bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smad3 gene C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation aggravates CCl4‐induced inflammation in mice
Authors: Ding Hanyan , Fang Meng , Gong Yongfang , Li Dong , Zhang Chong , Wen Guanghua , Wu Chao , Yang Jingjing , Yang Yan
Published: May 2020

The expression of C‐terminal phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) is down‐regulated with the progression of liver disease. Thus, we hypothesized that pSmad3C expression may be negatively related to liver disease. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, a suitable animal model is required that will allow researchers to study the effect of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression. The current study aimed to construct a new mouse model with the Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation and to explore the effects of this mutation on CCl4‐induced inflammation. Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutant mice were generated using TetraOne™ gene fixed‐point knock‐in technology and embryonic stem cell microinjection. Resulting mice were identified by genotyping, and the effects on inflammation were explored in the presence or absence of CCl4. No homozygous mice were born, indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. There was no significant difference in liver phenotype and growth between the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HT) mice in the absence of reagent stimulation. After CCl4‐induced acute and chronic liver damage, liver pathology, serum transaminase (ALT/AST) expression and levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐6/TNF‐α) were more severely altered in HT mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, pSmad3C protein levels were lower in liver tissue from HT mice. These results suggest that Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation may have a protective effect during the early stages of liver injury. In summary, we have generated a new animal model that will be a novel tool for future research on the effects of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression.
Influence of inbreeding in the early stages of artificially reared colonies of Bombus terrestris
Authors: Bortolotti Laura , Fiorillo Fabio , Zavatta Laura , De Rogatis Anna , Bogo Gherardo
Published: May 2020

In the present study on the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, we investigated the influence of inbreeding on queen fitness by comparing diapause survival and egg‐laying success of queens mated with nestmate and non‐nestmate males. We then compared the early stage of colonies with or without diploid males and analysed colony characteristics to identify a factor predictive of colony outcome. Diapause survival was no different between queens mated with nestmates and non‐nestmates, but in the latter case, egg‐laying success was significantly higher. Queens mated with nestmates gave rise to a percentage of diploid male colonies (52.6%) compatible with brother–sister coupling. We obtained 18.6% of colonies with diploid males even from queens mated with non‐nestmates, indicating that the colonies of origin were in some way related or homozygous at the sex determination loci. There was no difference in the early growth stage between colonies with or without diploid males, except in the number of workers emerging in the first brood, which was significantly higher in the latter. Among diploid male colonies, the number of workers and the male/worker ratio in the first brood was highly variable and was not a good predictor of subsequent colony growth. Out of 49 colonies with diploid males that reached full development, only 11 had a sufficient size to assume that they could survive in the field or, in a commercial breeding, to be suitable for pollination purposes.
Patterns of Association between Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Medical Morbidities in Older Adults
Authors: Agustini Bruno , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Woods Robyn L. , McNeil John J. , Nelson Mark R. , Shah Raj C. , Murray Anne M. , Ernst Michael E. , Reid Christopher M. , Tonkin Andrew , Lockery Jessica E. , Williams Lana J. , Berk Michael , Mohebbi Mohammadreza ,   ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between depressive symptoms and several medical morbidities, and their combination, in a large older population.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study of baseline data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial.

SETTING

Multicentric study conducted in Australia and the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 19,110 older adults (mean age = 75 years [standard deviation = ±4.5]).

MEASUREMENTS

Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D 10) scale. Medical morbidities were defined according to condition‐specific methods. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to test associations before and after accounting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with obesity (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.07‐1.32), diabetes (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.42), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.28‐1.57), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03‐1.29), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.27‐1.57), respiratory conditions (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.10‐1.42), history of cancer (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.34), Parkinson’s disease (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.83‐3.56), polypharmacy (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.44‐1.79), and multimorbidity (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.49). No significant association was observed between depressive symptoms and hypertension, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, and gout (P > .05). A significant dose‐response relationship was evident between the number of medical comorbidities and the prevalence of depression (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.13‐1.22).

CONCLUSION

Late‐life depressive symptoms are significantly associated with several medical morbidities, and there appears to be a cumulative effect of the number of somatic diseases on the prevalence of depression. These findings augment the evidence for a complex relationship between mental and physical health in an otherwise healthy older population and might guide clinicians toward early recognition of high‐risk individuals. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1834‐1841, 2020.
Mitochondria in human disease
Authors: Larsson N.‐G. , Wedell A.
Published: May 2020

Content List ‐ Read more articles from the symposium: “Mitochondria in human disease”.
Alterations of serum vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations of ponies and horses during experimentally induced obesity
Authors: Schedlbauer Carola , Blaue Dominique , Raila Jens , Vervuert Ingrid
Published: May 2020

Vitamin A, vitamin E and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) are a focus of current obesity research in humans. The impact of body weight (BW) gain on fat‐soluble vitamins and its associated parameters in equines has not been previously reported. Ten Shetland ponies and 9 Warmblood horses, all adult geldings, non‐obese and healthy, were fed an excessive energy diet for 20 months to induce BW gain. Serum α‐tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A), retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and retinol/RBP4 ratio were analysed before BW gain induction and at six timepoints during the BW gaining period. The mean (±SD) % BW gain achieved during two years of excess energy intake was 29.9 ± 19.4% for ponies and 17 ± 6.74% for horses. Serum α‐tocopherol increased significantly in ponies and horses during excess energy intake and circulating α‐tocopherol levels correlated positively with α‐tocopherol intake (r = .6; p < .001). Serum retinol concentrations showed variations during the study but without relation to intake. Serum RBP4 decreased at the end of the study. The retinol/RBP4 ratio increased with BW gain without differences between ponies and horses. In comparison with human research, the increase in the retinol/RBP4 ratio was unexpected and needs further elucidation.
Movers and Stayers: What Birthplaces Can Teach Us About Rural Practice Choice Among Midwestern General Surgeons
Authors: Hughes Dorothy , Williams Jessica A. R. , Brooks Joanna Veazey
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study compares practicing rural Midwestern general surgeons born in urban areas to those born in rural areas to describe the association between birthplace and current practice location.

Methods

The 2017 AMA MasterFile was used to study general surgeons in the Midwest Census Division. Surgeons were assigned to categories based on birthplace and current practice locations: urban‐urban stayers, urban‐rural movers, rural‐rural stayers, and rural‐urban movers. Urban and rural classifications corresponded to the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan definitions with Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes (urban, RUCCs 1‐3; rural, RUCCs 4‐9). Bivariate tests and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with rural practice choice.

Findings

There were 3,070 general surgeons in the study population: 70.6% urban‐urban stayers, 13.1% urban‐rural movers, 10.7% rural‐urban movers, and 5.7% rural‐rural stayers. Rural areas netted 74 surgeons (327 rural‐urban movers versus 401 urban‐rural movers). Logistic regression results found different factors predicted rural practice among urban‐born versus rural‐born surgeons. Older urban‐born surgeons were more likely to practice rurally, as were male surgeons, DOs, and those trained in less‐urban residency programs. Among rural‐born surgeons, more rural birthplaces and having trained at a less‐urban residency were associated with practicing rurally.

Conclusions

Recruiting urban‐born surgeons to rural areas has proven successful in the Midwest; our findings show urban‐born surgeons outnumber rural‐born surgeons in rural communities. Given the ongoing need for surgeons in rural areas, urban‐born surgeons should not be overlooked. Findings suggest educators and community leaders should expand less‐urban training opportunities given their potential influence on all general surgeons.
On the rise and fall of the apnea−hypopnea index: A historical review and critical appraisal
Authors: Pevernagie Dirk A. , Gnidovec‐Strazisar Barbara , Grote Ludger , Heinzer Raphael , McNicholas Walter T. , Penzel Thomas , Randerath Winfried , Schiza Sophia , Verbraecken Johan , Arnardottir Erna S.
Published: May 2020

The publication of “The Sleep Apnea Syndromes” by Guilleminault et al. in the 1970s hallmarked the discovery of a new disease entity involving serious health consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea was shown to be the most important disorder among the sleep apnea syndromes (SAS). In the course of time, it was found that the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea reached the proportions of a global epidemic, with a major impact on public health, safety and the economy. Early on, a metric was introduced to gauge the seriousness of obstructive sleep apnea, based on the objective measurement of respiratory events during nocturnal sleep. The apnea index and later on the apnea−hypopnea index, being the total count of overnight respiratory events divided by the total sleep time in hours, were embraced as principle measures to establish the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and to rate its severity. The current review summarises the historical evolution of the apnea−hypopnea index, which has been subject to many changes, and has been criticised for not capturing relevant clinical features of obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, the application of the apnea−hypopnea index as a continuous exposure variable is based on assumptions that it represents a disease state of obstructive sleep apnea and that evocative clinical manifestations are invariably caused by obstructive sleep apnea if the apnea−hypopnea index is above diagnostic threshold. A critical appraisal of the extensive literature shows that both assumptions are invalid. This conclusion prompts a reconsideration of the role of the apnea−hypopnea index as the prime diagnostic metric of clinically relevant obstructive sleep apnea.
Cytological and microbiological characteristics of middle ear effusions in brachycephalic dogs
Authors: Milne Elspeth , Nuttall Tim , Marioni‐Henry Katia , Piccinelli Chiara , Schwarz Tobias , Azar Ali , Harris Jennifer , Duncan Juliet , Cheeseman Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Middle ear effusion is common in brachycephalic dogs with similarities to otitis media with effusion in children. Association with the cranial and eustachian tube morphology and bacterial infection is suspected in both species.

Hypothesis/objectives

To determine cytological and bacteriological features of middle ear effusions in dogs, provide information on histological features, and further assess the dog as a model of the human disease.

Animals

Sixteen live dogs, 3 postmortem cases of middle ear effusion, and 2 postmortem controls.

Methods

Prospective; clinical investigation using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, video‐otoscopy, myringotomy; cytological assessment of 30 and bacteriology of 28 effusions; histology and immunohistochemistry (CD3 for T‐lymphocytes, Pax5 for B lymphocytes and MAC387 for macrophages) of 10 middle ear sections.

Results

Effusions were associated with neurological deficits in 6/16 (38%) and concurrent atopic dermatitis and otitis externa in 9/16 (56%) of live cases. Neutrophils and macrophages predominated on cytology (median 60 [range 2%‐95.5%] and 27 [2%‐96.5%]) whether culture of effusions was positive or not. In histology sections, the mucosa was thickened in affected dogs but submucosal gland dilatation occurred in affected and unaffected dogs. There was no bacterial growth from 22/28 (79%) of effusions. Bacteria isolated from the other 6 (21%) were predominantlyStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(4/6, 67%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinical, morphological, and cytological findings in middle ear effusions of dogs and people suggest similar pathogeneses. Middle ear effusion of dogs could be a useful model of human otitis media with effusion. Such comparisons can improve understanding and management across species.
Biodiversity conservation through the lens of metacommunity ecology
Authors: Chase Jonathan M. , Jeliazkov Alienor , Ladouceur Emma , Viana Duarte S.
Published: May 2020

Metacommunity ecology combines local (e.g., environmental filtering and biotic interactions) and regional (e.g., dispersal and heterogeneity) processes to understand patterns of species abundance, occurrence, composition, and diversity across scales of space and time. As such, it has a great potential to generalize and synthesize our understanding of many ecological problems. Here, we give an overview of how a metacommunity perspective can provide useful insights for conservation biology, which aims to understand and mitigate the effects of anthropogenic drivers that decrease population sizes, increase extinction probabilities, and threaten biodiversity. We review four general metacommunity processes—environmental filtering, biotic interactions, dispersal, and ecological drift—and discuss how key anthropogenic drivers (e.g., habitat loss and fragmentation, and nonnative species) can alter these processes. We next describe how the patterns of interest in metacommunities (abundance, occupancy, and diversity) map onto issues at the heart of conservation biology, and describe cases where conservation biology benefits by taking a scale‐explicit metacommunity perspective. We conclude with some ways forward for including metacommunity perspectives into ideas of ecosystem functioning and services, as well as approaches to habitat management, preservation, and restoration.
PD‐L1 in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue shows gender‐specific association with prognosis
Authors: Wilms Torben , Gu Xiaolian , Boldrup Linda , Coates Philip J. , Fahraeus Robin , Wang Lixiao , Sgaramella Nicola , Nielsen Niels‐Hilmer , Norberg‐Spaak Lena , Nylander Karin
Published: May 2020

Objective

To use alternative quantitation approaches to clarify the clinical implication of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT).

Materials and Methods

Ventana SP263 immunohistochemistry assay and a multiplicative QuickScore method were applied to quantify PD‐L1 in tumor and surrounding immune cells from 101 patients with SCCOT. Tumor‐infiltrating immune cells were estimated from bulk tissue transcriptional profiles of 25 patients. Circulating PD‐L1 levels were measured in serum from 30 patients using an electrochemiluminescence assay platform.

Results

We found higher tumor cell PD‐L1 levels in females than males (p = .019). For patients with low PD‐L1 in tumor cells, better survival was seen in males than females (overall survival p = .021, disease‐free survival p = .020). Tumor‐infiltrating natural killer T cells, immature dendritic cells, and M1 macrophages were positively associated with tumor cell PD‐L1 (p < .05).

Conclusions

Our data confirmed the significance of gender on tumor cell PD‐L1 expression and demonstrated combined effects of gender and PD‐L1 levels on clinical outcome in patients with SCCOT. The data also indicated the involvement of specific immune cell types in PD‐L1‐regulated immune evasion.
The R2R3‐MYB transcription factor AtMYB49 modulates salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by modulating the cuticle formation and antioxidant defence
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Ruling , Yang Xianpeng , Ju Qiong , Li Weiqiang , Lü Shiyou , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Xu Jin
Published: May 2020

Salt stress activates defence responses in plants, including changes in leaf surface structure. Here, we showed that the transcriptional activation of cutin deposition and antioxidant defence by the R2R3‐type MYB transcription factor AtMYB49 contributed to salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Characterization of loss‐of‐function myb49 mutants, and chimeric AtMYB49‐SRDX‐overexpressing SRDX49 transcriptional repressor and AtMYB49‐overexpressing (OX49) overexpressor plants demonstrated a positive role of AtMYB49 in salt tolerance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that many genes belonging to the category “cutin, suberin and wax biosyntheses” were markedly up‐regulated and down‐regulated in OX49 and SRDX49 plants, respectively, under normal and/or salt stress conditions. Some of these differentially expressed genes, including MYB41, ASFT, FACT and CYP86B1, were also shown to be the direct targets of AtMYB49 and activated by AtMYB49. Biochemical analysis indicated that AtMYB49 modulated cutin deposition in the leaves. Importantly, cuticular transpiration, chlorophyll leaching and toluidine blue‐staining assays revealed a link between increased AtMYB49‐mediated cutin deposition in leaves and enhanced salt tolerance. Additionally, increased AtMYB49 expression elevated Ca2+ level in leaves and improved antioxidant capacity by up‐regulating genes encoding peroxidases and late embryogenesis abundant proteins. These results suggest that genetic manipulation of AtMYB49 may provide a novel way to improve salt tolerance in plants.
Multiple Streams and Power Sector Policy Change: Evidence from the Feed‐in Tariff Policy Process in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Yugo , Chapman Andrew , Tezuka Tetsuo , Sakurai Shigeki
Published: May 2020

Sustainability concerns have been placing public policy in the power sector under pressure to realize a radical change. However, energy policy is often subject to strong path dependency and inertia that make such change difficult. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the conditions under which radical policy changes happen in the power sector, based on the Multiple Streams Approach. Through a case study of the Feed‐in Tariff program for increasing renewable energy deployment in Japan, it is elucidated that the elevation of the generous program, which is fundamentally incompatible to previous policy processes, was a result of the intersection of problem, policy, and politics streams. The findings provide strong evidence to support our claim that political parties embrace a policy proposal that is not necessarily “softened” within the policy network when an existing policy community itself is perceived as a problem.

Related Articles

Brant, Hanna K., Nathan Myers, and Katherine L. Runge. 2017. “Promotion, Protection, and Entrepreneurship: Stakeholder Participation and Policy Change in the 21st Century Cures Initiative.” Politics & Policy 45 (3): 372‐404. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12201

Morris, Mary Hallock. 2007. “The Political Strategies of Winning and Losing Coalitions: Agricultural and Environmental Groups in the Debate over Hypoxia.” Politics & Policy 35 (4): 836‐871. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00086.x

Rawat, Pragati, and John Charles Morris. 2016. “Kingdon's ‘Streams’ Model at Thirty: Still Relevant in the 21st Century?” Politics & Policy 44 (4): 608‐638. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12168
Political Science and U.S. Health Policy in the Era of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Haeder Simon F.
Published: May 2020

Few laws have a profound and lasting impact on an entire political system. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), despite its incremental nature and bipartisan heritage, has been one of those remarkable landmarks. Even a decade after its passage, the political struggle is far from over, as the ACA is still facing near constant threats from the incumbent president, Congress, the courts, statehouses, attorneys general, and governors across the nation. How have political scientists responded to the continued struggle? This article provides an overview of the effects of health reform and the ACA on political science research since 2008. While political scientists have written much about the subject, coverage has been distinctly uneven within the discipline. Indeed, it has almost been entirely confined to scholars of public and health policy. Nonetheless, there have been important contributions across disciplinary fields. This article provides an overview of contributions embedded within the study of federalism, policy feedback effects, and political framing. It concludes by emphasizing the need for more engaged scholarship on health policy issues from across the entire discipline, and by highlighting other areas of study that could benefit from broader attention by political scientists.
The Diffusion of Erin's Law: Examining the Role of the Policy Entrepreneur
Authors: Vallett Joel David
Published: May 2020

What factors influence the likelihood that a state will adopt a policy? Previous scholarship has examined economic, societal, and political factors, but has paid little attention to the value of the policy entrepreneur. Exploring the literature, I argue that the role of a policy entrepreneur is vital to policy innovation and eventual diffusion while accounting for other known factors. Performing Event History Analysis, I investigate the factors which led 30 states from 2011 to 2017 to adopt Erin's Law, a child abuse policy. The findings suggest that the states in which Erin Merryn, the policy entrepreneur, visited had a greater likelihood of adopting Erin's Law over states which were not visited. This discovery not only demonstrates the value of the policy entrepreneur but encourages further investigation of the policy entrepreneur within the diffusion process.
Surface display system for probiotics and its application in aquaculture
Authors: Yao Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Ya‐Lin , Gao Chen‐Chen , Zhang Feng‐Li , Xia Rui , Li Dong , Hu Juan , Ran Chao , Zhang Zhen , Liu‐Clarke Jihong , Zhou Zhi‐Gang
Published: May 2020

Aquaculture is a fast‐growing and rapidly expanding industry in the world. Probiotics are widely used in aquaculture and have provided benefits to aquatic animal health, and it is also a promising alternative to antibiotics for control of fish diseases. With the development of biotechnology, new expression systems and novel techniques for the surface display of heterologous proteins in surface of probiotics cells have been developed. This review provides an overview of the systems and strategies for displaying functional proteins on the surface of probiotics commonly used in aquaculture, which are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, lactic acid bacteria represented by Lactococcus lactis and yeast. Their applications in aquaculture especially for oral vaccine development afforded by this technology and prospects and challenges associated with this technology are also highlighted.
Biological soil crusts in ecological restoration: emerging research and perspectives
Authors: Antoninka Anita , Faist Akasha , Rodriguez‐Caballero Emilio , Young Kristina E. , Chaudhary V. Bala , Condon Lea A. , Pyke David A.
Published: May 2020

Drylands encompass over 40% of terrestrial ecosystems and face significant anthropogenic degradation causing a loss of ecosystem integrity, services, and deterioration of social‐ecological systems. To combat this degradation, some dryland restoration efforts have focused on the use of biological soil crusts (biocrusts): complex communities of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, bryophytes, and other organisms living in association with the top millimeters of soil. Biocrusts are common in many ecosystems and especially drylands. They perform a suite of ecosystem functions: stabilizing soil surfaces to prevent erosion, contributing carbon through photosynthesis, fixing nitrogen, and mediating the hydrological cycle in drylands. Biocrusts have emerged as a potential tool in restoration; developing methods to implement effective biocrust restoration has the potential to return many ecosystem functions and services. Although culture‐based approaches have allowed researchers to learn about the biology, physiology, and cultivation of biocrusts, transferring this knowledge to field implementation has been more challenging. A large amount of research has amassed to improve our understanding of biocrust restoration, leaving us at an opportune time to learn from one another and to join approaches for maximum efficacy. The articles in this special issue improve the state of our current knowledge in biocrust restoration, highlighting efforts to effectively restore biocrusts through a variety of different ecosystems, across scales and utilizing a variety of lab and field methods. This collective work provides a useful resource for the scientific community as well as land managers.
Myth‐busting tropical grassy biome restoration
Authors: Silveira Fernando A. O. , Arruda André J. , Bond William , Durigan Giselda , Fidelis Alessandra , Kirkman Kevin , Oliveira Rafael S. , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Sansevero Jerônimo B. B , Siebert Frances , Siebert Stefan J. , Young Truman P. , Buisson Elise
Published: May 2020

The historical focus in research and policy on forest restoration and temperate ecosystems has created misunderstandings for the restoration of tropical and subtropical old‐growth grassy biomes (TGB). Such misconceptions have detrimental consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods in woodlands, savannas, and grasslands worldwide. Here, we demystify TGB restoration myths to promote a positive agenda to increase the likelihood of success of ambitious landscape‐scale restoration goals of nonforest ecosystems. The 10 TGB restoration myths are: (1) grasslands originate from degraded forests, (2) tree cover is a reliable indicator of habitat quality, (3) planting trees is always good for biodiversity and ecosystem services, (4) grasslands are biodiversity‐poor and provide few ecosystem services, (5) enhancing plant nutrition is needed in restoration, (6) disturbance is detrimental, (7) techniques used to restore temperate grasslands also work for TGB, (8) grasslands represent early stages of forest succession, (9) grassland restoration is only about grasses, and (10) grassland restoration is fast. By demystifying TGB restoration, we hope that policymakers, scientists, and restorationists come to understand and embrace the value of these ecosystems and are motivated to establish policies, standards, indicators, and techniques that enhance the success of TGB restoration. We must abandon misperceptions and misunderstandings of TGB ecology that result in ill‐conceived policies and build an informed and compelling global ecosystem restoration agenda that maintains and improves the well‐being of all inhabitants of grassy biomes.
Toward General Principles for Resilience Engineering
Authors: Yu David J. , Schoon Michael L. , Hawes Jason K. , Lee Seungyoon , Park Jeryang , Rao P. Suresh C. , Siebeneck Laura K. , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: May 2020

Maintaining the performance of infrastructure‐dependent systems in the face of surprises and unknowable risks is a grand challenge. Addressing this issue requires a better understanding of enabling conditions orprinciplesthat promote system resilience in a universal way. In this study, a set of such principles is interpreted as a group of interrelated conditions or organizational qualities that, taken together, engender system resilience. The field of resilience engineering identifies basic system or organizational qualities (e.g., abilities for learning) that are associated with enhanced general resilience and has packaged them into a set of principles that should be fostered. However, supporting conditions that give rise to such first‐order system qualities remain elusive in the field. An integrative understanding of how such conditions co‐occur and fit together to bring about resilience, therefore, has been less clear. This article contributes to addressing this gap by identifying a potentially more comprehensive set of principles for building general resilience in infrastructure‐dependent systems. In approaching this aim, we organize scattered notions from across the literature. To reflect the partly self‐organizing nature of infrastructure‐dependent systems, we compare and synthesize two lines of research on resilience: resilience engineering and social‐ecological system resilience. Although some of the principles discussed within the two fields overlap, there are some nuanced differences. By comparing and synthesizing the knowledge developed in them, we recommend an updated set of resilience‐enhancing principles for infrastructure‐dependent systems. In addition to proposing an expanded list of principles, we illustrate how these principles can co‐occur and their interdependencies.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation improves pain and descending mechanics among elderly with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Song Qipeng , Shen Peixin , Mao Min , Sun Wei , Zhang Cui , Li Li
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease that causes pain and limits functionality in the elderly during daily activities, especially during stair descent. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) practices promote multiple‐plane joint movements, which relieve pain and increase joint range of motion (ROM). This study aims to examine the effects of a 12‐week PNF intervention on pain relief, passive and active joint ROM, external knee adduction moment (KAM), and hip adduction moment (HAM) in the elderly with KOA during stair descent.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐six elderly who were diagnosed with KOA were assessed for eligibility and, 36 of them met the inclusive criteria, were randomly divided into two groups: the twelve‐week PNF intervention group and the control group. Pain score was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Passive joint ROM was measured using a goniometer. Active joint ROM, KAM, and HAM during stair descent were measured using a motion analysis system with a force platform. All the data were recorded at weeks 0, 6, and 12.

Results

Compared to the control group, the PNF group showed a decreased pain score; increased passive hip, knee, and ankle ROM; a decreased minimum knee flexion angle, and increased HAM during stair descent.

Perspective

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation intervention is a successful method to relieve symptoms of KOA. It relieves pain without increasing KAM, enhances passive ROM, increases active knee flexion ROM, and increases HAM during stair descent in the elderly with KOA.
Vertical distribution of fertilizer nitrogen from surface water flooding of a silt loam and clay soil used for rice production
Authors: Savin Mary C. , Daigh Aaron Lee M. , Brye Kristofor R. , Norman Richard , Miller David
Published: May 2020

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer retention and short‐term vertical redistribution into soil affect N balance and N‐use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production systems. A series of experiments was conducted on intact soil cores obtained from rice production fields to track floodwater and soil ammonium‐ and nitrate‐N concentrations up to 96 hr after urea and ammonium sulphate fertilizer amendments to dry, silt loam soil (a) as compared to clay soil, (b) with and without a delay before floodwater establishment and (c) at two initial soil water conditions (dry and muddy). The impact of a 5‐day delay before flood establishment was also compared between untreated and N‐(n‐butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)‐treated urea‐N concentrations. Urea‐derived N generally moved deeper into dry, silt loam soil than ammonium sulphate. Ammonium sulphate‐derived N concentration was greatest in the surface 2 cm of soil, decreased with depth, and was unaffected by floodwater duration. A 5‐day delay between fertilization and flooding resulted in urea behaving similarly to ammonium sulphate, although NBPT treatment resulted in vertical N distributions similar to those for untreated urea applied to dry, immediately flooded soil. When urea was applied to muddy soil, no fertilizer N was observed below 2 cm, while large concentrations of ammonium‐N remained in the floodwater. Results collectively demonstrate the importance of immediate downward movement of fertilizer‐applied N into dry soil for retention, and the use of a urease inhibitor to maximize urea‐derived N downward movement into soil when a delay in flood establishment cannot be avoided.
Management of transplant patients outside hospital during COVID‐19 epidemic: A Chinese experience
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Wei Lai , Liu Bin , Du Dunfeng
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic poses an increasing challenge for transplant community. Aggressive management measures are conductive to improve compliance and to lower the risk of intra‐hospital infection. In this Personal Viewpoint essay, we shared experiences about management strategies of transplant patients outside hospital amid the epidemic. With the aid of Cloud Clinic service and telemedicine care, transplant patients could be regularly followed up and get medical consultation online. Furthermore, personal health education and mental health assistance are enrolled in our practice.
Modulation of cortical slow oscillatory rhythm by GABAB receptors: an in vitro experimental and computational study
Authors: Perez‐Zabalza Maria , Reig Ramon , Manrique Jesus , Jercog Daniel , Winograd Milena , Parga Nestor , Sanchez‐Vives Maria V.
Published: May 2020

Key points

We confirm that GABAB receptors (GABAB‐Rs) are involved in the termination of Up‐states; their blockade consistently elongates Up‐states.

GABAB‐Rs also modulate Down‐states and the oscillatory cycle, thus having an impact on slow oscillation rhythm and its regularity.

The most frequent effect of GABAB‐R blockade is elongation of Down‐states and subsequent decrease of oscillatory frequency, with an increased regularity. In a quarter of cases, GABAB‐R blockade shortened Down‐states and increased oscillatory frequency, changes that are independent of firing rates in Up‐states.

Our computer model provides mechanisms for the experimentally observed dynamics following blockade of GABAB‐Rs, for Up/Down durations, oscillatory frequency and regularity. The time course of excitation, inhibition and adaptation can explain the observed dynamics of the network.

This study brings novel insights into the role of GABAB‐R‐mediated slow inhibition on the slow oscillatory activity, which is considered the default activity pattern of the cortical network.

Slow wave oscillations (SWOs) dominate cortical activity during deep sleep, anaesthesia and in some brain lesions. SWOs are composed of periods of activity (Up states) interspersed with periods of silence (Down states). The rhythmicity expressed during SWOs integrates neuronal and connectivity properties of the network and is often altered under pathological conditions. Adaptation mechanisms as well as synaptic inhibition mediated by GABAB receptors (GABAB‐Rs) have been proposed as mechanisms governing the termination of Up states. The interplay between these two mechanisms is not well understood, and the role of GABAB‐Rs controlling the whole cycle of the SWO has not been described. Here we contribute to its understanding by combining in vitro experiments on spontaneously active cortical slices and computational techniques. GABAB‐R blockade modified the whole SWO cycle, not only elongating Up states, but also affecting the subsequent Down state duration. Furthermore, while adaptation tends to yield a rather regular behaviour, we demonstrate that GABAB‐R activation desynchronizes the SWOs. Interestingly, variability changes could be accomplished in two different ways: by either shortening or lengthening the duration of Down states. Even when the most common observation following GABAB‐Rs blocking is the lengthening of Down states, both changes are expressed experimentally and also in numerical simulations. Our simulations suggest that the sluggishness of GABAB‐Rs to follow the excitatory fluctuations of the cortical network can explain these different network dynamics modulated by GABAB‐Rs.
Effects of Defect on Roller-Raceway Contact State and Friction Torque of Tapered Roller Bearings
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Kang Wei , Zhu Yongsheng , Yan Ke , Hong Jun
Published: May 2020

The occurrence of defects is unavoidable during the service of tapered roller bearings (TRBs). Unfortunately, there is little information available in the literature about the mechanisms of effects of the defect on roller-raceways’ contact states and friction torque of tapered roller bearings. The present study first analyzed contact states of roller-raceways and roller-flange under the defective condition. A defected TRBs’ model was then established to obtain the contact load and corresponding contact pressure distribution between each roller and raceway, on the basis of which the friction torque of defected TRBs was evaluated. The results show that defects in the raceway edge induce a large contact pressure peak and uneven contact pressure distribution between roller and raceways. The defects presented on the outer raceway will cause a decrease in the friction torque of TRBs, and the decrement of friction torque is related to the external load and rotating speed of TRBs.
Hydrodynamic Forces on a Cylinder With a Flexible Splitter Plate Near the Free Surface
Authors: Satheesh S. , Díaz-Ojeda H. R. , González L. M. , Huera-Huarte F. J.
Published: May 2020

Experiments were conducted on two splitter plates of different structural rigidities, attached to a rigid cylinder and exposed to cross-flow at different submergence depths in order to study the influence of free surface. It was found that the presence of flexible splitter plate results in drag reduction at all submergence depths when compared with a plain cylinder, with the reduction being dependent on the rigidity of the splitter plate. The lift force was also found to increase abruptly at low depths for the cases involving splitter plates. The results from the analyses of tip kinematics on flexible splitter plate indicated that it performs vertical oscillations symmetrically about its mounting position at high submergence depths but is displaced in one direction up to an order of cylinder diameter and undergoes minimal oscillations when located near the free surface.
Propeller Performance Penalty of Biofouling: Computational Fluid Dynamics Prediction
Authors: Song Soonseok , Demirel Yigit Kemal , Atlar Mehmet
Published: May 2020

The negative effect of biofouling on ship resistance has been investigated since the early days of naval architecture. However, for more precise prediction of fuel consumption of ships, understanding the effect of biofouling on ship propulsion performance is also important. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for the full-scale performance of KP505 propeller in open water, including the presence of marine biofouling, were conducted. To predict the effect of barnacle fouling on the propeller performance, experimentally obtained roughness functions of barnacle fouling were used in the wall-function of the CFD software. The roughness effect of barnacles of varying sizes and coverages on the propeller open water performance was predicted for advance coefficients ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. From the simulations, drastic effects of barnacle fouling on the propeller open water performance were found. The result suggests that the thrust coefficient decreases while the torque coefficient increases with increasing level of surface fouling, which leads to a reduction of the open water efficiency of the propeller. Using the obtained result, the penalty of propeller fouling on the required shaft power was predicted. Finally, further investigations were made into the roughness effect on the flow characteristics around the propeller and the results were in correspondence with the findings on the propeller open water performance.
Si-based materials for lithium-ion batteries VIII. 90% surface-modified Si/C-lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel P.
Published: May 2020

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze a 90% Si/C-lithiated polyacrylic acid electrode fabricated at the Cell Analysis, Modeling, and Prototyping Facility (CAMP), Argonne National Laboratory. The spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV (0.834 01 nm). An initial survey spectrum together with O 1s, C 1s, and Si 2p are presented. A final survey spectrum was collected to ascertain the amount of beam-induced damage, which appears to be minimal. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals with only minor lithium signal and show the expected silicon-carbon species related to the surface modification process in addition to oxidized carbon and silicon due to atmospheric exposure as well contributions related to the binder material.
Is It Simple to Explain Simple Experiments?: An Unusual Version of the Magdeburg Experiment with a Kitchen Blender
Authors: Ivanov Dragia Trifonov , Nikolov Stefan Nikolaev
Published: May 2020

There are many phenomena, interesting, simple experiments and effects, that await their in-depth explanation from the point of view of physics. Some of them have been well known for a long time but their numbers are increasing, especially with the introduction of new technology in everyday life. In this paper we consider a simple experiment that everyone can perform at home in their kitchen with a handheld blender and a glass of water. When the blender is turned on with the blade close to the bottom, it is possible to lift the glass without holding it in any other way. The explanation of this experiment, however, turned out to be unusually complicated, and we had to consider a large number of different effects. Some of the phenomena that seemed like favorites to explain the effect were ruled out through controlled experiments. The final (in our opinion) explanation turned out to be a variation of one of the famous early experiments in physics—the Magdeburg hemispheres. This experiment demonstrates that interesting physics effects can hide everywhere—even under a kitchen blender.
Thank You to Our Referees!: July 19, 2019 – March 30, 2020
Authors: White Gary
Published: May 2020

If you’re like me, when you read through this list of TPT referees from the past year you will be gobsmacked by the number of people whose work you admire. TPT referees are among the most generous and savvy people that I know, and I am sincerely grateful for the privilege to be associated with them and to work with them to make the physics community a better thing. I especially feel that way today, as I write this from my basement, practicing social distancing and self-isolation and Zoom instruction and editing and physics with as much diligence as I can muster in these virus-laden times.
Being a Token Black Female Faculty Member in Physics: Exploring Research on Gendered Racism, Identity Shifting as a Coping Strategy, and Inclusivity in Physics
Authors: Dickens Danielle , Jones Maria , Hall Naomi
Published: May 2020

Although the United States is becoming racially diverse, the representation of marginalized groups in physics still remains low. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been successful in graduating Black physicists, such that HBCUs are nine of the top 10 physics departments in the United States that produce bachelor degrees. Despite these outcomes, Black women are disproportionately underrepresented in physics. In 2016, only 4% and 3% of Black women earned bachelor’s degrees and doctorate degrees in physics, respectively. Among faculty, Black women made up only 2% in physics doctorate programs and 3% in bachelor’s-only physics departments in 2016. Though the percentage of Latinas in physics has increased, the percentage of Black women in physics has not grown. Therefore, Black female physics faculty are often tokenized and experience gendered racism (intersection of racism and sexism). In this paper, we used an intersectional approach to examine the psychological discourse on Black female physics faculty’s experiences of gendered racism, identity shifting as a coping strategy, and we provide recommendations for creating an inclusive physics environment.
Dry Friction Camouflaged in Viscous Drag
Authors: Djokić Dejan M.
Published: May 2020

Here is presented an interesting problem that can be used to introduce students to a variety of physics topics including non-inertial frames and frictional forces, rotational dynamics, and damped oscillations; the normal force also appears, but not in its usual guises. The problem is a generalized version of problem 3.34 presented in the “Oscillations and Waves,” part of the collection of problems in general physics by I. E. Irodov. The formulation of the problem, now extended by the kinetic friction inclusion, is given in what follows. In the setup shown in Fig. 1, a massive sleeve is fixed between two long identical massless springs. The sleeve can slide over a long horizontal bar against the dry friction of kinetic friction coefficient μ, which emerges to oppose to the relative lateral motion of the two solid surfaces in contact. The horizontal bar rotates at a constant angular velocity about a vertical axis passing through the middle. Above what critical value of the angular velocity (ωC* = ?) will there no longer be oscillations of the sleeve if in the absence of the friction that value amounts to ωC? Initially, the sleeve is given a velocity to start its motion from the center along the rotating bar. Gravitational effects are considered negligible here, but we do use N for the normal force of contact that the bar exerts on the sleeve in the x-y plane. The original problem by Irodov illustrates the same example in order to determine the critical value of angular velocity ωC, but specifically disregards friction (μ = 0).
How mountains stir up a hot spot of turbulence
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: May 2020

Aircraft finds atmospheric gravity waves bending toward Antarctica's polar vortex.
Growth of cities could boost mosquito-borne diseases
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

In Africa,
Aedes
mosquitoes predicted to shift from biting animals to humans.
An unequal blow
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: May 2020

In past pandemics, people on the margins suffered the most.