bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decidual factors and vasoactive intestinal peptide guide monocytes to higher migration, efferocytosis and wound healing in term human pregnancy
Authors: Paparini Daniel Esteban , Grasso Esteban , Fernandez Laura del Carmen , Merech Fátima , Weingrill‐Barbano Rodrigo , Correa‐Silva Simone , Izbizky Gustavo , Abasolo José Ignacio , Hauk Vanesa , Ramhorst Rosanna , Bevilaqcua Estela , Pérez Leirós Claudia
Published: November 2020

Aim

To explore the functional profile of circulating monocytes and decidual macrophages at term human pregnancy and their contribution to tissue repair upon stimulation ex vivo with decidual factors and the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).

Methods

Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from pregnant and non‐pregnant volunteers and tested in vitro with decidual explants from term placenta and VIP. The effect of VIP on decidual explants and the effect of its conditioned media on monocytes or decidual macrophages isolated by magnetic beads was carried out by RT‐qPCR and ELISA for cytokines expression and release. Migration assays were performed in transwell systems. Efferocytosis was assessed in monocytes or decidual macrophages with CFSE‐labelled autologous apoptotic neutrophils and quantified by flow cytometry. Monocyte and decidual macrophages wound healing capacity was evaluated using human endometrial stromal cell monolayers. Immunohistochemistry was performed in serial tissue sections of different placentas.

Results

VIP is expressed in the villi as well as in trophoblast giant cells distributed within the decidua of term placenta. VIP induced the expression of antiinflmammatory markers and monocyte chemoattractant CCL2 and CCL3 in decidual tissues. Monocytes presented higher migration towards decidual explants than CD4 and CD8 cells. VIP‐conditioned monocytes displayed an enhanced efferocytosis and wound healing capacity comparable to that of decidual macrophages. Moreover limited efferocytosis of pregnant women monocytes was restored by VIP‐induced decidual factors.

Conclusion

Results show the conditioning of monocytes by decidual factors and VIP to sustain processes required for tissue repair and homeostasis maintenance in term placenta.
Childhood hazard encounters at Australian beaches and their influence on attachment behaviours in adulthood
Authors: Walton Todd R. , Shaw Wendy S.
Published: November 2020

In‐depth interviews with beach users indicate that early memories of the Australian beach space underpin pleasures derived from re‐experiencing childhood hazard encounters. The importance of reliving remembered affects is demonstrated to underpin place attachment and identity. Experiences of the sublime in nature also work to enamour beachgoers to revisit beaches despite early encounters with hazards that, in other environments, might allay re‐use. Narrative analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of beachgoer narratives combined with psychoanalytic geographies unpack the influence of experience on behaviour and how individuals perceived and made sense of childhood beach encounters in their adult lives.
Are older adults insufficiently included in clinical trials?—An umbrella review
Authors: Florisson Sandra , Aagesen Emilie Kørschen , Bertelsen Ann Sophia , Nielsen Lars Peter , Rosholm Jens‐Ulrik
Published: November 2020

Treatment guidelines are primarily based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). RCTs tend to some extent to exclude older adults despite the fact that physicians need guidance when treating this patient group. By summarizing existing literature, we aimed to (a) quantify the proportion of RCTs and other clinical studies (CTs) that did not adequately include older adults; (b) identify the main barriers for this non‐inclusion; and (c) identify suggested solution for inclusion of older adults in RCTs and other CTs. In this umbrella review, Embase and PubMed were searched for relevant papers, and 2701 papers were identified. The subsequent screening resulted in 22 papers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program was used as quality assessment tool to evaluate these 22 papers. We found that: (a) The most frequent outcome designating missing inclusion of older adults was the use of age limit as exclusion criterion in studies—the proportion of this was 10%‐60%; (b) barriers for inclusion were mainly exclusion criteria, logistic challenges and financial constraints; and (c) more extensive inclusion would require more explicit inclusion criteria, merely application of exclusion criteria when absolutely needed, change of researchers’ attitude, further inclusion of supporting relatives to overcome the logistical challenges and more financial funding.
‘Gender, Neoliberalism, and the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis’: Female Migrants' Informal Labour and Access to Services in Urban Colombia
Authors: Jeronimo Kersh Daliany
Published: November 2020

Neoliberalism, informality, and migration are all inextricably linked and the Venezuelan migration crisis has certain implications for women. While extensive post‐neoliberal spending programmes under Chávez served to reverse the feminisation of poverty, millions of Venezuelans have migrated in recent years due to a severe economic crisis. Oral history testimonies highlight how female Venezuelan migrants in neoliberal Colombia often have no choice but to engage in precarious informal earning strategies and also experience reduced access to public services, which can substantially increase their domestic labour and outgoings. In many ways they are better off in Venezuela, thus highlighting how neoliberalism exacerbates gender poverty in both Latin America and the Global South.
Oral health and academic performance or absenteeism: Findings from a University in Southern Brazil
Authors: Karam Sarah Arangurem , Costa Francine dos Santos , Schwendicke Falk , Correa Marcos Britto , Demarco Flávio Fernando
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association between oral health conditions and academic performance and absenteeism in university students.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out on a comprehensive sample of 1865 freshman students from the Federal University of Pelotas/Southern Brazil in 2017. A self‐administered questionnaire was applied in the classroom, inquiring about socioeconomic, demographic, psychological, academic characteristics and oral conditions (tooth loss, self‐reported oral health and toothache). For the dependent variables, academic performance was evaluated by the question: ‘How would you describe your academic performance?’ while absenteeism was assessed with the question ‘In the last six months, have you missed some class for dental reasons?’. Multivariable analyses used hierarchical Poisson regression with backward selection.

Results

The prevalence of low academic performance was 38.6% and absenteeism due to dental reasons 6.2%. The prevalence of toothache and poor self‐perceived oral health was 28% and 20%, respectively. Multivariable analysis found low academic performance to be more prevalent in students with poor self‐perceived oral health (PR 1.46; 95% CI 1.22‐1.77), and absenteeism to be almost six times more prevalent (PR 5.85; 95% CI 3.84‐8.90) in students reporting toothache.

Conclusions

Poor oral health is associated with both poor academic performance and absenteeism in university students.
Validity of the Brazilian version of the COPD assessment test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Flores Mariana Pereira , Arcuri Juliano Ferreira , Carvalho da Silva Marcela Maria , Pires Di Lorenzo Valéria Amorim
Published: November 2020

Introduction

COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a questionnaire defined as one of the main options in the assessment of the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on patients’ life, according to the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Diseases. However, the Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments—COSMIN 2018 has recently determined a correlation coefficient greater than 0.70 and an optimal sample size must have a hundred subjects, hence, validity of the Brazilian version of this instrument is still not yet proven.

Objective

To verify the validity of the Brazilian version of the Questionnaire CAT in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, comparing it to the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and correlate it with other outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Observational transversal study with 101 COPD diagnosed subjects who underwent anthropometric data collection, life habits, CAT and SGRQ questionnaires, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale. Spirometry, six‐minute walking test (6MWT) and body mass index, Dyspnoea and exercise capacity (BODE). Each evaluative measure was compared to the total CAT score. The validity was considered for a significant Pearson correlation coefficient (r) greater than 0.7.

Results

It was observed a strong correlation between the total CAT score and the total SGRQ score (r = 0.703; P < 0.001), as well as moderate correlation with mMRC (r = 0.518; P < 0.001). SGRQ Symptoms (r = 0.627; P < 0.001). SGRQ Activity (r = 0.636; P < 0.001) and SGRQ Impact (r = 0.655; P < 0.001). There were similar correlations between CAT and other variables (6MWT, mMRC and BODE) and SGRQ and the same variables.

Conclusion

The CAT questionnaire is a valid, reliable and easy‐to‐use instrument for assessing symptoms and can record the impact of COPD on the patient’s quality of life.
CEO compensation, corporate governance, and audit fees: Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Sharma Divesh S. , Ananthanarayanan Umapathy , Litt Barri
Published: November 2020

New Zealand has continued to strengthen its financial reporting and auditing landscape after major corporate collapses highlighted audit failures contributing to investor losses. Jointly, investors have criticized exorbitant compensation paid to CEOs. While the PCAOB's (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) emphasis on executive compensation has prompted several studies in the United States, this study is the first to examine executive compensation in the evolving setting of New Zealand. Specifically, we examine the incentive‐based components of CEO compensation arrangements, finding both short‐term incentive and stock option compensation to be significant and positively associated with audit fees. We also examine moderating effects of client governance factors and find evidence that internal governance (audit committee effectiveness, board resources, and board and audit committee diligence) moderates the association between short‐term incentive and stock option compensation, and audit fees. Taken together, our evidence suggests that auditors consider CEO performance‐linked compensation a risk factor and are pricing it into the financial statement audit, with client governance moderating this pricing effect.
Health literacy of pregnant women and duration of breastfeeding maintenance: A feasibility study
Authors: Vila‐Candel Rafa , Soriano‐Vidal Francisco Javier , Mena‐Tudela Desirée , Quesada José Antonio , Castro‐Sánchez Enrique
Published: November 2020

Aims

Research the association between health literacy (HL) and exclusive breastfeeding at 4‐months postpartum.

Background

Despite the benefits of breastfeeding (BF), its rates are low worldwide. Among the reasons for abandonment is the level of maternal education. Maternal education has been associated with HL, but evidence between HL and BF maintenance is limited.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The sample compromised 229 nursing mothers recruited from January 2018 to the end of December 2018 at Spain by systematic sampling method. Women were interviewed postpartum on parameters associated with the start and continuation of BF up to 4 months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression models to explain exposure variables and exclusive BF cessation at 4 months.

Results

Approximately 10% of the participants had inadequate HL. Factors associated with early cessation of exclusive BF at 4 months in the multivariate model adjusted using a stepwise variable selection process based on a likelihood ratio test were civil status, risk of pregnancy, type of delivery, limited or inadequate level of HL, and LATCH score at discharge, with an 85.6% area under the ROC curve.

Conclusions

Our study offers preliminary evidence regarding the hitherto inconsistent relation between HL and early cessation exclusive BF at 4 months, supporting the conduct of further studies with larger sample sizes and greater statistical power. Such studies are warranted before endorsing HL‐based interventions aiming to mitigate early cessation exclusive BF.

Impact

Low or inadequate HL is linked to multiple poor health and clinical outcomes. We investigated the prevalence of exclusive BF at 4 months postpartum, and the impact of HL in maintaining optimal exclusive BF practices. Limited or inadequate HL was one of the factors associated with early cessation of exclusive BF in the multivariate regression model, although further research is needed.
Effectiveness of physical activity prescription by primary care nurses using health assets: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Riera‐Sampol Aina , Bennasar‐Veny Miquel , Tauler Pedro , Aguilo Antoni
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12‐month multifactorial intervention by primary care nurses using health assets in increasing adherence to physical activity prescription (150 min/week) in patients with two or more cardiovascular risk factors.

Background

Physical activity promotion is a priority and helps to decrease mortality risk due to cardiovascular diseases. However, adherence to the habitual physical activity prescription in primary healthcare settings is low.

Design

Multicentre, single‐blind, parallel randomized (in two different branches) clinical trial.

Methods

In total, 263 participants from 20 primary healthcare centres in Mallorca completed the randomized controlled trial study (intervention group N = 128, control group N = 135). The intervention consisted in four visits and included a motivational interview and an individualized prescription of physical activity using health assets. Primary outcome measure was the number of participants performing at least 150 min of weekly physical activity. Secondary outcomes included physical activity level and physical fitness, Sense of Coherence, cardiovascular risk, sociodemographic data, trans‐theoretical stage of change, sleep quality, and depression.

Results

Adherence to the recommendation of at least 150 min of physical activity was higher in the intervention than in the control group (χ2 = 3.951, p = .047). However, this higher adherence did not suppose higher physical activity levels because no differences between groups were found in the total physical activity performed after intervention (t=−0.915, p = .361). At the end of the intervention participants randomized to the intervention group spent more time walking than participants in the control group (t = 2.260, p = .025).

Conclusion

The multifactorial intervention performed by primary care nurses induced a higher adherence to the 150‐min of weekly physical activity recommendation.

Impact

Adherence to the usual physical activity prescription in primary care is low. Physical activity prescription performed by primary care nurses and based on health assets and motivational interview can help to increase physical activity levels of patients. The main finding of the present study was that prescription using this approach was shown to be effective, leading to a higher adherence in the intervention group. This intervention is feasible in the nurse's primary healthcare setting, thus it could be implemented as the main tool when exercise is prescribed.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN76069254.
Clinically Important Differences for Mobility Measures Derived from the Testosterone Trials
Authors: Stephens‐Shields Alisa J. , Farrar John T. , Ellenberg Susan S. , Storer Thomas W. , Gill Thomas M. , Basaria Shehzad , Pahor Marco , Cauley Jane A. , Ensrud Kristine E. , Preston Peter , Cella David , Snyder Peter J. , Bhasin Shalender
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Accurate estimates of clinically important difference (CID) are required for interpreting the clinical importance of treatments to improve physical function, but CID estimates vary in different disease populations. We determined the CID for two common measures of walking ability in mobility‐limited older men.

Design

Longitudinal, multisite placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting/Participants

Men enrolled in the Testosterone Trials who had self‐reported mobility limitation and gait speed less than 1.2 m/second (n = 429). Testosterone‐ and placebo‐allocated participants were combined for this study.

RESULTS

Mean changes from baseline, adjusting for time‐in‐intervention and site, were 29.6, 13.2, 12.5, −2.4, and −32.6 m for 6MWD, and 15.4, 7.2, 2.1, −3.4, and −7.2 for PF10 in men who reported their mobility was “very/much better,” “little better,” “no change,” “little worse,” or “much worse,” respectively. CID estimates using regression, ROC, and eCDF varied from 5.0–29.6 m for 6MWD, and 5.0–15.2 points for PF10.

CONCLUSION

CID estimates vary by the population studied and by the method and precision of measurement. Increases of 16 to 30 m for 6MWD and 5 to 15 points for PF10 over 12 months appear to be clinically meaningful in mobility‐limited, older hypogonadal men. These CID estimates may be useful in the design of efficacy trials of therapies to improve physical function.
The Relationships Between Tooth‐Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses and Restorations and the Periodontium
Authors: Ercoli Carlo , Tarnow Dennis , Poggio Carlo E. , Tsigarida Alexandra , Ferrari Marco , Caton Jack G. , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To search the literature and to critically evaluate the findings on the periodontal outcomes of restorations and tooth‐supported fixed prostheses.

Materials and Methods

PubMed was searched according to a systematic methodology, previously reported, but updated to include a larger database. Filters applied were: Case reports, clinical trial, review, guideline, randomized controlled trial, meta‐analysis, systematic reviews, and English. A narrative review was then synthesized to discuss periodontal outcomes related to restorations and tooth‐supported fixed prostheses. Relevant data was organized into four sections: Direct restorations, indirect restorations, biologic width or supracrestal tissue attachment and tooth preparation/finish line design.

Results

While increased gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment loss have been associated with subgingival restorations, intracrevicular margins do not cause periodontal diseases. Inflammation and bone loss occur, for both direct and indirect restorations, only with large overhangs. Different restorative materials are associated with different clinical responses when placed in the gingival sulcus or within the epithelial and connective tissue attachments. When the connective tissue attachment is removed, histological changes occur causing its apical shift and subsequent re‐establishment. Gingival displacement during impression procedures can cause gingival recession. Emergence profile can have a range of values, not associated with periodontal diseases. Periodontal response appears to be clinically not different when compared among different finish line designs.

Conclusions

Contemporary procedures and materials used for the placement and fabrication of tooth‐supported restorations and fixed prostheses are compatible with periodontal health when adequate patient education and motivation in self‐performed oral hygiene are present. Periodontal diagnostic criteria should be thoroughly reviewed before fixed restorative treatments are planned and executed.
Effect of dietary inclusion of Spirulina on production performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits in post‐weaning piglets
Authors: Martins Cátia Falcão , Pestana Assunção José , Ribeiro Santos David M. , Madeira Marta Sofia Morgado dos S. , Alfaia Cristina Maria Riscado Pereira Mateus , Lopes Paula Alexandra Antunes Brás , Coelho Diogo Francisco Maurício , Cardoso Lemos José Pedro , de Almeida André M. , Mestre Prates José António , Freire João Pedro Bengala
Published: November 2020

The effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), individually or in combination with two commercial carbohydrases, in piglet diets was assessed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits. Forty post‐weaned male piglets from Large White × Landrace sows crossed with Pietrain boars with an initial live weight of 12.0 ± 0.89 kg were used. Piglets were assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10): cereal and soya bean meal base diet (control), base diet with 10% Spirulina (SP), SP diet supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (SP + R) and SP diet supplemented with 0.01% lysozyme (SP + L). Animals were slaughtered after a 4‐week experimental period. Growth performance was negatively affected by the incorporation of Spirulina in the diets, with an average decrease of 9.1% on final weight, in comparison with control animals. Total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of crude protein was higher (p < .05) in the control group than in other groups. In addition, lysozyme increased TTAD of crude fat and acid detergent fibre, relative to the SP and control groups, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of Spirulina, individually and supplemented with enzymes, did not impair meat quality traits. Surprisingly, no protective effect against lipid oxidation was observed with the inclusion of Spirulina in pork after 7 days of storage. This study indicates that growth performance of post‐weaning piglets was impaired by the incorporation of 10% Spirulina in the diets, which is mediated by an increase in digesta viscosity and a lower protein digestibility, as a consequence of the resistance of microalga proteins to the action of endogenous peptidases. In addition, it also indicates that lysozyme, in contrast to Rovabio® Excel AP, is efficient in the degradation of Spirulina cell wall in piglet's intestine. However, the digestion of proteins liberated by Spirulina cell wall disruption is still a challenge.
Comparative proteomic analysis of dental cementum from deciduous and permanent teeth
Authors: Giovani Priscila A. , Martins Luciane , Salmon Cristiane R. , Mofatto Luciana S. , Leme Adriana F. P. , Puppin‐Rontani Regina M. , Kolli Tamara N. , Foster Brian L. , Nociti Francisco H. , Kantovitz Kamila R.
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Dental cementum (DC) is a mineralized tissue covering tooth roots that plays a critical role in dental attachment. Differences in deciduous vs. permanent tooth DC have not been explored. We hypothesized that proteomic analysis of DC matrix would identify compositional differences in deciduous (DecDC) vs. permanent (PermDC) cementum that might reflect physiological or pathological differences, such as root resorption that is physiological in deciduous teeth but can be pathological in the permanent dentition.

Methods

Protein extracts from deciduous (n = 25) and permanent (n = 12) teeth were pooled (five pools of DecDC, five teeth each; four pools of PermDC, three teeth each). Samples were denatured, and proteins were extracted, reduced, alkylated, digested, and analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The beta‐binomial statistical test was applied to normalized spectrum counts with 5% significance level to determine differentially expressed proteins. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate selected proteins.

Results

A total of 510 proteins were identified: 123 (24.1%) exclusive to DecDC; 128 (25.1%) exclusive to PermDC; 259 (50.8%) commonly expressed in both DecDC and PermDC. Out of 60 differentially expressed proteins, 17 (28.3%) were detected in DecDC, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), whereas 43 (71.7%) were detected in PermDC, including decorin (DCN) and osteocalcin (BGLAP). Overall, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that all expressed proteins were related to GO biological processes that included localization and response to stress, and the GO molecular function of differentially expressed proteins was enriched in cell adhesion, molecular binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, structural molecular activity, and macromolecular complex binding. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the trends for selected differentially expressed proteins in human teeth.

Conclusions

Clear differences were found between the proteomes of DecDC and PermDC. These findings may lead to new insights into developmental differences between DecDC and PermDC, as well as to a better understanding of physiological/pathological events such as root resorption.
Extensions to the invariance property of maximum likelihood estimation for affine‐transformed state‐space models
Authors: Pizzinga Adrian , Fernandes Marcelo
Published: November 2020

Replacing the state vector of a linear state‐space model by any one‐to‐one linear transformation does not alter maximum likelihood estimation. We extend this invariance property to more general settings, with possibly diffuse initialization of the Kalman filter and injective affine transformations of the state vector. Our results hold for both direct maximization of the likelihood function and the EM algorithm. We offer two real examples that illustrate how one may employ our results to handle a variety of affine‐transformed state‐space models in the literature.
Modification of footed pajamas to confirm arthropod bites: The Modified Onesie Biting Bug Assessment suit
Authors: Lindberg Michael R. , Orzel Joanna A. , Dollani Lorena , Norton Scott A.
Published: November 2020

When children present with features of bed bug bites, many parents are reluctant to accept the diagnosis. Furthermore, standard methods to detect arthropods in or around one's home can be expensive, time‐consuming, and frustrating. We developed a simple, inexpensive way to provide evidence that the lesions are in fact due to arthropod bites. The Modified Onesie Biting Bug Assessment (MOBBA) suit utilizes simple alterations to a full‐body onesie‐type footed pajama, exposing some body surfaces to insect predators while protecting other areas.
Associations between malnutrition and cognitive impairment in an elderly Chinese population: an analysis based on a 7‐year database
Authors: Yu Wuhan , Yu Weihua , Liu Xintong , Wan Tianchi , Chen Chenxi , Xiong Lei , Zhang Wenbo , Lü Yang
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study aimed to elucidate whether malnutrition is associated with cognitive impairment in an older Chinese population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2365 participants aged 60 years or older from January 2013 to September 2019. Nutritional status was measured by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). The relationship between malnutrition or each Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form domain and cognitive impairment was examined with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition, risk of malnutrition, and cognitive impairment was 5.54%, 33.45%, and 36.74%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in those 80 years and older: 7.88%, 40.75%, and 53.65%, respectively. The Mini‐Mental State Examination score was positively correlated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score (r = 0.364, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, education, marital status, and living alone, malnutrition (odds ratio (OR) = 3.927, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.650–5.819), anorexia (OR = 1.454, 95%CI: 1.192–1.774), weight loss (OR = 1.697, 95%CI: 1.406–2.047), impaired mobility (OR = 4.156, 95%CI: 3.311–5.218), and psychological stress (OR = 1.414, 95%CI: 1.070–1.869) were significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the prevalence of malnutrition and cognitive impairment is relatively high and increases with age. Malnutrition, anorexia, weight loss, impaired mobility, and psychological stress are significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Therefore, clinicians should assess the nutritional and cognitive status of the elderly regularly to improve early detection and timely intervention.
Letter from California, USA
Authors: Gandhi Sheiphali A.
Published: November 2020

See cover image
User Behavior for Neural Network-based Web Search Results Filtering
Authors: Alnatsheh Essam F.
Published: November 2020

This paper describes methodology and performance of an experimental research on filtering of web search results. Filtering was performed on the basis of predicted relevance of search results derived from users’ implicit feedback. The feedback was obtained from users’ web browsers and consisted of a set of browsing behavioral metrics, including reading time, clicks on links, mouse pointer and wheel movement patterns, bookmarking, sharing, copying, and whether the search was continued after the page was closed. A multi-layer neural network used to infer from the behaviors how much the user was interested in each filtered document. Neural network, therefore, performed deep learning without human supervision. Predicted relevance measure was compared to the explicit feedback. Obtained results of 89% correct relevance rating prediction suggest that selected set of metrics was successful in terms of correctly predict how relevant the web page was for the user involved in the study. More research is recommended for further advances of information filtering methods.
On a New Nonlinear Reduced-Order Model for Capturing Internal Resonances in Intentionally Mistuned Cyclic Structures
Authors: Quaegebeur Samuel , Chouvion Benjamin , Thouverez Fabrice , Berthe Loic
Published: November 2020

Cyclic structures such as turbomachinery present material and geometrical variations between sectors. These discrepancies are called mistuning and break the cyclic symmetry of the structure. Computing the forced response of mistuned cyclic structures is thus a numerical challenge. The component nonlinear complex mode synthesis (CNCMS) is one of the few nonlinear reduced-order model (ROM) formulations that allow to compute the nonlinear response of tuned and mistuned structures. It has been validated successfully for friction problems. However, in the presence of geometric nonlinearities, internal resonances may arise and they cannot be captured correctly with the CNCMS method. The purpose of this work is therefore to present a new methodology for developing a nonlinear ROM that can successfully capture internal resonances for tuned and mistuned structures. This method, called component mode synthesis with nonlinear reevaluation (CMSNR), is based on a variation of the CNCMS approach. The final modal synthesis uses a multiharmonic procedure and a reevaluation of the nonlinear forces on each sector independently. The performance and limitations of the proposed approach are assessed using a simplified example of a blisk subject to polynomial nonlinearities. Different internal resonances are exhibited and studied depending on the type of excitation force and on the level of mistuning.
Comparison of Response Amplitude Operator Curve Generation Methods for Scaled Floating Renewable Energy Platforms in Ocean Wave Basin
Authors: O’Donnell Deirdre , Murphy Jimmy , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: November 2020

Response amplitude operator (RAO) curves are commonly employed to assess the dynamic behavior of floating offshore structures in the frequency domain. There are multiple methods used to obtain RAOs for numerical models, scaled physical models, and full-scale tests. While for numerical modeling many studies detail the precise methods used, the literature around experimental RAO curves often do not detail them or leave methodological information incomplete. There exists inadequate experimental evidence in assessing the differences in results obtained by following different RAO generation methods from scaled physical testing. This paper addresses this gap by comparing two most popular RAO generation methods: the energy spectra (ES) and the cross spectral auto spectra (CSAS) method. These are experimentally compared on scaled semisubmersible and spar-buoy platforms in an ocean wave basin. Differences of heave and pitch RAOs generated by different methods are investigated. A method for reasonably collating multiple tests to create a representative RAO is also presented. RAO amplitudes vary significantly and how they decay off beyond certain frequencies is dependent on the method adopted to create them. This variation can be a source of significant uncertainty for floating structures for further analysis, design, control, or repair. Some RAOs (e.g., pitch) are sensitive to scaling and should be considered when converting scaled tests to full-scale equivalent. Detailing methods of RAO generation and comparing approaches of developing them can be important for crucial decisions from scaled physical testing of floating structures at design/development stages.
Flow-Controlled Spray Cooling Approaches for Dynamic Thermal Management
Authors: Bostanci Huseyin , Yata Vishnu V. R. , Kaluvan Suresh
Published: November 2020

Two-phase spray cooling is considered as one of the most promising thermal management techniques characterized by high heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and critical heat flux (CHF), as well as near-uniform temperatures on target surface. Normally, spray cooling systems feature steady flow rate and continuous spray, and are designed to satisfy the maximum expected heat load. However, if the heat load varies due to operating conditions, such as cold starts and pulsing power cycles, a spray cooling system uses excessive coolant most of the time, and causes low cooling efficiencies because of lower utilization of phase-change heat transfer and higher pumping power. This study aimed to investigate variable and intermittent flow spray cooling characteristics for dynamic thermal management. Variable flow spray cooling scheme requires control of pump input voltage (or speed), and intermittent flow spray cooling scheme requires control of solenoid valve duty cycle and frequency. Tests were conducted on a closed-cycle system with HFE-7100 dielectric coolant at varying liquid flow rate and subcooling conditions, and using smooth and enhanced heat transfer surfaces. Results, compared to a baseline performance from steady flow case, indicated that the variable flow spray cooling conditions achieve similar cooling performance at low and moderate heat fluxes, while the intermittent flow spray conditions result in high temperature penalty and much lower CHF.
Noninteracting electrons in a prototypical one-dimensional sinusoidal potential
Authors: Johnston David C.
Published: November 2020

A prototypical model of a one-dimensional metallic monatomic solid containing noninteracting electrons is studied, where the argument of the cosine potential energy, periodic with the lattice, contains the first reciprocal lattice vector G1=2π/a, where a is the lattice constant. The time-independent Schrödinger equation can be written in reduced variables as a Mathieu equation for which numerically exact solutions for the band structure and wave functions are obtained. The band structure has band gaps that increase with increasing amplitude q of the cosine potential. In the extended-zone scheme, the energy gaps decrease with increasing index n of the Brillouin-zone boundary ka=nπ, where k is the crystal momentum of the electron. The wave functions of the band electron are derived for various combinations of k and q as complex combinations of the real Mathieu functions with even and odd parity, and the normalization factor is discussed. The wave functions at the bottoms and tops of the bands are found to be real or imaginary, respectively, corresponding to standing waves at these energies. Irrespective of the wave vector k within the first Brillouin zone, the electron probability density is found to be periodic with the lattice. The Fourier components of the wave functions are derived versus q, which reveal multiple reciprocal-lattice-vector components with variable amplitudes in the wave functions unless q = 0. The magnitudes of the Fourier components are found to decrease exponentially as a power of n for n∼3 to 45 for ka=π/2 and q = 2, and a precise fit is obtained to the data. The probability densities and probability currents obtained from the wave functions are also discussed. The probability currents are found to be zero for crystal momenta at the tops and bottoms of the energy bands, because the wave functions for these crystal momenta are standing waves. Finally, the band structure is calculated from the central equation and compared to the numerically exact band structure.
Coherent control of NV− centers in diamond in a quantum teaching lab
Authors: Sewani Vikas K. , Vallabhapurapu Hyma H. , Yang Yang , Firgau Hannes R. , Adambukulam Chris , Johnson Brett C. , Pla Jarryd J. , Laucht Arne
Published: November 2020

The room temperature compatibility of the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) center in diamond makes it the ideal quantum system for a university teaching lab. Here, we describe a low-cost experimental setup for coherent control experiments on the electronic spin state of the NV− center. We implement spin-relaxation measurements, optically detected magnetic resonance, Rabi oscillations, and dynamical decoupling sequences on an ensemble of NV− centers. The relatively short times required to perform each of these experiments (<10 min) demonstrate the feasibility of the setup in a teaching lab. Learning outcomes include basic understanding of quantum spin systems, magnetic resonance, the rotating frame, Bloch spheres, and pulse sequence development.
The Poynting effect
Authors: Zurlo Giuseppe , Blackwell James , Colgan Niall , Destrade Michel
Published: November 2020

Intuition suggests that twisting a cylinder will shorten it, but here it is shown that for a cylinder of an incompressible material, like rubber, twisting will always produce elongation.
Revealing nanoscale mineralization pathways of hydroxyapatite using in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy
Authors: He Kun , Sawczyk Michal , Liu Cong , Yuan Yifei , Song Boao , Deivanayagam Ram , Nie Anmin , Hu Xiaobing , Dravid Vinayak P. , Lu Jun , Sukotjo Cortino , Lu Yu-peng , Král Petr , Shokuhfar Tolou , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza
Published: November 2020

In-situ liquid TEM results reveal the co-existence of classical and non-classical nucleation paths during HA biomineralization.
Targeting actin-bundling protein L-plastin as an anabolic therapy for bone loss
Authors: Li Xiaoqun , Wang Lipeng , Huang Biaotong , Gu Yanqiu , Luo Ying , Zhi Xin , Hu Yan , Zhang Hao , Gu Zhengrong , Cui Jin , Cao Liehu , Guo Jiawei , Wang Yajun , Zhou Qirong , Jiang Hao , Fang Chao , Weng Weizong , Chen Xiaofei , Chen Xiao , Su Jiacan
Published: November 2020

Targeting L-plastin suppresses bone resorption and promotes bone formation by disrupting preosteoclast fusion.
Trappc9 deficiency in mice impairs learning and memory by causing imbalance of dopamine D1 and D2 neurons
Authors: Ke Yuting , Weng Meiqian , Chhetri Gaurav , Usman Muhammad , Li Yan , Yu Qing , Ding Yingzhuo , Wang Zejian , Wang Xiaolong , Sultana Pinky , DiFiglia Marian , Li Xueyi
Published: November 2020

Pharmacological modulation of D1 and D2 neurons improves cognition in mice null for intellectual disability causal trappc9.
Anomalous fracture in two-dimensional rhenium disulfide
Authors: Huang Lingli , Zheng Fangyuan , Deng Qingming , Thi Quoc Huy , Wong Lok Wing , Cai Yuan , Wang Ning , Lee Chun-Sing , Lau Shu Ping , Ly Thuc Hue , Zhao Jiong
Published: November 2020

Atomic lattice reconstruction and postcrack edge stacking behavior are observed during the fracture of 2D ReS
2
.
Network-based atrophy modeling in the common epilepsies: A worldwide ENIGMA study
Authors: Larivière Sara , Rodríguez-Cruces Raúl , Royer Jessica , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Gambardella Antonio , Concha Luis , Keller Simon S. , Cendes Fernando , Yasuda Clarissa , Bonilha Leonardo , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Focke Niels K. , Domin Martin , von Podewills Felix , Langner Soenke , Rummel Christian , Wiest Roland , Martin Pascal , Kotikalapudi Raviteja , O’Brien Terence J. , Sinclair Benjamin , Vivash Lucy , Desmond Patricia M. , Alhusaini Saud , Doherty Colin P. , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , Delanty Norman , Kälviäinen Reetta , Jackson Graeme D. , Kowalczyk Magdalena , Mascalchi Mario , Semmelroch Mira , Thomas Rhys H. , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid , Davoodi-Bojd Esmaeil , Zhang Junsong , Lenge Matteo , Guerrini Renzo , Bartolini Emanuele , Hamandi Khalid , Foley Sonya , Weber Bernd , Depondt Chantal , Absil Julie , Carr Sarah J. A. , Abela Eugenio , Richardson Mark P. , Devinsky Orrin , Severino Mariasavina , Striano Pasquale , Tortora Domenico , Hatton Sean N. , Vos Sjoerd B. , Duncan John S. , Whelan Christopher D. , Thompson Paul M. , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Bernasconi Andrea , Labate Angelo , McDonald Carrie R. , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris C.
Published: November 2020

Brain atrophy in human epilepsy syndromes is explainable by network architecture and strongest in hub regions.
Printable, high-performance solid-state electrolyte films
Authors: Ping Weiwei , Wang Chengwei , Wang Ruiliu , Dong Qi , Lin Zhiwei , Brozena Alexandra H. , Dai Jiaqi , Luo Jian , Hu Liangbing
Published: November 2020

A solution-based printing and sintering technique is developed to fabricate a range of high-performance ceramic thin films.
Dendritic and parallel processing of visual threats in the retina control defensive responses
Authors: Kim T. , Shen N. , Hsiang J.-C. , Johnson K.P. , Kerschensteiner D.
Published: November 2020

The dendrites of a retinal interneuron detect visual threats and initiate defensive responses through parallel pathways.
Discretely assembled mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Jenett Benjamin , Cameron Christopher , Tourlomousis Filippos , Rubio Alfonso Parra , Ochalek Megan , Gershenfeld Neil
Published: November 2020

Mechanical metamaterials are assembled from discrete mass-produced parts resulting in controllable properties at macroscales.
Two phenotypically and functionally distinct microglial populations in adult zebrafish
Authors: Wu Shuting , Nguyen Linh T. M. , Pan Hongru , Hassan Shaoli , Dai Yimei , Xu Jin , Wen Zilong
Published: November 2020

Distinct microglial populations, phagocytotic microglia and regulatory microglia, are identified and characterized in zebrafish.
Targeted knockdown of Kv1.3 channels in T lymphocytes corrects the disease manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Khodoun Marat , Chimote Ameet A. , Ilyas Farhan Z. , Duncan Heather J. , Moncrieffe Halima , Kant K. Shashi , Conforti Laura
Published: November 2020

Nanoparticle-targeted down-regulation of Kv1.3 in memory T cells corrects lupus nephritis pathology in vitro and in vivo.
Bioinspired high-power-density strong contractile hydrogel by programmable elastic recoil
Authors: Ma Yanfei , Hua Mutian , Wu Shuwang , Du Yingjie , Pei Xiaowei , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhou Feng , He Ximin
Published: November 2020

Catapult-like hydrogel actuator delivers high contraction power.
Confinement-induced stabilization of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and transition to the unconfined limit
Authors: Alqatari Samar , Videbæk Thomas E. , Nagel Sidney R. , Hosoi A. E. , Bischofberger Irmgard
Published: November 2020

Sufficient confinement can completely suppress the Rayleigh-Taylor instability between two density-inverted miscible fluids.
Gating by ionic strength and safety check by cyclic-di-AMP in the ABC transporter OpuA
Authors: Sikkema Hendrik R. , van den Noort Marco , Rheinberger Jan , de Boer Marijn , Krepel Sabrina T. , Schuurman-Wolters Gea K. , Paulino Cristina , Poolman Bert
Published: November 2020

Structural and biochemical studies reveal the dual regulation of the ABC transporter OpuA by ionic strength and cyclic-di-AMP.
In situ stiffness manipulation using elegant curved origami
Authors: Zhai Zirui , Wang Yong , Lin Ken , Wu Lingling , Jiang Hanqing
Published: November 2020

Curved origami was designed to accomplish in situ stiffness manipulation covering positive, zero, and negative stiffness.
A
Cutibacterium acnes
antibiotic modulates human skin microbiota composition in hair follicles
Authors: Claesen Jan , Spagnolo Jennifer B. , Ramos Stephany Flores , Kurita Kenji L. , Byrd Allyson L. , Aksenov Alexander A. , Melnik Alexey V. , Wong Weng R. , Wang Shuo , Hernandez Ryan D. , Donia Mohamed S. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Kong Heidi H. , Segre Julia A. , Linington Roger G. , Fischbach Michael A. , Lemon Katherine P.
Published: November 2020

Cutimycin, a thiopeptide antibiotic produced by the skin commensal
Cutibacterium acnes
, reduces
Staphylococcus
colonization of human skin hair follicles.
Gga3
deletion and a
GGA3
rare variant associated with late onset Alzheimer’s disease trigger BACE1 accumulation in axonal swellings
Authors: Lomoio Selene , Willen Rachel , Kim WonHee , Ho Kevin Z. , Robinson Edward K. , Prokopenko Dmitry , Kennedy Matthew E. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Tesco Giuseppina
Published: November 2020

GGA3-mediated BACE1 accumulation in dystrophic neurites is an early pathogenic event and is independent of Aβ extracellular deposition.
Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of 3′-Deoxy-3′-Fluoroadenosine against Emerging Flaviviruses
Authors: Eyer Luděk , Svoboda Pavel , Balvan Jan , Vičar Tomáš , Raudenská Matina , Štefánik Michal , Haviernik Jan , Huvarová Ivana , Straková Petra , Rudolf Ivo , Hubálek Zdeněk , Seley-Radtke Katherine , de Clercq Erik , Růžek Daniel
Published: November 2020

Emerging flaviviruses are causative agents of severe and life-threatening diseases, against which no approved therapies are available. Among the nucleoside analogues, which represent a promising group of potentially therapeutic compounds, fluorine-substituted nucleosides are characterized by unique structural and functional properties.
Mechanisms of Theta Plasmid Replication in Enterobacteria and Implications for Adaptation to Its Host
Authors: Kim Jay W. , Bugata Vega , Cortés-Cortés Gerardo , Quevedo-Martínez Giselle , Camps Manel
Published: November 2020

Plasmids are autonomously replicating sequences that help cells adapt to diverse stresses. Theta plasmids are the most frequent plasmid class in enterobacteria. They co-opt two host replication mechanisms: replication at
oriC
, a DnaA-dependent pathway leading to replisome assembly (theta class A), and replication fork restart, a PriA-dependent pathway leading to primosome assembly through primer extension and D-loop formation (theta classes B, C, and D). To ensure autonomy from the host’s replication and to facilitate copy number regulation, theta plasmids have unique mechanisms of replication initiation at the plasmid origin of replication (
ori
). Tight plasmid copy number regulation is essential because of the major and direct impact plasmid gene dosage has on gene expression. The timing of plasmid replication and segregation are also critical for optimizing plasmid gene expression. Therefore, we propose that plasmid replication needs to be understood in its biological context, where complex origins of replication (redundant origins, mosaic and cointegrated replicons), plasmid segregation, and toxin-antitoxin systems are often present. Highlighting their tight functional integration with
ori
function, we show that both partition and toxin-antitoxin systems tend to be encoded in close physical proximity to the
ori
in a large collection of
Escherichia coli
plasmids. We also propose that adaptation of plasmids to their host optimizes their contribution to the host’s fitness while restricting access to broad genetic diversity, and we argue that this trade-off between adaptation to host and access to genetic diversity is likely a determinant factor shaping the distribution of replicons in populations of enterobacteria.