bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutualistic and antagonistic interactions differ in wild and domesticated papaya (Carica papaya) in its centre of origin
Authors: Pacheco‐Huh J. , Carmona D. , Dzib G. , Chávez‐Pesqueira M.
Published: November 2020

Shifts in phenotypes derived from the domestication syndromes impact plant performance but may also affect interactions with other species in the community (e.g. mutualists and antagonists). Moreover, plantations often differ from the natural conditions experienced by the wild relatives of cultivated plants, potentially altering the nature of ecological interactions. However, apart from herbivory, little is known about how domestication and cultivation practices (e.g. insecticide application) can modify multiple ecological interactions simultaneously in wild and domesticated plants.

In four sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, we compared the diversity of mutualists (e.g. moths) and antagonists (e.g. viruses) in wild and domesticated plants of papaya. For each individual, we recorded floral visitors and rates of visitation at three time periods during the day. We recorded type and percentage of damage by antagonists in three leaves of all individuals. Finally, we explored if plant sex had an effect on the interaction with floral visitors.

The main floral visitors were ants and Trigona species, whereas viruses caused the main type of foliar damage. Wild individuals had a higher diversity and visitation rate of floral visitors, and less foliar damage from antagonists. Wild male individuals were more visited, but we observed a similar amount and diversity of damage in both sexes. The time of day did not have an effect on diversity of floral visitors.

Together, cultivation practices and domestication appear to have an effect on the reduction in diversity of floral visitors in domesticated papaya, as well as an increase in foliar damage.
On Probability Distributions of the Time Deviation Law of Container Liner Ships Under Interference Uncertainty
Authors: Song Yunting , Wang Nuo
Published: November 2020

Container liner shipping is a kind of transportation mode that is operated according to a schedule. Although the goal is to operate container liner ships on time, the actual arrival time and handling time often deviate from the schedule due to uncertain factors. The identification of a proper probability distribution to describe time deviation law will have a significant impact on accurately recognizing the uncertainty of the operation of container liner ships. In view of this problem, this paper discusses the basic characteristics of container liner ships’ operation time, analyses the properties of relevant probability distributions, and selects representative container ports around the world to collect data on the container liner ships’ operation time for statistical verification. The results show that under schedule constraints and interference uncertainty, the time deviation presents a specific state between a fixed length and random distribution that conforms to the properties of an Erlang distribution. Given that container liner shipping follows the same operation rules worldwide, it is reasonable to deduce that the time deviation law could be generalized to other container ports. Finally, the practical value of this study is demonstrated through quantitative evaluation of port congestion degree under various probabilistic models.
Determinants of foreign direct investment from Europe to Asia
Authors: Nguyen Anh T. N. , Cieślik Andrzej
Published: November 2020

This study examines the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Europe to Asia based on the knowledge‐capital model. The data include 38 European countries and 24 host Asian countries over the period 1995–2013. Empirical evidence from Poisson‐pseudo maximum likelihood estimation method is in line with hypothesised predictions derived from the knowledge‐capital model. In particular, the total income and the similarity in market size between two countries encourage horizontal FDI. We also find empirical support to vertical FDI in Asia where the difference in skilled labour endowments between European source and Asia host countries has a positive impact on FDI from Europe to Asia. Meanwhile, investment costs in Asian countries, trade costs to both source and host countries, and exchange rate volatility are negatively correlated to FDI. By contrast, sharing a common language, a bilateral investment treaty and a historical colonial relationship encourage FDI from Europe to Asia. In addition, heterogeneities in host countries’ geographical regions, exchange rate regimes, and governance system, and source countries’ Eurozone membership lead to differences in empirical findings. The results also signal some future trends and the roles of governments in both source and host countries in facilitating FDI.
A modified ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for the operative fixation of the humerus head and shaft fractures
Authors: Onutu Adela Hilda , Retegan Elena , Catalin Constantinescu , Iohom Gabriella
Published: November 2020

.
Effect of Mental Calculation and Number Comparison on a Manual-Pointing Movement
Authors: Khayat Joy , Champely Stéphane , Diab Ahmad , Rifai Sarraj Ahmad , Fargier Patrick
Published: November 2020

The present study aimed at examining the effect of mental calculation and number comparison on motor performance measured as the movement time of a fast manual-pointing movement. Three experiments, involving a total number of 65 undergraduate subjects, examined the effect of mental subtraction (complex) and, respectively, of (a) mental addition (simple or complex), (b) mental multiplication (simple or complex), and (c) the comparison of dot sets and number comparison. Each number was written in Arabic. The movement times were analyzed by using a multilevel linear mixed-effect model. The results showed significant improvement of manual-pointing movement performance only after the complex calculations and after number comparison. Possible implication of attentional mechanisms specific to this arithmetical activity is further discussed.
Sports, scoutisme et nationalisme au Tonkin (1920–1945)
Authors: Fossard Brice
Published: November 2020

L’histoire des leaders du nationalisme au Vietnam a déjà été maintes fois abordée mais celle de leurs lieutenants comporte encore de nombreuses zones d’ombre. Cet article vise à combler une lacune historiographique en analysant la carrière professionnelle et sportive de Hoàng Đo Thúy et Pham Văn Bính. Ces deux acteurs ont joué un rôle important dans la transformation des élites indochinoises et l’avènement de l’indépendance du Vietnam; ce faisant ils ont utilisé des pratiques culturelles occidentales pour provoquer la libération de leur pays.
Dedifferentiation and neuronal repression define familial Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Caldwell Andrew B. , Liu Qing , Schroth Gary P. , Galasko Douglas R. , Yuan Shauna H. , Wagner Steven L. , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: November 2020

Neurons in familial Alzheimer’s disease undergo dedifferentiation, resulting in loss of lineage state and degeneration.
A conserved SUMO pathway repairs topoisomerase DNA-protein cross-links by engaging ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation
Authors: Sun Yilun , Miller Jenkins Lisa M. , Su Yijun P. , Nitiss Karin C. , Nitiss John L. , Pommier Yves
Published: November 2020

A conserved SUMO-ubiquitin-proteasome pathway protects cells from DNA damage induced by topoisomerases.
Therapeutics potentiating microglial p21-Nrf2 axis can rescue neurodegeneration caused by neuroinflammation
Authors: Nakano-Kobayashi A. , Fukumoto A. , Morizane A. , Nguyen D. T. , Le T. M. , Hashida K. , Hosoya T. , Takahashi R. , Takahashi J. , Hori O. , Hagiwara M.
Published: November 2020

Novel therapeutics that can activate the microglial Nrf2 pathway contribute to neuronal survival in neuroinflammatory conditions.
Combined high- and low-latitude forcing of East Asian monsoon precipitation variability in the Pliocene warm period
Authors: Wang Yichao , Lu Huayu , Wang Kexin , Wang Yao , Li Yongxiang , Clemens Steven , Lv Hengzhi , Huang Zihan , Wang Hanlin , Hu Xuzhi , Lu Fuzhi , Zhang Hanzhi
Published: November 2020

A terrestrial record reveals that East Asian monsoon was forced by high- and low-latitude temperature variability in Pliocene.
Multiscale dynamics of colloidal deposition and erosion in porous media
Authors: Bizmark Navid , Schneider Joanna , Priestley Rodney D. , Datta Sujit S.
Published: November 2020

Microscopy reveals that the interplay of deposition and erosion controls the distribution of colloids throughout a porous medium.
The structure-function relationship of oncogenic LMTK3
Authors: Ditsiou Angeliki , Cilibrasi Chiara , Simigdala Nikiana , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Milton-Harris Leanne , Vella Viviana , Nettleship Joanne E. , Lo Jae Ho , Soni Shivani , Smbatyan Goar , Ntavelou Panagiota , Gagliano Teresa , Iachini Maria Chiara , Khurshid Sahir , Simon Thomas , Zhou Lihong , Hassell-Hart Storm , Carter Philip , Pearl Laurence H. , Owen Robin L. , Owens Raymond J. , Roe S. Mark , Chayen Naomi E. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Spencer John , Prodromou Chrisostomos , Klinakis Apostolos , Stebbing Justin , Giamas Georgios
Published: November 2020

The structure of oncogenic LMTK3 determines its role and functions allowing drug inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy.
Repeated gain and loss of a single gene modulates the evolution of vascular plant pathogen lifestyles
Authors: Gluck-Thaler Emile , Cerutti Aude , Perez-Quintero Alvaro L. , Butchacas Jules , Roman-Reyna Verónica , Madhavan Vishnu Narayanan , Shantharaj Deepak , Merfa Marcus V. , Pesce Céline , Jauneau Alain , Vancheva Taca , Lang Jillian M. , Allen Caitilyn , Verdier Valerie , Gagnevin Lionel , Szurek Boris , Beckham Gregg T. , De La Fuente Leonardo , Patel Hitendra Kumar , Sonti Ramesh V. , Bragard Claude , Leach Jan E. , Noël Laurent D. , Slot Jason C. , Koebnik Ralf , Jacobs Jonathan M.
Published: November 2020

A single gene with a dynamic evolutionary history allows plant pathogenic bacteria to spread systemically through their hosts.
Lack of nutritional immunity in diabetic skin infections promotes
Staphylococcus aureus
virulence
Authors: Thurlow Lance R. , Stephens Amelia C. , Hurley Kelly E. , Richardson Anthony R.
Published: November 2020

Nutritional immunity defects explain the severity of
S. aureus
skin infections in patients with diabetes.
Room temperature 3D printing of super-soft and solvent-free elastomers
Authors: Xie Renxuan , Mukherjee Sanjoy , Levi Adam E. , Reynolds Veronica G. , Wang Hengbin , Chabinyc Michael L. , Bates Christopher M.
Published: November 2020

Insights into self-assembly enable the 3D printing of super-soft elastomers at room temperature without solvent.
Nanobubble-controlled nanofluidic transport
Authors: Rabinowitz Jake , Whittier Elizabeth , Liu Zheng , Jayant Krishna , Frank Joachim , Shepard Kenneth
Published: November 2020

This work investigates how nanobubbles can impede, rectify, or even enhance ion transport through nanofluidic channels.
High-capacity auditory memory for vocal communication in a social songbird
Authors: Yu K. , Wood W. E. , Theunissen F. E.
Published: November 2020

Zebra finches can quickly form long-term auditory memories of up to 50 conspecifics based on their song or distance call.
MAPping PI3K signaling to endosomes
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: November 2020

The microtubule-associated protein MAP4 recruits PI3Kα from the plasma membrane to endosomes to activate Akt signaling.
Complete Genome and Plasmid Sequences of Raphidiopsis curvispora Strain GIHE-G1, Isolated from a Drinking Water Reservoir in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Ju-Yong , Yun Mi-Ra , Oh Seung-Eun , Hwang Seon-Min , Hwang Chan-Won , Kim Tae-Hwa , Kim Seo-hyun , Kim Keugtae
Published: November 2020

The complete genome and plasmid sequences of
Raphidiopsis curvispora
strain GIHE-G1, a coiled filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium isolated from a drinking water reservoir in Korea, are reported here. The genome information is expected to improve understanding of this species.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Bacterial Species as Part of an Experiential Microbiology Project at SUNY Geneseo
Authors: Ellis Lauren N. , Amato Enrico , Lepore Christopher A. , Sutton Lucas B. , Dipzinski Bea , Cunneen Brianna , Wisun Julian , Cannon Kayla A. , O’Byrne Kyle , Bosch Isidro , Hutchison Elizabeth , Peoples Logan M.
Published: November 2020

Here, we report four draft genome sequences related to the genera
Bacillus
and
Escherichia
, recovered from surfaces associated with human interaction, and
Sediminibacterium
, recovered from an aquatic environment. This study was part of an undergraduate microbial bioinformatics course at the State University of New York at Geneseo.
Design of a brief psychological intervention for youth who self-harm: a formative study in India
Authors: Aggarwal Shilpa , Patton George , Berk Michael , Patel Vikram
Published: November 2020

Background

There is an urgent need for context-specific research leading to development of scalable interventions to address self-harm and suicide in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objective

The current study was conducted to determine the contents of a psychological intervention to reduce recurrence of self-harm and improve functioning in youth who self-harm in India and finalise its delivery mechanisms.

Methods

A systematic, sequential approach was used to integrate available scientific evidence, expert service providers’ knowledge and experience, and service users’ lived experiences in the codesigning and development of a psychological intervention. The steps included: identifying prioritised outcomes for youth who self-harm as well as a selection of feasible and acceptable elements from self-harm interventions that have been trialled in LMICs, intervention development workshops with mental health professionals and youth to finalise elements, a review of relevant treatment manuals to decide on the treatment framework, and finalising the treatment structure and schedule in the second round of intervention development workshops.

Findings

We developed ATMAN treatment with three key elements; problem solving, emotion regulation and social network strengthening skills. The delivery schedule emphasises on the engagement elements, and allows for involvement of other stakeholders such as family members when acceptable to the clients.

Conclusion and clinical implications

ATMAN treatment could prove to be especially effective in reducing self-harm recurrence in youth in India due to its brief schedule, elements that have been selected in collaboration with the service users and its potential to be scaled up for delivery by non-specialist treatment providers.
Serum glucose excretion after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a potential target for diabetes treatment
Authors: Kwon In Gyu , Kang Chan Woo , Park Jong-Pil , Oh Ju Hun , Wang Eun Kyung , Kim Tae Young , Sung Jin Sol , Park Namhee , Lee Yang Jong , Sung Hak-Joon , Lee Eun Jig , Hyung Woo Jin , Shin Su-Jin , Noh Sung Hoon , Yun Mijin , Kang Won Jun , Cho Arthur , Ku Cheol Ryong
Published: November 2020

Objective

The mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes resolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are unclear. We suspected that glucose excretion may occur in the small bowel based on observations in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms underlying serum glucose excretion in the small intestine and its contribution to glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery.

Design

2-Deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) was measured in RYGB-operated or sham-operated obese diabetic rats. Altered glucose metabolism was targeted and RNA sequencing was performed in areas of high or low FDG uptake in the ileum or common limb. Intestinal glucose metabolism and excretion were confirmed using 14C-glucose and FDG. Increased glucose metabolism was evaluated in IEC-18 cells and mouse intestinal organoids. Obese or ob/ob mice were treated with amphiregulin (AREG) to correlate intestinal glycolysis changes with changes in serum glucose homeostasis.

Results

The AREG/EGFR/mTOR/AKT/GLUT1 signal transduction pathway was activated in areas of increased glycolysis and intestinal glucose excretion in RYGB-operated rats. Intraluminal GLUT1 inhibitor administration offset improved glucose homeostasis in RYGB-operated rats. AREG-induced signal transduction pathway was confirmed using IEC-18 cells and mouse organoids, resulting in a greater capacity for glucose uptake via GLUT1 overexpression and sequestration in apical and basolateral membranes. Systemic and local AREG administration increased GLUT1 expression and small intestinal membrane translocation and prevented hyperglycaemic exacerbation.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery or AREG administration induces apical and basolateral membrane GLUT1 expression in the small intestinal enterocytes, resulting in increased serum glucose excretion in the gut lumen. Our findings suggest a novel, potentially targetable glucose homeostatic mechanism in the small intestine.
Modelling the contribution that different sexual practices involving the oropharynx and saliva have on
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
infections at multiple anatomical sites in men who have sex with men
Authors: Xu Xianglong , Chow Eric P F , Ong Jason J , Hoebe Christian J P A , Williamson Deborah , Shen Mingwang , Kong Fabian Yuh Shiong , Hocking Jane S , Fairley Christopher K , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2020

Background

The spectrum of sexual practices that transmit
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in men who have sex with men (MSM) is controversial. No studies have modelled potential
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
transmission when one sexual practice follows another in the same sexual encounter (‘sequential sexual practices’). Our aim was to test what sequential practices were necessary to replicate the high proportion of MSM who have more than one anatomical site infected with gonorrhoea (‘multisite infection’).

Methods

To test our aim, we developed eight compartmental models. We first used a baseline model (model 1) that included no sequential sexual practices. We then added three possible sequential transmission routes to model 1: (1) oral sex followed by anal sex (or vice versa) (model 2); (2) using saliva as a lubricant for penile–anal sex (model 3) and (3) oral sex followed by oral–anal sex (rimming) or vice versa (model 4). The next four models (models 5–8) used combinations of the three transmission routes.

Results

The baseline model could only replicate infection at the single anatomical site and underestimated multisite infection. When we added the three transmission routes to the baseline model, oral sex, followed by anal sex or vice versa, could replicate the prevalence of multisite infection. The other two transmission routes alone or together could not replicate multisite infection without the inclusion of oral sex followed by anal sex or vice versa.

Conclusions

Our gonorrhoea model suggests sexual practices that involve oral followed by anal sex (or vice versa) may be important for explaining the high proportion of multisite infection.
Sexually transmitted infections among women randomised to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device or a levonorgestrel implant
Authors: Deese Jennifer , Philip Neena , Lind Margaret , Ahmed Khatija , Batting Joanne , Beksinska Mags , Edward Vinodh A , Louw Cheryl E , Onono Maricianah , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Smit Jennifer A , Baeten Jared M , Donnell Deborah , Mastro Timothy D , Mugo Nelly R , Nanda Kavita , Rees Helen , Morrison Charles
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Reproductive aged women are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Understanding drivers of STI acquisition, including any association with widely used contraceptives, could help us to reduce STI prevalence and comorbidities. We compared the risk of STI among women randomised to three contraceptive methods.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis to assess the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in a clinical trial evaluating HIV risk among 7829 women aged 16–35 randomised to intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant. We estimated chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences by contraceptive group and prevalence ratios (PR) using log-binomial regression.

Results

At baseline, chlamydia and gonorrhoea prevalences were 18% and 5%, respectively. Final visit chlamydia prevalence did not differ significantly between DMPA-IM and copper IUD groups or between copper IUD and LNG implant groups. The DMPA-IM group had significantly lower risk of chlamydia compared with the LNG implant group (PR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95). Final visit gonorrhoea prevalence differed significantly only between the DMPA-IM and the copper IUD groups (PR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.87).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that chlamydia and gonorrhoea risk may vary with contraceptive method use. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of chlamydia and gonorrhoea susceptibility in the context of contraceptive use.
Consistent forest biomass stock and change estimation across stand, property, and landscape levels
Authors: Strîmbu Victor F. , Ørka Hans Ole , Næsset Erik
Published: November 2020

Stimulating climate change mitigation actions in the forest sector requires methods to quantify the biomass stocks and changes at different geographical levels. Often, differences in data and estimation methods that are available at each level cause inconsistencies in forest parameters estimated at different levels. We propose a method to align model-based and model-assisted estimators to ensure cross-sectional and time series consistency of stock and change estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB). The method adjusts estimates within their confidence intervals using heuristic optimization to minimize the estimation errors. The method is evaluated under simulated sampling in a case study representing a forested area of approximately 50 km2 in southeastern Norway. The area is divided into 93 forest properties encompassing 3324 forest stands. The artificial forest population is generated for two time points using wall-to-wall airborne laser scanning data acquired in 2001 and 2016, as well as field surveys conducted within a similar timeframe. The adjusted AGB stock and change estimators at different levels of aggregation are compared with the original unadjusted estimators in terms of bias and root mean squared error (RMSE). The results show that the adjusted estimators do not introduce bias, and the increase in RMSE is small for the forest stand-level estimators, and even decreasing for the forest property-level estimators. The method can easily be adapted to complex systems of estimators that need to be consistent.
Kaon and pion parton distributions
Authors: Cui Z.-F. , Ding M. , Gao F. , Raya K. , Binosi D. , Chang L. , Roberts C. D. , Rodríguez-Quintero J. , Schmidt S. M.
Published: November 2020

Beginning with results for the leading-twist two-particle distribution amplitudes of $$\pi $$
π
- and K-mesons, each of which exhibits dilation driven by the mechanism responsible for the emergence of hadronic mass, we develop parameter-free predictions for the pointwise behaviour of all $$\pi $$
π
and K distribution functions (DFs), including glue and sea. The large-x behaviour of each DF meets expectations based on quantum chromodynamics; the valence-quark distributions match extractions from available data, including the pion case when threshold resummation effects are included; and at $$\zeta _5=5.2\,$$

ζ
5

=
5.2

GeV, the scale of existing measurements, the light-front momentum of these hadrons is shared as follows: $$\langle x_{\mathrm{valence}} \rangle ^\pi = 0.41(4)$$

⟨

x
valence

⟩

π

=
0.41

(
4
)

, $$\langle x_{\mathrm{glue}} \rangle ^\pi = 0.45(2)$$

⟨

x
glue

⟩

π

=
0.45

(
2
)

, $$\langle x_{\mathrm{sea}} \rangle ^\pi = 0.14(2)$$

⟨

x
sea

⟩

π

=
0.14

(
2
)

; and $$\langle x_{\mathrm{valence}} \rangle ^K = 0.42(3)$$

⟨

x
valence

⟩

K

=
0.42

(
3
)

, $$\langle x_{\mathrm{glue}} \rangle ^K = 0.44(2)$$

⟨

x
glue

⟩

K

=
0.44

(
2
)

, $$\langle x_{\mathrm{sea}} \rangle ^K = 0.14(2)$$

⟨

x
sea

⟩

K

=
0.14

(
2
)

. The kaon’s glue and sea distributions are similar to those in the pion, although the inclusion of mass-dependent splitting functions introduces some differences on the valence-quark domain. This study should stimulate improved analyses of existing data and motivate new experiments sensitive to all $$\pi $$
π
and K DFs. With little known empirically about the structure of the Standard Model’s (pseudo-) Nambu-Goldstone modes and analyses of existing, limited data being controversial, it is likely that new generation experiments at upgraded and anticipated facilities will provide the information needed to resolve the puzzles and complete the picture of these complex bound states.
The light MSSM Higgs boson mass for large $$\tan \beta $$ and complex input parameters
Authors: Bahl Henning , Sobolev Ivan , Weiglein Georg
Published: November 2020

We discuss various improvements of the prediction for the light MSSM Higgs boson mass in the hybrid framework of the public code $$\texttt {FeynHiggs}$$
FeynHiggs
, which combines fixed-order and effective field theory results. First, we discuss the resummation of logarithmic contributions proportional to the bottom-Yukawa coupling including two-loop $$\Delta _b$$

Δ
b

resummation. For large $$\tan \beta $$

tan
β

, these improvements can lead to large upward shifts of the Higgs mass compared to the existing fixed-order calculations. Second, we improve the implemented EFT calculation by fully taking into account the effect of $$\mathcal{CP}$$
CP
-violating phases. As a third improvement, we discuss the inclusion of partial $$\hbox {N}^3$$

N
3

LL resummation. The presented improvements will be implemented into $$\texttt {FeynHiggs}$$
FeynHiggs
.
The maximal excess charge in reduced Hartree–Fock molecule
Authors: Goto Yukimi
Published: November 2020

We consider a molecule described by the Hartree–Fock model without the exchange term. We prove that the nuclei of total charge [Formula: see text] can bind at most [Formula: see text] electrons, where [Formula: see text] is a constant that is independent of [Formula: see text].
Fabrication of 500 nm distributed Bragg reflector using Nb2O5-MgF2 multi-layer films
Authors: Du Yong , Chen Bo-Syuan , Lin Jing-Jenn , Tseng Hsien-Wei , Wu You-Lin , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: November 2020

At first, we use an [Formula: see text] analyzer to measure the optical properties (including refractive index [Formula: see text] and extinction coefficient [Formula: see text]) of MgF2 and Nb2O5 single-layer films, in a wavelength range of 200–1700 nm for MgF2 film and in a wavelength range of 350–1500 nm for Nb2O5 film. After the refractive indexes of MgF2 and Nb2O5 single-layer films are measured, we use the measured results to calculate the needed thicknesses of the quarter-wave (1/4 wavelength) MgF2 and Nb2O5 films for the designed green-light (500 nm) distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). After that, an E-beam is used to deposit the MgF2-Nb2O5 bilayer films (called as one period) with different periods (two, four, and six periods are deposited in this study) on glass substrates to fabricate the DBRs with a central wavelength of 500 nm. Then we use the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to observe the surface images of Nb2O5 films on the different periods of MgF2-Nb2O5 bilayer films. The important novelty is that we use a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to prepare the samples for the observations of the cross-sections of MgF2-Nb2O5 bilayer films, and those results can be sued to confirm the thicknesses of the bilayer films with different periods. We also compare the reflective ratio of the fabricated DBRs at the designed central wavelength with those calculated values by using the equation investigated by Sheppard. We find that the measured reflective ratios of the fabricated DBRs meet the calculated results obtained from Sheppard’s equation.
Lump-type solutions, interaction solutions, and periodic lump solutions of the generalized (3+1)-dimensional Burgers equation
Authors: Gao Chun-Na , Wang Yun-Hu
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the lump-type solutions, interaction solutions, and periodic lump solutions of the generalized ([Formula: see text])-dimensional Burgers equation were obtained by using the ansatz method. Based on a variable transformation, the generalized ([Formula: see text])-dimensional Burgers equation was transformed into a bilinear equation. And then, lump-type solutions, two kinds of interaction solutions, and periodic lump solutions were obtained via solutions of the bilinear equation. Fission and fusion phenomena are found in the process of interaction between lump-type soliton and one stripe soliton, which can derive the lumpoff wave solution. The dynamic characteristics of these solutions were vividly displayed by graphics.
Measuring internet speed
Authors: Feamster Nick , Livingood Jason
Published: November 2020

Speed testing methods have flourished over the last decade, but none without at least some limitations.
Tracking COVID, discreetly
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: November 2020

Tracing the contacts of those who come into contact with the coronavirus is not that simple.
SATURN
Authors: Arora Nivedita , Starner Thad , Abowd Gregory D.
Published: November 2020

We envision a new generation of computation devices,
computational materials
, which are self-sustainable, cheaply manufactured at scale and exhibit form factors that are easily incorporated into everyday environments. These materials can enable ordinary objects such as walls, carpet, furniture, jewelry, and cups to do computational things without looking like today's computational devices. Self-powered Audio Triboelectric Ultra-thin Rollable Nanogenerator (SATURN) is an early example of a computational material that can sense vibration, such as sound. SATURN can be manufactured from inexpensive components, is flexible so that it can be integrated into many different surfaces, and powers itself through the sound or vibration it is sensing. Using radio backscatter, we demonstrate that SATURN's sensed data is passively transmitted to remote computers, alleviating the need for batteries or any wired power for the material itself. The proliferation of these types of computational materials ushers an era of Internet of Materials, further blurring the distinction between the physical and digital worlds.
A novel tonicity-responsive microRNA miR-23a-5p modulates renal cell survival under osmotic stress through targeting heat shock protein 70 HSPA1B
Authors: Kang Kang , Liao Xiaoyun , Li Qing , Chen Jidong , Niu Yanqin , Zeng Yan , Xia Sijian , Zeng Le , Liu Shide , Gou Deming
Published: November 2020

There is growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cellular adaptation to osmotic stress, but the underlying osmosignaling pathways are still not completely understood. In this study, we found that a passenger strand miRNA, miR-23a-5p, was significantly downregulated in response to high NaCl treatment in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCD3) through an miRNA profiling assay. The decrease of miR-23a-5p is hypertonicity-dependent and osmotolerant cell type-specific. Knockdown of miR-23a-5p increased cellular survival and proliferation in mIMCD3. In contrast, miR-23a-5p overexpression repressed cell viability and proliferation under hypertonic stress. RNA deep-sequencing revealed that a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) isoform, HSP70 member 1B (HSPA1B), was significantly increased under hypertonic treatment. Based on the prediction analysis by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and TargetScan, and a further validation via a dual-luciferase assay, HSPA1B was identified as a potential target of miR-23a-5p. Overexpressed miR-23a-5p suppressed HSPA1B, whereas downregulated miR-23a-5p promoted HSPA1B expression in mIMCD3. In addition, an in vivo study demonstrated that there is a reverse correlation between the levels of miR-23a-5p and HSPA1B in mouse renal inner medulla (papilla) that is exposed to extremely high osmolality. In summary, this study elucidates that passenger strand miR-23a-5p is a novel tonicity-responsive miRNA. The downregulation of miR-23a-5p facilitates cellular adaptation to hypertonic stress in mammalian renal cells through modulating HSPA1B.
Musings on the wanderer: What’s new in our understanding of vago-vagal reflexes? VI. Central vagal circuits that control glucose metabolism
Authors: Pitra Soledad , Smith Bret N.
Published: November 2020

Neurons in the brain stem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) take part in a continuous bidirectional crosstalk, in which they receive and respond to a vast array of signaling molecules, including glucose. Importantly, chronic dysregulation of blood glucose concentration, a hallmark of high prevalence pathologies, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, can induce neuroplasticity in DVC neural networks, which is hypothesized to either contribute to or compensate for the glycemic or insulinemic dysregulation observed in these conditions. Here, we revisit the topic of vagal reflexes to review recent research on the importance of DVC function in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis and the neuroplastic changes in this brain region that are associated with systemic glucose alterations. We also discuss the critical connection between these nuclei and the gut and the role of central vagal circuits in the favorable outcomes associated with bariatric surgical procedures for metabolic disorders.
Chronic CNS-mediated cardiometabolic actions of leptin: potential role of sex differences
Authors: da Silva Alexandre A. , Pinkerton Mark A. , Spradley Frank T. , Palei Ana C. , Hall John E. , do Carmo Jussara M.
Published: November 2020

Previous studies using male rodents showed the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin acts in the brain to regulate cardiovascular function, energy balance, and glucose homeostasis. The importance of sex differences in cardiometabolic responses to leptin, however, is still unclear. We examined potential sex differences in leptin’s chronic central nervous system (CNS)-mediated actions on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), appetite, and glucose homeostasis in normal and type 1 diabetic rats. Female and male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were instrumented with intracerebroventricular cannulas for continuous 7-day leptin infusion (15 µg/day), and BP and HR were measured by telemetry 24 h/day. At baseline, females had lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) (96 ± 3 vs. 104 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.05) but higher HR (375 ± 5 vs. 335 ± 5 beats/min, P < 0.05) compared with males. After leptin treatment, we observed similar increases in BP (∼3 mmHg) and HR (∼25 beats/min) in both sexes. Females had significantly lower body weight (BW, 283 ± 2 vs. 417 ± 7 g, P < 0.05) and caloric intake (162 ± 20 vs. 192 ± 9 kcal/kg of body wt, P < 0.05) compared with males, and leptin infusion reduced BW (−10%) and caloric intake (−62%) similarly in both sexes. In rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes ( n = 5/sex), intracerebroventricular leptin treatment for 7 days completely normalized glucose levels. The same dose of leptin administered intraperitoneally did not alter MAP, HR, glucose levels, or caloric intake in normal or diabetic rats. These results show that leptin’s CNS effects on BP, HR, glucose regulation, and energy homeostasis are similar in male and female rats. Therefore, our results provide no evidence for sex differences in leptin’s brain-mediated cardiovascular or metabolic actions.
Signaling in rat brainstem via Gpr160 is required for the anorexigenic and antidipsogenic actions of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide
Authors: Haddock Christopher J. , Almeida-Pereira Gislaine , Stein Lauren M. , Hayes Matthew R. , Kolar Grant R. , Samson Willis K. , Yosten Gina L. C.
Published: November 2020

Recent work identified Gpr160 as a candidate receptor for cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) and described its role in pain modulation. The aims of the present study were to determine if Gpr160 is required for the CARTp’s ability to reduce food intake and water intake and to initially identify the distribution of Gpr160-like immunoreactivity (Gpr160ir) in the rat brain. A passive immunoneutralization approach targeting Gpr160 was used to block the behavioral effects of a pharmacological dose of CARTp in the fourth cerebroventricle (4V) of rats and to determine the importance of endogenously produced CARTp in the control of ingestive behaviors. Passive immunoneutralization of Gpr160 in the 4V blocked the actions of CARTp to inhibit food intake and water intake. Blockade of Gpr160 in the 4V, independent of pharmacological CART treatment, caused an increase in both overnight food intake and water intake. The decrease in food intake, but not water intake, caused by central injection of CARTp was demonstrated to be interrupted by prior administration of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist. Gpr160ir was observed in several, distinct sites throughout the rat brain, where CARTp staining has been described. Importantly, Gpr160ir was observed to be present in both neuronal and nonneuronal cell types. These data support the hypothesis that Gpr160 is required for the anorexigenic actions of central CARTp injection and extend these findings to water drinking. Gpr160ir was observed in both neuronal and nonneuronal cell types in regions known to be important in the multiple pharmacological effects of CARTp, identifying those areas as targets for future compromise of function studies.
Activation of the carotid body increases directly recorded cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and coronary blood flow in conscious sheep
Authors: Pachen Mridula , Abukar Yonis , Shanks Julia , Lever Nigel , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: November 2020

Activation of the carotid body (CB) using intracarotid potassium cyanide (KCN) injection increases coronary blood flow (CoBF). This increase in CoBF is considered to be mediated by co-activation of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to the heart. However, whether cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (cardiac SNA) actually increases during CB activation has not been determined previously. We hypothesized that activation of the CB would increase directly recorded cardiac SNA, which would cause coronary vasodilatation. Experiments were conducted in conscious sheep implanted with electrodes to record cardiac SNA and diaphragmatic electromyography (dEMG), flow probes to record CoBF and cardiac output, and a catheter to record arterial pressure. Intracarotid KCN injection was used to activate the CB. To eliminate the contribution of metabolic demand on coronary flow, the heart was paced at a constant rate during CB chemoreflex stimulation. Intracarotid KCN injection resulted in a significant increase in directly recorded cardiac SNA frequency (from 24 ± 2 to 40 ± 4 bursts/min; P < 0.05) as well as a dose-dependent increase in mean arterial pressure (79 ± 15 to 88 ± 14 mmHg; P < 0.01) and CoBF (75 ± 37 vs. 86 ± 42 mL/min; P < 0.05). The increase in CoBF and coronary vascular conductance to intracarotid KCN injection was abolished after propranolol infusion, suggesting that the increased cardiac SNA mediates coronary vasodilatation. The pressor response to activation of the CB was abolished by pretreatment with intravenous atropine, but there was no change in the coronary flow response. Our results indicate that CB activation increases directly recorded cardiac SNA, which mediates vasodilatation of the coronary vasculature.
An Abrasion, a Prosthetic Shoulder, and a Cat with a Licking Tendency: Case Report and Literature Review of P. multocida Joint Seeding
Authors: Abel William F. , Eckman Christopher S. , Summers Robert P. , Sessions William S. , Schnee Amanda E.
Published: November 2020

Pasteurella multocida is a pathogen well known for its zoonotic transmission, most commonly by cats and dogs. When bacteremia ensures from an infection, patients with foreign objects present in their bodies, including prosthetic joints and mesh implants, become vulnerable to seeding. There have been multiple documented cases in which P. multocida bacteremia has resulted in infection of both native and prosthetic joints. Furthermore, cases have been documented in which patients with P. multocida bacteremia have developed meningitis and neurological complications. Here, we present a patient with multiple comorbidities including multifactorial immunocompromise, advanced age, and multiple prosthetic joints who developed prosthetic joint infection and spinal osteomyelitis after the development of Pasteurella bacteremia. Aggressive treatment was undertaken given her risk factors, and a combination of antibiotics and surgery was utilized, with the patient making a full recovery.
Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang Treats Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats by Increasing the Osteogenesis‐Related Factors Leptin, Ghrelin, and PYY
Authors: Chen Yuanjin , Bai Rui , Chen Wenhui , Li Shuanglei , Jiang Yunxia
Published: November 2020

Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang is a Chinese medicinal compound mixture, which is mainly composed of traditional remedies like the Epimedium Herb, Astragalus, and Eucommia among many others. The study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic effect of Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang in ovariectomized rats. Fifty six‐month‐old Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups (n = 10), namely, model group, positive group, low‐dose Chinese medicine group, medium‐dose group, and high‐dose group. Another 10 sham operation Wistar rats were taken as a negative control group. After 3 months of intervention, the bone mineral density (BMD), procollagen type I N‐peptide (PINP), beta C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptides of type I collagen carboxyl‐terminal peptide (β‐CTX), Leptin, Ghrelin, and Peptide YY (PYY) of each group were measured. Besides, the ultrastructure of bone structure and osteoblasts was also observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot method was used to detect the expression levels of Leptin and Ghrelin in bone tissue, and RT‐PCR detected the mRNA expression levels of Leptin and Ghrelin. BMD test indicated that Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang could effectively prevent the loss of tibia bone in ovariectomized rats. Histomorphology analysis showed that Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang could preserve trabecular bone structure integrity and improve osteoblast ultrastructure. Notably, the study found out that Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang worked through balancing the bone metabolism via increasing bone formation/resorption ratio. Additionally, Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang highlighted the recovery effects in multiple levels of osteogenesis‐ and osteanagenesis‐related factors Leptin, Ghrelin, and PYY. Conclusively, the study proved the therapeutic potential of the Zhuang‐Gu‐Fang for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and further revealed that its therapeutic effect was related to the balance of bone metabolism and the recovery effects of bone‐related factors Leptin, Ghrelin, and PYY.
On Class of Fractional-Order Chaotic or Hyperchaotic Systems in the Context of the Caputo Fractional-Order Derivative
Authors: Sene Ndolane , Ndiaye Ameth
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of fractional-order systems described by the Caputo derivative. The behaviors of the dynamics of this particular class of fractional-order systems will be proposed and experienced by a numerical scheme to obtain the phase portraits. Before that, we will provide the conditions under which the considered fractional-order system’s solution exists and is unique. The fractional-order impact will be analyzed, and the advantages of the fractional-order derivatives in modeling chaotic systems will be discussed. How the parameters of the model influence the considered fractional-order system will be studied using the Lyapunov exponents. The topological changes of the systems and the detection of the chaotic and hyperchaotic behaviors at the assumed initial conditions and the considered fractional-order systems will also be investigated using the Lyapunov exponents. The investigations related to the Lyapunov exponents in the context of the fractional-order derivative will be the main novelty of this paper. The stability analysis of the model’s equilibrium points has been focused in terms of the Matignon criterion.
Inhibitory Effects of Litsea cubeba Oil and Its Active Components on Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Xia Shiqi , Lin Hong , Zhu Peilin , Wang Peiling , Liao Shengliang , Chen Shangxing , Wang Zongde , Fan Guorong
Published: November 2020

Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is a frequent harmful fungal pathogen. It can infect traditional Chinese medicine materials and release aflatoxin, to cause both economic and human health effects. By comparing the inhibitory potential of Litsea cubeba oil and its active components to A. flavus CGMCC 3.4408, citral was confirmed to be the main component that inhibits the growth of A. flavus CGMCC 3.4408, and the EC50 was 163.65 mg L−1. The inhibitory effect of citral on A. flavus CGMCC 3.4408 was studied for colony growth rate, mycelium biomass, aflatoxin production, and microstructure. Citral slowed down the growth rate of colonies and reduced mycelium biomass and toxin production. Moreover, citral altered the morphology of fungal spores and mycelium. In addition, citral also has the inhibitory effects on the isolates of A. flavus from moldy traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Thus, citral can be used as a potential agent to check the growth of A. flavus or related fungal strains.
Residual Lifetime Prediction with Multistage Stochastic Degradation for Equipment
Authors: Gao Zhan , Hu Qi-guo , Xu Xiang-yang
Published: November 2020

Residual useful lifetime (RUL) prediction plays a key role of failure prediction and health management (PHM) in equipment. Aiming at the problems of residual life prediction without comprehensively considering multistage and individual differences in equipment performance degradation at present, we explore a prediction model that can fit the multistage random performance degradation. Degradation modeling is based on the random Wiener process. Moreover, according to the degradation monitoring data of the same batch of equipment, we apply the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate the prior distribution of the model. The real-time remaining life distribution of the equipment is acquired by merging prior information of real-time degradation data and historical degradation monitoring data. The accuracy of the proposed model is demonstrated by analyzing a practical case of metalized film capacitors, and the result shows that a better RUL estimation accuracy can be provided by our model compared with existing models.