bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in South Africa: a 4‐year prospective study
Authors: Henning F. , Heckmann J. M. , Naidu K. , Vlok L. , Cross H. M. , Marin B.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Little is known about the epidemiological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in sub‐Saharan Africa, and data from the region are limited to clinical series or case reports. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence rate and presentation of ALS in an ethnically diverse region of South Africa.

Methods

We performed a 4‐year prospective incidence study in the Western Cape Province of South Africa between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2018, and used a two‐source capture‐recapture method for case ascertainment. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rates (ASAIRs) were calculated using the 2010 US population as the reference.

Results

A total of 203 incident cases were identified over the study period, resulting in a crude incidence rate (IR) of 1.09 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94–1.24] per 100 000 person‐years in the at‐risk population (aged >15 years). Capture‐recapture analysis resulted in an estimated IR of 1.11 (95% CI 1.01–1.22) per 100 000 person‐years. The ASAIR was 1.67 (95% CI 1.09–2.26) overall; 1.99 (95% CI 1.60–2.39) for men and 1.37 (95% CI 1.06–1.68) for women. When analysed separately, there was a substantial difference in ASAIRs between the different population groups, with the highest in the European ancestry group (2.62; 95% CI 2.49–2.75), the lowest in the African ancestry group (0.56, 95% CI 0.0–1.23), and an ASAIR in between these two in the mixed ancestry group (1.09, 95% CI 0.80–1.37).

Conclusion

The overall incidence of ALS in the Western Cape Province of South Africa appears to be lower than in North African and Western countries, but higher than in Asian countries. As suggested by previous epidemiological studies, ALS may be less frequent in people of African ancestry.
Changes in serum complements and their regulators in generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Ozawa Y. , Uzawa A. , Yasuda M. , Kojima Y. , Oda F. , Himuro K. , Kawaguchi N. , Kuwabara S.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate changes in serum complements and their regulators in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

Forty‐four patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive MG, as well as 20 patients with non‐inflammatory neurological disorders were enrolled. Serum complements (C3, C4 and soluble C5b‐9) and complement regulators (vitronectin, clusterin and properdin) were extensively analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and their associations with clinical profiles of MG were examined.

Results

Serum C3, C4 and clusterin levels were not significantly different between patients with MG and controls. The patients with MG had higher soluble C5b‐9 (P = 0.09) and vitronectin (P = 0.001) levels than the controls; moreover, vitronectin levels decreased after treatment (P = 0.09). Serum properdin (P = 0.03) levels were lower in the patients with MG than in the controls, and negatively correlated with the MG Activities of Daily Living score (rs = −0.26, P = 0.09) and with the presence of bulbar palsy (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Our results show that activation of complements and an altered complement network could contribute to the inflammatory pathogenesis of MG.
Suppressing evolution in genetically engineered systems through repeated supplementation
Authors: Layman Nathan C. , Tuschhoff Beth M. , Basinski Andrew J. , Remien Christopher H. , Bull James J. , Nuismer Scott L.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Genetically engineered organisms are prone to evolve in response to the engineering. This evolution is often undesirable and can negatively affect the purpose of the engineering. Methods that maintain the stability of engineered genomes are therefore critical to the successful design and use of genetically engineered organisms. One potential method to limit unwanted evolution is by taking advantage of the ability of gene flow to counter local adaption, a process of supplementation. Here, we investigate the feasibility of supplementation as a mechanism to offset the evolutionary degradation of a transgene in three model systems: a bioreactor, a gene drive, and a transmissible vaccine. In each model, continual introduction from a stock is used to balance mutation and selection against the transgene. Each system has its unique features. The bioreactor system is especially tractable and has a simple answer: The level of supplementation required to maintain the transgene at a frequency is approximately , where s is the selective disadvantage of the transgene. Supplementation is also feasible in the transmissible vaccine case but is probably not practical to prevent the evolution of resistance against a gene drive. We note, however, that the continual replacement of even a small fraction of a large population can be challenging, limiting the usefulness of supplementation as a means of controlling unwanted evolution.
Adaptation strategies of horses with induced forelimb lameness walking on a treadmill
Authors: Serra Bragança Filipe M. , Hernlund Elin , Thomsen Maj H. , Waldern Nina M. , Rhodin Marie , Byström Anna , van Weeren P. René , Weishaupt Michael A.
Published: September 2020

Background

There is a paucity of research describing the gait pattern of lame horses at the walk.

Objectives

To describe the changes in motion pattern and vertical ground reaction forces (GRFz) in horses with induced forelimb lameness at the walk and compare those changes with the changes observed at the trot.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

In 10 clinically sound Warmblood horses, moderate forelimb lameness was induced using a sole pressure model followed by trot and walk on a treadmill. Kinematic data were collected using 3D optical motion capture (OMC), and GRFz by an instrumented treadmill. Mixed models were used to compare sound baseline versus forelimb lameness (significance was set at P < .05).

Results

Lameness induction significantly reduced peak GRFz on the second force peak, and vertical impulse in the lame limb. Stride and stance duration in all limbs were reduced. Lameness significantly affected the vertical movement symmetry of the head and withers. Maximum limb retraction angle, fetlock extension and protraction speed were reduced in the lame limb. Body centre of mass (COM) translation was reduced in the side‐to‐side direction and increased in the vertical and fore‐aft directions. Several compensatory kinetic and kinematic changes were observed in the nonlame limbs. The observed changes in both kinetics and kinematics were generally smaller at walk with fewer variables being affected, compared to the trot.

Main limitations

Only one degree and type of orthopaedic pain (sole pressure) was studied.

Conclusions

Compensatory strategies of forelimb lameness at the walk include alteration of several kinetic and kinematic parameters and have some specific patterns and inter‐individual differences that are not seen at the trot. However, much like at the trot, head movement and forelimb vertical force symmetry seem to be the most useful parameters to detect forelimb lameness at walk.
Viral pseudoenzymes in infection and immunity
Authors: Wang Ting‐Yu , Zhao Jun , Savas Ali Can , Zhang Shu , Feng Pinghui
Published: September 2020

Pseudoenzymes are proteins that are evolutionarily related to active enzymes, but lack relevant catalytic activity. As obligate intracellular pathogens, viruses complete their life cycle fully dependent on the cellular supplies of macromolecule and energy. Traditionally, studies of viral proteins sharing high homology with host counterparts reveal insightful mechanisms by which host signaling pathways are delicately regulated. Recent investigations into the action of cellular pseudoenzymes elucidate diverse molecular means how enzymes are differentially controlled under various physiological conditions, hinting to the potential that pathogens may exploit these regulatory modalities. To date, there have been three types of viral pseudoenzymes reported and our understanding concerning their mechanism of regulation is rudimentary at best. However, it is clear that viral pseudoenzymes are emerging with surprising functions in infection and immunity, and we are only at the beginning to understand this new group of enzyme regulators. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge in viral pseudoenzymes and provide a perspective for future research.
Multifaceted roles of duckweed in aquatic phytoremediation and bioproducts synthesis
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Hua , Yu Changjiang , Zhou Gongke
Published: September 2020

Duckweed (Lemnaceae) is a fast‐growing aquatic vascular plant. It has drawn an increasing attention worldwide due to its application in value‐added nutritional products and in sewage disposal. In particular, duckweed is a promising feedstock for bioenergy production. In this review, we summarized applications of duckweed from the following four aspects. Firstly, duckweed could utilize nitrogen, phosphorus, and inorganic nutrition in wastewater and reduces water eutrophication efficiently. During these processes, microorganisms play an important role in promoting duckweed growth and improving its tolerance to stresses. We also introduced our pilot‐scale test using duckweed for wastewater treatment and biomass production simultaneously. Secondly, its capability of fast accumulation of large amounts of starch makes duckweed a promising bioenergy feedstock, catering the currently increasing demand for bioethanol production. Pretreatment conditions prior to fermentation can be optimized to improve the conversion efficiency from starch to bioethanol. Furthermore, duckweed serves as an ideal source for food supply or animal feed because the composition of amino acids in duckweed is similar to that of whey protein, which is easily digested and assimilated by human and other animals. Finally, severing as a natural plant factory, duckweed has shown great potential in the production of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. With the surge of omics data and the development of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats technology, remodeling of the metabolic pathway in duckweed for synthetic biology study will be attainable in the future.
Efficient and multiplexable genome editing using Platinum TALENs in oleaginous microalga, Nannochloropsis oceanica NIES‐2145
Authors: Kurita Tomokazu , Moroi Keishi , Iwai Masako , Okazaki Kumiko , Shimizu Shinsuke , Nomura Seiji , Saito Fumihiko , Maeda Shinichiro , Takami Akihide , Sakamoto Atsushi , Ohta Hiroyuki , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi
Published: September 2020

Algae accumulate large amounts of lipids produced by photosynthesis, and these lipids are expected to be utilized as feedstocks for sustainable new energies, known as biodiesels. Nannochloropsis species are eukaryotic microalgae that produce high levels of lipids. However, since the production costs of algal biodiesels are higher than those of fossil fuels, the improved productivity of algal lipids by molecular breeding of algae is required for practical use. In the present study, we developed a highly efficient genome‐editing system involving Platinum transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) in Nannochloropsis oceanica. Platinum TALENs codon‐optimized for N. oceanica were synthesized, and their DNA‐binding activity was confirmed by single‐strand annealing assays in human HEK293T cells. All‐in‐one expression vectors for Platinum TALEN targeting the nitrate reductase gene, NoNR, and acyltransferase gene, LPAT1, were transfected into Nannochloropsis species. The introduction of each Platinum TALEN revealed high genome‐editing efficiency with no detectable off‐target mutations at the candidate sites in N. oceanica. By simultaneously introducing TALENs targeting two genes, we obtained double mutant strains. The loss‐of‐function phenotype of NoNR was also confirmed. These findings will provide an essential technology for molecular breeding in Nannochloropsis species.
Care work, gender inequality and technological advancement in the age of COVID‐19
Authors: MacLeavy Julie
Published: September 2020

COVID‐19 has created a challenge and opportunity to change collective economic and care systems. While the care deficit that confronts the UK pre‐dates the pandemic, contemporary events have made it clear that care is a foundational element of a safe, functioning society. Building on research that shows new technologies are being used to augment the work of paid carers in nations facing labour shortages, funding constraints and hostility to immigration, this article considers the potential for technological developments to change care practices, including during this unprecedented crisis. Using a qualitative research approach, the article opens up new questions about established systems of paid and unpaid care and evaluates the potential for technological investments to remedy the weakened care infrastructure in a post‐COVID‐19 environment. In doing so, it emphasizes the sensory dimensions of care, which will need to be addressed in how governments in the UK and beyond respond to technological developments.
Social dominance, hypermasculinity, and career barriers in Nigeria
Authors: Ajibade Adisa Toyin , Mordi Chima , Simpson Ruth , Iwowo Vanessa
Published: September 2020

Drawing on social dominance theory as a theoretical lens and based on a qualitative study of female managers and supervisors at different levels of the organization, we investigate the barriers women in Nigeria face in their careers. In their accounts of discrimination, corruption, familial/domestic responsibilities, cultural perceptions of gender, and ingrained religious beliefs, participants draw attention to the intense difficulties they face in their careers. We highlight the significance of context and argue that Nigeria is notable for an extreme attitude of male preference at work involving an intensification of career barriers that reflects the entrenched and systemic nature of male dominance in Nigerian organizations. We capture this in the concept of the “hypermasculine organization,” which is characterized by exaggerated male advantage, a tendency towards gender‐based exploitation and abuse together with a justificatory logic based on rigidly enforced gender roles. These debilitating factors affecting women in organizations have potential implications for other countries in the global south.
Advantages of the Optimum Pulse Moment in Surface NMR and Application in Groundwater Exploration
Authors: Pan Jianwei , Lu Kai , Wang Zhongmei , Li Kaitian , Li Zhenyu
Published: September 2020

The surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) method is widely used in groundwater detection because of its sensitivity to hydrogen in water and direct water detection. However, low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) restrict the development of this technique. An optimum pulse sequence is designed according to correspondence between the pulse moment strength and its best detection depth. Because only selection of the pulse intensity distribution according to the target aquifer depth is required and the “on‐resonance” pulse pattern is still employed, this pulse sequence emission can be easily achieved using existing SNMR instrumentation. Numerical simulation results and field experiments show that, compared with traditional exponential growth pulses, the optimum pulse sequence effectively improves the SNR of the SNMR method. The aquifer boundary, water content, and pore characteristics of the inversion result are thus more consistent with characteristics of underground structures. Additionally, because the optimum pulse sequence focuses most of the pulse moments in the target depth range, in situations where two aquifers are separated by a relatively narrow aquitard, it is better able to resolve the individual aquifers than the traditional pulses. Optimum pulse moments improve the SNR by enhancing the signal amplitude, compared with various filtering methods, and obtain a better detection effect. This kind of pulse sequence can be used as an alternative pulse sequence form of the SNMR method.
Habitat and weather conditions influence reproductive rates of suburban and rural Red‐shouldered HawksButeo lineatus
Authors: Dykstra Cheryl R. , Hays Jeffrey L. , Simon Melinda M. , Wegman Ann R. , Dykstra Laura R. , Williams Kelly A.
Published: September 2020

Both habitat and weather can strongly influence reproductive rates of birds. We measured reproductive rates of suburban and rural Red‐shouldered HawksButeo lineatusin southern Ohio, USA, from 1997 to 2016, and then tested how weather conditions and habitat in the areas surrounding the nest‐sites were related to two measures of reproductive rate. Reproductive rates of Red‐shouldered Hawks did not differ between the suburban and rural study areas, and were relatively stable from year to year. Suburban Red‐shouldered Hawks produced 2736 young in 1773 nesting attempts (i.e. nest with eggs) at 302 territories (1.54 young per nesting attempt), and rural‐nesting Hawks produced 996 young in 640 nesting attempts at 108 territories (1.56 young per nesting attempt). Annual nesting success averaged 58.9 ± 1.1% for suburban birds and 58.9 ± 2.1% for rural birds. Several factors influenced Red‐shouldered Hawk reproductive rates, measured as either the number of young per nesting attempt or the percentage of nesting attempts that were successful. Higher air temperatures during May (the nestling period) and increasing amounts of coniferous forest were associated with higher reproductive rates, whereas increasing April air temperatures and increasing amount of grassland cover had the opposite effect. Land cover variables associated with suburban landscapes, such as the amount of residential development, did not influence the number of young per nesting attempt or nesting success, suggesting that Red‐shouldered Hawks are welladapted to human‐dominated landscapes in southern Ohio. Our study also illustrates the value of long‐term datasets for improving our understanding of factors that affect raptors’ demographic parameters.
Occurrence and function of melanin‐based grey coloration in Western Palaearctic songbirds (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: Surmacki Adrian , Minias Piotr , Kudelska Karolina
Published: September 2020

Melanin is the most common pigment in avian plumage and has various functions, including signalling individual condition, social status, aiding in camouflage and strengthening feathers. To date, most research focusing on melanin‐based colours has focused on eumelanin black and pheomelanin rusty traits. The occurrence and function of grey melanin‐based coloration, however, remains largely unstudied. Using colour plates from a bird identification guide and a comparative phylogenetic approach, we analysed the occurrence and relative patch size of grey plumage regions in 239 passerine species belonging to 36 families occurring in the Western Palaearctic. We proposed four hypotheses to explain the evolution of grey plumage: (1) protection from visually oriented predators, (2) badges of social information, (3) sexually selected ornaments, and (4) visual enhancement of badges and ornamental colour patches via high between‐colour contrast. We tested these hypotheses by analysing the occurrence and relative size of grey patches in relation to ecological and life‐history traits and the occurrence of other colours. Moreover, we surveyed the distribution of grey over avian body regions and its adjacency to other plumage colours. Grey coloration was present in 97 species from 25 families (40.5% of all species and 69.4% of all families sampled, respectively). Our results support the idea that grey plumage evolved to provide cryptic coloration and/or as a sexual signal used in female mate choice. Grey colour occurrence was associated with less concealed nest structure and open habitats, and this effect was especially pronounced in species in which males incubate. In both sexes, grey was more abundant on the head and back regions, which are the most visible body parts during incubation. The occurrence of grey was related to a greater dichromatism and was slightly higher in males than in females, which suggests that it could have evolved in response to female mate choice. No evidence suggests that grey plumage enhances ornamental colours or acts as a competitive signal. The study provides the first insight into potential functions of grey plumage in birds. Further studies at the species level are needed to test our findings.
The effect of disclosing key audit matters and accounting standard precision on the audit expectation gap
Authors: Coram Paul J. , Wang Leiyu
Published: September 2020

This study reports an experiment using nonprofessional financial report users to investigate the effect of disclosing key audit matters (KAMs) on the audit expectation gap. This study also explores how differences in precision of accounting standards interacts with the auditor's reporting of KAMs to affect users' perceptions. We find that disclosing KAMs per se in the audit report does not effect the audit expectation gap, which is consistent with prior research on the effect of additional disclosures in audit reports. However, the expectation gap actually increases on measures associated with perceptions on the reliability of the audited financial reports when the audit report includes a KAM that follows a precise accounting standard, suggesting some potential unintended consequences of this reporting change.
Overcoming perceived sacrifice as a barrier to the adoption of green non‐purchase behaviours
Authors: Chwialkowska Agnieszka , Flicinska‐Turkiewicz Joanna
Published: September 2020

As environmental concerns do not translate into action, this study uses an experimental design to test the effectiveness of different priming strategies in terms of increasing green non‐purchase behaviour frequency. Green non‐purchase behaviours are particularly problematic as they are associated with sacrifice. While previous research focused on promoting green purchases, this research contributes to the existing literature by investigating effective ways to promote green non‐purchase behaviours (conservation and recycling) and shows that they can be primed with appropriate communication strategies. In particular, building on prospect theory, it shows that priming personal gain, as opposed to environmental gain, can motivate people to act green and that priming no effort can mitigate the perceived sacrifice associated with green non‐purchase behaviours. Rather than focusing on intentions or immediate attitudinal responses, this study investigates behavioural changes that occur due to effective priming, thus contributing to a better understanding of how to generate a lasting behavioural change. This study also bears practical implications and provides recommendations regarding the development of successful social campaigns that encourage green non‐purchase behaviours.
Does deregulation decrease unemployment? An empirical analysis of the Spanish labour market
Authors: HERRERO Daniel , CÁRDENAS Luis , LÓPEZ GALLEGO Julián
Published: September 2020

Spain underwent two major labour reforms in 2010 and 2012 under the assumption that deregulating the labour market and decentralizing collective bargaining would automatically reduce unemployment (deregulation hypothesis). This article highlights the impact of demand and the sectoral structure of the economy to explain the behaviour of this variable (structural hypothesis). Analysing subnational panel data, the authors assess the capacity of these two hypotheses to explain unemployment trends. Their results cast doubt on the deregulation hypothesis and indicate the importance of cyclical and structural factors.
La norme ISO 45001 et les controverses autour de la régulation transnationale privée de la sécurité et de la santé au travail
Authors: HERAS‐SAIZARBITORIA Iñaki , BOIRAL Olivier , IBARLOZA Ander
Published: September 2020

Les auteurs analysent la genèse de la norme ISO 45001 sur la sécurité et la santé au travail, une initiative de régulation transnationale privée. Ils décrivent les controverses qui ont surgi à cette occasion, en se fondant sur des entretiens avec des personnes associées à l'élaboration, l'approbation et la diffusion initiale du texte, ainsi que sur une analyse qualitative des documents internes au comité chargé de sa finalisation. À l'instar de normes précédentes sur l'environnement – ISO 14001 – et la responsabilité sociale des entreprises – ISO 26000 –, ce nouvel instrument suscite de vives préoccupations, car il traite de questions politiques, sociales et juridiques déterminantes.
Impact of salt and the osmoprotective transcription factor NFAT‐5 on macrophages during mechanical strain
Authors: Schröder Agnes , Leikam Alexandra , Käppler Paul , Neubert Patrick , Jantsch Jonathan , Neuhofer Wolfgang , Deschner James , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian
Published: September 2020

Myeloid cells regulate bone density in response to increased salt (NaCl) intake via the osmoprotective transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells‐5 (NFAT‐5). Because orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a pseudoinflammatory immunological process, we investigated the influence of NaCl and NFAT‐5 on the expression pattern of macrophages in a model of simulated OTM. RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed for 4 h to 2 g cm−2 compressive or 16% tensile or no mechanical strain (control), with or without the addition of 40 mm NaCl. We analyzed the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins [tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)‐6 and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase‐2 (Ptgs‐2)/prostaglandin E2 (PG‐E2)] by real‐time‐quantitative PCR and ELISA. To investigate the role of NFAT‐5 in these responses, NFAT‐5 was both constitutively expressed and silenced. Salt and compressive strain, but not tensile strain increased the expression of NFAT‐5 and most tested inflammatory factors in macrophages. NaCl induced the expression of Ptgs‐2/PG‐E2 and TNF, whereas secretion of IL‐6 was inhibited. Similarly, a constitutive expression of NFAT‐5 reduced IL‐6 expression, while increasing Ptgs‐2/PG‐E2 and TNF expression. Silencing of NFAT‐5 upregulated IL‐6 and reduced Ptgs‐2/PG‐E2 and TNF expression. Salt had an impact on the expression profile of macrophages as a reaction to compressive and tensile strain that occur during OTM. This was mediated via NFAT‐5, which surprisingly also seems to play a regulatory role in mechanotransduction of compressive strain. Sodium accumulation in the periodontal ligament caused by dietary salt consumption might propagate local osteoclastogenesis via increased local inflammation and thus OTM velocity, but possibly also entail side effects such as dental root resorptions or periodontal bone loss.
GPR43 regulates marginal zone B‐cell responses to foreign and endogenous antigens
Authors: Rohrbeck Leona , Adori Monika , Wang Shan , He Chenfei , Tibbitt Christopher A , Chernyshev Mark , Sirel Madle , Ribacke Ulf , Murrell Ben , Bohlooly‐Y Mohammad , Karlsson Mikael CI , Karlsson Hedestam Gunilla B , Coquet Jonathan M
Published: September 2020

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells are innate‐like B cells that produce polyreactive antibodies with an affinity for microbial molecular patterns and carbohydrate ligands. MZ B cells have been shown to be important in mediating immunity to various bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and are also implicated in inflammatory syndromes including lupus erythematosus. The intestinal microbiota is responsible for producing short‐chain fatty acids, which can regulate immune cell function by several mechanisms including ligation of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPR)43. Herein, we show that MZ B cells express Gpr43 messenger RNA and that the absence of this receptor impacts on MZ B‐cell surface marker expression and antibody production. In T‐cell‐independent responses to the hapten 4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenylacetic acid (NP), mice deficient in GPR43 displayed higher serum titers of NP‐specific antibodies. Moreover, in response to a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, GPR43‐deficient mice developed robust serum antibody responses and had markedly increased numbers of splenic antibody‐secreting cells, compared with control mice. Finally, serum immunoglobulin M autoantibodies to double‐stranded DNA and phosphatidylcholine were increased in resting 10–15‐week‐old mice lacking GPR43. Taken together, mice lacking GPR43 have heightened antibody responses to T‐cell‐independent antigens, which may be a result of impaired regulation of MZ B cells.
Neuromedin U: potential roles in immunity and inflammation
Authors: Ye Yuan , Liang Zongan , Xue Luzheng
Published: September 2020

Since the discovery of neuromedin U (NmU) from porcine spinal cord in 1985, this neuropeptide has been subsequently identified in many other species with multiple physiological and pathophysiological roles detected, ranging from smooth muscle contraction, feeding, energy balance to tumorigenesis. Intriguingly, NmU is also emerging to play pro‐inflammatory roles involving immune cell activation and cytokine release in a neuron‐dependent or neuron‐independent manner. The NmU‐mediated inflammatory responses have already been observed in worm infection, sepsis, autoimmune arthritis and allergic animal models. In this review, we focus on the roles of NmU in immunity and inflammation by highlighting the interactions between NmU and immune cells, summarizing the signalling mechanism involved in their reactions and discussing its potential contributions to inflammatory diseases.
Cancer immunotherapy harnessing γδ T cells and programmed death‐1
Authors: Tanaka Yoshimasa
Published: September 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has received increasing attention since the success of CTLA‐4 and programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR‐T cells. One of the most promising next‐generation cancer treatments is adoptive transfer of immune effector cells. Developing an efficacious adoptive transfer therapy requires growing large numbers of highly purified immune effector cells in a short period of time. γδ T cells can be effectively expanded using synthetic antigens such as pyrophosphomonoesters and nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates (N‐BPs). Pyrophosphomonoester antigens, initially identified in mycobacterial extracts, were used for this purpose in the early years of the development of γδ T cell‐based therapy. GMP‐grade N‐BPs, which are now commercially available, are used in many clinical trials worldwide. In order to develop N‐BPs for cancer immunotherapy, N‐BP prodrugs have been synthesized; among these, tetrakis‐pivaloyloxymethyl 2‐(thiazole‐2‐ylamino)ethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonate (PTA) is the most potent compound for stimulating γδ T cells. The activated γδ T cells express high levels of PD‐1, suggesting the potential for a combination therapy harnessing γδ T cells and PD‐1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, the functions of γδ T cells can be modified by IL‐18. Collectively, the recent findings show that γδ T cells are one of the most promising immune effector subsets for the development of novel cancer immunotherapy.
Workplace exposure to suicide among Australian mental health workers: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Sanford Rebecca L. , Hawker Katelyn , Wayland Sarah , Maple Myfanwy
Published: September 2020

Workplace exposure to suicide attempts and deaths has been widely recognized as an occupational hazard for mental health and social care workers, including mental health nurses. Research consistently demonstrates the adverse impact on professionals. This paper explores the results of an online survey examining suicide exposure and impact. Of the 3010 Australian adult participants who identified exposure to suicide attempts and/or deaths in a larger study, 130 indicated that the most impactful suicide attempt and/or death exposure was that of a client or service user. While distress levels were relatively low among participants with workplace exposure, the qualitative content from 53 participants provides illumination into this experience. Themes that emerged in the qualitative responses include impact on the professional, organization response, and lack of adequate resources and supports to prevent suicide. Previous research has examined the impact of suicide exposure among professionals specifically, but this is the first known study of participants in a community sample who identified the most impactful suicide attempt or death exposure they had experienced was that of a client in a mental health setting. Workplace exposure among mental health workers is common and can have both deleterious and positive effects. Bereavement focused outcomes, where the loss of an attachment relationship is the focus, does not capture the full range of experiences in workplace exposure. Systemic issues in mental health care contribute to further distress among exposed workers, and this requires additional investigation and response.
Non‐neutralizing antibody responses following A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza vaccination with or without AS03 adjuvant system
Authors: Friel Damien , Co Mary , Ollinger Thierry , Salaun Bruno , Schuind Anne , Li Ping , Walravens Karl , Ennis Francis A. , Vaughn David W.
Published: September 2020

Background

Non‐neutralizing antibodies inducing complement‐dependent lysis (CDL) and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity may contribute to protection against influenza infection. We investigated CDL and ADCC responses in healthy adults randomized to receive either non‐adjuvanted or AS03‐adjuvanted monovalent A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine (containing 15 µg/3.75 μg of hemagglutinin, respectively) on a 2‐dose schedule 21 days apart.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory analysis of a subset of 106 subjects having no prior history of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection or seasonal influenza vaccination enrolled in a previously reported study (NCT00985673). Antibody responses against the homologous A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) vaccine strain and a related A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) seasonal influenza strain were analyzed up to Day 42.

Results

Baseline seropositivity determined with hemagglutination inhibition (HI), CDL and ADCC antibody titers against viral strains was high; A/California/7/2009 (HI [40.4‐48.1%]; CDL [34.6‐36.0%]; ADCC [92.1‐92.3%]); A/Brisbane/59/2007 (HI [73.1‐88.9%]; CDL [38.0‐42.0%]; ADCC [86.8‐97.0%]). CDL seropositivity increased following vaccination with both adjuvanted and non‐adjuvanted formulations (A/California/7/2009 [95.9‐100%]; A/Brisbane/59/2007 [75.5‐79.6%]). At Day 21, increases in CDL and ADCC antibody geometric mean titers against both strains were observed for both formulations. After 2 doses of AS03‐adjuvanted vaccine, vaccine responses of 95.8% (≥9‐fold increase from baseline in CDL titers) and 34.3% (≥16‐fold increase from baseline in ADCC titers) were seen against A/California/7/2009; and 22.4% and 42.9%, respectively, against A/Brisbane/59/2007. Vaccine responses after 2 doses of the non‐adjuvanted vaccine were broadly similar.

Conclusions

Broadly comparable non‐neutralizing immune responses were observed following vaccination with non‐adjuvanted and AS03‐adjuvanted A(H1N1)pdm09 formulations; including activity against a related vaccine strain.
Population anxiety and positive behaviour change during the COVID‐19 epidemic: Cross‐sectional surveys in Singapore, China and Italy
Authors: Lim Jane M. , Tun Zaw Myo , Kumar Vishakha , Quaye Sharon Esi Duoduwa , Offeddu Vittoria , Cook Alex R. , Lwin May Oo , Jiang Shaohai , Tam Clarence C.
Published: September 2020

Background

On 31 December 2019, an epidemic of pneumonia of unknown aetiology was first reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. A rapidly progressing epidemic of COVID‐19 ensued within China, with multiple exportations to other countries. We aimed to measure perceptions and responses towards COVID‐19 in three countries to understand how population‐level anxiety can be mitigated in the early phases of a pandemic.

Methods

Between February and March 2020, we conducted online surveys in Singapore, China and Italy with a total of 4505 respondents to measure respondents’ knowledge, perceptions, anxiety and behaviours towards the COVID‐19 epidemic, and identified factors associated with lower anxiety and more positive behavioural responses.

Results

Respondents reported high awareness of COVID‐19 and its accompanying symptoms, comparable information‐seeking habits and similarly high levels of information sufficiency, adherence to and acceptance of public health control measures. Higher self‐efficacy was associated with lower anxiety levels in all three countries, while willingness to comply with restrictive measures and greater information sufficiency were associated with more positive behavioural changes to reduce spread of infection.

Conclusion

Population‐level anxiety and behavioural responses to an outbreak can be influenced by information provided. This should be used to inform future outbreak preparedness plans, taking into account the importance of increasing population‐level self‐efficacy and information sufficiency to reduce anxiety and promote positive behavioural changes.
Experimental and numerical thermal analysis for direct microwave heating of silicon carbide
Authors: Ghorbel Inès , Ganster Patrick , Moulin Nicolas , Meunier Christophe , Bruchon Julien
Published: September 2020

A comparison between experiment and numerical simulation of microwave heating of a parallelepipedic silicon carbide (SiC) sample is presented. Using a‐2.45 GHz single‐mode cavity, the evolution of the surface temperature is first experimentally studied for different orientations of the sample. A finite element analysis of this electromagnetic‐thermal coupled problem is then conducted with the COMSOL Multiphysics®software. Despite the different approximations of our model, a good agreement between experimental and numerical results is found, confirming that the heating of SiC depends only on the electric field. The effect of sample orientations and the cavity length on heating is also highlighted and analyzed.
Unique performance of thermal barrier coatings made of yttria‐stabilized zirconia at extreme temperatures (>1500°C)
Authors: Vaßen Robert , Mack Daniel Emil , Tandler Martin , Sohn Yoo Jung , Sebold Doris , Guillon Olivier
Published: September 2020

Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has been for several decades the state of the art material for thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications in gas turbines. Although the material has unique properties, further efficiency improvement by increasing the temperature is limited due to its maximum temperature capability of about 1200°C. Above this temperature the deposited metastable tetragonal (t´) phase undergoes a detrimental phase transformation as well as enhanced sintering. Both processes promote the failure of the coatings at elevated temperatures and this early failure has been frequently observed in gradient tests. In this paper, we now experimentally shown for the first time that under typical cycling conditions not the time at elevated temperatures leads to the reduced lifetime but the transient cooling rates. If cooling rates were reduced to 10K/s, TBC systems could be operated in a burner rig at a surface temperature well above 1500°C without showing a lifetime reduction. The explanation of these astonishing findings is given by the evaluation of energy release rate peaks during fast transient cooling in combination with the phase evolution during cooling with the used cooling rates.
Carbon depth profile and internal stress by thermal energy variation in carbon‐doped TiZrN coating
Authors: Hong Eunpyo , Kim Taewoo , Kim Seonghoon , Lee Seon‐Hong , Lee Heesoo
Published: September 2020

Diffusion and bonding behavior of the doped carbon by variation of thermal energy was investigated in terms of carbon depth profile and local atomic structure. The thermal energy of pulsed laser was limited to the range of 20%~50% to dope the carbon and prevent degradation of the coating layer with laser carburization. The doped carbon was confirmed to be distributed to a depth of around 20 nm from the surface at 20% thermal energy by ToF‐SIMS analysis. Carbon diffused at about 400 nm with 50% thermal energy, and most of the carbon spread from the surface to around 80 nm. The EXAFS analysis represented that the peak of the interstitial carbon site was formed at 20% and the ZrN peak shifted toward the ZrC peak by increasing the thermal energy. The analysis of the electronic structure and the bonding state demonstrated that the proportion of substitutional carbon was about 21% at a thermal energy of 50%. The internal stress was calculated using HR‐XRD with a 5‐axes sample stage, which was −453 MPa before doping and then increased to −1494 MPa at 50% because the mixture of interstitial and substitutional carbon increased distortion inside the coating layer. The elastic modulus and hardness were 459 and 37.9 GPa at 50%, respectively, which were improved by 10% and 20% compared to those of the TiZrN coating.
Room‐temperature bonding method of bioactive ultrathin glass film on titanium by a dissolution‐polymerization reaction
Authors: Liu Yin , Kishi Tetsuo , Jeng Ray‐Jay , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Yano Tetsuji
Published: September 2020

Freestanding ultrathin glass film (UGF) of 45S5 bioglass was successfully bonded on a Ti substrate by the room‐temperature bonding method. 45S5 UGFs with a thickness of 1~4 μm were fabricated by the glass‐blowing technique, and the UGF was attached on the Ti plate at room temperature with a water layer between them. The bonding strength was about 370 mJ/m2 just after bonding, and it increased during storing in the ambient atmosphere at room temperature and reached about 900 mJ/m2 after 9 hours storage. The interfaces of the UGF and Ti substrate during the bonding process were analyzed by an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as‐prepared UGF was found to have surface layers with a high content of Na2O and low content of SiO2, and the dissolution of Na2O‐rich component into water layer induced depolymerization and polymerization of SiO2 network to form Si‐O‐Si bonds between the UGF and Ti plate and then to increase the bonding strength during storage. This work presents the simple technique to laminate the bioactive glass layer on the surface of the metal without post heat treatment.
Growth and electrical properties of high‐Curie point rhombohedral Mn‐Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 thin films
Authors: Li Zihao , Wang Yuchun , Tang Yanxue , Zhao Xiangyong , Wang Tao , Duan Zhihua , Wang Feifei , Li Xiaobing , Leung Chung Ming , Fang Bijun
Published: September 2020

High‐quality ternary relaxor ferroelectric (100)‐oriented Mn‐doped 0.36Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐0.36Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.28PbTiO3 (Mn‐PIMNT) thin films were grown on SrRuO3‐buffered SrTiO3 single‐crystal substrate in a wide deposition temperature range of 550‐620°C using the pulsed laser deposition method. The phase structure, ferroelectric, dielectric, piezoelectric properties, and nanoscale domain evolution were studied. Under the deposition temperature of 620°C, the ferroelectric hysteresis loops and current‐voltage curves showed that the film owned significantly enhanced remnant ferroelectric polarization of 34.5 μC/cm2 and low leakage current density of 2.7 × 10−10 A/cm2. Moreover fingerprint‐type nanosized domain patterns with polydomain structures and well‐defined macroscopic piezoelectric properties with a high normalized strain constant of 40 pm/V was obtained. Under in situ DC electric field, the domain evolution was investigated and 180° domain reversal was observed through piezoelectric force microscope. These global electrical properties make the current Mn‐PIMNT thin films very promising in piezoelectric MEMS applications.
Atomic layer deposition of GDC cathodic functional thin films for oxide ion incorporation enhancement
Authors: Yang Hwichul , Lee Hojae , Lim Yonghyun , Kim Young‐Beom
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we report successful fabrication of a gadolinia‐doped ceria (GDC) thin film using atomic layer deposition (ALD) for improving the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). By varying the deposition conditions and adjusting the configuration of the ALD supercycle, the doping ratio of ALD GDC was controlled. The morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of ALD GDC thin films were analyzed. ALD GDC showed different surface chemistry, including oxidation states, at different doping ratios. The application of ALD GDC in a SOFC led to an output power density enhancement greater than 2.5 times. With an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) porous support structure, an ALD GDC thin film SOFC (TF‐SOFC) showed a high power density of 288.24 mW/cm2 at an operating temperature of 450°C.
Thermochemical principles of the production of lightweight aggregates from waste coal bottom ash
Authors: Balapour Mohammad , Rao Rathin , Garboczi Edward J. , Spatari Sabrina , Hsuan Y. Grace , Billen Pieter , Farnam Yaghoob
Published: September 2020

Manufacturing lightweight aggregate (LWA) (ie, porous ceramics) by means of a sintering technique requires a delicate balance among three conditions: (a) forming a sufficient amount of molten liquid phase during sintering, (b) reaching an appropriate viscosity for solid‐liquid suspension, and (c) emitting a sufficient amount of gas that can be entrapped by the liquid phase to form pores. This study evaluates these three conditions in the production of LWAs made from two types of waste coal bottom ash (low‐calcium and high‐calcium), and relates them to the formation of LWA pore structure. A thermochemical analytical approach, including thermodynamic modeling and the Browning viscosity model, was used to quantify the extent of the liquid phase and calculate its viscosity. In conjunction with thermochemical analysis, an experimental approach including quantitative x‐ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and x‐ray computed tomography was also used to identify the candidate chemical compounds that contribute to gas emission during sintering and to evaluate the LWA pore structure. The results indicated that a mass fraction of at least 50% for the liquid phase is required for a successful entrapment of emitted gaseous phases during sintering. Larger pores were observed in the microstructure of LWA samples made using high‐calcium bottom ash in comparison to those made with low‐calcium bottom ash. This observation was mainly attributed to the high‐calcium samples forming liquid phases with lower viscosities and emitting higher amounts of gaseous phase during sintering than did the low‐calcium samples. It was found that the gaseous phase was generated by hematite reduction and anhydrite decomposition, which led to the release of O2 and SO2.