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Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) exposes women to a higher radiation dose. A synthetic 2D mammogram (S2D) is a two‐dimensional image constructed from DBT. We aim to evaluate the S2D performance when used alone or combined with DBT compared to FFDM alone or with DBT. Studies were included if they recruited screening participants and reported on S2D performance. Studies were excluded if they included symptomatic patients, imaging was for diagnostic purposes, or if participants had a breast cancer history. Meta‐analyses for cancer detection rates (CDR) and Specificities were conducted where available. Differences in the performance of imaging modalities were calculated within individual studies, and these were pooled by meta‐analysis. Out of 3241 records identified, 17 studies were included in the review and 13 in the meta‐analysis. The estimated combined difference in CDRs per thousand among individual studies that reported on DBT plus S2D vs. FFDM and those reporting on DBT plus S2D versus DBT plus FFDM was 2.03 (95% CI 0.81–3.25) and − 0.15 (95% CI −1.17 to 0.86), respectively. The estimated difference in percent specificities was 1.13 (95% CI −0.06 to 2.31) in studies comparing DBT plus S2D and FFDM. In studies comparing DBT plus S2D and DBT plus FFDM, the estimated difference in specificities was 1.08 (95% CI 0.59–1.56). DBT plus S2D showed comparable accuracy to FFDM plus DPT and improved cancer detection to FFDM alone. Integrating S2D with DBT in breast cancer screening is safe and preserves performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To quantify the magnitude and recovery of central and limbal corneal oedema induced by short‐term unilateral eyelid closure without contact lens wear. Methods: The left eye of 10 adults with healthy corneas was patched using a folded eye pad for 30 min. High‐resolution optical coherence tomography images (which captured the limbal and central corneal regions simultaneously) were obtained before patching, immediately after eye opening and again at 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14 and 15 mins after eyelid opening. Oedema was measured from the limbus (scleral spur) to the central cornea (thinnest corneal location) along the horizontal meridian. Results: A greater amount of limbal oedema was noted (mean [SD] 3.84 [1.79] %) compared to the central cornea (2.48 [0.61] %; p = 0.04) after 30 mins of unilateral eyelid closure. Both central and limbal corneal oedema recovered rapidly following eyelid opening, with no significant differences in the rate of corneal recovery between corneal locations (p = 0.90). Conclusions: Short‐term unilateral eyelid closure resulted in ~55% more relative oedema in the limbal region compared to the central cornea. Rapid recovery of oedema and corneal overshoot (thinning beyond the baseline corneal thickness) was observed within 1–2 min of eyelid opening for both central and peripheral regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To quantify the magnitude of central and peripheral scleral lens‐induced corneal oedema for a range of fluid reservoir thicknesses, and to compare these experimental results with theoretical models of corneal oedema both with and without limbal metabolic support (i.e., the lateral transport of metabolites and the influence of the limbal vasculature). Methods: Ten young healthy participants wore scleral lenses (KATT™, Capricornia Contact Lenses) fitted with low (mean 141 μm), medium (482 μm) and high (718 μm) central fluid reservoir thickness values across three separate study visits. The scleral lens thickness, fluid reservoir thickness and stromal corneal oedema were measured using optical coherence tomography. Oedema was quantified across the central (0–2.5 mm from the corneal apex) and peripheral (1.25–3 mm from the scleral spur) cornea. Experimental data were compared with published theoretical models of central to peripheral corneal oedema. Results: Stromal oedema varied with fluid reservoir thickness (p < 0.001) for both central and peripheral regions. The mean (standard deviation) stromal oedema was greater for the medium (2.08 (1.21)%) and high (2.22 (1.31)%) fluid reservoir thickness conditions compared to the low condition (1.00 (1.01)%) (p ≤ 0.01). Stromal oedema gradually increased from the corneal centre to the periphery by ~0.3% on average (relative increase of 18%), but the change did not reach statistical significance. This trend of increasing, rather than decreasing, oedema towards the limbus is consistent with theoretical modelling of peripheral oedema without metabolic support from the limbus. Conclusions: The central and peripheral cornea displayed a similar magnitude of oedema, with increasing levels observed for medium and high fluid reservoir thicknesses. The gradual increase in oedema towards the limbus is consistent with a 'without limbal metabolic support' theoretical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial panicle blight is caused by Burkholderia glumae and results in damage to rice crops worldwide. Virulence of B. glumae requires quorum sensing (QS)‐dependent synthesis and export of toxoflavin, responsible for much of the damage to rice. The DedA family is a conserved membrane protein family found in all bacterial species. B. glumae possesses a member of the DedA family, named DbcA, which we previously showed is required for toxoflavin secretion and virulence in a rice model of infection. B. glumae secretes oxalic acid as a "common good" in a QS‐dependent manner to combat toxic alkalinization of the growth medium during the stationary phase. Here, we show that B. glumae ΔdbcA fails to secrete oxalic acid, leading to alkaline toxicity and sensitivity to divalent cations, suggesting a role for DbcA in oxalic acid secretion. B. glumae ΔdbcA accumulated less acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) QS signalling molecules as the bacteria entered the stationary phase, probably due to nonenzymatic inactivation of AHL at alkaline pH. Transcription of toxoflavin and oxalic acid operons was down‐regulated in ΔdbcA. Alteration of the proton motive force with sodium bicarbonate also reduced oxalic acid secretion and expression of QS‐dependent genes. Overall, the data show that DbcA is required for oxalic acid secretion in a proton motive force‐dependent manner, which is critical for QS of B. glumae. Moreover, this study supports the idea that sodium bicarbonate may serve as a chemical for treatment of bacterial panicle blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the breeding value and accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of carcass traits in Jeju Black cattle (JBC) using Hanwoo steers and JBC as a reference population using the single‐trait animal model. Our research included genotype and phenotype information on 19,154 Hanwoo steers with 1097 JBC acting as the reference population. Likewise, the test population consisted of 418 genotyped JBC individuals with no phenotypic records for those carcass traits. For estimating the accuracy of GEBV, we divided the entire population into three groups. Hanwoo and JBC make up the first group; Hanwoo and JBC, who has both the genotype and phenotypic records, are referred to as the reference (training) population, and JBC, who lacks phenotypic information is referred to as the test (validation) population. The second group consists of the JBC (without phenotype) as the test population and Hanwoo as a reference population with phenotype and genotypic data. The only JBCs in the third group are those who have genotypic and phenotypic data on them as a reference population but no phenotypic data on them as a test population. The single‐trait animal model was used in all three groups for statistical purposes. The reference populations estimated heritabilities for carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF), and marbling score (MS) as 0.30, 0.26, 0.26, and 0.34 for the Hanwoo steer and 0.42, 0.27, 0.26, and 0.48 for JBC. The average accuracy for carcass traits in Group 1 was 0.80 for the Hanwoo and JBC reference population compared with 0.73 for the JBC test population. Although the average accuracy for carcass traits in Group 2 was 0.80, it was 0.80 for the Hanwoo reference population and only 0.56 for the JBC test population. The average accuracy for the JBC reference and test populations was 0.68 and 0.50, respectively, when they were included in the accuracy comparison without the Hanwoo reference population. Groups 1 and 2 used Hanwoo as reference population, which led to a better average accuracy; however, Group 3 only used the JBC reference and test population, which led to a lower average accuracy. This might be due to the fact that Group 3 used a smaller reference size than the group that came before it and that the genetic makeup of the Hanwoo and JBC breeds differed. The GEBV accuracy for MS was higher than that of other traits across all three analysis groups, followed by CWT, EMA, and BF, which may be partially explained by the MS traits' higher heritability. This study suggests that in order to achieve more accuracy, a large reference population particular to a breed should be established. Therefore, to increase the accuracy of GEBV prediction and the genetic benefit from genomic selection in JBC, individual reference breeds, and large populations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nitrogen (N) is the key nutrient required for high cotton production; however, its excessive use can increase the cost of production and environmental problems. Reducing the application of N while sustaining the yield is an important issue to be solved. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the genotypic variations in subtending leaf physiology and its contribution to seed cotton yield of contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes under various N levels in pot and field conditions. RESULTS: The results showed that the application of N increased the enzymatic activities related to carbon (C) and N metabolisms. Under the same N level, the C/N metabolisms of the N‐efficient genotypes were significantly higher than N‐inefficient genotypes, indicating a strong N assimilation and photoassimilation ability in N‐efficient genotypes, especially under low N level. Moreover, the antioxidant enzymatic activities were significantly higher, whereas malondialdehyde content was lower in N‐efficient cotton genotypes than in N‐inefficient ones. Therefore, N‐efficient cotton genotypes showed strong resistance, higher C/N metabolisms, and provided sufficient dry matter for boll development. As a result, the yield, N use efficiency, and value cost ratio of the N‐efficient cotton genotypes were higher than in the N‐inefficient genotypes. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that the higher C/N metabolisms in the cotton subtending leaves of N‐efficient cotton genotypes could support higher seed cotton yield under relatively low N application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy production from clean and green sources is one of the eminent challenges to mankind. Overall, all industrial sectors contribute to CO2 emission, but the energy production sector is a major contributor. In recent years, CO2 emissions from the energy sector have increased by 1.7%. Therefore, the development of alternative energy production sources is a pivot for researchers. In this regard, the fuel cell has been a promising technology but still accompanied by the release of greenhouse gasses but relatively lower than that of fossil fuels. The integration of the fuel cell to the biogas has been a promising factor to reduce emissions. This study contributes to the same by producing a self-sustaining biogas-fuel cell multigeneration system for cold areas. Mathematical modeling of all complements of the system, i.e., anaerobic digester, solid oxide fuel cell, solar collector, and thermal storage system, is provided. MATLAB/Simulink environment is used for simulation of the system. The proposed system will use an anaerobic digester for methane production. Hence, produced methane will be used to power solid oxide fuel cell. The electricity of the fuel cell will power the residential place, and the thermal potential of the exhaust will be stored. In daylight, the solar thermal potential will be utilized for district heating. In the absence of solar light, stored thermal energy will be used for district heating and hot water supply. Additionally, the CO2 emitted from the system will not be released into the environment but stored for industrial purposes. The best area of application of the proposed system is cold areas such as Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Recent biochemical and pharmacological studies have reported that in several tissues and cell types, microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES) and PPAR-γ expression are modulated by a variety of inflammatory factors and stimuli. Considering that very little is known about the biological effects promoted by IL-17 in the context of mPGES-1/PPAR-γ modulation, we sought to investigate the contribution of this unique cytokine on this integrated pathway during the onset of inflammation.Experimental Approach: We evaluated effects of PF 9184 (mPGES-1 inhibitor) and troglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist) in vitro, using the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. In vivo, the dorsal air pouch model in CD1 mice was used, and inflammatory infiltrates were analysed by flow cytometry. Locally produced cyto-chemokines and PGs were assessed using elisa assays. Western blots were also employed to determine the activity of various enzymes involved in downstream signalling pathways.Key Results: PF 9184 and troglitazone, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, modulated leukocyte infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and the expression of COX-2/mPGES-1, NF-кB/IкB-α, and mPTGDS-1/PPAR-γ, induced by IL-17. Moreover, both PF 9184 and troglitazone modulated PG (PGE2 , PGD2 , and PGJ2 ) production, the expression of different pro-inflammatory cyto-chemokines, and the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes, in response to IL-17.Conclusions and Implications: Our data suggest that IL-17 may constitute a specific modulator of inflammatory monocytes during later phases of the inflammatory response. The results of this study show, for the first time, that the IL-17/mPGES-1/PPAR-γ pathway could represent a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory-based and immune-mediated diseases.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed issue on Inflammation, Repair and Ageing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.9/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 has resulted in one of the world's most significant worldwide lock-downs, affecting human mental health. Therefore, emotion recognition is becoming one of the essential research areas among various world researchers. Treatment that is efficacious and diagnosed early for negative emotions is the only way to save people from mental health problems. Genetic programming, a very important research area of artificial intelligence, proves its potential in almost every field. Therefore, in this study, a genetic program-based feature selection (FSGP) technique is proposed. A fourteen-channel EEG device gives 70 features for the input brain signal; with the help of GP, all the irrelevant and redundant features are separated, and 32 relevant features are selected. The proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 85% that outmatches other prior works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil trafficking is a key component of the inflammatory response. Here, we have investigated the role of the immunomodulatory lectin Galectin-9 (Gal-9) on neutrophil recruitment. Our data indicate that Gal-9 is upregulated in the inflamed vasculature of RA synovial biopsies and report the release of Gal-9 into the extracellular environment following endothelial cell activation. siRNA knockdown of endothelial Gal-9 resulted in reduced neutrophil adhesion and neutrophil recruitment was significantly reduced in Gal-9 knockout mice in a model of zymosan-induced peritonitis. We also provide evidence for Gal-9 binding sites on human neutrophils; Gal-9 binding induced neutrophil activation (increased expression of ß2 integrins and reduced expression of CD62L). Intra-vital microscopy confirmed a pro-recruitment role for Gal-9, with increased numbers of transmigrated neutrophils following Gal-9 administration. We studied the role of both soluble and immobilized Gal-9 on human neutrophil recruitment. Soluble Gal-9 significantly strengthened the interaction between neutrophils and the endothelium and inhibited neutrophil crawling on ICAM-1. When immobilized, Gal-9 functioned as an adhesion molecule and captured neutrophils from the flow. Neutrophils adherent to Gal-9 exhibited a spread/activated phenotype that was inhibited by CD18 and CD44 neutralizing antibodies, suggesting a role for these molecules in the pro-adhesive effects of Gal-9. Our data indicate that Gal-9 is expressed and released by the activated endothelium and functions both in soluble form and when immobilized as a neutrophil adhesion molecule. This study paves the way for further investigation of the role of Gal-9 in leukocyte recruitment in different inflammatory settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A larger root system enhanced biomass accumulation, and high nitrogen (N) metabolism is an effective mechanism of plants in response to low N stress. How cotton plants balance N metabolism and enhanced biomass accumulation to support larger root systems under low N stress remains to be elucidated. This study deals with the changes in root development due to biomass accumulation and N metabolism in contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes (CCRI‐69, N‐efficient, and XLZ‐30, N‐inefficient) under low (0.2 mM) and normal (2 mM) N concentrations. The results showed that genotype CCRI‐69 produced a larger root system, high biomass accumulation, and N metabolism than XLZ‐30. The flourishing root system of CCRI‐69 was due to more allocation of sugars from shoot to root, especially under low N concentrations, to support efficient N uptake followed by high N metabolism and N use efficiency (NUE). In addition, CCRI‐69 produced more dry biomass, high photosynthetic activity, N‐related enzymatic activities, N uptake, and utilization under normal N concentration compared with XLZ‐30. Based on multivariate analysis, root morphological traits, sugar contents, and N‐assimilating enzymatic activities might be considered the key traits contributing to NUE and can also be used as potential indicators for genotypic evaluation. In the future, high N metabolism and allocation of more sugars under low N concentration could be studied at a molecular level to better understand the underlying molecular mechanism of NUE in cotton. Core Ideas: Genotypic difference exists in cotton genotypes for root morphological traits and N metabolism.CCRI‐69 exports more sugars from shoots to roots and supports large root system under low N.High photosynthetic activity, dry matter production, and N metabolism were observed in CCRI‐69.Root traits and enzymes related to N metabolism may be important traits for NUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of varying the fluid reservoir (FR) thickness of scleral lenses (SL) on corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), contrast sensitivity (CS) and higher‐order aberrations (HOAs) in keratoconic eyes. Methods: Forty eyes with keratoconus were fitted with a diagnostic Boston Sight SL having three different FR thicknesses. CDVA, CS and HOAs were measured before and after 30 min of lens wear. An i‐Trace aberrometer and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT) were used to measure HOAs and FR thickness, respectively. Results: Statistically significant improvements in CDVA and CS were seen with different FR thickness lenses (p < 0.01). Baseline CDVA (0.22 ± 0.15) improved to 0.03 ± 0.06, 0.04 ± 0.07 and 0.07 ± 0.08 with low, standard and high FR lenses, respectively. Post‐hoc testing showed better CDVA with low (p = 0.006) and standard FR (p = 0.009) lenses compared to high FR lenses. Before lens wear, CS was 1.27 ± 0.27, which improved to 1.67 ± 0.11, 1.73 ± 0.12 and 1.66 ± 0.89 with low, standard and high FR lenses, respectively. Lenses with standard FR showed better CS compared with those having low (p = 0.009) and high FRs (p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction of higher order‐root mean square aberrations (HO‐RMS), coma, spherical aberration, secondary astigmatism and trefoil were found with all FR thickness lenses compared to baseline (p < 0.01). No significant difference was noted between lenses (p = 0.01). All three lenses corrected almost equal amount of HOAs. A moderate positive correlation was observed between CDVA and HO‐RMS (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) for low FR lenses. Conclusions: BostonSight SCLERALs were found to be very effective in improving vision, CS and reducing HOAs in keratoconus. Lenses with varying FR thickness showed equal effectiveness in visual performance and reducing HOAs. FR thickness should be considered an important factor to provide better vision and CS by minimising HOAs, as well as to maintain the normal physiology of eyes with keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a novel transcendental hysteresis model based on the piecewise definition of arctangent functions. The definition of the shape parameters of the arctangent functions originates from the features of the experimental hysteresis curves directly. In the first step, the authors present this model's application to the experimental cyclic response of cross‐laminated timber (CLT), light‐timber frame (LTF) shear walls, and a steel angle bracket. Then, the response of a plywood‐coupled laminated‐veneer lumber (LVL) shear wall is used for validation purposes. The paper introduces the arctangent‐based model, labeled Atan model, by illustrating some possible shortcomings of hysteresis models with pinching. The paper concludes with a simple demonstration of these issues in the case of a Bouc‐Wen class hysteresis model, the extended energy‐dependent generalized Bouc‐Wen (eegbw) model. The numerical instabilities of the eegbw model are used to endorse the advantages of the proposed formulation in modeling complex structural arrangements, like wood joints and structural systems. The proposed model originates from the analysis of the experimental response of wood joints. However, it can be of more general application, and the particular reference to wood joints does not preclude other application fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potassium (K) availability in soil and plant uptake is restrained by the dynamic interactions among the different pools of K. Aims: To understand these interactions, a study was undertaken to assess the quantity–intensity (Q/I) and buffering characteristics of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) growing soils. Ten contrasting soils were evaluated for K partitioning changes in exchangeable K (ΔEK) and non‐exchangeable K (ΔNEK) pools in the soil‐solution phase and buffering characteristics using a modified version of Q/I approach. Results: The partitioned Q/I isotherms showed strong adsorption with the increase in K concentration ratio (CRK) and the changes due to ΔEK were higher than changes due to ΔNEK. Total buffering capacity (PBCK) significantly correlated (r = 0.92, p <0.01) with clay content with a major share contributed by buffering capacity owing to non‐exchangeable K (PBCΔNEKK) rather than exchangeable K (PBCΔEKK). The fixation capacity (β) factor, the magnitude of added K converted into a non‐exchangeable pool, ranged from 41 to 63%, whereas release (α) factor, the magnitude of added K converted to the exchangeable pool, ranged from 19 to 36%. Both threshold solution K (CKr) and threshold exchangeable K (EKr) values were found to be high in Satran clay loam (S2) and lower in Doon silty clay loam (S3) soils. The equilibrium exchangeable K (EKo) was found close to minimum exchangeable K (Emin) in Doon silty clay loam (S3) and Babaweyl sandy clay loam (S1) soils and overall Emin constituted about 8.94 to 0.57% of the EKo. Conclusion: It may be concluded that K Q/I isotherm partitioning provides a valuable insight to assess the dynamic relations. The ratio of α/β (K recharge index) could be used to evaluate the K enrichment capacity of soil to K additions while EKr and Emin can be potentially useful in the elucidation of exchangeable K as K fertility index especially in soils with poor K fertilizer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) and embedded microsystems have recently gained tremendous traction from researchers due to their vast sensing and monitoring applications in various fields including healthcare, academic, finance, environment, military, agriculture, retail, and consumer electronics. An essential requirement for the sustainable operation of WSN is the presence of an uninterrupted power supply; which is currently obtained from electrochemical batteries that suffer from limited life cycles and are associated with serious environmental hazards. An alternative to replacing batteries of WSNs; either the direct replacement or to facilitate battery regular recharging, is by looking into energy harvesting for its sustainable drive. Energy harvesting is a technique by which ambient energy can be converted into useful electricity, particularly for low‐power WSNs and consumer electronics. In particular, vibration‐based energy harvesting has been a key focus area, due to the abundant availability of vibration‐based energy sources that can be easily harvested. In vibration‐based energy harvesters (VEHs), different optimization techniques and design considerations are taken in order to broaden the operation frequency range through multi‐resonant states, increase multi‐degree‐of‐freedom, provide nonlinear characteristics, and implement the hybrid conversion. This comprehensive review summarizes recent developments in VEHs with a focus on piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and hybrid piezoelectric‐electromagnetic energy harvesters. Various vibration and motion‐induced energy harvesting prototypes have been reviewed and discussed in detail with respect to device architecture, conversion mechanism, performance parameters, and implementation. Overall sizes of most of the reported piezoelectric energy harvesters are in the millimeter to centimeter scales, with resonant frequencies in the range of 2‐13 900 Hz. Maximum energy conversion for electromagnetic energy harvesters can potentially reach up to 778.01 μW/cm3. The power produced by the reported hybrid energy harvesters (HEHs) is in the range of 35.43‐4900 μW. Due to the combined piezoelectric‐electromagnetic energy conversion in HEHs, these systems are capable of producing the highest power densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabinoids hold promise for treating health problems related to inflammation and chronic pain in dogs, in particular cannabidiol (CBD), and its native acid derivative cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Information regarding systemic delivery of cannabinoids through transdermal routes is sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine pharmacokinetics of transdermal administration of a low‐THC Cannabis sativa extract in healthy dogs. Six purpose‐bred research beagles were treated with a transdermal CBD‐CBDA‐rich extract, and serum concentrations of CBD, CBDA, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and its acid derivative tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) were examined prior to and at the end of weeks 1 and 2. A 4 mg/kg dose of total cannabinoids twice daily resulted in appx 10 ng/ml of CBD, 21–32 ng/ml of CBDA, trace amounts of THCA, and unquantifiable amounts of THC in serum at the end of weeks 1 and 2 of treatment. Results showed that CBDA and THCA were absorbed better systemically than CBD or THC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose to perform wearable sensors-based human physical activity recognition. This is further extended to an Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform which is based on a web-based application that integrates wearable sensors, smartphones, and activity recognition. To this end, a smartphone collects the data from wearable sensors and sends it to the server for processing and recognition of the physical activity. We collect a novel data set of 13 physical activities performed both indoor and outdoor. The participants are from both the genders where their number per activity varies. During these activities, the wearable sensors measure various body parameters via accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometers, pressure, and temperature. These measurements and their statistical are then represented in features vectors that used to train and test supervised machine learning algorithms (classifiers) for activity recognition. On the given data set, we evaluate a number of widely known classifiers such random forests, support vector machine, and many others using the WEKA machine learning suite. Using the default settings of these classifiers in WEKA, we attain the highest overall classification accuracy of 90%. Consequently, such a recognition rate is encouraging, reliable, and effective to be used in the proposed platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Although nitrogen (N) availability is a major determinant of cotton production, little is known about the importance of plants' preference for ammonium versus nitrate for better growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We aimed to assess the growth, physiology, and NUE of contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes (Z‐1017, N‐efficient and GD‐89, N‐inefficient) supplied with low and high concentrations of ammonium‐ and nitrate‐N. RESULTS: The results revealed that ammonium fed plants showed poor root growth, lower dry biomass, N content, leaf chlorophyll and gas exchange than those under nitrate irrespective of the concentration. However, the highest N uptake and utilization efficiency were obtained with nitrate fed plants, which also resulted in the highest dry biomass, N content, leaf chlorophyll and gas exchange as well as root growth. The results further confirmed that N‐efficient (Z‐1017) genotype performed better under both N sources, showing more flexibility to contrasting N condition by increasing growth and NUE in either source of N. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed a strong relationship of root morphological traits with N utilization efficiency, suggesting the physiological importance of roots over shoots in response to low nitrate concentration. CONCLUSION: Thus, it was confirmed that nitrate‐N is superior to ammonium‐N and the use of nitrate and N‐efficient genotype is the best option for optimum cotton growth and NUE. Further, field evaluation is required to confirm the hypothesis that nitrate is a preferred N source for better cotton production and NUE. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge amount of nitrogenous fertilizer is used to increase crop production. This leads to an increase in the cost of production, and to human and environmental problems. It is therefore necessary to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to design agronomic, biotechnological and breeding strategies for better fertilizer use. Nitrogen use efficiency relies primarily on how plants extract, uptake, transport, assimilate, and remobilize nitrogen. Many plants use nitrate as a preferred nitrogen source. It acts as a signaling molecule in the various important physiological processes required for growth and development. As nitrate is the main source of nitrogen in the soil, root nitrate transporters are important subjects for study. The latest reports have also discussed how nitrate transporter and assimilation genes can be used as molecular tools to improve NUE in crops. The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanisms and functions of nitrate as a specific factor that can be addressed to increase NUE. Improving factors such as nitrate uptake, transport, assimilation, and remobilization through activation by signaling, sensing, and regulatory processes will improve plant growth and NUE. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a neuroinflammatory state, and to date, there is no cure and its treatment represents a large unmet clinical need. The involvement of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of AD-related neuroinflammation has been reported in several studies. However, the role of the cytokine, IL-17 has not been well addressed. Herein, we investigate the effects of IL-17 neutralizing antibody (IL-17Ab) injected by i.c.v. or intranasal (IN) routes on amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neuroinflammation and memory impairment in mice.Experimental Approach: Aβ1-42 was injected into cerebral ventricles of adult CD1 mice. These mice received IL-17Ab via i.c.v. either at 1 h prior to Aβ1-42 injection or IN 5 and 12 days after Aβ1-42 injection. After 7 and 14 days of Aβ1-42 administration, we evaluated olfactory, spatial and working memory and performed biochemical analyses on whole brain and specific brain areas.Key Results: Pretreatment with IL-17Ab, given, i.c.v., markedly reduced Aβ1-42 -induced neurodegeneration, improved memory function, and prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory mediators in a dose-dependent manner at 7 and 14 days. Similarly, the double IN administration of IL-17Ab after Aβ1-42 injection reduced neurodegeneration, memory decline, and the levels of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines.Conclusion and Implications: These findings suggest that the IL-17Ab reduced neuroinflammation and behavioural symptoms induced by Aβ. The efficacy of IL-17Ab IN administration in reducing Aβ1-42 neurodegeneration points to a possible future therapeutic approach in patients with AD.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed displays with alternate subpixel layouts to assess the effective detail size that they can reproduce. The measurements can then be used to classify the display to an appropriate XR system tier. Responsive application design can then tailor content for the best possible experience on each system tier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to create a satisfying experience with near‐eye displays, the content must be adapted to be legible on the display used. New displays are using subpixel arrangements that can limit the minimum resolvable feature size to something greater than with the conventional RGB stripe arrangement. We conducted an experiment to measure the minimum and preferred size of text in two virtual reality (VR) displays systems and find that the text size is display limited. We then measure several displays with different pixel arrangements to determine whether the subpixel arrangement could impact legibility. We propose several Fourier metrics that can be computed from the measured data to categorize the capability of the display and describe a framework for selecting the appropriate content from a set of discrete tiers. For AR/VR systems, new subpixel arrangements can limit detail visibility compared with a display with RGB stripe arrangement. This paper describes work assessing the resolution for displays with nonconventional pixel arrangements and the associated artifacts. The work also proposes a framework for dividing AR/VR devices into tiers and setting an appropriate text size for good legibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Src family kinases (SFK) are a group of signalling molecules with important regulatory functions in inflammation and haemostasis. Leucocytes and platelets express multiple isoforms of the SFKs. Previous studies used broad‐spectrum pharmacological inhibitors, or murine models deficient in multiple SFK isoforms, to demonstrate the functional consequences of deficiencies in SFK signalling. Here, we hypothesized that individual SFK operate in a non‐redundant fashion in the thrombo‐inflammatory recruitment of monocyte during atherosclerosis. Using in vitro adhesion assays and single SFK knockout mice crossed with the ApoE−/− model of atherosclerosis, we find that SFK signalling regulates platelet‐dependent recruitment of monocytes. However, loss of a single SFK, Fgr or Lyn, reduced platelet‐mediated monocyte recruitment in vitro. This translated into a significant reduction in the burden of atherosclerotic disease in Fgr−/−/ApoE−/− or Lyn−/−/ApoE−/− animals. SFK signalling is not redundant in thrombo‐inflammatory vascular disease and individual SFK may represent targets for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubidium tetramanganese tris(phosphate), RbMn4(PO4)3, has been synthesized as single crystals under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure was refined in the space group Pnnm (D2h12). It is argued that the size factor RM/RA, i.e. the ratio of the A+ ionic radius to the M2+ ionic radius, within the morphotropic series AM4(TO4)3 corresponds to a specific type of crystal structure. At low temperatures, the antiferromagnet superimposed on a buckled kagomé network in RbMn4(PO4)3 experiences a transition into a long‐range ordered state with finite spontaneous magnetization. First principles calculations provide the dominant magnetic exchange interactions both within and between the kagomé layers. The analysis of these interactions allows us to suggest a model of alternating ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic arrangements within chains of Mn3 atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocannabinoid system consists of endogenous lipid mediators and cannabinoid receptors (CB) 1 and 2. It has previously been demonstrated that activation of the leukocyte-expressed CB2 has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Here, we report its role under baseline conditions and in a model of low-dose endotoxemia by comparing CB2 knockout to littermate control mice. CB2-deficient mice displayed significantly more neutrophils and fewer monocytes in the bone marrow under steady state. In initial validation experiments, administration of 1 mg/kg LPS to male C57BL/6J mice was shown to transiently upregulate systemic proinflammatory mediators (peaked at 2 hours) and mobilise bone marrow neutrophils and monocytes into circulation. In CB2 knockout mice, the level of the metalloproteinase MMP-9 was significantly elevated by 2 hours and we also observed augmented recruitment of neutrophils to the spleen in addition to increased levels of Ccl2, Ccl3, Cxcl10, and Il6. Collectively, our data show that the absence of CB2 receptor increases the levels of innate immune cell populations in the bone marrow under steady state. Furthermore, during an acute systemic inflammatory insult, we observe a highly reproducible and site-specific increase in neutrophil recruitment and proinflammatory chemokine expression in the spleen of CB2 knockout mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages function as sentinel cells, which constantly monitor the host environment for infection or injury. Macrophages have been shown to exhibit a spectrum of activated phenotypes, which can often be categorised under the M1/M2 paradigm. M1 macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, CCL4, and CXCL10, and induce phagocytosis and oxidative dependent killing mechanisms. In contrast, M2 macrophages support wound healing and resolution of inflammation. In the past decade, interest has grown in understanding the mechanisms involved in regulating macrophage activation. In particular, epigenetic control of M1 or M2 activation states has been shown to rely on posttranslational modifications of histone proteins adjacent to inflammatory-related genes. Changes in methylation and acetylation of histones by methyltransferases, demethylases, acetyltransferases, and deacetylases can all impact how macrophage phenotypes are generated. In this review, we summarise the latest advances in the field of epigenetic regulation of macrophage polarisation to M1 or M2 states, with particular focus on the cytokine and chemokine profiles associated with these phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trafficking of leukocytes from the blood stream to the surrounding tissue is a fundamental feature of an inflammatory response. Although many of the adhesion molecules and chemokines that direct leukocyte trafficking have been identified, there is still much to be discovered, particularly with regard to the persistence of leukocyte infiltrates in chronic inflammation. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in this process is critical to understanding and treating inflammatory pathologies. Recent studies have identified members of the galectin family as immunoregulatory proteins. Included among the actions of galectins are modulatory effects, both positive and negative, on leukocyte recruitment. The focus of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the role of galectins in leukocyte trafficking during inflammation. A better understanding of the function of this family of endogenous lectins will open new avenues for innovative drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder characterised by B-cell hyperactivity with production of multiple autoantibodies. Fever in SLE may be caused by disease exacerbation or by infection. We report a patient of SLE that was later complicated by fever, pancytopenia, and massive splenomegaly. Corticosteroid therapy for SLE might have masked the underlying infection at earlier stage. Despite negative results of rk-39 test and bone marrow biopsy, a very high suspicion for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) led us to go for direct agglutination test (DAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for leishmanial antigen that revealed positive results. Moreover, significant improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters was noted on starting the patient on antileishmanial therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubidium tetramanganese tris(phosphate), RbMn4(PO4)3, has been synthesized as single crystals under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure was refined in the space group Pnnm (D2h12). It is argued that the size factor RM/RA, i.e. the ratio of the A+ ionic radius to the M2+ ionic radius, within the morphotropic series AM4(TO4)3 corresponds to a specific type of crystal structure. At low temperatures, the antiferromagnet superimposed on a buckled kagomé network in RbMn4(PO4)3 experiences a transition into a long‐range ordered state with finite spontaneous magnetization. First principles calculations provide the dominant magnetic exchange interactions both within and between the kagomé layers. The analysis of these interactions allows us to suggest a model of alternating ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic arrangements within chains of Mn3 atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]