bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic model of directional ciliary-beat organization in human airways
Authors: Gsell Simon , Loiseau Etienne , D’Ortona Umberto , Viallat Annie , Favier Julien
Published: January 2020

In the lung, the airway surface is protected by mucus, whose transport and evacuation is ensured through active ciliary beating. The mechanisms governing the long-range directional organization of ciliary beats, required for effective mucus transport, are much debated. Here, we experimentally show on human bronchial epithelium reconstitutedin-vitrothat the dynamics of ciliary-beat orientation is closely connected to hydrodynamic effects. To examine the fundamental mechanisms of this self-organization process, we build a two-dimensional model in which the hydrodynamic coupling between cilia is provided by a streamwise-alignment rule governing the local orientation of the ciliary forcing. The model reproduces the emergence of the mucus swirls observed in the experiments. The predicted swirl sizes, which scale with the ciliary density and mucus viscosity, are in agreement within-vitromeasurements. A transition from the swirly regime to a long-range unidirectional mucus flow allowing effective clearance occurs at high ciliary density and high mucus viscosity. In the latter case, the mucus flow tends to spontaneously align with the bronchus axis due to hydrodynamic effects.
Towards XNA molecular biology: Bacterial cell display as a robust and versatile platform for the engineering of low affinity ligands and enzymes
Authors: Csibra Eszter , Renders Marleen , Pinheiro Vitor B.
Published: January 2020

Although directed evolution has been remarkably successful at expanding the chemical and functional boundaries of biology, it is limited by the robustness and flexibility of available selection platforms – traditionally designed around a single desired function with limited scope for alternative applications. We report SNAP as a quantitative reporter for bacterial cell display, which enabled fast troubleshooting and systematic development of the selection platform. In addition, we demonstrate that even weak interactions between displayed proteins and nucleic acids can be harnessed towards specific labelling of bacterial cells, allowing functional characterisation of DNA binding proteins and enzymes. Together, this establishes bacterial display as a viable route towards the systematic engineering of all ligands and enzymes required for the development of XNA molecular biology.
Navigational strategies underlying temporal phototaxis inDrosophilalarvae
Authors: Zhu Maxwell L. , Herrera Kristian J. , Vogt Katrin , Bahl Armin
Published: January 2020

Navigating across light gradients is essential for survival for many animals. However, we still have a poor understanding of the algorithms that underlie such behaviors. Here we develop a novel phototaxis assay forDrosophilalarvae in which light intensity is always spatially uniform but updates depending on the location of the animal in the arena. Even though larvae can only rely on temporal cues in this closed-loop setup, we find that they are capable of finding preferred areas of low light intensity. Further detailed analysis of their behavior reveals that larvae turn more frequently and that heading angle changes increase when they experience brightness increments over extended periods of time. We suggest that temporal integration of brightness change during runs is an important – and so far largely unexplored – element of phototaxis.

Summary statement

Using a novel closed-loop behavioral assay, we show thatDrosophilalarvae can navigate light gradients exclusively using temporal cues. Analyzing and modeling their behavior in detail, we propose that larvae achieve this by integrating brightness change during runs.
Global post-translational modification profiling of HIV-1-infected cells reveals mechanisms of host cellular pathway remodeling
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey R. , Crosby David C. , Hultquist Judd F. , Li Donna , Marlett John , Swann Justine , Hüttenhain Ruth , Verschueren Erik , Johnson Tasha L. , Newton Billy W. , Shales Michael , Beltrao Pedro , Frankel Alan D. , Marson Alexander , Fregoso Oliver I. , Young John A. T. , Krogan Nevan J.
Published: January 2020

Viruses must effectively remodel host cellular pathways to replicate and evade immune defenses, and they must do so with limited genomic coding capacity. Targeting post-translational modification (PTM) pathways provides a mechanism by which viruses can broadly and rapidly transform a hostile host environment into a hospitable one. We used quantitative proteomics to measure changes in two PTM types – phosphorylation and ubiquitination – in response to HIV-1 infection with viruses harboring targeted deletions of a subset of HIV-1 genes. PTM analysis revealed a requirement for Aurora kinase A activity in HIV-1 infection and furthermore revealed that AMP-activated kinase activity is modulated during infection via HIV-1 Vif-mediated degradation of B56-containing protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Finally, we demonstrated that the Cullin4A-DDB1-DCAF1 E3 ubiquitin ligase ubiquitinates histone H1 somatic isoforms and that HIV-1 Vpr inhibits this process, leading to defects in DNA repair. Thus, global PTM profiling of infected cells serves as an effective tool for uncovering specific mechanisms of host pathway modulation.
Phosphorylation of the overlooked tyrosine 310 regulates the structure, aggregation, and microtubule- and lipid-binding properties of Tau
Authors: Ait-Bouziad Nadine , Chiki Anass , Limorenko Galina , Xiao Shifeng , Eliezer David , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: January 2020

The microtubule-associated protein Tau is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Increasing evidence suggests that post-translational modifications play critical roles in regulating Tau normal functions and its pathogenic properties in Tauopathies. Very little is known about how phosphorylation of tyrosine residues influences the structure, aggregation, and microtubule- and lipid-binding properties of Tau. In this work, we aimed to address this knowledge gap and determine the relative contribution of phosphorylation of one or several of the five tyrosine residues in Tau (Y18, Y29, Y197, Y310 and Y394) to the regulation of its biophysical, aggregation and functional properties. Towards this goal, we used a combination of site-specific mutagenesis andin vitrophosphorylation by c-Abl kinase to generate Tau species phosphorylated at all tyrosine residues, all tyrosine residues except Y310 or Y394 (pTau-Y310F, pTau-Y394F) and Tau phosphorylated only at Y310 or Y394 (4F\pY310 or 4F\pY394). Our results show that phosphorylation at all five tyrosine residues, multiple N-terminal tyrosine residues (Y18, Y29 and Y197) or site-specific phosphorylation at residue Y310, itself located in the microtubule-binding and aggregation-prone domain of Tau, was sufficient to abolish Tau aggregation and inhibit its microtubule- and lipid-binding properties. NMR studies demonstrated that these effects were mediated by a local decrease in β−sheet propensity of the PHF6 domain. Our findings underscore the unique role of Y310 phosphorylation in the regulation of Tau aggregation, microtubule and lipid interactions and highlight the importance of conducting further studies to elucidate its role in the regulation of Tau normal functions and its pathogenic properties.
Revisiting and expanding the meta-analysis of variation: The log coefficient of variation ratio, lnCVR
Authors: Senior Alistair M. , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: January 2020

Meta-analyses are frequently used to quantify the difference in the average values of two groups (e.g., control and experimental treatment groups), but examine the difference in the variability (variance) of two groups. For such comparisons, the two relatively new effect size statistics, namely the log-transformed ‘variability ratio’ (the ratio of two standard deviations; lnVR) and the log-transformed ‘CV ratio’ (the ratio of two coefficients of variation; lnCVR) are useful. In practice, lnCVR may be of most use because a treatment may affect the mean and the variance simultaneously. We review current, and propose new, estimators for lnCVR and lnVR. We also present methods for use when the two groups are dependent (e.g., for cross-over and pre-test-post-test designs). A simulation study evaluated the performance of these estimators and we make recommendations about which estimators one should use to minimise bias. We also present two worked examples that illustrate the importance of accounting for the dependence of the two groups. We found that the degree to which dependence is accounted for in the sampling variance estimates can impact heterogeneity parameters such asτ2(i.e., the between-study variance) andI2(i.e., the proportion of the total variability due to between-study variance), and even the overall effect, and in turn qualitative interpretations. Meta-analytic comparison of the variability between two groups enables us to ask completely new questions and to gain fresh insights from existing datasets. We encourage researchers to take advantage of these convenient new effect size measures for the meta-analysis of variation.
Regulation of HDAC2-PDX1 by RNF125 defines pancreatic cancer development
Authors: Hasnis Erez , Kim Hyungsoo , Verma Sachin , Feng Yongmei , Almog Ronit , Matsliah Sivan , Vavinskaya Vera , Apelbaum Ron , Ben-Ishay Offir , Tuveson David , Sears Rosalie , Ronai Ze’ev A.
Published: January 2020

There is an urgent need to define mechanisms underlying pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) development. Our studies of ubiquitin ligases that may underlie PDA development led us to identify and characterize RNF125. We show that RNF125 exhibits nuclear expression in acinar cells, with reduced and largely cytosolic expression in ductal cells, PanIN and PDA specimens. We find that RNF125 interacts with histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and promotes its non-canonical K63-linked ubiquitination. Inhibition of HDAC2 activity by RNF125 resulted in elevated expression of the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1). Correspondingly, inhibition of RNF125 expression enhanced organoid growth in culture and orthotopic tumor development. Conversely, restoration of PDX1 levels in human or mouse PDA cells and organoids depleted of RNF125, inhibited cell proliferation and growth, while expression of HDAC2 enhanced it. Notably, higher expression of RNF125 and PDX1 coincided with differentiated tumor phenotypes, and better outcome in PDA patients. In demonstrating the importance of RNF125 control of PDX1 expression via HDAC2 ubiquitination in PDA development, our findings highlight markers (RNF125, PDX1) and targets (HDAC2) for monitoring and possible treatment of PDA.
Identifying strategies to target the metabolic flexibility of tumours
Authors: Méndez-Lucas Andrés , Lin Wei , Driscoll Paul C. , Legrave Nathalie , Vilaseca Laura Novellasdemunt , Xie Chencheng , Charles Mark , Wilson Zena , Jones Neil P. , Rayport Stephen , Rodríguez-Justo Manuel , Li Vivian , MacRae James I. , Hay Nissim , Chen Xin , Yuneva Mariia
Published: January 2020

Plasticity of cancer metabolism can be a major obstacle for efficient targeting of tumour-specific metabolic vulnerabilities. Here, we identify and quantify the compensatory mechanisms following the inhibition of major pathways of central carbon metabolism in c-MYC-induced liver tumours. We find that glutaminase isoform Gls2, expressed in normal liver, compensates for the deletion of Gls1 isoform expressed in tumours. Inhibiting both glutaminases significantly delays tumourigenesis but does not completely block glutamine catabolism through the Krebs cycle. We reveal that glutamine catabolism is then driven by amidotransferases. Consistently, the synergistic effect of glutaminase and amidotransferase inhibitors on proliferation of mouse and human tumour cells is observedin vitroandin vivo. Furthermore, when Gls1 is deleted the Krebs cycle activity and tumour formation can also be significantly affected if glycolysis is co-inhibited (Gls1KO/Hk2KO). Finally, the inhibition of either serine (Psat1KO) or fatty acid (FasnKO) biosynthesis can be compensated by uptake of circulating nutrients. Thus, removing these nutrients from the diet produces synergistic effects on suppression of tumourigenesis. These results highlight the high flexibility of tumour metabolism and demonstrate how targeting compensatory mechanisms can improve a therapeutic outcome.
Accuracy and precision of near-field high-energy diffraction microscopy forward-model-based microstructure reconstructions
Authors: Menasche D. B. , Shade P. A. , Suter R. M.
Published: January 2020

The accuracy of the near-field high-energy diffraction microscopy (nf-HEDM) technique is evaluated by directly comparing an nf-HEDM reconstructed microstructure with an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) characterization of the same microstructure. A high-purity gold oligocrystal was chosen for characterization in order to facilitate direct one-to-one comparison between the reconstructions given by each technique. By using the comparatively high spatial resolution of the EBSD reconstruction as the ground truth for the grain-boundary network's morphology, it is determined that nf-HEDM locates internal grain boundaries with an accuracy on average better than the resolution of the imaging detector used or within the reconstruction voxel size, whichever is larger. By taking the intragranular misorientation in well ordered grains as a proxy for orientation resolution, it is determined that standard data collection procedures determine crystallographic orientations to better than 0.1°. The effects of various modified data collection procedures are also examined.
Neutron Larmor diffraction on powder samples
Authors: Keller Thomas , Fabrykiewicz Piotr , Przeniosło Radosław , Sosnowska Izabela , Keimer Bernhard
Published: January 2020

A hitherto unrecognized resolution effect in neutron Larmor diffraction (LD) is reported, resulting from small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in the sample. Small distortions of the neutron trajectories by SANS give rise to a blurring of the Bragg angles of the order of a few hundredths of a degree, leading to a degradation of the momentum resolution. This effect is negligible for single crystals but may be significant for polycrystalline or powder samples. A procedure is presented to correct the LD data for the parasitic SANS. The latter is accurately determined by the SESANS technique (spin–echo small-angle neutron scattering), which is readily available on Larmor diffractometers. The analysis technique is demonstrated on LD and SESANS data from α-Fe2O3 powder samples. The resulting d-spacing range agrees with experimental data from high-resolution synchrotron radiation powder diffraction on the same sample.
Optimization of electroslag melting towards to titanium morphology improvement in combined Kroll process
Authors: Platacis Ernests , Kaldre Imants , Blumbergs Ervins , Goldsteins Linards , Gailitis Karlis
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to optimize calcium difluoride electrical melting process towards creating titanium production with improved morphology by combining titanium reduction and electroslag melting processes. The study aims to explore optimal electrical heating power in the slag supplied via tungsten electrode and formation of a stable skull layer on water-cooled walls of a cylindrical stainless steel reactor, which is crucial for electroslag melting.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-physical numerical modelling approach using commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics is presented in the paper by coupling electrical, heat transfer and fluid flow problems. The slag material phase change and corresponding changes of physical properties such as electrical conductivity and viscosity are modelled by step function, sharply changing value of parameter near the phase change temperature. A parametric study of applied electrical power has been carried out to find optimal conditions for the skull-layer formation.

Findings

The paper provides an estimation of necessary electrical power to avoid overheating or solidification of the top layer of slag, which is unacceptable for the combined Kroll process. The study also revealed important poloidal buoyancy flow with characteristic velocity of few cm/s of in the reactor, which governs the heat transfer process and formation of the skull layer.

Research limitations/implications

The presented simplification in numerical model offers high calculation speed but lacks fully developed phase change model, e.g. excluding latent heat. Also, heat transfer through radiation is neglected in the model.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original way to overcome the complexity of modelling slag electrical melting/solidification phenomena using temperature-dependent properties with step functions.
Diversity in tourism: a perspective article
Authors: Higgins Desbiolles Freya
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to consider growing calls for diversity and inclusion in tourism scholarship, practices and operations. It briefly overviews evolution in the thinking on diversity in tourism and considers issues arising for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on theories of intersectionality and decolonial thinking, this paper offers a review of the evolution of thinking on diversity in tourism.

Findings

Diversity is essential to the future of tourism to build more just, equitable and sustainable futures.

Research limitations/implications

The tourism academy and the tourism industry must engage in all forms of diversity to respond to a rapidly changing world. Engagement with diversity also allows for innovative and creative thinking that will be essential for a just and sustainable future.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an under-studied development in tourism: transitions to diversity. It reviews concepts emerging in tourism scholarship, including intersectionality and decolonial thinking. These are essential tools for understanding diversity in tourism and developing just and sustainable futures.
SdsA1, a secreted sulfatase, contributes to the in vivo virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice
Authors: Kida Yutaka , Yamamoto Takeshi , Kuwano Koichi
Published: January 2020

Mucin is a glycoprotein that is the primary component of the mucus overlaying the epithelial tissues. Because mucin functions as a first line of the innate immune system, Pseudomonas aeruginosa appears to require interaction with mucin to establish infection in the host. However, the interactions between P. aeruginosa and mucin have been poorly understood. In this study, using in vivo expression technology (IVET), we attempted to identify mucin‐inducible promoters that are likely to be involved in the establishment of P. aeruginosa infection. The IVET analysis revealed that the genes encoding glycosidases, sulfatases, and peptidases that are thought to be required for the utilization of mucin as a nutrient are present in 13 genes downstream of the identified promoters. Our results indicated that, among them, sdsA1 encoding a secreted sulfatase plays a central role in the degradation of mucin. It was then demonstrated that disruption of sdsA1 leads to a decreased release of sulfate from mucin and sulfated sugars. Furthermore, the sdsA1 mutant showed a reduction in the ability of mucin gel penetration and an attenuation of virulence in leukopenic mice compared with the wild‐type strain. Collectively, these results suggest that SdsA1 plays an important role as a virulence factor of P. aeruginosa.
Microfacies Analysis and Paleoecology of the Oligocene Succession in a Central Tethyan Carbonate Platform, Zagros Basin, SW Iran
Authors: HABIBI Tahereh
Published: January 2020

Two stratigraphic sections (Arjooieh and Firoozabad) of the Mymand anticline, located in the Interior Fars sub‐basin of the Zagros Mountains, were measured and sampled, in order to document sedimentological characteristics, microfacies types and paleo‐seagrasses indicators of the Oligocene succession (Asmari Fm.). Planktonic and benthic foraminifera and coralline red algae are the principal fossils from these strata. Foraminifera are represented by the following families: Soritidae, Peneroplidae, Austrotrillinidae, Alveolinidae, Planorbulinidae, Discorbidae, Lepidocyclinidae, Amphisteginidae, Rotaliidae, Nummulitidae and Globigerinidae. Nine microfacies types were recognized, namely planktonic foraminifera‐peloidal packstone (MF1), bioclast nummulitid/Nerorotalia/Amphistegina packstone‐grainstone‐rudstone‐floatstone (MF2), Neorotalia‐echinoid coralline red algae packstone‐grainstone (MF3), coral boundstone (MF4), coral/coralline red algae rudstone‐floatstone‐packstone‐grainstone (MF5), diverse imperforate foraminifera bioclast packstone‐grainstone (MF6), peloid wackestone‐packstone‐grainstone (MF7), fenestrated mudstone and microbial mats (MF8) and anhydrite (MF9). MF1 indicates an outer ramp, MFs 2‐4 represent a mid‐ramp and MFs 5–9 are interpreted as inner ramp environment. Paleo‐seagrass indicators consisting of foraminifera, hooked and tabular forms of coralline red algae and corals. They were identified in MFs 5 and 6, reflecting the presence of vegetated environments within the mid/inner ramp setting. The Mymand anticline was dominated by the outer ramp environment at the start of the Rupelian. Mid to inner ramp environments prevailed during the Rupelian. The Chattian corresponds to the spread of the inner ramp setting over the Mymand anticline.
Measuring bone density in axial spondyloarthropathy: Time to turn things on their side?
Authors: Fitzgerald Gillian , Anachebe Tochukwu , McCarroll Kevin , O'Shea Finbar
Published: January 2020

Aim

Osteoporosis in axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA) is difficult to accurately diagnose due to osteoproliferation of the spine interfering with conventional (anteroposterior, AP) dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study compares AP and lateral projections of DXA when assessing bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and investigates the impact of osteoproliferation on AP DXA.

Method

In this cross‐sectional study, structured standardized assessments collected demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiographic data. DXA assessed BMD of the spine using PA and lateral projections. Hip BMD was assessed in the usual manner. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria assessed prevalence of low BMD. Incorporating lateral DXA in the bone health assessment of axSpA was investigated. SPSS was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 100 patients had paired AP and lateral DXA studies: 78% were male, mean (SD) age 52 (12) years. BMD of the spine measured by AP projection was significantly higher than BMD measured by lateral projection (mean difference 0.34 g/cm2, 95% CI 0.30‐0.37). More patients had low BMD with lateral compared to AP projection (47% vs 16%, P = .01). At the hip, 34% of patients had low BMD. Disease duration, body mass index and radiographic severity independently predicted a difference between AP and lateral measurements of the spine.

Conclusion

Lateral DXA of the spine is unaffected by osteoproliferation of the spine in axSpA and detects significantly more cases of low BMD than conventional AP DXA. Lateral DXA should be included in BMD assessment of patients with axSpA.
Understanding Recent Growth Dynamics in Small Urban Places: The Case of New England
Authors: Cuberes David , Ramsawak Richard
Published: January 2020

This article utilizes recently published US Census data covering the pre–and post–Great Recession period (1990–2015) to identify key determinants of growth among small urban places in the New England Region. We find little evidence of random growth and robust evidence of convergence in growth, indicating that smaller urban areas tend to experience faster rates of growth than larger ones, over both the short and long term. Factors such as distance to large city areas and amenities are found to be particularly relevant to population growth rates. Having a diverse industrial base, high levels of human capital and proximity to large urban areas are factors that positively affect income growth. These results highlight the importance of policies geared to improve cities’ amenities, increase their industrial diversity, and attracting and retaining human capital in urban areas.
Influence of crown‐to‐implant ratio and different prosthetic designs on the clinical conditions of short implants in posterior regions: A 4‐year retrospective clinical and radiographic study
Authors: Tang Yiman , Yu Huajie , Wang Juan , Gao Ming , Qiu Lixin
Published: January 2020

Background

Short implants (intra‐bony length ≤ 8 mm) are generally considered as an alternative to bone augmentation in challenging situations; however, clinical evidence from large‐scale studies with long follow‐up regarding the application of short implants remains deficient.

Purpose

The present study aimed to assess the mid‐term clinical outcomes of short implants supporting fixed prostheses in the posterior region, and to investigate the effects of the crown‐to‐implant ratio (C/I), and other patient‐, implant‐, prosthesis‐relevant factors on the clinical conditions around short implants.

Materials and methods

180 Thommen short implants in 130 partially edentulous patients were enrolled in the study after 3 to 7 (mean 4.2) years of follow‐up. Potential risk factors (patient sex and age, implant diameter and location, splinted vs single‐tooth restorations, retention mode, anatomical and clinical C/I ratios) were evaluated according to the following outcomes: Implant survival, marginal bone loss (MBL), and mechanical and biological complications.

Results

In total, four implants in four patients failed as a result of peri‐implantitis. The cumulative survival rate was 97.8% for implant‐based analysis. The peri‐implant MBL around 180 short implants was 0.90 ± 0.78 mm. The mean clinical C/I ratio was 1.16 ± 0.36. Correlation analysis revealed that the influence of the clinical C/I ratio and patient age were significant for MBL (P < .05), whereas other potential risk factors showed no significant association with the outcome. Among 180 short implants, 24 cases (13.3%) had biological complications and 32 cases (17.8%) had mechanical complications, respectively. Peri‐implant MBL and complication rates around splinted and non‐splinted implants were not statistically different.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, short implants supporting fixed prostheses in the posterior region achieved predictable clinical outcomes over a 3 to 7 year period. Within the range of 0.47 to 3.01, the higher the C/I ratio, the less the peri‐implant MBL.
The effect of inhaled corticosteroids in the outcomes of community‐acquired pneumonia: ICCAP study (TURKCAP Database)
Authors: Baha Ayse , Kokturk Nurdan , Bahcecioglu Sakine Nazik , Yapar Dilek , Aksakal Nur , Gündüz Canan , Tasbakan Sezai , Sayiner Abdullah , Coskun Aysin Sakar , Durmaz Feride , Cilli Aykut , Celenk Burcu , Kılınc Oguz , Salman Seda , Hazar Armagan , Tokgoz Fatma
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the outcomes of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as to determine if ICS usage is exist among the risk factors for mortality in those patients.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective cross‐sectional multicentre study, 1069 hospitalised CAP patients were investigated using CAP Database of Turkish Thoracic Society (TURKCAP Database). The patients were divided into two groups, depending on their ICS use. The data were analysed by appropriate statistical methods.

Results

172 (75.8%) of the 227 patients who were on ICS had COPD and 37 (16.3%) had asthma. There were fewer patients with fever among ICS‐users compared to non‐ICS users (P = 0.013), and less muscle pain (P = 0.015) and fewer GIS symptoms (P = 0.022). No statistically significant difference was found between ICS use/ type of ICS and the duration of hospitalisation (P = 0.286). The multivariate regression analysis showed that patients using ICS had lower body temperature and, less crackles/bronchial sound. In the multivariate logistic regression model lung cancer (OR: 6.75), glucose (OR: 1.01) and CURB‐65 (OR: 1.72) were significantly associated with mortality in the CAP patients. ICS usage were not found to be associated with mortality.

Conclusion

The use of ICS by the patients with CAP admitted to the hospital is not independently related with any radiological pattern, hospitalisation duration and mortality. ICS usage may diminish fever response and may suppress the findings of crackles and/or bronchial sounds. This needs further confirmation.
Hand gesture recognition using multimodal data fusion and multiscale parallel convolutional neural network for human–robot interaction
Authors: Gao Qing , Liu Jinguo , Ju Zhaojie
Published: January 2020

Hand gesture recognition plays an important role in human–robot interaction. The accuracy and reliability of hand gesture recognition are the keys to gesture‐based human–robot interaction tasks. To solve this problem, a method based on multimodal data fusion and multiscale parallel convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed in this paper to improve the accuracy and reliability of hand gesture recognition. First of all, data fusion is conducted on the sEMG signal, the RGB image, and the depth image of hand gestures. Then, the fused images are generated to two different scale images by downsampling, which are respectively input into two subnetworks of the parallel CNN to obtain two hand gesture recognition results. After that, hand gesture recognition results of the parallel CNN are combined to obtain the final hand gesture recognition result. Finally, experiments are carried out on a self‐made database containing 10 common hand gestures, which verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method for hand gesture recognition. In addition, the proposed method is applied to a seven‐degree‐of‐freedom bionic manipulator to achieve robotic manipulation with hand gestures.
Analytic hierarchy process: An innovative technique for culturally tailoring evidence‐based interventions to reduce health disparities
Authors: Corvin Jaime A. , Chan Isabella , Aguado Loi Claudia X. , Dollman Ian , Gonzales Junius
Published: January 2020

Latinos in the United States represent a disproportionate burden of illness and disease and face barriers to accessing health care and related resources. Culturally tailored, evidence‐based interventions hold promise in addressing many of these challenges. Yet, ensuring patient voice is vital in the successful development and implementation of such interventions. Thus, this paper examines the application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to inform the augmentation and implementation of an evidence‐based chronic disease self‐management programme for underserved Latinos living with both minor depression and chronic illness. The process of AHP allows for direct input from the individuals that would utilize such a programme, including afflicted individuals, their family members and the health educators/promotores that would be responsible for implementation. Specifically, 45 participants, including 15 individuals with chronic disease, 15 family members/caregivers and 15 promotores, partook in the Stakeholder Values Questionnaire, which elicited preferences and values regarding major goals, processes and content for the intervention. AHP was employed to analyse pairwise comparison ratings and to determine differences and similarities across stakeholder groups. This analytical technique allowed for the adaptation of the EBI to stakeholders' specific priorities and preferences and facilitated complex decision‐making. Findings not only shed light on similarities and differences between stakeholder groups, but also the magnitude of these priorities and preferences and allowed the intervention to be driven by the participants, themselves. Applying AHP was a unique opportunity to optimize the decision‐making process to inform cultural adaptation of an EBI while considering multiple viewpoints systematically.
Effect of milling and sieving processes on the physicochemical properties of okra seed powders
Authors: Waiss Idriss Miganeh , Kimbonguila André , Abdoul‐Latif Fatouma Mohamed , Nkeletela Laurette Brigelia , Matos Louis , Scher Joël , Petit Jérémy
Published: January 2020

The aim of this work was on one hand to investigate the influence of milling speed and mean particle size of granulometric classes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) seed powders on proximal composition (related to nutritional potential). On the other hand, it was tried to relate flow properties to powder physicochemical characteristics, namely particle size distribution and proximal composition. Then, dry okra seeds were ground with an ultra‐centrifugal mill at three rotational speeds, 6 000, 12 000 and 18 000 r.p.m., corresponding to circa 990, 3 958 and 8 906 g, respectively. Each powder was separated into four granulometric classes: ≥500, 315–500, 180–315 and ≤180 µm. Milling speed affected the particle size distribution of dry okra seed powders: on one hand, the higher the milling speed, the lower the mean particle size, mainly because of the higher the proportion of fine particles (<100 µm); on the other hand, at low milling speed, dry okra seed powders were rather monomodal and constituted of large particles, whereas at high milling speed they were bimodal and composed of two populations (fine and large particles). In granulometric classes, fat and protein contents were significantly higher for fine particles, unlike carbohydrate and ash contents that were lower. This differential distribution of macronutrients within granulometric classes was enhanced at higher milling speed. Finally, the ≤180 µm granulometric class, corresponding to the smallest mean particle size, had a low flowability, confirmed by their high cohesion and compressibility, which can be related to its high fat content making it sticky. On the contrary, the ≥500 µm granulometric class was not cohesive, leading to good flow properties.
Frailty in patients with aortic stenosis awaiting intervention
Authors: Ha Francis J. , Bissland Kenneth , Mandrawa Christine , Palmer Sonny C.
Published: January 2020

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular disease in older age. Definitive interventions include surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In high‐risk patients, frailty is observed in up to 50% awaiting TAVI. Frailty is now an established predictor of outcomes in patients with AS who undergo intervention. There is currently no consensus definition for frailty. It is widely described as a syndrome of loss in physiological reserve predisposing to increased vulnerability for death or dependency. Frailty encompasses a holistic view including domains of physical function, cognition, depression, nutrition and medical comorbidities. Individual components of frailty have been shown to significantly predict mortality, functional recovery and quality of life after TAVI. The addition of frailty components to conventional risk prediction models traditionally used in cardiac surgery has been shown to augment overall prediction for post‐operative mortality and morbidity. Identifying patients who are frail at baseline provides an opportunity to modify dynamic aspects of frailty prior to, and after definitive intervention for AS. A multidisciplinary approach including comprehensive geriatric pre‐operative assessment will likely become standard of care to identify and optimise frail patients awaiting TAVI. In this review, we discuss the definition and measurement of frailty in patients with AS, evaluate recent data on risk prediction associated with frailty, and outline approaches to optimisation of dynamic components of frailty to improve outcomes after AS intervention.
Longitudinal links between maternal factors and infant cognition: Moderation by infant sleep
Authors: Camerota Marie , Gueron‐Sela Noa , Grimes Melissa , Propper Cathi B.
Published: January 2020

The current study examined the moderating role of infant sleep in the link between maternal factors (i.e., maternal education, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance) and infant cognition. Data come from 95 African American parent–child dyads. At 3 months of age, infant sleep was objectively measured using videosomnography and actigraphy, from which measures of sleep regulation and consolidation were calculated. Mothers also self‐reported their level of education, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. At 6 months of age, infants completed cognitive assessments, including a measure of general cognitive ability and observed attention behavior. Findings revealed that infant sleep quality interacted with maternal education and sleep disturbances to predict cognition. Specifically, the link between maternal education and infants’ attention behavior was significant and positive for infants with better regulated sleep, but not for infants with poorly regulated sleep. Similarly, the link between maternal sleep disturbance and infant cognition depended on infant sleep quality. For infants with poorer sleep consolidation, increased maternal sleep disturbance predicted poorer infant general cognitive ability. For infants with better sleep consolidation, maternal sleep disturbance was positively related to both general cognitive ability and attention behavior. These findings suggest that infant sleep quality moderates the impact of environmental factors on cognitive functioning.
Species–area relationship and small‐island effect of bryophytes on the Zhoushan Archipelago, China
Authors: Yu Jing , Li Dandan , Zhang Zeyou , Guo Shuiliang
Published: January 2020

Aim

The species–area relationship (SAR) and the small‐island effect (SIE) are of important ecological significance. However, few studies have focused on these topics in regard to bryophytes. We aimed to (1) determine whether SIEs and a SAR with two thresholds and three different processes of species addition exist for bryophytes across continental islands and (2) test whether the SIE threshold tends to be high for stenoecious species with a high sensitivity to habitats and for those with relatively high resource requirements and low dispersal abilities.

Location

The Zhoushan Archipelago, China.

Taxon

Bryophytes.

Methods

We obtained species number data for five bryophyte categories (total bryophytes, total mosses, acrocarpous mosses, pleurocarpous mosses and liverworts) from 66 continental islands of the archipelago and analysed the dataset using 24 SAR models. According to Akaike's information criterion, we identified models suitable for revealing SARs and detecting SIEs among the five bryophyte categories.

Results

The power model was best for fitting SARs of all bryophyte categories except for pleurocarpous mosses. For detecting SIEs, the three‐segmented model provided the best support for the five categories. There were obvious SIEs for the five bryophyte groups, with area thresholds of 0.11–1.42 km2. The SIE threshold was much higher in liverworts than in mosses and in pleurocarpous mosses than in acrocarpous mosses. The second thresholds for the five categories were similar, ranging from 53.62 to 73.19 km2.

Main conclusions

A unique SAR pattern with two area thresholds and three different dominant processes of species addition with island area was found for bryophytes across the continental islands. The second thresholds were not due to in situ speciation but were likely due to the high immigration of bryophytes from the mainland attributed to local residents. The SIE thresholds detected for the different categories of bryophytes indicated that the values tended to be low for species groups with low resource requirements and high dispersal abilities and high for those with a high sensitivity to habitat conditions, the latter indicating that areas for conservation purposes for species sensitive to habitats should be comparatively large.
Associations between physical activity and constipation in adult Americans: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wilson Patrick B.
Published: January 2020

Background

There is mixed evidence that physical activity is associated with constipation on the population level. This analysis aimed to determine whether amount and types of physical activity are cross‐sectionally associated with constipation.

Methods

A total of 9963 adults from the 2007‐2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Constipation was defined based on low stool frequency (<3 stools/wk) and a hard/lumpy consistency (type 1 or 2 on the Bristol Stool Form Scale). Univariate logistic regression models evaluated associations between physical activity variables and constipation, while multivariate models were built to account for other variables (age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, relationship status, health status, body mass index, fiber intake, and moisture intake).

Key results

Based on <3 stools/wk, 3.4% (95% CI, 2.8%‐4.2%) of Americans were constipated, whereas 7.3% (95% CI, 6.7%‐8.1%) were deemed constipated when using the hard/lumpy definition. Odds ratios (ORs) of experiencing < 3 stools/wk were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.11‐2.97) for people engaging in no vigorous recreational activity (vs. any) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.08‐1.85) for those doing no moderate recreational activity (vs. any). Likewise, doing no moderate recreational activity was associated with slightly higher odds of hard/lumpy stools (OR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.03‐1.46). These associations were attenuated and insignificant in multivariate models (all ORs < 1.45).

Conclusion

On the population level, self‐reported physical inactivity is not strongly associated with passing < 3 stools/wk or hard/lumpy stools. Better‐designed prospective observational and intervention studies are needed to clarify how physical inactivity impacts different forms of constipation.
Barriers to providing optimal dialysis care for undocumented immigrants: Policy challenges and solutions
Authors: Welles Christine C. , Cervantes Lilia
Published: January 2020

Access to hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is widely variable across the United States and highly dependent upon state policy. Some states have enacted policies to provide coverage for standard dialysis to undocumented immigrants, while other states do not provide coverage. Patients living in some states which do not provide coverage rely on emergency federal coverage through the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. However, this act requires that patients present with an acute, life‐threatening condition in order to receive dialysis, which is then referred to as “emergency‐only hemodialysis” (EoHD). Because EoHD requires patients to present in life‐threatening condition, patients who rely on EoHD suffer from debilitating physical symptoms and psychosocial distress. Undocumented immigrants who receive EoHD also have staggeringly higher mortality rates than those who receive standard hemodialysis. Moreover, in comparison with standard dialysis, EoHD results in greater health care utilization and higher health care costs. Therefore, EoHD represents a very low value care practice, providing substandard care at a greater cost. Policy change is urgently needed to provide undocumented immigrants with ESRD access to the standard of care; that is, three‐times weekly standard hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Interferon α in cancer immunoediting: From elimination to escape
Authors: Vidal Paolo
Published: January 2020

Interferon α (IFNα) is a cytokine that mediates diverse immune responses to tumours. It is the oldest immune‐based oncologic drug and has been widely used to treat various malignancies in humans. Yet, the use of IFNα in cancer therapy has only resulted in limited success and even led to worse clinical outcomes under certain instances. The emergence of the cancer immunoediting concept—which implicates the host immune system in promoting tumour growth—recapitulates the need to evaluate the immune functions of IFNα. This review proposes that IFNα has dual opposing roles in cancer development based on the mutational status of its signalling components, which determines the expression of anti‐ or pro‐tumorigenic IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs). This duality may translate into new applications of IFNα in cancer immunotherapy.
Genome size variation in butterflies (Insecta, Lepidotera, Papilionoidea): a thorough phylogenetic comparison
Authors: Liu Guichun , Chang Zhou , Chen Lei , He Jinwu , Dong Zhiwei , Yang Jie , Lu Sihan , Zhao Ruoping , Wan Wenting , Ma Guolan , Li Jian , Zhang Ru , Wang Wen , Li Xueyan
Published: January 2020

Butterflies have been of great interest to naturalists for centuries, and the study of butterflies has been an integral part of ecology and evolution ever since Darwin proposed his theory of natural selection in 1859. There are > 18 000 butterfly species worldwide, showing great diversity in morphological traits and ecological niches. Compared with butterfly diversity, however, patterns of genome size variation in butterflies remain poorly understood, especially in a phylogenetic context. Here, we sequenced and assembled the mitogenomes of 68 butterflies and measured the genome sizes (C‐values) of 67 of them. We also assembled 10 mitogenomes using reads from GenBank. Among the assembled 78 mitogenomes, those from 59 species, 23 genera and one subfamily are reported for the first time. Combining with published data of mitogenomes and genome size, we explored the patterns in genome size variation for 106 butterfly species in a phylogenetic context based on analyses of mitogenomes from 264 species covering six families. Our results show that the genome size of butterflies has a 6.4‐fold variation ranging from 0.203 pg (199 Mb) (Nymphalidae: Heliconius xanthocles) to 1.287 pg (1253 Mb) (Papilionidae: Parnassius orleans). Within families, the largest variation was found in Papilionidae (5.9‐fold: 0.22–1.29 pg), followed by Nymphalidae (4.8‐fold: 0.2–0.95 pg), Pieridae (4.4‐fold: 0.22–0.97 pg), Hesperiidae (2.2‐fold: 0.3–0.66 pg), Lycaenidae (2.6‐fold: 0.39–1.02 pg) and Rioidinidae (1.8‐fold: 0.48–0.87 pg). Our data also suggest that butterflies have an ancestral genome size of c. 0.5 pg, and some ancestral genome size increase or decrease events along different subfamilies or tribes produce the diversity of genome size variation in diverse butterflies. Our data provide novel insights into patterns of genome size variation in butterflies and are an important reference for future genome sequencing programmes.
The HLA‐B*46:01:26 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: January 2020

HLA‐B*46:01:26 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01:01 in codon 66 in exon 2.