents. There is no previous study on problematic alcohol use (PAU) in adolescents in Sarawak. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAU, its associated variables and its relationship with depression.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 327 secondary school students completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Children's Depression Inventory, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between the different variables.

Results

A total of 42.2% of adolescents had PAU. Urban adolescents had a higher prevalence compared with rural adolescents (OR, 1.612; 95% CI: 1.036–2.508P = 0.034). Female adolescents (56.8%) andBumiputeraSarawak adolescents (76.8%) comprised a large proportion of the respondents with PAU. Cultural norm (78.3%) and curiosity (68.1%) were the two main reasons for PAU. Only family history of alcohol use (OR, 2.273; 95% CI: 1.013–5.107;P = 0.047), ever consumed alcohol (OR, 57.585; 95% CI: 21.885–151.525;P < 0.001) and ever consumed beer (OR, 2.564; 95% CI: 1.032–6.372;P = 0.043) were significantly associated with PAU. The prevalence of depression was 21.4%. A significant relationship between PAU and depression was seen (OR, 2.557; 95% CI: 1.479–4.420;P = 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of PAU in adolescents in Miri, Malaysia. More effort is needed to implement policies for this vulnerable group, with collaboration between agencies to ensure their mental and physical wellbeing and prevent a negative impact later. Clinicians should be more vigilant in detecting depression in adolescents with PAU to enable early intervention.
Somatic mutations and immune checkpoint biomarkers
Authors: Parris Brielle A. , Shaw Eloise , Pang Brendan , Soong Richie , Fong Kwun , Soo Ross A.
Published: January 2019

The development of molecular testing for identifying somatic mutations and immune checkpoint biomarkers has directed treatment towards personalized medicine for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. The choice of molecular testing in a clinical setting is influenced by cost, expertise in the technology, instrumentation setup and sample type availability. The molecular techniques described in this review include immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescent in situ hybridization, direct sequencing, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). IHC is routinely used in clinical practice for the classification, differentiation, histology and identification of targetable alterations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1). Recently, the PD‐L1 pathway was identified as being exploited by tumour cells, allowing immune resistance and tumour evasion. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as treatment for tumours expressing checkpoints has highlighted the need for standardized IHC assays to inform treatment decisions for patients. Direct sequencing was historically the gold standard for mutation testing for EGFR, KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue) and BRAF (v‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1) requiring a high ratio of tumour to normal cells, but this has been superseded by more sensitive methods. NGS is a new emerging technique, which allows high‐throughput coverage of frequently mutated genes, including less common BRAF and MET mutations and alterations in tumour suppressor genes. When an NGS platform is unavailable, PCR‐based technologies offer an efficient and cost‐effective single gene test to guide patient treatment. This article will review these techniques and discuss the future of molecular platforms underpinning clinical management decisions.
Benefits of non‐invasive ventilation in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Comellini Vittoria , Pacilli Angela Maria Grazia , Nava Stefano
Published: January 2019

Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) with bilevel positive airway pressure is a non‐invasive technique, which refers to the provision of ventilatory support through the patient's upper airway using a mask or similar device. This technique is successful in correcting hypoventilation. It has become widely accepted as the standard treatment for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure (HRF). Since the 1980s, NIV has been used in intensive care units and, after initial anecdotal reports and larger series, a number of randomized trials have been conducted. Data from these trials have shown that NIV is a valuable treatment for HRF. This review aims to explore the principal areas in which NIV can be useful, focusing particularly on patients with acute HRF (AHRF). We will update the evidence base with the goal of supporting clinical practice. We provide a practical description of the main indications for NIV in AHRF and identify the group of patients with hypercapnic failure who will benefit most from the application of NIV.
The team effect on doping in professional male road cycling (2005‐2016)
Authors: Aubel Olivier , Lefèvre Brice , Le Goff Jean Marie , Taverna Natascia
Published: January 2019

This article questions organizations’ (clubs, teams, etc) responsibility in doping use from the case of anti‐doping rules violations (ADRVs) sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale in professional cycling. We built a database with 271 caught riders among 10 551 professional riders employed from 2005 to 2016 in the three first world divisions. We developed a time‐discrete event history model with a multilevel perspective to consider if the ADRV is related to the characteristic of a rider's career path (level 1) and/or the team by which the rider is employed (level 2). Our results confirm two hypotheses: Beginning a career before 2005 or after the age of 22 increased the risk of being caught. Each additional year in the pack increased the risk, despite the fact that a sanctioned rider's career duration average is 7.8 years (3.9 for the others). These caught riders have experienced a more tumultuous career with team changes and an interrupted path. A 2.45 Median Odds Ratio led us to assert a team effect on ADRV. By a team residual effect calculation, we identify 17 teams with a significant effect within the 129 that experienced an ADRV. Our results allow us to emphasize that to understand doping we must take into account work and employment condition, as well as team's organization. This approach completes the dominant “methodological individualism” perspective that considers athletes as analytical units and provides guidelines to the anti‐doping bodies that focus their action on individuals.
Therapeutic drug concentrations of isavuconazole following the administration of isavuconazonium sulfate capsules via gastro‐jejunum tube: A case report
Authors: Adamsick Meagan L. , Elshaboury Ramy H. , Gift Thais , Mansour Michael K. , Kotton Camille N. , Gandhi Ronak G.
Published: January 2019

Invasive fungal infections are a common complication in immunocompromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients. Isavuconazole is a broad‐spectrum azole antifungal for the treatment of aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The package insert for isavuconazole recommends against opening the capsule for administration through enteral feeding tubes. We describe the case of a 68‐year‐old man with a complex post‐lung transplant course receiving isavuconazole for presumed invasive aspergillosis (bronchial alveolar lavage galactomannan index of >3.75) therapy administered through a gastrostomy‐jejunostomy tube (G‐J tube). Therapeutic drug monitoring was performed to ensure appropriate absorption. Peak and trough concentrations were measured in the early and late phases of the treatment course and resulted in trough levels of 2.7 mcg/mL and 4.0 mcg/mL, which is consistent with previously published trough concentrations of isavuconazole when the capsule was administered intact. This case report suggests that opening isavuconazole capsules and administration through a G‐J tube results in appropriate absorption and serum drug levels comparable to intact capsules.
Domestic value chains as stepping stones to global value chain integration
Authors: Beverelli Cosimo , Stolzenburg Victor , Koopman Robert B. , Neumueller Simon
Published: January 2019

Identifying the determinants of global value chain (GVC) integration is essential to understand the past expansion and current slowdown in GVCs. In this paper, we study the role of domestic value chains (DVCs) for GVC integration. In the presence of industry‐specific fixed costs of fragmenting production and of switching across input suppliers, DVCs can either be stepping stones or stumbling blocks for subsequent GVC entry. Focusing on backward linkages, that is, the sourcing of intermediates, we provide robust empirical evidence in favour of the stepping‐stone hypothesis. In our benchmark specification, a one standard deviation increase in DVC integration raises subsequent GVC integration by about 0.4%. To identify the mechanisms at work, we exploit two dimensions of industry‐level heterogeneity: product differentiation (a proxy of fragmentation costs) and relationship specificity (a proxy of the costs of switching between suppliers). We find that DVC integration is less conducive to GVC integration in industries that are characterised by relatively high switching costs and relatively low fragmentation costs.
Sonar en los límites
Authors: Oliveros Pauline , Osuna Juan Gabriel
Published: January 2019

Este artículo corresponde a una conferencia realizada en 2006, en el Festival Internacional de Música y Nuevas Tecnologías Visiones Sonoras, que realiza desde 2005 hasta la fecha el Centro Mexicano para la Música y Artes Sonoras (CMMAS). Presenta una serie de reflexiones acerca de los recursos electrónicos y algorítmicos, de la máquina como instrumento en la creación musical, que funcionan como extensiones del cuerpo (incluido el sistema nervioso). A partir de una sucesión de preguntas sobre los límites y las fronteras que han cruzado algunos saltos evolutivos, y otros que, en experiencias íntimas y trascendentales, han atravesado la propia autora y el lector del artículo, va situando ese límite en la relación humano-máquina, y específicamente en el campo de la producción del sonido. En ese contexto, la autora sitúa su software Sistema de Instrumento Expandido (Expanded Instrument System [EIS]), diseñado para extender su capacidad de intervención en múltiples parámetros sonoros durante la interpretación e improvisación musical, estableciendo la manera en que este la ubica en el límite entre el humano y la máquina. Al proyectar sobre él la tendencia actual de la evolución tecnológica, propone al lector caminos futuros, seductores y aterradores a la vez, en los que emerge el ser poshumano con su música (mezcla de humano y máquina), abriendo nuevos interrogantes que señalan límites y fronteras que cruzar en torno a la estética de la música, reclamando para su obra el estatus de llanto de una poshumanidad recién nacida.
Prácticas de enseñanza de profesores en contextos interculturales: obstáculos y desafíos
Authors: Beltrán-Véliz Juan Carlos , Mansilla-Sepúlveda Juan Guillermo , Del Valle-Rojas Carlos Felimer , Navarro-Aburto Braulio Ademir
Published: January 2019

Se propuso el objetivo: develar analíticamente los factores que obstaculizan y facilitan las prácticas de enseñanza de profesores interculturales y tradicionales en escuelas situadas en contextos interculturales en la precordillera de la Araucanía. Se planteó un diseño cualitativo. Los resultados develan prácticas de enseñanza focalizadas en las clases expositivas. Asimismo, se evidencia ausencia de articulación pedagógica y de prácticas reflexivas, lo cual dificulta los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje.
Give and Receive Silence
Authors: Vásquez Leonel , Kenny Neva Ann
Published: January 2019

This paper is the result of a reflection on the role of silence in the research that, as an artist, has led me to listening to rivers, oceans, and water bodies in sound territories of social-environmental conflict in Colombia. In this paper, silences appear as a political posture of listening that determines the relationships with the body and the landscape, as an anthropic expression of the crisis of water landscapes and, at the same time, as sensitive and resonant material in the creation of a project that finds, in silence, poetic ways of working in the construction of the memories of a dry river. To listen again to the water from the amplified powers of the sonorous, tactile, vibrating body is the possibility of cleaning from them the instrumental representations that reduce it to a matter-object; it is allowing the interpretation of their messages and the opportunity of rhyming in new times of water.
Simulation and Experiment Research on Squeeze Casting Combined With Forging of Automobile Control Arm
Authors: Zhenglong Liang , Qi Zhang
Published: January 2019

Aim to improve mechanical properties of the casting aluminum components, a novel process that combined squeeze casting with local forging was proposed. THERCAST® and FORGE® were used to simulate the combined forming process of the automobile control arm. The effects of pouring rate, forging temperature and T6 heat treatment on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the samples formed by this combined process were investigated. The results showed that the pouring rate and forging temperature have a negligible effect on microstructure of those samples. The combined process of squeeze casting and forging could obviously refine microstructure, eliminate porosity and improve micro-hardness. After T6 heat treatment, the Si particles were dramatically spheroidized, and the micro-hardness was improved.
Design and Validation of a Low-Cost Non-Invasive Device to Detect Overnight Hypoglycemia
Authors: Lesko Jonathan , Seibert Stephen , Zhu Yong
Published: January 2019

Research in the field of blood glucose monitoring systems has led to incredible advancements over the past several decades. The blood glucose level of a diabetic patient is vital to monitor since large swings in blood sugar can cause life threatening damage to the individual. The importance of blood glucose monitoring increases when a patient experiences hypoglycemia, which can be very dangerous. The objective of this project is to create a low cost portable device that utilizes the modular bio-signal sensor kit BITalino and Arduino Uno microcontroller to measure and process the electrodermal activity (EDA) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals that can be associated with a drop in the subject’s blood glucose level to detect hypoglycemia in diabetics.
Design and Validation of a Low-Cost Heart Health Monitoring Device
Authors: Ahmed Nuzhat , Kline Lucas , Zhu Yong
Published: January 2019

The heart health monitoring system is a combination of electronics, wireless communication, computer, and information technologies, which allows an individual to measure and analyze their heart rate in real time and also notifies them about any abnormal cardiac events. This project was performed with an objective of developing and validating a low-cost, portable system that will successfully detect symptomless Atrial Fibrillation (AF), which is considered to be one of the most common and frequent cardiac disorders. The prototype device will measure and analyze the heart beat variations and varying-time period between successive R peaks (RR intervals) of the ECG signal and will compare the results with the normal heart rate and RR intervals. Upon exceeding the threshold values, this device will create an alert to notify about the potential AF detection.
Control of a Robotic Prosthetic Hand Using an EMG Signal Based Counter
Authors: Stanek Kyle , Barnhart Nathan , Zhu Yong
Published: January 2019

This research is intended to create a prototype to generate controllable finger movement of a robotic prosthetic hand using Electromyography (EMG) signals. The instrumentation used in this project includes a Bitalino bio-signal sensor kit, skin electrodes, Arduino Uno microcontroller and a prosthetic hand. The Bitalino’s primary function is to serve as a means to obtain the EMG signal. The Arduino Uno’s function is to implement the control algorithm and actuate the robotic hand to move as intended. Using an EMG signal based counter, the method of control deemed fairly reliable since there was proportional control over the hand but it was based on the duration of the muscle in tension rather than how tense the muscle was. The overall control of the hand was generally responsive to the biological signal.
Rheological Characteristics of Surfactant-Based Fluids: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Kamel Ahmed H.
Published: January 2019

Surfactant-based fluids, SB fluids exhibit complex rheological behavior due to substantial structural change caused by the molecules self-assembled colloidal aggregation. Various factors affect their rheological properties. Among these factors, surfactant concentration, shear rate, temperature, and salinity are investigated. One of the most popular surfactants, Aromox® APA-T viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is examined. The study focuses on four different concentrations (1.5%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) over a shear rate ranging from 0.0526 sec−1 to 1944 sec−1 using Bohlin rheometer. For salinity effects, two brine solutions are used; 2 and 4% KCl while for temperature effects, a wide range from ambient temperature of 72°F up to 200°F is covered. The results show that SB fluids exhibit a complex rheological behavior due to its unique nature and the various structures form in the solution. In general, SB fluids at all concentrations exhibit a non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic shear thinning behavior. As the surfactant concentration and/or shear increases, a stronger shear thinning behavior can be seen. Increasing solution salinity promotes formation of rod-like micelles and increases its flexibility. Salinity affects micelles’ growth and their rheological behavior is very sensitive to the nature and structure of the added salt. Different molecular structures are formed; spherical micelles occur first and then increased shear rate and/or salinity promotes the formation of rod-like micelles. Later, rod-like micelles are aligned in the flow direction and form a large super ordered structure of micellar bundles or aggregates called shear induced structure (SIS). Different structures implies different rheological properties. Likewise, rheology improves with increasing temperature up to 100°F. Further increase in temperature reverses the effects and viscosity decreases. However, the effects of temperature and salinity diminish at higher shear rates. Furthermore, a rheology master curve is developed to further understand the rheological behavior of SB fluids and correlate rheological properties to its microscopic structure.
Using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) to Solve Engineering Problems in Mechanical Engineering
Authors: El-Sadi Haifa
Published: January 2019

This paper studies the use of an engineering equation solver (EES) software to improve the students’ perceptive of the Air conditioning and Nozzle analysis in courses such as heat transfer and applied gas dynamics. EES lets students to concentrate on design engineering applications. Also the students will have the skill to see instant results to differences of the design circumstances as well as diverse parameters that would touch diverse categories of engineering projects. The proposed tool also gives students the ability to determine thermodynamics properties of any fluid, solve different mathematical equations with many variables and perform optimization and analysis. In this paper, condenser of air conditioning as a heat transfer project was used as an example to demonstrate EES to the students. The student’s feedback shows that the use of the proposed tool significantly improves the student learning experience in thermodynamics and heat transfer courses and other mechanical engineering courses such as thermal design analysis, make the course more dynamic, and motivate the students to learn the material fast and effectively.
Design and Testing of a Micro-Bubble Separation System
Authors: Farina Jordan , Manderson Chris , Tran Phillip , Dillon Heather
Published: January 2019

To support the broader development of isothermal compressor technology for natural gas systems, an experimental system has been designed and constructed to determine void fraction of a gas over time. The goal of this project was to determine how much time it takes for a gas, already statured in a working fluid, to separate from the working fluid. The result is a pressure vessel paired with a data acquisition system that could operate at a maximum of 3600 psi. A medium and high pressure system were designed, and the medium pressure system has been tested using visual methods.
Thermodynamic Performance Study of the SOFC-GT-RC System Fueled by LNG With Zero-CO2 Emission
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Zhao Hongbin
Published: January 2019

Distributed energy technology is an important developing direction of the future energy technology. This paper puts forward a distributed energy system named SOFC-GT-RC with LNG as fuel and recovering carbon dioxide. In the system, the cold energy of LNG can not only cool the compressor inlet air to reduce consumption of compressor work, but also to supply cold energy and to get zero-CO2 and other emissions. Based on mathematical model of each part, the thermodynamic calculation model of the whole system is built by FORTRAN, which is embedded in ASPEN PLUS. The results of calculation indicate the thermal efficiency and total power efficiency are 74.5% and 56.7% while the exergy efficiency is 61.8%. In addition, some operating parameters such as fuel utilization factor and fuel flow rate are selected. Based on these operating parameters, the new system thermodynamic performance is studied. The results point that this SOFC-GT-RC system fueled by LNG increases the total power, decreases waste of cold energy and the pollution of the environment, which would be an effective utilization style of energy in China’s LNG satellite stations.
Modeling and Experimental Verification of Torque and Thrust Forces Generated by the Conventional Drill’s Chisel Edge
Authors: Seif Charbel Y. , Hage Ilige S. , Hamade Ramsey F.
Published: January 2019

As alternative to complex modeling, simple empirical equations that provide estimates of the chisel edge’s torque and thrust cutting force components are a useful tool for estimating chisel cutting forces. This work aim to develop a model capable of estimating torque and thrust forces generated by only the drill’s chisel edge as function of machining feed (f), cutting velocity (V), and chisel edge’s width (w). The chisel edge’s generated machining forces are quantified and statistically verified utilizing JMP-SAS/STAT® design of experiment (DOE) software. An experimental setup involving 50 drilling tests was conducted with drilling feed, spindle speed and chisel web dimensions varied to enhance the statistical significance of the collected data. Experimental torque and thrust data were collected using a 4-channel rotary dynamometer (Kistler model 9123) at a 200 Hz sampling rate. Torque and thrust values encountered at the chisel edge were isolated from those of the full drill. Due to its wide industrial use, the workpiece material investigated is Aluminum 6061-T6. In-line with literature, reported values of experimentally collected data showed that chisel edge’s forces increased with drilling feed and drill bit web dimension while decreased with increasing speed (perhaps due to thermal softening). JMP-SAS/STAT® module, nonlinear fitting with convergence criteria of 10−15 and 70 iterations was utilized The developed model equations allow the estimation of the forces encountered at the chisel edge of a classical twist drill while cutting aluminum alloy 6061-T6 material.