bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estate recovery and long‐term care insurance
Authors: Courbage Christophe , Montoliu‐Montes Guillem
Published: February 2020

Estate recovery is a policy under which the state recovers part of long‐term care (LTC) subsidies from the estates of deceased beneficiaries. This paper studies the effect of estate recovery on LTC insurance demand. This effect strongly relies on the bequest motive since the main purpose behind purchasing LTC insurance is to protect bequests from the financial costs of LTC. We find that the impact of estate recovery on LTC insurance depends on the level of parental bequests and on whether and how the parent anticipates the child's preferences with respect to informal care. More specifically, we show that estate recovery encourages the parent to purchase LTC insurance when his child is considered selfish or to like providing care. However, this policy could provide disincentives to LTC insurance purchase by the parent if his child is considered to dislike providing informal care. Our results also show that estate recovery reduces and may even eliminate public support crowding out of private LTC insurance demand. Finally, we characterize the welfare implications of financing LTC public support by estate recovery.
Beyond medicines provision: community pharmacists roles in meeting patient needs through value-added pharmacy services
Authors: Chukwu Otuto Amarauche
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Pharmacy practice now requires more patient-centred and outcome-oriented approach, hence the need for a more value-based model. In developing countries like Nigeria, out-of-pocket spending for health care is high and patients usually visit the community pharmacy first to attend to their health needs. Since patients need to get value for their money, assessing their perception on services provided and their need for value-added pharmacy services is imperative. Thus, this study aims at assessing the perception of patients on services provided by community pharmacies in Nigeria and to ascertain their needs for value-added pharmacy services.

Methods

A 15-item questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled respondents who routinely visit their community pharmacy. The questionnaire addressed demographics, satisfaction with community pharmacy practice, accessibility of healthcare professionals and need for value-added pharmacy services. The respondents gave oral informed consent prior to administration of the questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were applied in data analysis.

Key Findings

A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed, and 300 were duly filled and returned. The survey lasted for 3 months, and the questionnaires were self-completed. All respondents agreed that pharmacy practice is important in healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Seventy-one per cent stated that the community pharmacy was their first port of call for treating minor ailments and seeking advice on medicines and health. Furthermore, 61% indicated that they trust pharmacists more than other health professionals in the area of medicines provision and advice. All respondents agreed that they require provision of more services other than medication dispensing and advice from their pharmacists.

Conclusions

Results suggest that patients have a positive perception towards community pharmacists as the most accessible and trusted health professionals for minor ailments and medicines provision. However, in addition to medicines provision, these patients require more services from pharmacists that add value in meeting their various health and medicines needs.
Melatonin ameliorates aluminum toxicity through enhancing aluminum exclusion and reestablishing redox homeostasis in roots of wheat
Authors: Sun Chengliang , Lv Ting , Huang Lin , Liu Xiaoxia , Jin Chongwei , Lin Xianyong
Published: February 2020

Melatonin is a universal regulator modulating plant development and responses to abiotic stresses. The alteration and potential roles of melatonin in mediating aluminum (Al) tolerance were investigated in two wheat genotypes differing in Al resistance. Using the high‐resolution mass spectrometry, we observed that melatonin contents in Xi Aimai‐1 were 1.7‐fold higher than that in Yangmai‐5. Application of melatonin conferred Al resistance in both genotypes. Melatonin treatment scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alleviated Al‐induced oxidative damage to lipids and proteins by stimulating antioxidant enzymes and augmenting antioxidants. Additionally, melatonin treatment decreased root tip‐Al contents by 19.0% and 15.5% in Xi Aimai‐1 and Yangmai‐5, respectively. Malate efflux, however, was not altered by melatonin under Al stress. The amount of cell wall polysaccharide and pectin methylesterase activity was significantly increased by Al treatment; but suppressed by melatonin. Melatonin synthesis inhibitor, p‐CPA, significantly increased the amount of the Al binding in cell walls of the tolerant genotype, whereas exogenous melatonin decreased cell wall Al content in the sensitive genotype. These results suggest that melatonin alleviated Al toxicity through augmenting antioxidants and inducing antioxidant enzymes to control ROS and enhancing exclusion of Al from root apex by altering cell wall polysaccharides in wheat.
Reduced movement of wildlife in Mediterranean landscapes: a case study of brown bears in Greece
Authors: de Gabriel Hernando M. , Karamanlidis A. A. , Grivas K. , Krambokoukis L. , Papakostas G. , Beecham J.
Published: February 2020

The survival of large carnivores in a rapidly changing, human‐modified world depends largely on their movements; therefore, understanding how movement patterns change within space and time and which factors affect them most is of paramount importance for their conservation. In a case study in Greece using brown bearsUrsus arctos, we evaluated the movement ecology of a recovering population in a Mediterranean landscape, where human activity is high. We found that during daytime bears moved less, when ambient temperatures were high and when they were far away from forests and close to settlements, where human activity is expected to be high. During night‐time, when human activity and mortality risk are expected to be low, bear movement was higher farther from forested areas, close to roads, and in less rough terrain. Although bear movement patterns in Greece were generally similar to those of other bear populations in Europe, home ranges were smaller than in northern populations. These findings indicate that increased human activity and high ambient temperatures reduce bear movement and ultimately contribute to the smaller home ranges in the warmer and human‐dominated Mediterranean landscapes. We suggest that management and conservation actions in Mediterranean landscapes should aim on separating humans and bears in space or time, so that bear movements are not constrained and, in turn, minimum home ranges that cover their essential requirements are guaranteed.
Non‐invasive liver fibrosis scores are strongly associated with liver cancer mortality in general population without liver disease
Authors: Sung Ki‐Chul , Johnston Michael P. , Lee Mi Y. , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: February 2020

Background & Aims

In a general population without known liver disease, we tested whether: (a) increased liver fibrosis scores (FIB‐4 and APRI) are associated with liver cancer mortality and (b) the probability that a person with a higher score died of liver cancer.

Methods

In a retrospective occupational cohort who underwent annual/biennial health examinations (between 2002 and 2015), subjects were excluded with known chronic liver disease. Based on their baseline FIB‐4 and APRI scores, subjects were categorised in low‐/intermediate‐/high‐risk groups for advanced liver fibrosis. Using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were estimated for liver cancer mortality, with the low‐risk FIB‐4/APRI group as the reference. Harrell's C statistics were also calculated.

Results

In 200 479 participants, mean (SD) age was 36.4 (7.7) years. Median follow‐up was 4.1 years (IQR 2.10‐8.03) with 80 liver cancer deaths. High baseline FIB‐4 or APRI scores occurred in 0.25% and 0.09% of subjects respectively. A high FIB‐4 or APRI score was associated with a markedly increased risk of liver cancer mortality (aHRs 629.10 [95% CI 228.74‐1730.20] and 80.42 [95% CI 34.37‐188.18]) respectively. C statistics were FIB‐4 = 0.841 (95% CI 0.735‐0.946) and APRI = 0.933 (95% CI 0.864‐0.999).

Conclusions

In a general population without known liver disease, high FIB‐4 or high APRI (in keeping with a high probability of advanced fibrosis) occurred in 0.25% (FIB‐4) and 0.09% (APRI) of subjects. Both scores were associated with a markedly increased risk of liver cancer mortality and FIB‐4 and APRI models both strongly predicted liver cancer mortality.
The limits of rational belief revision: A dilemma for the Darwinian debunker
Authors: Vavova Katia
Published: February 2020

We are fallible creatures, prone to making all sorts of mistakes. So, we should be open to evidence of error. But what constitutes such evidence? And what is it to rationally accommodate it? I approach these questions by considering an evolutionary debunking argument according to which (a) we have good, scientific, reason to think our moral beliefs are mistaken, and (b) rationally accommodating this requires revising our confidence in, or altogether abandoning the suspect beliefs. I present a dilemma for such debunkers, which shows that either we have no reason to worry about our moral beliefs, or we do but we can self‐correct. Either way, moral skepticism doesn't follow. That the evolutionary debunking argument fails is important; also important, however, is what its failure reveals about rational belief revision. Specifically, it suggests that getting evidence of error is a non‐trivial endeavor and that we cannot learn that we are likely to be mistaken about some matter from a neutral stance on that matter.
The power of the Functional Activities Questionnaire for screening dementia in rural‐dwelling older adults at high‐risk of cognitive impairment
Authors: Yin Ling , Ren Yifei , Wang Xiang , Li Yunxia , Hou Tingting , Liu Keke , Cong Lin , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Yongxiang , Jiang Ziying , Du Yifeng
Published: February 2020

Aim

A simple approach to detecting dementia in its early stages may help improve patient care. We therefore aimed to assess the power of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) for screening dementia among rural‐dwelling older adults who are at high‐risk for cognitive impairment.

Methods

This study included 961 participants at a high‐risk for dementia who had been identified from a population‐based survey of Chinese rural residents. All participants were aged 65 years and older and positive for cognitive impairment according to the Mini‐Mental State Examination or the Ascertain Dementia 8‐item Informant Questionnaire screening tests. The FAQ scale was used to evaluate daily activities. Dementia was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine the FAQ's optimal cut‐offs for dementia. The power (or accuracy) of the FAQ for screening dementia was analyzed in the total sample and in subgroups categorized by age, gender, and educational level.

Results

Of the 961 participants, 84 (8.7%) were clinically diagnosed with dementia. Among individuals who were positive for cognitive impairment on the Mini‐Mental State Examination or the Ascertain Dementia 8‐item Informant Questionnaire, the parameters for an FAQ cut‐off score ≥6 as a means of discriminating those with dementia from those without dementia were area under curve = 0.899, sensitivity = 94.1%, specificity = 75.1%, positive likelihood ratio = 3.78, and accuracy = 0.768. The discriminant abilities of the FAQ scale varied with age, gender, and educational level. The discriminant parameters of the FAQ scale were similar overall among individuals who were positive on either the Mini‐Mental State Examination or the Ascertain Dementia 8‐item Informant Questionnaire test alone.

Conclusion

The FAQ scale has high discriminative power to screen for dementia among rural older residents with suspected cognitive impairment.
Frailty index predicts geriatric psychiatry inpatient mortality: a case–control study
Authors: Stolz Erwin , Rásky Éva , Jagsch Christian
Published: February 2020

Background

Many geriatric psychiatry patients suffer from complex psychiatric and medical problems and a minority of patients dies in‐hospital. We assess whether a frailty index (FI) predicts inpatient mortality.

Methods

Electronic health records from 276 patients of a geriatric psychiatry department over 3 years (2015–2017) in Austria were analysed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Mortality rate was 4.2%. The adjusted effect of frailty (per 0.1 FI) on mortality was odds ratio = 3.25 (95% CI = 2.29–4.79). The area under the curve of 0.81 (95% CI = 0.76–0.86) suggested acceptable predictive accuracy.

Conclusions

We found that a non‐negligible minority of geronto‐psychiatric patients died in‐hospital, which can be usefully predicted by the FI derived from routine electronic patient records.
Parafoveal‐on‐foveal repetition effects in sentence reading: A co‐registered eye‐tracking and electroencephalogram study
Authors: Mirault Jonathan , Yeaton Jeremy , Broqua Fanny , Dufau Stéphane , Holcomb Phillip J. , Grainger Jonathan
Published: February 2020

When reading, can the next word in the sentence (word n + 1) influence how you read the word you are currently looking at (word n)? Serial models of sentence reading state that this generally should not be the case, whereas parallel models predict that this should be the case. Here we focus on perhaps the simplest and the strongest Parafoveal‐on‐Foveal (PoF) manipulation: word n + 1 is either the same as word n or a different word. Participants read sentences for comprehension and when their eyes left word n, the repeated or unrelated word at position n + 1 was swapped for a word that provided a syntactically correct continuation of the sentence. We recorded electroencephalogram and eye‐movements, and time‐locked the analysis of fixation‐related potentials (FRPs) to fixation of word n. We found robust PoF repetition effects on gaze durations on word n, and also on the initial landing position on word n. Most important is that we also observed significant effects in FRPs, reaching significance at 260 ms post‐fixation of word n. Repetition of the target word n at position n + 1 caused a widely distributed reduced negativity in the FRPs. Given the timing of this effect, we argue that it is driven by orthographic processing of word n + 1, while readers were still looking at word n, plus the spatial integration of orthographic information extracted from these two words in parallel.
Comparing Cost Accounting Use across European Countries: The Role of Administrative Traditions, NPM Instruments, and Fiscal Stress
Authors: Mohr Zachary T. , Raudla Ringa , Douglas James W.
Published: February 2020

Cost accounting in public organizations is not often studied from a comparative perspective,particularly at the national level of government.While it is often claimed that factors such as New Public Management (NPM) and fiscal stress are the primary drivers of government cost accounting,an important but understudied factor is the administrative tradition of the government,which may influence the use of cost accounting and tools like it.This article examines the perceptions of top public executives regarding cost accounting use across 19 European countries.It focuses on three key factors identified in the literature as potentially being associated with cost accounting use—administrative traditions,NPM instruments,and fiscal stress.Findings show that administrative tradition and the use of NPM instruments are related to cost accounting use,but fiscal stress is not related to cost accounting use in the countries in our study.
Multiple Imputation of Binary Multilevel Missing not at Random Data
Authors: Hammon Angelina , Zinn Sabine
Published: February 2020

We introduce a selection model-based multilevel imputation approach to be used within the fully conditional specification framework for multiple imputation. Concretely, we apply a censored bivariate probit model to describe binary variables assumed to be missing not at random. The first equation of the model defines the regression model for the missing data mechanism. The second equation specifies the regression model of the variable to be imputed. The non-random selection of the binary data is mapped by correlations between the error terms of the two regression models. Hierarchical data structures are modelled by random intercepts in both equations. To fit the novel imputation model we use maximum likelihood and adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature. A comprehensive simulation study shows the overall performance of the approach. We test its usefulness for empirical research by applying it to a common problem in social scientific research: the emergence of educational aspirations. Our software is designed to be used in the R package mice.
Regulatory T cells and T helper 17 cells in viral infection
Authors: Wan Zhikai , Zhou Zhifeng , Liu Yao , Lai Yuhan , Luo Yuan , Peng Xiaoping , Zou Wei
Published: February 2020

CD4+T cells are the central element of the adaptive immune responses and protect the body from a variety of pathogens. Starting from naive cells, CD4+T cells can differentiate into various effector cell subsets with specialized functions including T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg) and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Among them, Tregs and Th17 cells show a strong plasticity allowing the functional adaptation to various physiological and pathological environments during immune responses. Although they are derived from the same precursor cells and their differentiation pathways are interrelated, the terminally differentiated cells have totally opposite functions. Studies have shown that Tregs and Th17 cells have rather complex interplays in viral infection: Th17 cells may contribute to immune activation and disease progression while Tregs may inhibit this process and play a key role in the maintenance of immune homoeostasis, possibly at the cost of compromised viral control. In this review, we take respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections as examples to discuss these interplays and their impacts on disease progression in viral infection.
Freeze‐dried plasma in major haemorrhage: a systematic review
Authors: Feuerstein Solveig Johanna , Skovmand Kamilla , Møller Ann Merete , Wildgaard Kim
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives

Freeze‐dried plasma (FDP) has logistical advantages in terms of storage and reconstitution time compared to fresh‐frozen plasma. In vitro studies show FDP to be equivalent to fresh‐frozen plasma regarding coagulation and clotting capacities. FDP is used in an increasing number of countries. We wanted to evaluate the clinical effects of FDP in major haemorrhage compared to standard care.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Central, Biosis Previews, WHO ICTRP, Clinical Trials and Open Grey were systematically searched from inception until September 2018, without language restriction. Studies were eligible if they examined haemorrhagic adult patients transfused with FDP. Our primary outcome was mortality. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed bias.

Results

Nine studies were eligible for inclusion. Three studies had a comparison group: one was a randomized controlled trial and two were before and after comparisons. Six studies were uncontrolled. A total of 606 patients received FDP, while 72 patients received non‐FDP transfusion. In total, five minor adverse effects were documented. Two studies compared FDP to fresh‐frozen plasma and found no difference in 30‐day mortality between the groups. The included studies were heterogenous and had several methodological weaknesses, such as no control group, missing data or no protocol.

Conclusions

The available research does not document the clinical effects of FDP. We cannot recommend or discourage use of FDP in major haemorrhage on base of available research.
A Recruitment Model of Tendon Viscoelasticity That Incorporates Fibril Creep and Explains Strain-Dependent Relaxation
Authors: Shearer Tom , Parnell William J. , Lynch Barbara , Screen Hazel R. C. , David Abrahams I.
Published: February 2020

Soft tissues exhibit complex viscoelastic behavior, including strain-rate dependence, hysteresis, and strain-dependent relaxation. In this paper, a model for soft tissue viscoelasticity is developed that captures all of these features and is based upon collagen recruitment, whereby fibrils contribute to tissue stiffness only when taut. We build upon existing recruitment models by additionally accounting for fibril creep and by explicitly modeling the contribution of the matrix to the overall tissue viscoelasticity. The fibrils and matrix are modeled as linear viscoelastic and each fibril has an associated critical strain (corresponding to its length) at which it becomes taut. The model is used to fit relaxation tests on three rat tail tendon fascicles and predict their response to cyclic loading. It is shown that all of these mechanical tests can be reproduced accurately with a single set of constitutive parameters, the only difference between each fascicle being the distribution of their fibril crimp lengths. By accounting for fibril creep, we are able to predict how the fibril length distribution of a fascicle changes over time under a given deformation. Furthermore, the phenomenon of strain-dependent relaxation is explained as arising from the competition between the fibril and matrix relaxation functions.
Conceptualizing Stable States in Origami-Based Devices Using an Energy Visualization Approach
Authors: Greenwood Jacob , Avila Alex , Howell Larry , Magleby Spencer
Published: February 2020

In many origami-based applications, a device needs to be maintained in one or more fold states. The origami stability integration method (OSIM) presented in this paper provides an approach for graphically combining various techniques to achieve stability. Existing stability techniques are also categorized into four groups based on whether they are intrinsic or extrinsic to the origami pattern and whether they exhibit gradual or non-gradual energy storage behaviors. These categorizations can help designers select appropriate techniques for their application. The paper also contains design considerations and resources for achieving stability. Finally, two case studies are presented which use the OSIM and the technique categorization to conceptualize stability in origami-based devices.
Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis: Bone, Bugs, and Surgery
Authors: Urish Kenneth L. , Cassat James E.
Published: February 2020

Osteomyelitis, or inflammation of bone, is most commonly caused by invasion of bacterial pathogens into the skeleton. Bacterial osteomyelitis is notoriously difficult to treat, in part because of the widespread antimicrobial resistance in the preeminent etiologic agent, the Gram-positive bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus. Bacterial osteomyelitis triggers pathological bone remodeling, which in turn leads to sequestration of infectious foci from innate immune effectors and systemically delivered antimicrobials.
The Impact of Leadered and Leaderless Gene Structures on Translation Efficiency, Transcript Stability, and Predicted Transcription Rates in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Nguyen Tien G. , Vargas-Blanco Diego A. , Roberts Louis A. , Shell Scarlet S.
Published: February 2020

Tuberculosis, caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is a major public health problem killing 1.5 million people globally each year. During infection,
M. tuberculosis
must alter its gene expression patterns to adapt to the stress conditions it encounters. Understanding how
M. tuberculosis
regulates gene expression may provide clues for ways to interfere with the bacterium’s survival. Gene expression encompasses transcription, mRNA degradation, and translation. Here, we used
Mycobacterium smegmatis
as a model organism to study how 5′ untranslated regions affect these three facets of gene expression in multiple ways. We furthermore provide insight into the expression of leaderless mRNAs, which lack 5′ untranslated regions and are unusually prevalent in mycobacteria.
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Lateral Flow Assay for Ultrasensitive Detection of Low-Density Plasmodium falciparum Infection from Controlled Human Malaria Infection Studies and Naturally Acquired Infections
Authors: Lalremruata Albert , Nguyen The Trong , McCall Matthew B. B. , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Agnandji Selidji T. , Adegnika Ayôla A. , Lell Bertrand , Ramharter Michael , Hoffman Stephen L. , Kremsner Peter G. , Mordmüller Benjamin
Published: February 2020

Microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the main diagnostic tools for malaria but fail to detect low-density parasitemias that are important for maintaining malaria transmission. To complement existing diagnostic methods, an isothermal reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow assay (RT-RPA) was developed. We compared the performance with that of ultrasensitive reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (uRT-qPCR) using nucleic acid extracts from blood samples (
n
 = 114) obtained after standardized controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) with
Plasmodium falciparum
sporozoites.
A Lassa Fever Live-Attenuated Vaccine Based on Codon Deoptimization of the Viral Glycoprotein Gene
Authors: Cai Yingyun , Ye Chengjin , Cheng Benson , Nogales Aitor , Iwasaki Masaharu , Yu Shuiqing , Cooper Kurt , Liu David X. , Hart Randy , Adams Ricky , Brady Tyler , Postnikova Elena N. , Kurtz Jonathan , St Claire Marisa , Kuhn Jens H. , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Martínez-Sobrido Luis
Published: February 2020

Lassa virus (LASV) infects several hundred thousand people in Western Africa, resulting in many lethal Lassa fever (LF) cases. Licensed LF vaccines are not available, and anti-LF therapy is limited to off-label use of the nucleoside analog ribavirin with uncertain efficacy. We describe the generation of a novel live-attenuated LASV vaccine candidate. This vaccine candidate is based on mutating wild-type (WT) LASV in a key region of the viral genome, the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) gene. These mutations do not change the encoded GPC but interfere with its production in host cells. This mutated LASV (rLASV-GPC/CD) behaves like WT LASV (rLASV-WT) in cell culture, but in contrast to rLASV-WT, does not cause disease in inoculated guinea pigs. Guinea pigs immunized with rLASV-GPC/CD were protected against an otherwise lethal exposure to WT LASV. Our results support the testing of this candidate vaccine in nonhuman primate models ofLF.
Horizontal Gene Transfer to a Defensive Symbiont with a Reduced Genome in a Multipartite Beetle Microbiome
Authors: Waterworth Samantha C. , Flórez Laura V. , Rees Evan R. , Hertweck Christian , Kaltenpoth Martin , Kwan Jason C.
Published: February 2020

Associations between microorganisms and an animal, plant, or fungal host can result in increased dependence over time. This process is due partly to the bacterium not needing to produce nutrients that the host provides, leading to loss of genes that it would need to live independently and to a consequent reduction in genome size. It is often thought that genome reduction is aided by genetic isolation—bacteria that live in monocultures in special host organs, or inside host cells, have less access to other bacterial species from which they can obtain genes. Here, we describe exposure of a genome-reduced beetle symbiont to a community of related bacteria with nonreduced genomes. We show that the symbiont has acquired genes from other bacteria despite going through genome reduction, suggesting that isolation has not yet played a major role in this case of genome reduction, with horizontal gene gains still offering a potential route for adaptation.
Serine-Arginine Protein Kinase 1 Regulates Ebola Virus Transcription
Authors: Takamatsu Yuki , Krähling Verena , Kolesnikova Larissa , Halwe Sandro , Lier Clemens , Baumeister Stefan , Noda Takeshi , Biedenkopf Nadine , Becker Stephan
Published: February 2020

The largest Ebola virus (EBOV) epidemic in West Africa ever caused more than 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths, and the current EBOV epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues, with more than 3,000 cases to date. Therefore, it is essential to develop antivirals against EBOV. Recently, an inhibitor of the cellular phosphatase PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of the EBOV transcription factor VP30 has been shown to suppress the spread of Ebola virus. Here, we identified the protein kinase SRPK1 as a VP30-specific kinase that phosphorylates serine 29, the same residue that is dephosphorylated by PP2A. SRPK1-mediated phosphorylation of serine 29 enabled primary viral transcription. Mutation of the SRPK1 recognition motif in VP30 resulted in significant growth inhibition of EBOV. Similarly, elevation of the phosphorylation status of serine 29 by overexpression of SRPK1 inhibited EBOV growth, highlighting the importance of reversible phosphorylation of VP30 as a potential therapeutic target.
HIV Drugs Inhibit Transfer of Plasmids Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Carbapenemase Genes
Authors: Buckner Michelle M. C. , Ciusa M. Laura , Meek Richard W. , Moorey Alice R. , McCallum Gregory E. , Prentice Emma L. , Reid Jeremy P. , Alderwick Luke J. , Di Maio Alessandro , Piddock Laura J. V.
Published: February 2020

More and more bacterial infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics. This has made treatment of many infections very difficult. One of the reasons this is such a large problem is that bacteria are able to share their genetic material with other bacteria, and these shared genes often include resistance to a variety of antibiotics, including some of our drugs of last resort. We are addressing this problem by using a fluorescence-based system to search for drugs that will stop bacteria from sharing resistance genes. We uncovered a new role for two drugs used to treat HIV and show that they are able to prevent the sharing of two different types of resistance genes in two unique bacterial strains. This work lays the foundation for future work to reduce the prevalence of resistant infections.
Prospective community programme versus parent-driven care to prevent respiratory morbidity in children following hospitalisation with severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia
Authors: Byrnes Catherine Ann , Trenholme Adrian , Lawrence Shirley , Aish Harley , Higham Julie Anne , Hoare Karen , Elborough Aileen , McBride Charissa , Le Comte Lyndsay , McIntosh Christine , Chan Mow Florina , Jaksic Mirjana , Metcalfe Russell , Coomarasamy Christin , Leung William , Vogel Alison , Percival Teuila , Mason Henare , Stewart Joanna
Published: February 2020

Background

Hospitalisation with severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in early childhood is associated with ongoing respiratory symptoms and possible later development of bronchiectasis. We aimed to reduce this intermediate respiratory morbidity with a community intervention programme at time of discharge.

Methods

This randomised, controlled, single-blind trial enrolled children aged <2 years hospitalised for severe LRTI to ‘intervention’ or ‘control’. Intervention was three monthly community clinics treating wet cough with prolonged antibiotics referring non-responders. All other health issues were addressed, and health resilience behaviours were encouraged, with referrals for housing or smoking concerns. Controls followed the usual pathway of parent-initiated healthcare access. After 24 months, all children were assessed by a paediatrician blinded to randomisation for primary outcomes of wet cough, abnormal examination (crackles or clubbing) or chest X-ray Brasfield score ≤22.

Findings

400 children (203 intervention, 197 control) were enrolled in 2011–2012; mean age 6.9 months, 230 boys, 87% Maori/Pasifika ethnicity and 83% from the most deprived quintile. Final assessment of 321/400 (80.3%) showed no differences in presence of wet cough (33.9% intervention, 36.5% controls, relative risk (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.25), abnormal examination (21.7% intervention, 23.9% controls, RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.38) or Brasfield score ≤22 (32.4% intervention, 37.9% control, RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.17). Twelve (all intervention) were diagnosed with bronchiectasis within this timeframe.

Interpretation

We have identified children at high risk of ongoing respiratory disease following hospital admission with severe LRTI in whom this intervention programme did not change outcomes over 2 years.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12610001095055.
Differences in stem taper of black alder (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata) by origin
Authors: Poudel Krishna P. , Özçelik Ramazan , Yavuz Hakkı
Published: February 2020

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa subsp. barbata (C.A. Mey.) Yalt.) is an important tree species in Turkey both economically and ecologically. Accurate taper and volume equations are required by most inventory systems to estimate upper stem diameter, form, and tree volume. Stem analysis data were used to examine the differences in taper and volume of black alder trees grown in naturally regenerated, plantation, and coppice stands. Statistically significant differences were observed in taper and volume of black alder trees grown in stands from these three origins. Error in total stem volume inside bark was the greatest when the taper model was fitted to plantation data and applied to seed data compared with the model fitted to coppice data and applied to seed data. Therefore, to accurately predict upper stem diameter and total or merchantable stem volume, in addition to selecting species-specific taper models, forest managers should consider the origin of the model-fitting data when choosing an appropriate taper model for their stands.
Fujiki class 𝒞 and holomorphic geometric structures
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dumitrescu Sorin
Published: February 2020

For compact complex manifolds with vanishing first Chern class that are compact torus principal bundles over Kähler manifolds, we prove that all holomorphic geometric structures on them, of affine type, are locally homogeneous. For a compact simply connected complex manifold in Fujiki class [Formula: see text], whose dimension is strictly larger than the algebraic dimension, we prove that it does not admit any holomorphic rigid geometric structure, and also it does not admit any holomorphic Cartan geometry of algebraic type. We prove that compact complex simply connected manifolds in Fujiki class [Formula: see text] and with vanishing first Chern class do not admit any holomorphic Cartan geometry of algebraic type.
Network percolation of the disease transmission based on bipartite networks
Authors: Li Shuping , Zhao Xiaorong
Published: February 2020

In this paper, considered heterogeneous infectivity and susceptibility, a general stochastic Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) epidemic model with the cumulative distribution functions (CDFS) of the infectious contact rate and the infectious period based on bipartite networks is discussed. It is isomorphic to a semidirected random network called the bipartite epidemic percolation network. The epidemic threshold corresponds to the phase transition where a giant strongly connected component appears. It is obtained by using the method of the probability generation function. We show that the critical value of the transmissibility predicted by the bond percolation model is larger than that predicted by the epidemic percolation network. We analyze the influences of the network structure and individual heterogeneity on the epidemic threshold by numerical simulations.
Anisotropic dark energy models in Brans Dicke theory of gravitation with different expansion laws: A comparative study
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Jaiswal Rekha , Zia Rashid
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we have derived the general solutions of the field equations of the Scalar–Tensor theory of gravitation, proposed by Brans and Dicke (1961) within the framework of a locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) metric. We have discussed the anisotropic dark energy models by assuming the time-dependent general scale factor [Formula: see text]. Further, we have discussed the physical and geometric behaviors of the model using different forms of the scale factors. We have also performed a comparative study of the results obtained in various cases. We have observed that the solutions obtained using Hybrid Expansion Law (HEL) are more consistent with recent observations as compared to the rest. Stability of the solutions is also compared using metric perturbations.
Almost quasi-Yamabe solitons on almost cosymplectic manifolds
Authors: Chen Xiaomin
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we study almost cosymplectic manifolds admitting almost quasi-Yamabe solitons [Formula: see text]. First, we prove that an almost cosymplectic [Formula: see text]-manifold is locally isomorphic to a Lie group if [Formula: see text] is a nontrivial closed quasi-Yamabe soliton. Next, we consider an almost [Formula: see text]-cosymplectic manifold admitting a nontrivial almost quasi-Yamabe soliton and prove that it is locally the Riemannian product of an almost Kähler manifold with the real line if the potential vector field [Formula: see text] is collinear with the Reeb vector filed. For the potential vector field [Formula: see text] being orthogonal to the Reeb vector filed, we also obtain two results. Finally, for a closed almost quasi-Yamabe soliton on compact [Formula: see text]-cosymplectic manifolds, we prove that it is trivial if [Formula: see text] is nonnegative, where [Formula: see text] is the scalar curvature.
Pre-lithiated Li(NixMnyCoz)O2 nanoparticles with a double-layer lithium structure
Authors: Cui Suihan , Ruan Qingdong , Jiang Cuiqing , Li Tijun , Jin Zheng , Fu Ricky K. Y. , Tian Xiubo , Chu Paul K. , Fang Daining , Wu Zhongzhen
Published: February 2020

Li(NixMnyCoz)O2 cathode materials (NMC) have advantages such as the good Li ion diffusivity, stable reversible capacity, and environmental compatibility in spite of a low actual capacity. Although a double-layer lithium structure can be generated by pre-lithiation, the thickness is very small and the capacity improvement is limited. In this work, a series of Li([Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text])O2 nanoparticles are prepared by the sol–gel method and centrifugation and the pre-lithiation process are monitored by transmission electron microscope (TEM). A double lithium structure of about 10 nanometers thick is produced on the NMC materials with different sizes. With decreasing NMC particle size, the proportion of the double-layer lithium structure increases and reaches 48% for a particle diameter of 100[Formula: see text]nm. The results reveal a viable means to improve the capacity of NMC materials in charging and discharging.
Characterization of recent deep-sea debrites in the eastern Mediterranean based on foraminiferal taphonomy
Authors: Katz Oded , Ashkenazi Leeron , Sultan-Levi Shani , Abramovich Sigal , Almogi-Labin Ahuva , Hyams-Kaphzan Orit
Published: February 2020

It is hypothesized that submarine transport of sediments down a continental slope induces physical disintegration of pristine (non-broken) foraminiferal shells, and thus mass transport deposits should include a significant percentage of fragmented shells. To validate this hypothesis, we studied two gravity-cores from the eastern Mediterranean continental slope, offshore Israel: AM113 sampled within a landslide lobe at 848 m water depth, and AM015 located away from a landslide at 1080 m. At least one interval,
c.
0.5 m thick, of heterogeneous sediments (i.e. debrite) was identified within each core. The timing of these debrites, based on biostratigraphy, oxygen isotopes and total organic carbon data, predates sapropel S1 in both cores and is contemporaneous (AM113) or slightly predates (AM015) the most recent deglaciation.

We found a noticeable increase in the fragmentation of benthic and planktic foraminiferal shells through the last deglaciation and up to the base of S1. This strongly fragmented sequence is located in the debrite of AM113 but overlays the debrite of AM015. Accordingly, we suggest two possible mechanisms for the increased fragmentation of foraminiferal shells in both cores: sediment transport and turbulence related to submarine mass-transport events, or geochemical changes in the lower water column properties at the transition from MIS-2 to the Holocene.
Four internets
Authors: O'Hara Kieron , Hall Wendy
Published: February 2020

Considering the merits of several models and approaches to Internet governance.
Unsafe at any level
Authors: Canellas Marc , Haga Rachel
Published: February 2020

The U.S. NHTSA's levels of automation are a liability for automated vehicles.
Newton Methods for Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Chien-Chih , Tan Kent Loong , Lin Chih-Jen
Published: February 2020

Deep learning involves a difficult non-convex optimization problem, which is often solved by stochastic gradient (SG) methods. While SG is usually effective, it may not be robust in some situations. Recently, Newton methods have been investigated as an alternative optimization technique, but most existing studies consider only fully connected feedforward neural networks. These studies do not investigate some more commonly used networks such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). One reason is that Newton methods for CNN involve complicated operations, and so far no works have conducted a thorough investigation. In this work, we give details of all building blocks, including the evaluation of function, gradient, Jacobian, and Gauss-Newton matrix-vector products. These basic components are very important not only for practical implementation but also for developing variants of Newton methods for CNN. We show that an efficient
MATLAB
implementation can be done in just several hundred lines of code. Preliminary experiments indicate that Newton methods are less sensitive to parameters than the stochastic gradient approach.
The BBC micro:bit
Authors: Austin Jonny , Baker Howard , Ball Thomas , Devine James , Finney Joe , De Halleux Peli , Hodges Steve , Moskal Michał , Stockdale Gareth
Published: February 2020

A codable computer half the size of a credit card is inspiring students worldwide to develop core computing skills in fun and creative ways.
Pair-based Uncertainty and Diversity Promoting Early Active Learning for Person Re-identification
Authors: Liu Wenhe , Chang Xiaojun , Chen Ling , Phung Dinh , Zhang Xiaoqin , Yang Yi , Hauptmann Alexander G.
Published: February 2020

The effective training of supervised Person Re-identification (Re-ID) models requires sufficient pairwise labeled data. However, when there is limited annotation resource, it is difficult to collect pairwise labeled data. We consider a challenging and practical problem called Early Active Learning, which is applied to the early stage of experiments when there is no pre-labeled sample available as references for human annotating. Previous early active learning methods suffer from two limitations for Re-ID. First, these instance-based algorithms select instances rather than pairs, which can result in missing optimal pairs for Re-ID. Second, most of these methods only consider the representativeness of instances, which can result in selecting less diverse and less informative pairs. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel pair-based active learning for Re-ID. Our algorithm selects pairs instead of instances from the entire dataset for annotation. Besides representativeness, we further take into account the uncertainty and the diversity in terms of pairwise relations. Therefore, our algorithm can produce the most representative, informative, and diverse pairs for Re-ID data annotation. Extensive experimental results on five benchmark Re-ID datasets have demonstrated the superiority of the proposed pair-based early active learning algorithm.
An Incremental Mindset Intervention Increases Effort During Programming Activities but Not Performance
Authors: Rangel Jakeline G. Celis , King Melissa , Muldner Kasia
Published: February 2020

Learning to program requires perseverance, practice, and the mindset that programming skills are improved through these activities (i.e., that everyone has the potential to become good at programming). In contrast to an entity mindset, individuals with an incremental mindset believe that ability is malleable and can be improved with effort. Prior research shows that an incremental mindset can be promoted through interventions and that, as a result, individuals report increased belief in the value of effort. Although this is encouraging, the majority of research targets a general mindset, and so little work exists exploring the effect of this construct in the programming domain. The present study (
N
= 47) used a programming activity to test the effect of an incremental mindset intervention on participants’ beliefs, effort, programming behaviors, and performance in an experimental study. The intervention was successful. Compared to the control group, the experimental group shifted significantly more toward an incremental mindset, which resulted in beneficial behaviors related to effort, namely higher time on task and more program creation and modification actions. These positive behaviors, however, did not translate to improvements in programming performance. We speculate the reason for this latter finding may be related to the need for additional domain-based support.
ROCK1 inhibitor stabilizes E-cadherin and improves barrier function in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Buonpane Christie , Yuan Carrie , Wood Douglas , Ares Guillermo , Klonoski Samuel C. , Hunter Catherine J.
Published: February 2020

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal disease of newborns. Although incompletely understood, NEC is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction. E-cadherin, an adherens junction, is a protein complex integral in maintaining normal barrier homeostasis. Rho-associated protein kinase-1 (ROCK1) is a kinase that regulates the E-cadherin complex, and p120-catenin is a subunit of the E-cadherin complex that has been implicated in stabilizing the cadherin complex at the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that E-cadherin is decreased in NEC and that inhibition of ROCK1 would protect against adherens junction disruption. To investigate this, a multimodal approach was used: In vitro Caco-2 model of NEC (LPS/TNFα), rap pup model (hypoxia + bacteria-containing formula), and human intestinal samples. E-cadherin was decreased in NEC compared with controls, with relocalization from the cell border to an intracellular location. ROCK1 exhibited a time-dependent response to disease, with increased early expression in NEC and decreased expression at later time points and disease severity. Administration of ROCK1 inhibitor (RI) resulted in preservation of E-cadherin expression at the cell border, preservation of intestinal villi on histological examination, and decreased apoptosis. ROCK1 upregulation in NEC led to decreased association of E-cadherin to p120 and increased intestinal permeability. RI helped maintain the stability of the E-cadherin-p120 complex, leading to improved barrier integrity and protection from experimental NEC.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper is the first to describe the effect of ROCK1 on E-cadherin expression in the intestinal epithelium and the protective effects of ROCK inhibitor on E-cadherin stability in necrotizing enterocolitis.