bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of ion transport and energy metabolism enables certain coral genotypes to maintain calcification under experimental ocean acidification
Authors: Glazier Amanda , Herrera Santiago , Weinnig Alexis , Kurman Melissa , Gómez Carlos E. , Cordes Erik
Published: April 2020

Cold‐water corals (CWCs) are important foundation species in the world's largest ecosystem, the deep sea. They support a rich faunal diversity but are threatened by climate change and increased ocean acidification. As part of this study, fragments from three genetically distinct Lophelia pertusa colonies were subjected to ambient pH (pH = 7.9) and low pH (pH = 7.6) for six months. RNA was sampled at two, 4.5, and 8.5 weeks and sequenced. The colony from which the fragments were sampled explained most of the variance in expression patterns, but a general pattern emerged where upregulation of ion transport, required to maintain normal function and calcification, was coincident with lowered expression of genes involved in metabolic processes; RNA regulation and processing in particular. Furthermore, there was no differential expression of carbonic anhydrase detected in any analyses, which agrees with a previously described lack of response in enzyme activity in the same corals. However, one colony was able to maintain calcification longer than the other colonies when exposed to low pH and showed increased expression of ion transport genes including proton transport and expression of genes associated with formation of microtubules and the organic matrix, suggesting that certain genotypes may be better equipped to cope with ocean acidification in the future. While these genotypes exist in the contemporary gene pool, further stresses would reduce the genetic variability of the species, which would have repercussions for the maintenance of existing populations and the ecosystem as a whole.
Intensive care unit nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding early mobilization of patients
Authors: Wang Jiani , Xiao Qian , Zhang Chunyan , Jia Yanrui , Shi Chenxi
Published: April 2020

Background

It has been recommended that critically ill patients start mobilization as early as possible. However, the clinical utilization rate of early mobilization remains low in the intensive care unit (ICU), and respiratory therapists and nurses are the primary practitioners of early mobilization in China.

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers of ICU nurses regarding the early mobilization of ICU patients.

Design

A descriptive and cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used, with an e‐questionnaire for ICU nurses (n = 227) to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding early mobilization via the “Tencent WeChat” app on their smart phones.

Results

As the primary implementers of the early mobilization of ICU patients in China, more than half of ICU nurses passed the knowledge test (scored ≥20/25 points) and had positive attitudes (scored 45/55 points) regarding early mobilization. Nurses had good knowledge (more than 96.5%) of the benefits and stopping indications of early mobilization; however, they had a poor understanding (less than 51.1%) of the population in which early mobilization is applicable and monitoring indicators during early mobilization, and 39.2% of nurses did not support routine implementation of early mobilization for patients in the ICU. The major barriers that they perceived were very heavy workload (76.8%), insufficient equipment and devices (50.2%), lack of written protocols or guidelines (50.2%), inadequate training (47.1%), potential work risks (42.3%), and limited staffing (41.4%).

Conclusions

Although over half of ICU nurses exhibited relatively comprehensive knowledge of and positive attitudes to early mobilization, some misunderstandings, negativity, and barriers remain.

Relevance to clinical practice

Training programmes should be conducted continuously, especially focused on common misunderstandings and negative attitudes. Organizational support is required to overcome barriers to the implementation of early mobilization.
Identification of the target genes of AqAPETALA3‐3 (AqAP3‐3) in Aquilegia coerulea (Ranunculaceae) helps understand the molecular bases of the conserved and nonconserved features of petals
Authors: Jiang Yongchao , Wang Meimei , Zhang Rui , Xie Jinghe , Duan Xiaoshan , Shan Hongyan , Xu Guixia , Kong Hongzhi
Published: April 2020

Identification and comparison of the conserved and variable downstream genes of floral organ identity regulators are critical to understanding the mechanisms underlying the commonalities and peculiarities of floral organs. Yet, because of the lack of studies in nonmodel species, a general picture of the regulatory evolution between floral organ identity genes and their targets is still lacking.

Here, by conducting extensive chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high‐throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), electrophoretic mobility shift assay and bioinformatic analyses, we identify and predict the target genes of a petal identity gene, AqAPETALA3‐3 (AqAP3‐3), in Aquilegia coerulea (Ranunculaceae) and compare them with those of its counterpart in Arabidopsis thaliana, AP3.

In total, 7049 direct target genes are identified for AqAP3‐3, of which 2394 are highly confident and 1085 are shared with AP3. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses further indicate that conserved targets are largely involved in the formation of identity‐related features, whereas nonconserved targets are mostly required for the formation of species‐specific features.

These results not only help understand the molecular bases of the conserved and nonconserved features of petals, but also pave the way to studying the regulatory evolution between floral organ identity genes and their targets.
A secreted fungal histidine‐ and alanine‐rich protein regulates metal ion homeostasis and oxidative stress
Authors: Nostadt Robin , Hilbert Magdalena , Nizam Shadab , Rovenich Hanna , Wawra Stephan , Martin Jörg , Küpper Hendrik , Mijovilovich Ana , Ursinus Astrid , Langen Gregor , Hartmann Marcus D. , Lupas Andrei N. , Zuccaro Alga
Published: April 2020

Like pathogens, beneficial endophytic fungi secrete effector proteins to promote plant colonization, for example, through perturbation of host immunity. The genome of the root endophyte Serendipita indica encodes a novel family of highly similar, small alanine‐ and histidine‐rich proteins, whose functions remain unknown. Members of this protein family carry an N‐terminal signal peptide and a conserved C‐terminal DELD motif.

Here we report on the functional characterization of the plant‐responsive DELD family protein Dld1 using a combination of structural, biochemical, biophysical and cytological analyses.

The crystal structure of Dld1 shows an unusual, monomeric histidine zipper consisting of two antiparallel coiled‐coil helices. Similar to other histidine‐rich proteins, Dld1 displays varying affinity to different transition metal ions and undergoes metal ion‐ and pH‐dependent unfolding. Transient expression of mCherry‐tagged Dld1 in barley leaf and root tissue suggests that Dld1 localizes to the plant cell wall and accumulates at cell wall appositions during fungal penetration. Moreover, recombinant Dld1 enhances barley root colonization by S. indica, and inhibits H2O2‐mediated radical polymerization of 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine.

Our data suggest that Dld1 has the potential to enhance micronutrient accessibility for the fungus and to interfere with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species homeostasis to facilitate host colonization.
Life in the canopy: community trait assessments reveal substantial functional diversity among fern epiphytes
Authors: Nitta Joel H. , Watkins James E. , Davis Charles C.
Published: April 2020

The expansion of angiosperm‐dominated forests in the Cretaceous and early Cenozoic had a profound effect on terrestrial biota by creating novel ecological niches. The majority of modern fern lineages are hypothesized to have arisen in response to this expansion, particularly fern epiphytes that radiated into the canopy. Recent evidence, however, suggests that epiphytism does not correlate with increased diversification rates in ferns, calling into question the role of the canopy habitat in fern evolution.

To understand the role of the canopy in structuring fern community diversity, we investigated functional traits of fern sporophytes and gametophytes across a broad phylogenetic sampling on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, including > 120 species and representatives of multiple epiphytic radiations.

While epiphytes showed convergence in small size and a higher frequency of noncordate gametophytes, they showed greater functional diversity at the community level relative to terrestrial ferns.

These results suggest previously overlooked functional diversity among fern epiphytes, and raise the hypothesis that while the angiosperm canopy acted as a complex filter that restricted plant size, it also facilitated diversification into finely partitioned niches. Characterizing these niche axes and adaptations of epiphytic ferns occupying them should be a priority for future pteridological research.
Lead one ratio in left bundle branch block predicts poor cardiac resynchronization therapy response
Authors: Loring Zak , Friedman Daniel J. , Emerek Kasper , Graff Claus , Sørensen Peter L. , Hansen Steen M. , Wieslander Bjorn , Ugander Martin , Søgaard Peter , Atwater Brett D.
Published: April 2020

Background

A low electrocardiogram (ECG) lead one ratio (LOR) of the maximum positive/negative QRS amplitudes is associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse outcomes in left bundle branch block (LBBB); however, the impact of LOR on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) outcomes is unknown. We compared clinical outcomes and echocardiographic changes after CRT implantation by LOR.

Methods

Consecutive CRT‐defibrillator recipients with LBBB implanted between 2006 and 2015 at Duke University Medical Center were included (N = 496). Time to heart transplant, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, or death was compared among patients with LOR <12 vs ≥12 using Cox‐proportional hazard models. Changes in LVEF and LV volumes after CRT were compared by LOR.

Results

Baseline ECG LOR <12 was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.12‐2.40, P = .01) for heart transplant, LVAD, or death. Patients with LOR <12 had less reduction of LV end diastolic volume (ΔLVEDV −4 ± 21 vs −13 ± 23%, P = .04) and LV end systolic volume (ΔLVESV −9 ± 27 vs −22 ± 26%, P = .03) after CRT. In patients with QRS duration (QRSd) ≥150 ms, LOR <12 was associated with an adjusted HR of 2.01 (95% CI 1.21‐3.35, P = .008) for heart transplant, LVAD, or death, compared with LOR ≥12.

Conclusions

Baseline ECG LOR <12 portends worse outcomes after CRT implantation in patients with LBBB, specifically among those with QRSd ≥150 ms. This ECG ratio may identify patients with a class I indication for CRT implantation at high risk for poor postimplantation outcomes.
Normal ranges and potential modifiers of T‐wave morphology parameters among healthy individuals: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi
Published: April 2020

Background

T‐wave morphology parameters, such as total cosine R‐to‐T (TCRT), T‐wave loop dispersion (TWLD), T‐wave morphology dispersion (TMD), and T‐wave residuum (TWR), were suggested to be robust markers for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Yet, the normal range of these parameters is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the weighted normal values of T‐wave morphology parameters of healthy individuals and study the effect of potential modifiers.

Methods

A systematic search of studies published in PubMed was conducted. Only those reporting on control groups of healthy individuals were included. Weighted means were calculated for TCRT, TWLD, TMD, and TWR. Linear regression analysis was conducted for age, percentage of males, heart rate, and QTc.

Results

The weighted TCRT was 0.40 ± 0.05, significantly higher than the various cutoffs previously suggested to identify high risk. There was some overlap between the results of weighted normal TMD (19.42 ± 6.77°), TWLD (38.51 ± 0.31), and relative TWR (0.118 ± 0.056%) and reports on the same parameters from patients with cardiovascular disease. Women were also characterized by higher TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR. TCRT was negatively correlated with age and heart rate, and positively correlated with QTc duration, although all associations were weak (R2 < 0.9).

Conclusions

T‐wave morphology parameters reported in the medical literature span a broad range of values in healthy individuals. Seemingly abnormal values of TWLD, TMD, and relative TWR were often reported in healthy adults. The variability between studies may stem from methodological issues. Therefore, standardizing the methodology for measuring T‐wave morphology is imperative.
Interaction effect of Alzheimer's disease pathology and education, occupation, and socioeconomic status as a proxy for cognitive reserve on cognitive performance: in vivo positron emission tomography study
Authors: Yasuno Fumihiko , Minami Hiroyuki , Hattori Hideyuki ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2020

Aim

Educational attainment, occupation, and socioeconomic status have been regarded as major factors influencing cognitive reserve (CR). This study aimed to investigate the interaction effect of amyloid‐β/tau burden and education/occupation/socioeconomic status as a proxy for CR on cognitive performance.

Methods

We analyzed the datasets of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We included clinically normal subjects and patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease who had undergone a florbetapir scan within 1 year of a flortaucipir (AV‐1451) scan (n = 127). Partial correlation analysis between the standardized uptake value ratio of florbetapir/AV‐1451 and the proxy for CR was performed with the 13‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) score as a covariate. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of ADAS‐cog performance based on the interaction between the imaging biomarkers and the proxy for CR.

Results

We found a significant positive partial correlation between educational level and tau pathology in Braak stage 1/2 areas, and we observed significantly higher tau accumulation among participants with higher education when ADAS‐cog score was used as a covariate. The interaction between tau and education was a good predictor of cognitive function, with higher tau accumulation showing a greater association with higher ADAS‐cog score among participants with less education than among those with more education.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the protective effect of education against cognitive dysfunction in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease pathology and suggest that education may exert a beneficial effect by reducing the adverse cognitive consequences of tau aggregation.
Successful Strategic Plan Implementation in Public Organizations: Connecting People, Process, and Plan (3Ps)
Authors: George Bert
Published: April 2020

Strategic planning (SP) remains the dominant approach to strategy formulation at all levels of government, and it is an enduring topic of public administration research and practice. Simultaneously, little is known about the conditions under which strategic plans are successfully implemented in government. This Viewpoint essay provides evidence‐based recommendations from SP initiatives in Flemish municipalities using multi‐informant and multisource survey data. It shows that successfully implementing strategic plans is influenced by the people, process, and plan (3Ps) underlying SP. Involving creators in SP helps make the SP process more informed. An informed SP process that includes constructive conflict helps induce high‐quality strategic plans. High‐quality strategic plans contribute to successful strategic plan implementation. Practitioners are encouraged to consider SP not as a one‐size‐fits‐all solution to strategy formulation, but as an approach in which variation in people, process, and plan influences implementation success.
Moving forward quantitative research on innovation management: a call for an inductive turn on using and presenting quantitative research
Authors: Faems Dries
Published: April 2020

Whereas innovation scholars have mainly relied on survey designs, secondary data and experiments to engage in deductive theory‐testing research, I highlight that quantitative data can also be viable sources to induce theoretical insights into emerging innovation phenomena. In this paper, I discuss how scholars can use quantitative data for inductive innovation management research. First, I point to quantitative data as viable complements to enrich qualitative inductive research. Second, I point to the presence of alternative methods (e.g., cluster analyses and fsQCA) that allow using quantitative data as the core data for inductive research. Finally, I highlight the need to reduce the existing gap between how quantitative research on innovation management is executed and how it is presented in paper publications. In particular, I advocate an alternative mode of reporting that embraces the surprises and counterintuitive insights, which often emerge as scholars engage in a quantitative research journey. Together, my arguments aim to stimulate an inductive turn on quantitative research in innovation management, which can complement the existing deductive research tradition.
Going beyond CO2: Strengthening action on global methane emissions under the UN climate regime
Authors: Pekkarinen Veera
Published: April 2020

According to the 1.5°C Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2°C, as specified in the Paris Agreement, will require significant reductions, both in cumulative carbon dioxide emissions and in short‐lived climate pollutants, including methane. This article seeks to explore how action on global methane emissions could be strengthened under the United Nations climate regime, particularly through the Paris Agreement. To answer this question, the article begins by analysing the existing methane mitigation and reporting commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement and the Paris rulebook. The article then explores the possibilities to further strengthen these commitments through the Paris Agreement. Methane can be targeted in future rounds of nationally determined contributions through specified methane mitigation targets and strategies. The reporting of methane emissions will significantly improve through the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement and the reporting guidelines agreed under the Paris rulebook. In addition, the article identifies several further opportunities for strengthening action on methane under the Paris Agreement, including through its sustainable development mechanism, long‐term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, global stocktake, support and non‐party action.
Digital technologies and power dynamics in the organization: A conceptual review of remote working and wearable technologies at work
Authors: Miele Francesco , Tirabeni Lia
Published: April 2020

In this article, we examine the kinds of control practices that emerge with the introduction of digital technologies, and how these technologies are employed to shape power within workplaces. We present a comparative conceptual review of work practices by contrasting remote work and the use of workplace wearables. We trace forms of power and control that have been enacted with the adoption of these work‐related technologies and associated practices. We find that the prevailing literature focuses on the practices enacted by management in order to control workers and exert power over them, and we propose that a more comprehensive approach be taken. In support of this view, we show how the concept of appropriation emerges from science and technology studies, and we argue that such a concept would be useful for exploring how workers use and incorporate digital technologies into their daily lives, thus reshaping power in organizations.
Accounting for Quasi-Static Coupling in Nonlinear Dynamic Reduced-Order Models
Authors: Nicolaidou Evangelia , Melanthuru Venkata R. , Hill Thomas L. , Neild Simon A.
Published: April 2020

Engineering structures are often designed using detailed finite element (FE) models. Although these models can capture nonlinear effects, performing nonlinear dynamic analysis using FE models is often prohibitively computationally expensive. Nonlinear reduced-order modeling provides a means of capturing the principal dynamics of an FE model in a smaller, computationally cheaper reduced-order model (ROM). One challenge in formulating nonlinear ROMs is the strong coupling between low- and high-frequency modes, a feature we term quasi-static coupling. An example of this is the coupling between bending and axial modes of beams. Some methods for formulating ROMs require that these high-frequency modes are included in the ROM, thus increasing its size and adding computational expense. Other methods can implicitly capture the effects of the high-frequency modes within the retained low-frequency modes; however, the resulting ROMs are normally sensitive to the scaling used to calibrate them, which may introduce errors. In this paper, quasi-static coupling is first investigated using a simple oscillator with nonlinearities up to the cubic order. ROMs typically include quadratic and cubic nonlinear terms, however here it is demonstrated mathematically that the ROM describing the oscillator requires higher-order nonlinear terms to capture the modal coupling. Novel ROMs, with high-order nonlinear terms, are then shown to be more accurate, and significantly more robust to scaling, than standard ROMs developed using existing approaches. The robustness of these novel ROMs is further demonstrated using a clamped–clamped beam, modeled using commercial FE software.
Multistep Treatment of a Complex Electrolyte for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions and Recycling in Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Önel Selis , Ergin Gözde
Published: April 2020

During electrochemical machining (ECM) of metals, the electrolyte gets polluted by heavy metal ions and compounds. This creates crucial process control problems due to variation in electrical conductivity and is an environmental threat if the solution is discharged without treatment. In this study, an economical, simple multistep treatment system based on ion-exchange was developed to remove metal ions from the polluted electrolyte. We specifically looked at the electrolytic discharge from ECM of copper pieces, which is widely used in biomedical and electronic applications. Three different ion-exchange media were used: (1) a natural zeolite, (2) a special type of adsorbent quantitative filter paper, and (3) a polymer-based synthetic cation-holder resin (Lewatit TP 207) that works well with copper ions. Optimization studies for pH and contact time showed the following: (1) by using zeolite alone, and after 2 h of mixing, 43.2% of Cu2+ could be removed; (2) by using the filter paper alone, and after three times of filtration, 90% of Cu2+ could be removed; and (3) by using Lewatit TP 207 alone, 100% of Cu2+ could be removed. While Lewatit TP 207 allowed for 100% removal of Cu2+, its use alone is costly and troublesome due to constraints from service life and multistep regeneration and conditioning with strong acids and bases, respectively. The most simple and economical scheme for removal of Cu2+ and recycling the electrolyte for reuse was the three-step zeolite-filter-resin treatment system.
About the Thermal Hydraulic Analysis Part of a Coupled Study on a Thorium-Fueled SCWR Concept
Authors: Kiss Attila , Hegyesi Béla , Ujváry Patrik Richárd , Ványi András Szabolcs , Csom Gyula
Published: April 2020

Inherently poorer moderation in supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWRs) due to average density lower than in light water reactors and the resulted spectral shift can be useful when we apply thorium fuel-cycle instead of uranium–plutonium one, according to an ongoing study in Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) Institute of Nuclear Techniques (NTI). Upon this conclusion, a thorium-fueled SCWR design (Th-SCWR) has been proposed by BME NTI. In the current feasibility study phase, detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations with novel neutronics analysis were coupled and conducted separately. Neutronics calculations provided the distribution of heat source, while the CFD analysis gave back axial distribution of coolant density (this iteration was repeated until an acceptable convergence). This paper presents the CFD analysis on thermal hydraulics of the initial design (two CFD models without any spacer device and one model with wrapped wire spacer) of Th-SCWR fuel assembly. As results of the preliminary design of Th-SCWR cladding wall, coolant and fuel temperatures have been determined; the flow field with and without spacer device has been showed, and the application of wrapped wire spacer has been proposed.
Flame-Free Combustion of Radioactive and Hazardous Wastes in the Salt Melt
Authors: Galek Vojtěch , Stoklasa Jaroslav , Hadrava Jan , Vokatý Roman
Published: April 2020

Molten salt oxidation (MSO) is a technology using the flame-free oxidation in molten salts materials in order to reduce the volume of hazardous solid and liquid wastes. MSO allows the processing of the loose materials, semiliquid suspensions, or liquids over a wide range of viscosity. Combustible wastes are fed through the dosing system into the reactor together with air or oxygen. During the oxidation process, which is deliberately under the melt level, heavy metals and radionuclides are captured. This paper deals with the process of combustion of an ion exchange resin containing stable Cs, Co, and Sr isotopes with the temperature set to 880 °C. The oxidation time was 90 min. The research phase focuses on the capture and dissipation of these isotopes in MSO technology.
Quantification of Steatosis and Fibrosis using a new system implemented in an ultrasound machine
Authors: Sporea Ioan , Bâldea Victor , Lupușoru Raluca , Bende Felix , Mare Ruxandra , Lazăr Alin , Popescu Alina , Șirli Roxana
Published: April 2020

Aim: The study compared the usefulness of 2D-SWE and attenuation measurements obtained using Aplio i800 from Canon together with Transient Elastography (TE) and the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) as the reference method.Material and methods: We included 112 consecutive adults with reliable LS measurements, 44 healthy subjects and 68 subjects with chronic hepatopathies in whom liver stiffness (LS) and steatosis were evaluated in the same session employing two elastography techniques: Transient Elastography (TE) with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) implemented on the FibroScan® 530 Compact system and Two Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography (2D-SWE) with Attenuation Imaging (ATI) installed on the Aplio i800 series ultrasound system. Reliable measurements were defined as the median value of 10, respectively 5 valid LS measurements for TE and 2D-SWE, with an interquartile range interval/median ratio (IQR/M) <30%.Results: A very strong positive correlation was found between LS values obtained by TE and 2D-SWE: r=0.88, p<0.0001 and between the attenuation coefficients of steatosis obtained by CAP and ATI, r=0.81, p<0.0001. The best cut-off values by 2DSWE for predicting different stages of liver fibrosis were: for F≥2 - 7.9 kPa and F=4 - 11.7 kPa. Regarding steatosis, the best ATI cut-off values were: for S≥1 - 0.79 dB/cm/mHz and for S3 - 0.86 dB/cm/mHz.Conclusion: 2D-SWE and ATI measurements with the new system strongly correlated with TE and CAP results.
Simultaneous realization of infrared-light switching and high visible-light transmittance in extremely thin VO2 films grown on ZnO-nanorods buffered glasses
Authors: Fukuzumi Tatsuro , Chen Fei , Okimura Kunio , Yamaguchi Iwao , Tsuchiya Tetsuo
Published: April 2020

The authors demonstrate a significant effect of ZnO-nanorod buffer layers on the growth of extremely thin VO2 films. Highly c-axis oriented ZnO-nanorods were grown on glasses with sputtered ZnO-seed layers by using the chemical bath deposition method. Introducing an organic compound, (CN2)6N4 (hexamethylenetetramine), together with a Zn source, Zn(NO3)2, achieved highly c-axis oriented ZnO-nanorods with an average diameter of around 150 nm. Due to such a superior template, b-axis oriented VO2 films were grown on the ZnO-nanorod buffered glasses even with the film thickness lower than several tens of nanometers. The thinnest VO2 film emerged in insulator-metal transition, achieving high visible-light transmittance and clear infrared-light switching, which are characterized by luminous transmittance (Tlum) of 56% even at metallic state and solar modulation ability (ΔTsol) of 6.0%. The results obtained in this study propose a way to achieve practical smart windows that enable not only infrared-light switching but also maintaining high visible-light transmittance without any optical design.
Effects of background gas composition and pressure on 1,4-polymyrcene (and polytetrafluoroethylene) spectra in near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , Matic Aleksandar , Schlaad Helmut , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Tougaard Sven , Linford Matthew R.
Published: April 2020

Near-ambient pressure XPS (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at 2500 Pa or greater. With NAP-XPS, one can analyze moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, the authors show C 1s, O 1s, and survey NAP-XPS spectra from 1,4-polymyrcene. The C 1s and O 1s envelopes are fit with Gaussian–Lorentzian product, asymmetric Lorentzian, and Gaussian–Lorentzian sum functions. Water vapor and argon are used to control sample charging, and the corresponding signals from the gases are present in the survey spectra. The effect of background gas pressure on photoelectron attenuation is illustrated with a sample of polytetrafluoroethylene.
Tutorial on forming through-silicon vias
Authors: Burkett Susan L. , Jordan Matthew B. , Schmitt Rebecca P. , Menk Lyle A. , Hollowell Andrew E.
Published: April 2020

Through-silicon vias (TSVs) are a critical technology for three-dimensional integrated circuit technology. These through-substrate interconnects allow electronic devices to be stacked vertically for a broad range of applications and performance improvements such as increased bandwidth, reduced signal delay, improved power management, and smaller form-factors. There are many interdependent processing steps involved in the successful integration of TSVs. This article provides a tutorial style review of the following semiconductor fabrication process steps that are commonly used in forming TSVs: deep etching of silicon to form the via, thin film deposition to provide insulation, barrier, and seed layers, electroplating of copper for the conductive metal, and wafer thinning to reveal the TSVs. Recent work in copper electrochemical deposition is highlighted, analyzing the effect of accelerator and suppressor additives in the electrolyte to enable void-free bottom-up filling from a conformally lined seed metal.
Burkholderia cepacia
Complex Bacteria: a Feared Contamination Risk in Water-Based Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Tavares Mariana , Kozak Mariya , Balola Alexandra , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: April 2020

Burkholderia cepacia
(formerly
Pseudomonas cepacia
) was once thought to be a single bacterial species but has expanded to the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc), comprising 24 closely related opportunistic pathogenic species. These bacteria have a widespread environmental distribution, an extraordinary metabolic versatility, a complex genome with three chromosomes, and a high capacity for rapid mutation and adaptation. Additionally, they present an inherent resistance to antibiotics and antiseptics, as well as the abilities to survive under nutrient-limited conditions and to metabolize the organic matter present in oligotrophic aquatic environments, even using certain antimicrobials as carbon sources.
RNase L Amplifies Interferon Signaling by Inducing Protein Kinase R-Mediated Antiviral Stress Granules
Authors: Manivannan Praveen , Siddiqui Mohammad Adnan , Malathi Krishnamurthy
Published: April 2020

Double-stranded RNAs produced during viral infections serve as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bind pattern recognition receptors to stimulate IFN production. RNase L is an IFN-regulated endoribonuclease that is activated in virus-infected cells and cleaves single-stranded viral and cellular RNAs. The RNase L-cleaved dsRNAs signal to Rig-like helicases to amplify IFN production. This study identifies a novel role of antiviral stress granules induced by RNase L as an antiviral signaling hub to coordinate the RNA ligands with cognate receptors to mount an effective host response during viral infections.
Early Entry Events in Echovirus 30 Infection
Authors: Vandesande Helena , Laajala Mira , Kantoluoto Tino , Ruokolainen Visa , Lindberg A. Michael , Marjomäki Varpu
Published: April 2020

Echovirus 30 (E30) is a prevalent enterovirus causing regular outbreaks in both children and adults in different parts of the world. It is therefore surprising that relatively little is known of its infectious entry pathway. We set out to generate a cDNA clone and gradient purified the virus in order to study the early entry events in human cells. We have recently studied other enterovirus B group viruses, like echovirus 1 (EV1) and coxsackievirus A9 (CVA9), and found many similarities between those viruses, allowing us to define a so-called “enterovirus entry pathway.” Here, E30 is reminiscent of these viruses, for example, by not relying on acidification for infectious entry. However, despite not using the clathrin entry pathway, E30 accumulates in classical early endosomes.
Neutrophil-Airway Epithelial Interactions Result in Increased Epithelial Damage and Viral Clearance during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Deng Yu , Herbert Jenny A. , Robinson Elisabeth , Ren Luo , Smyth Rosalind L. , Smith Claire M.
Published: April 2020

This study shows that the RSV-infected human airway drives changes in the behavior of human neutrophils, including increasing activation markers and delaying apoptosis, that result in greater airway damage and viral clearance.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing and Carbapenemase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
from Freshwater Fish and Pork in Wet Markets of Hong Kong
Authors: Sapugahawatte Dulmini Nanayakkara , Li Carmen , Zhu Chendi , Dharmaratne Priyanga , Wong Kam Tak , Lo Norman , Ip Margaret
Published: April 2020

Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) are of global health importance, yet there is a paucity of surveillance studies on food animals in Hong Kong. Here, we report a high prevalence of ESBL-E (ranging from 0.5% to 52.4%) and CPE (0% to 9.9%) from various food animal samples procured from wet markets across Hong Kong. All CPE strains were characterized by whole-genome sequencing and possessed NDM-1 and -5 genes and other resistance determinants. Given the increased resistance profile of these strains, this study highlights the emerging threat of ESBL-E and CPE disseminated in farmed animals. Furthermore, our data enriched our understanding of antibiotic resistance reservoirs from a One Health perspective that can widely spread across various niches, beyond health care settings.
Prospective registration and reporting of trial number in randomised clinical trials: global cross sectional study of the adoption of ICMJE and Declaration of Helsinki recommendations
Authors: Al-Durra Mustafa , Nolan Robert P , Seto Emily , Cafazzo Joseph A
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the compliance with prospective registration and inclusion of the trial registration number (TRN) in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to analyse the rationale behind, and detect selective registration bias in, retrospective trial registration.

Design

Cross sectional analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, the 17 World Health Organization’s trial registries, University of Toronto library, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) list of member journals, and the InCites Journal Citation Reports.

Study selection criteria

RCTs registered in any WHO trial registry and published in any PubMed indexed journal in 2018.

Results

This study included 10 500 manuscripts published in 2105 journals. Overall, 71.2% (7473/10500) reported the TRN and 41.7% (3013/7218) complied with prospective trial registration. The univariable and multivariable analyses reported significant relations (P<0.05) between reporting the TRN and the impact factor and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A significant relation (P<0.05) was also observed between prospective trial registration and the registry, region, condition, funding, trial size, interval between paper registration and submission dates, impact factor, and ICMJE membership of the publishing journal. A manuscript published in an ICMJE member journal was 5.8 times more likely to include the TRN (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 4.0 to 8.2), and a published trial was 1.8 times more likely to be registered prospectively (1.8, 1.5 to 2.2) when published in an ICMJE member journal compared with other journals. This study detected a new form of bias, selective registration bias, with a higher proportion (85.2% (616/723)) of trials registered retrospectively within a year of submission for publication. Higher rates of retrospective registrations were observed within the first three to eight weeks after enrolment of study participants. Within the 286 RCTs registered retrospectively and published in an ICMJE member journal, only 2.8% (8/286) of the authors included a statement justifying the delayed registration. Reasons included lack of awareness, error of omission, and the registration process taking longer than anticipated.

Conclusions

This study found a high compliance in reporting of the TRN for trial papers published in ICMJE member journals, but prospective trial registration was low.
The prevalence of noma in northwest Nigeria
Authors: Farley Elise , Oyemakinde Modupe Juliana , Schuurmans Jorien , Ariti Cono , Saleh Fatima , Uzoigwe Gloria , Bil Karla , Oluyide Bukola , Fotso Adolphe , Amirtharajah Mohana , Vyncke Jorieke , Brechard Raphael , Adetunji Adeniyi Semiyu , Ritmeijer Koert , van der Kam Saskia , Baratti-Mayer Denise , Mehta Ushma , Isah Shafi'u , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Lenglet Annick
Published: April 2020

Background

Noma, a rapidly progressing infection of the oral cavity, mainly affects children. The true burden is unknown. This study reports estimated noma prevalence in children in northwest Nigeria.

Methods

Oral screening was performed on all ≤15 year olds, with caretaker consent, in selected households during this cross-sectional survey. Noma stages were classified using WHO criteria and caretakers answered survey questions. The prevalence of noma was estimated stratified by age group (0–5 and 6–15 years). Factors associated with noma were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 177 clusters, 3499 households and 7122 children were included. In this sample, 4239 (59.8%) were 0–5 years and 3692 (52.1%) were female. Simple gingivitis was identified in 3.1% (n=181; 95% CI 2.6 to 3.8), acute necrotising gingivitis in 0.1% (n=10; CI 0.1 to 0.3) and oedema in 0.05% (n=3; CI 0.02 to 0.2). No cases of late-stage noma were detected. Multivariable analysis in the group aged 0–5 years showed having a well as the drinking water source (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.1; CI 1.2 to 3.6) and being aged 3–5 years (aOR 3.9; CI 2.1 to 7.8) was associated with being a noma case. In 6–15 year olds, being male (aOR 1.5; CI 1.0 to 2.2) was associated with being a noma case and preparing pap once or more per week (aOR 0.4; CI 0.2 to 0.8) was associated with not having noma. We estimated that 129120 (CI 105294 to 1 52 947) individuals <15 years of age would have any stage of noma at the time of the survey within the two states. Most of these cases (93%; n=120 082) would be children with simple gingivitis.

Conclusions

Our study identified a high prevalence of children at risk of developing advanced noma. This disease is important but neglected and therefore merits inclusion in the WHO neglected tropical diseases list.
Receptor for advanced glycation end products modulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in the soleus muscle of mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Velayoudom-Cephise Fritz Line , Cano-Sanchez Mariola , Bercion Sylvie , Tessier Frédéric , Yu Yichi , Boulanger Eric , Neviere Remi
Published: April 2020

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and activation of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) are implicated in the progression of pathologies associated with aging, chronic inflammation, diabetes, and cellular stress. RAGE activation is also implicated in cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, accelerated vascular diseases, and cardiomyopathy. Studies investigating the effects of AGE/RAGE axis activation on skeletal muscle oxidative stress and metabolism are more limited. We tested whether a high-fat diet (HFD) would alter circulating AGE concentration, skeletal muscle AGE accumulation, and oxidative stress in wild-type and RAGE-deficient mice. The physiological significance of AGE/RAGE axis activation in HFD-fed mice was evaluated in terms of exercise tolerance and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity. HFD elicited adiposity, abnormal fat distribution, and oral glucose intolerance. HFD also induced accumulation of Nε-carboxymethyl-l-lysine, increased protein carbonyl levels, and impaired respiratory chain complex activity in soleus muscle. Ablation of RAGE had no effects on weight gain and oral glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. Peak aerobic capacity and mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase activity were restored in HFD-fed RAGE−/− mice. We concluded that RAGE signaling plays an important role in skeletal muscle homeostasis of mice under metabolic stress.

Novelty HFD in mice induces accumulation of AGEs, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the soleus muscle. RAGE, the multi-ligand receptor for AGEs, modulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial electron transport chain function in the soleus muscle of HFD-fed mice.
Assessment of the permanent deformation at the earth core of a rockfill dam under heavy vehicle loading
Authors: Pérez-González Erdrick , Bilodeau Jean-Pascal , Doré Guy , Doré-Richard Steven
Published: April 2020

Dams are structures designed primarily for water containment. They usually are found in areas with special transportation needs, either for mining purposes or for transporting heavy equipment, and with limited road infrastructure available. Heavy traffic over dams is discouraged, due to the damage this can cause to the integrity of the structure. The possible deformations caused by the passage of vehicles on the dam crest are not typically considered in the design of earth dams; however, the authorization of vehicle traffic on dams can be beneficial both economically and environmentally. A tolerance criterion is required to determine the allowable vehicle load on the dam crest. This paper presents an analysis of the permanent deformation caused in the core of a rockfill dam. Stress conditions that may be associated with a rapid accumulation of permanent deformation were identified, and an analysis method is proposed to specify the acceptable heavy traffic conditions for the dams.
Effect of dietary inclusion of antioxidants and organic trace minerals on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing pigs with pre-slaughter transportation
Authors: Wang Chong , Wang Junhong , Qi Sirui , Xu Cunzhu , Wang Yanming , Wang Haifeng
Published: April 2020

A total of 320 pigs (body weight = 98 ± 4 kg) were assigned to four treatments, with eight replicates (pens) per treatment. Pigs were fed the following diets: a control diet (CON), the CON diet plus antioxidant blends (AOX), organic trace minerals (OTM), or both (AOX + OTM). After the feeding trial, two pigs from each pen were selected for slaughtering right away or after transportation. The inclusion of AOX, OTM, or AOX + OTM had no significant effect on feed intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency compared with CON (P > 0.05). The pre-transportation significantly reduced the pH value of loin meat at 24 h post mortem and leg meat at 45 min post mortem (P < 0.05). The pigs in the AOX, OTM, and AOX + OTM group had significantly lower plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the CON group (P < 0.05). Pre-transportation resulted in significantly higher meat MDA contents (P < 0.05), clearly influencing the oxidative stress of pigs. The inclusion of antioxidant blends or organic trace minerals had no significant effect on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs.
QCD susceptibilities in the presence of the chiral chemical potential
Authors: Liu Run-Lin , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: April 2020

In this paper, chiral chemical potential [Formula: see text] is introduced to investigate the QCD susceptibilities and chiral phase transition within the Polyakov-loop-extended Nambu–Jona-Lasinio models in the mean-field approximation. We concentrate on the effect of chiral chemical potential on the phase diagram and the QCD susceptibilities. Moreover, it is worth noting that chiral chemical potential has more and more prominent impact on the susceptibilities and the phase diagram with the decrease of temperature based on our results, which coincides with the prediction that the chiral symmetry is dynamically broken in the first-order phase transition region and gets partly restored in the crossover region.
Synthesis and characterization of diamond with KBH4 additive under high pressure and high temperature conditions
Authors: Zhou Zhenxiang , Wang Fangbiao , Huang Hailiang , Jiang Hongwei , Zheng Youjin , Peng Jiaxiao , Yue Lu
Published: April 2020

In this paper, diamond single crystals have been successfully synthesized with potassium berohydride (KBH4) additive from 0 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% in the NiMnCo–C system at 6 GPa and temperature range of 1300[Formula: see text]C–1350[Formula: see text]C by temperature gradient growth (TGG) method. The results of experiments showed that the color of diamond crystals changed from light yellow to dark blue to black, as the KBH4 content increases from 0 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%. The results of FTIR absorption spectroscopy showed that the peaks of boron-related enhanced with an increase of KBH4 additive. The XPS results showed that the boron, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen coexisted in the diamond crystal. The results of Hall effect measurements indicated that the synthesized diamonds using KBH4 as additive presented [Formula: see text]-type semiconductor characterizations. The Hall mobility was nearly equivalent between diamond crystals of with 0.2 wt.% and 0.4 wt.% KBH4 additive, but which was all extremely low due to scattering causing by N and O defects. While the concentrations of carrier and conductivity of the co-doped diamonds enhanced with increasing KBH4 additive.