bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Warburg Micro Syndrome‐associated Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module promotes autolysosome maturation through the Vps34 Complex I
Authors: Takáts Szabolcs , Lévay Luca , Boda Attila , Tóth Sarolta , Simon‐Vecsei Zsófia , Rubics András , Varga Ágnes , Lippai Mónika , Lőrincz Péter , Glatz Gábor , Juhász Gábor
Published: April 2020

Warburg micro syndrome (WMS) is a hereditary autosomal neuromuscular disorder in humans caused by mutations in Rab18, Rab3GAP1, or Rab3GAP2 genes. Rab3GAP1/2 forms a heterodimeric complex, which acts as a guanosine nucleotide exchange factor and activates Rab18. Although the genetic causes of WMS are known, it is still unclear whether loss of the Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module affects neuronal or muscle cell physiology or both, and how. In this work, we characterize a Rab3GAP2 mutant Drosophila line to establish a novel animal model for WMS. Similarly to symptoms of WMS, loss of Rab3GAP2 leads to highly decreased motility in Drosophila that becomes more serious with age. We demonstrate that these mutant flies are defective for autophagic degradation in multiple tissues including fat cells and muscles. Loss of Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module members leads to perturbed autolysosome morphology due to destabilization of Rab7‐positive autophagosomal and late endosomal compartments and perturbation of lysosomal biosynthetic transport. Importantly, overexpression of UVRAG or loss of Atg14, two alternative subunits of the Vps34/PI3K (vacuole protein sorting 34/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase) complexes in fat cells, mimics the autophagic phenotype of Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module loss. We find that GTP‐bound Rab18 binds to Atg6/Beclin1, a permanent subunit of Vps34 complexes. Finally, we show that Rab3GAP2 and Rab18 are present on autophagosomal and autolysosomal membranes and colocalize with Vps34 Complex I subunits. Our data suggest that the Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module regulates autolysosomal maturation through its interaction with the Vps34 Complex I, and perturbed autophagy due to loss of the Rab3GAP‐Rab18 module may contribute to the development of WMS.
Cross‐talk between tumors at anatomically distinct sites
Authors: Oliver Amanda J. , Darcy Phillip K. , Trapani Joseph A. , Kershaw Michael H. , Slaney Clare Y.
Published: April 2020

Cancer tissue is not homogenous, and individual metastases at different anatomical locations can differ from the primary tumor and from one another in both their morphology and cellular composition, even within an individual patient. Tumors are composed of cancer cells and a range of other cell types, which, together with a variety of secreted molecules, collectively comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cells of the TME can communicate with each other and with distant tissues in a form of molecular cross‐talk to influence their growth and function. Cross‐talk between cancer cells and local immune cells is well described and can lead to the induction of local immunosuppression. Recently, it has become apparent that tumors located remotely from each other, can engage in cross‐talk that can influence their responsiveness to various therapies, including immunotherapy. In this article, we review studies that describe how tumors systemically communicate with distant tissues through motile cells, extracellular vesicles, and secreted molecules that can affect their function. In addition, we summarize evidence from mouse studies and the clinic that indicate an ability of some tumors to influence the progression and therapeutic responses of other tumors in different anatomical locations.
Behavioural responses of eel (Anguilla anguilla) approaching a large pumping station with trash rack using an acoustic camera (DIDSON)
Authors: van Keeken Olvin Alior , van Hal Ralf , Volken Winter Hendrik , Tulp Ingrid , Griffioen Arie Benjamin
Published: April 2020

European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., migrating to the sea encounter many man‐made structures that can hamper and delay migration or induce mortality. Studying small‐scale behavioural movements in front of these man‐made structures could provide insight in further mitigating adverse effects. The behaviour of eel approaching a trash rack in front of a large pumping station was investigated using a dual‐frequency identification sonar (DIDSON). Eels approaching the trash rack swam through the rack (40.5%) but also showed turning behaviour at (44.7%) or in front of the rack (14.7%). Eels approaching the rack had varying body positions, predominantly head or tail first, but also curled up into a ball or drifted sideways. After turning in front or at the trash rack, eels showed upstream and downwards swimming towards the canal bottom. The results suggest a stepwise response to potential cues, when firstly the body position is changed in such a way that secondly, later on, enhances eventual fast upstream escapement when perceived necessary. Implications for management of these behavioural observations are discussed.
Phenotypic profiling of mGlu7 knockout mice reveals new implications for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Fisher Nicole M. , Gould Robert W. , Gogliotti Rocco G. , McDonald Annalise J. , Badivuku Hana , Chennareddy Susmita , Buch Aditi B. , Moore Annah M. , Jenkins Matthew T. , Robb W. Hudson , Lindsley Craig W. , Jones Carrie K. , Conn P. Jeffrey , Niswender Colleen M.
Published: April 2020

Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by deficits in communication, cognition, attention, social behavior and/or motor control. Previous studies have pointed to the involvement of genes that regulate synaptic structure and function in the pathogenesis of these disorders. One such gene, GRM7, encodes the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7), a G protein‐coupled receptor that regulates presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Mutations and polymorphisms in GRM7 have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in clinical populations; however, limited preclinical studies have evaluated mGlu7 in the context of this specific disease class. Here, we show that the absence of mGlu7 in mice is sufficient to alter phenotypes within the domains of social behavior, associative learning, motor function, epilepsy and sleep. Moreover, Grm7 knockout mice exhibit an attenuated response to amphetamine. These findings provide rationale for further investigation of mGlu7 as a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders such as idiopathic autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Rett syndrome.
New Reference Materials and Assessment of Matrix Effects for SIMS Measurements of Oxygen Isotopes in Garnet
Authors: Vho Alice , Rubatto Daniela , Putlitz Benita , Bouvier Anne‐Sophie
Published: April 2020

Accurate ion microprobe analysis of oxygen isotope ratios in garnet requires appropriate reference materials to correct for instrumental mass fractionation that partly depends on the garnet chemistry (matrix effect). The matrix effect correlated with grossular, spessartine and andradite components was characterised for the Cameca IMS 1280HR at the SwissSIMS laboratory based on sixteen reference garnet samples. The correlations fit a second‐degree polynomial with maximum bias of ca. 4‰, 2‰ and 8‰, respectively. While the grossular composition range 0–25% is adequately covered by available reference materials, there is a paucity of them for intermediate compositions. We characterise three new garnet reference materials GRS2, GRS‐JH2 and CAP02 with a grossular content of 88.3 ± 1.2% (2s), 83.3 ± 0.8% and 32.5 ± 3.0%, respectively. Their micro scale homogeneity in oxygen isotope composition was evaluated by multiple SIMS sessions. The reference δ18O value was determined by CO2 laser fluorination (δ18OLF). GRS2 has δ18OLF = 8.01 ± 0.10‰ (2s) and repeatability within each SIMS session of 0.30–0.60‰ (2s), GRS‐JH2 has δ18OLF = 18.70 ± 0.08‰ and repeatability of 0.24–0.42‰ and CAP02 has δ18OLF = 4.64 ± 0.16‰ and repeatability of 0.40–0.46‰.
BEYOND NARCISSISM: THE MULTI‐LAYERED NARCISSUS REFERENCE IN HERMANN HESSE'S NARZISS UND GOLDMUND*
Authors: Johansson Niclas
Published: April 2020

Freud's theory of narcissism, developed in the 1910s and 1920s, can be seen as a radical break with the Narcissus tradition in that the myth of Narcissus is turned into a theory about man's psychosexual constitution. This prompts the question of whether, or to what extent, Freud's theory influenced subsequent literary treatments of the theme. This article examines in particular the Narcissus reference in Hermann Hesse's novel Narziß und Goldmund (1930). Hesse had an intimate, but not uncritical, relationship with psychoanalysis, and his novel provides an interesting illustration of how the Narcissus reference was used in the direct aftermath of Freud's conceptualisation. In this article, I argue that while the narrative frame of the Narcissus myth is broken up in the novel, it remains poetically productive. Narcissism is incorporated into the intertextual nexus, but without replacing Narcissus. Three distinct layers of the Narcissus reference are identified in the novel, an Ovidian, a Freudian, and a neo‐Platonic, which interrelate in ways that prompt reflection on the relation between individuality and intersubjectivity, and between life and art.
Fabrication of high‐density NiFe2O4 ceramics by slip casting and pressureless sintering
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Xu Jianrong , Cao Zhuokun , Yao Guangchun
Published: April 2020

High‐density NiFe2O4 ceramics with homogeneous microstructure were produced by slip casting and pressureless sintering. The slurry stability, sintering behavior, and microstructure of NiFe2O4 ceramics were investigated. A stable slurry can be obtained by adding 12.5 wt% NiFe2O4 nanoparticle and 5 wt% nano‐binder at a slurry pH around 11.0. The linear shrinkage and linear shrinkage rate for both NiFe2O4 ceramic green bodies shaped by cold press molding and slip casting showed nearly the same trends. The temperature associated with the maximum linear shrinkage rate of slip casted green body was 1263.5°C, which was lower than that of cold press molded sample (1272.0°C). The sintering activation energy of slip casted green body was also lower than that of cold press molded sample (279.18 vs 288.47 kJ mol−1), owing to high density and homogeneity of slip‐casted green compact. A high‐density NiFe2O4 ceramics with uniform grain size distribution can be produced by slip casting and pressureless sintering at 1350°C for 6 hours, attributed to the ability of slip casting to minimize agglomerates and micropores. It demonstrated that slip casting was more suitable to prepare high‐density NiFe2O4 ceramics with good homogeneity.
The significant role of the glycine‐nitrate ratio on the physicochemical properties of CoxZn1−xO nanoparticles
Authors: Kazemi Hamed , Kermani Farzad , Mollazadeh Sahar , Vahdati Khakhi Jalil
Published: April 2020

In this study, CoxZn1−xO (X = 0, 0.06, 0.18, 0.36, 0.54, and 1) nanoparticles were synthesized by one‐step solution combustion synthesis method. The critical role of X values and fuel (glycine)‐to‐oxidizer (F/O) ratios (0.75, 1, and 1.25) were investigated on the physicochemical properties of synthesized particles. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that by increasing the X molar fraction, up to 0.36 mol. %, at the F/O ratios of 0.75, 1, and 1.25, crystallite size decreases from 31 to 26, 39 to 31, and 64 to 43 nm, respectively. ZnO‐Co3O4 mixed oxide nanopowders were directly crystallized at X = 0.54 in all F/O ratios. Semi‐quantification evaluations of XRD results showed that the F/O ratio had a direct effect on the quantities of the crystallized and the content of the amorphous phases. According to the vibrating sample magnetometer analysis results (VSM), the greatest magnetization saturation (Ms) value of 30 emu/g was obtained at X = 1 and F/O ratio of 1.25. Calorimetry analysis revealed that by increasing the content of the doping agent, ie, cobalt ion, up to the molar fraction of 0.18, dark green color is observed in the specimens, and the deepest green color was obtained at F/O = 1.
Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of bamboo‐like β‐SiC nanowires
Authors: Li Binbin , Mao Bangxiao , Huang Haiquan , Wang Xingbang , He Tao
Published: April 2020

Lightweight and strong microwave adsorption property have become the foremost crucial factors in the practical application of modern microwave absorbers. This study mainly dealt with synthesize of bamboo‐like β‐SiC nanowires with high‐performance microwave absorption property via a polymer pyrolysis CVD (PPCVD) approach. The PPCVD process was conducted by cleverly placing the polymer powders into two temperature zones to produce reactant gases with alternating concentrations. The morphological study revealed that the nodes exhibited abundant stacking faults as compared to the stem segments, which was beneficial for the microwave losses. The optimal reflection loss value of −35.47 dB was gained at 18 GHz corresponding to 2.0‐mm absorber thickness, and the corresponding −10 dB bandwidth (>90% absorption) was 3.22 GHz. It has turned out that the as‐prepared nanowires could be applied at different frequencies by adjusting the thickness. Especially, it exhibits a good prospect in the fields of ultrathin absorbers. Furthermore, the microwave absorption mechanisms of the nanowires were explored. This present investigation has opened a high‐efficient facile approach to develop ultrathin, lightweight, and high‐performance microwave absorbers.
Method for estimating the density of high‐level nuclear waste glass
Authors: Trivelpiece Cory L. , Edwards Thomas B. , Johnson Fabienne C. , Crapse Kimberly P. , Fox Kevin M.
Published: April 2020

A database of over 1100 silicate glass compositions and densities was compiled and used to evaluate the efficacy of an algorithm for estimating the density of silicate glass compositions. We sought to develop a parsimonious algorithm based on the additivity of partial molar volumes of individual oxide components weighted by their mole fraction in a glass composition. Bound molar volumes were used for oxides in which the density of the oxide bound in a glass matrix was previously determined. The bound molar volumes were known for oxides covering 97.5 mole percent of the database compositional space. The measured glass densities were plotted against the estimated glass densities and a linear regression yielded an R2adj. = 0.95 and a slope and intercept of approximately one and zero, respectively. This regression suggests that glass densities estimated by the algorithm, within analysis uncertainty, are equal to the measured densities of the glasses. In addition to the development of the density estimation, we corroborated many of the referenced bound molar volume data used in the parameterization of the estimation algorithm via linear regression of the individual partial molar volumes vs the inverse measured densities (specific volumes) of the glasses in the database.
Digital occlusal analysis of vertical dimension and maximum intercuspal position after placement of stainless steel crown using hall technique in children
Authors: Nair Karthik , Chikkanarasaiah Nagarathna , Poovani Swetha , Thumati Prafulla
Published: April 2020

Background

The stainless steel crowns (SSCs) placed using the Hall technique disrupt the occlusion, but stabilization appears to occur within a short period post‐placement. Negligible understanding and comprehension is presently handy about the changes in overbite and bite force after placement of stainless steel crown using the Hall technique in children.

Aim/Hypothesis

To evaluate the digital occlusal analysis of vertical dimension and maximum intercuspal position to understand the changes in overbite and bite force after placement of stainless steel crown using the Hall technique.

Design

Twenty children who needed treatment for the carious tooth with decay extending to enamel and dentin and multisurface caries were managed using the Hall technique. Following that, overbite measurement for vertical dimension was carried out clinically using digital vernier calipers. Later, the T‐Scan III was used for measuring occlusal load at the maximum intercuspal position. The bite force and occlusal premature contacts were digitally analysed and recorded pre‐operatively, immediately after placement of SSC and after 1 month follow‐up period.

Results

A significant result in the vertical dimension, bite force on crowned tooth, and significant reduction in the prematurities were seen from baseline to one‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

There was an occlusal re‐equilibration attained after 1 month.
Ultrastructure of the body cavities in juveniles and adults of the appendicularian Oikopleura gracilis (Tunicata, Chordata) suggests how the heart may have evolved in tunicates
Authors: Savelieva Anna V. , Temereva Elena N.
Published: April 2020

The organization of the body cavities is an important morphological trait that can be used for establishing the phylogenetic relationships between different groups of animals. In the present study, the hemocoel and coelomic systems of 10‐hr‐old juveniles and adults of the hermaphroditic oikopleurid Oikopleura gracilis were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. The trunk hemocoel in 10‐hr‐old juveniles was represented by small clefts containing layers of extracellular matrix of adjacent tissues or interstices with migrating primordial germ syncytium. The wide hemocoel in the tail contained extracellular strands, subdividing the hemocoel into hemal sinuses. In adults, a large hemocoel appeared in the trunk and tail, and also contained extracellular strands. The hermaphroditic gonad was surrounded by its own lining, separating it from the hemocoel. The gamete‐filled cavity in the ovary and testis appeared only at late‐stage gonadogenesis, when the pre‐spawning reduction of syncytium occurred in the gonads. The true coelom in 10‐hr‐old juveniles and adults was represented by the pericardium. The lining of the pericardium consisted of myoepithelial and peritoneal cells. In the myoepithelial cells of 10‐hr‐old juveniles, myofibrils had been formed. The myoepithelial cells of adults had several parallel rows of completely differentiated myofibrils. The substantial reduction of the coelomic and circulatory systems in O. gracilis evidently results from the extreme shortening of ontogeny in appendicularians. Development in O. gracilis from early juvenile to adult involves the following steps, which also suggest how the tunicate heart may have evolved: a single‐layered coelomic sac gives rise to a grooved pericardium with an open hemal sinus (simple heart). In ascidians, this simple heart in turn gives rise to a closed tubular, double‐layered heart–pericardial complex, with a separate pericardial cavity and a closed heart, whose wall is formed by specialized myocardium.
Microstructure development and optical properties of Fe:ZnSe transparent ceramics sintered by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Yu Shengquan , Carloni David , Wu Yiquan
Published: April 2020

Fe:ZnSe transparent ceramics were prepared by spark plasma sintering. Fe:ZnSe powders synthesized via co‐precipitation yielded well‐dispersed particles with an average particle size of 550 nm. These powders were in the cubic phase Fe:ZnSe, indicating the successful substitution of Fe2+ for Zn2+. The highest relative density, 99.4%, was obtained by increasing the pressure and sintering time. The effects of sintering temperature, pressure, and time on the microstructure of SPS prepared ceramics were presented by micrographs. With increasing sintering temperature, from 600°C to 900°C, the average grain size increased from < 1 to 10 μm. The intergranular fracture indicated no neck formation in the sintering process. High pressure was essential for the densification process. The average grain size deceased from approximately 10 to 5 μm when the pressure was increased. Increasing the sintering time from 10 to 120 minutes lead to a change in the microstructure, from inter‐ to transgranular fracture, and eliminated the micropores. The as‐prepared Fe:ZnSe ceramics were composed of single‐phased cubic ZnSe. The sample sintered at 900°C under a pressure of 90 MPa for 120 minutes yielded a transmittance of approximately 60% at 1.4 μm and 68% at 7.5 μm and had residual micropores as its main scattering source. There was a strong characteristic absorption peak of Fe2+ ions at around 3 μm, which was red‐shifted compared to Fe:ZnS transparent ceramics. Fe:ZnSe transparent ceramics have a reddish‐brown color and it could be a promising mid‐infrared laser material.
Negative piezoelectric behaviors in hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3‐xNaxTi2O7 (x = 0, 0.01) ceramics
Authors: Jiang Yao , Wang Shouyu , Lei Yunlin , Zhang Xiongnan , Liu Weifang
Published: April 2020

Hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3Ti2O7 (CTO) and Ca2.99Na0.01Ti2O7 (NaCTO) ceramics were synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray powder diffraction technique was used to determine the phase purity and crystal structure of the prepared ceramics. We investigated their ferroelectric polarization, dynamic switching current, and piezoelectric properties, and confirmed their ferroelectric reversal property with a coercive field of 60‐80 kV/cm. A negative piezoelectric behavior was observed with a maximum strain of −0.01% and −0.007% for CTO and NaCTO, respectively. This abnormal piezoelectric behavior can be used to prepare composites with conventional oxide materials that generally exhibit positive piezoelectricity. Mechanism of the negative piezoelectricity effect was ascribed to its special quasi‐two‐dimensional (quasi‐2D) crystal structure with weak van der Waals (vdW) layers alternating with covalent layers.
Evaluating the impact of motion artifact on noninvasive blood pressure devices
Authors: Alpert Bruce S. , Quinn David E. , Friedman Bruce C. , Matsumura Paul M. , Dart Richard A. , Donehoo Robert F.
Published: April 2020

Most automated sphygmomanometers use oscillometric algorithms. Motion, either patient‐based or environmental, will affect the ability of a device to record an accurate blood pressure (BP). Members of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Sphygmomanometer Committee have been studying this problem for more than a decade. The AAMI TIR44 was the first publication to address the challenges of motion tolerance. The concepts described in TIR44 have led to the development of a draft of ISO 81060‐4, a new standard for testing devices for which the manufacturer wishes to claim motion tolerance. The current ISO 81060‐2 addresses both stress testing and 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Recent publications have reported on testing of devices in response to voluntary and involuntary patient motion. The ISO 81060‐4 will address testing in the presence of patient transport by ground, fixed‐wing, and rotary (helicopter) ambulances. The protocol will utilize noise profiles recorded under those three conditions. The profiles will be digitally stored on a library with free access. The proposed testing will be performed using patient simulators introducing the noise library files into known BP oscillometric envelopes. The specifications of the data capture and playback devices are specified, as is the evaluation statistical testing. The authors expect that the final draft will be published in 2020.
Novel regulation of miR‐34a‐5p and HOTAIR by the combination of berberine and gefitinib leading to inhibition of EMT in human lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Fang , Li Jing , Ma ChangJu , Tang XiaoJuan , Tang Qing , Wu JingJing , Chai XiaoSu , Xie Jianhui , Yang Xiao‐bo , Hann Swei Sunny
Published: April 2020

HOTAIR is an important carcinogenic lncRNA and involves in tumorigenesis, and invasion. MiR‐34a‐5p functions as a tumour suppressor. However, the underlying mechanism of HOTAIR regulation especially in association with miR‐34a‐5p in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been explored. Herein, we performed series of in vitro experiments, including viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis and in vivo xenograft model, and identified that HOTAIR was remarkably elevated in NSCLC cells. Enforced HOTAIR expression promoted migration and invasion, while depleted HOTAIR diminished the ability of migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. We also observed that miR‐34a‐5p was dramatically inhibited in NSCLC cells and the binding correlation between HOTAIR and miR‐34a‐5p was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. We also showed that induction of miR‐34a‐5p and reduction of HOTAIR, and the interaction between miR‐34a‐5p and HOTAIR resulted in the suppression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as illustrated by induction of key epithelial markers E‐cadherin expression, reduction of vimentin and EMT‐inducing transcription factor snail. Excessive expression of snail resisted miR‐34a‐5p‐inhibited cell growth. Snail binds to E‐cadherin promoter and regulates E‐cadherin expression. There was a synergy in combination of berberine and gefinitib in this process. Similar findings were also observed in a tumour xenograft model. Collectively, this is the first report demonstrating reciprocal interaction of miR‐34a‐5p‐ and HOTAIR‐mediated regulation of snail resulting in inhibition of EMT process by the combination of berberine and gefitinib suggesting that regulation of miR‐34a‐5p‐ and HOTAIR‐mediated inhibition of EMT may provide novel treatment paradigms for lung cancer.
Effect of periodontal therapy on adipokine biomarkers in overweight
Authors: Matern Johannes , Koch Raphael , Petersmann Astrid , Kocher Thomas , Eickholz Peter , Lorenz Katrin , Kim Ti‐Sun , Meyle Jörg , Kaner Doğan , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Gravemeier Martina , Harks Inga , Ehmke Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on circulating levels of the systemic inflammation‐associated biomarkers orosomucoid (ORM), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), chemerin, and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) in overweight or normal‐weight patients with periodontitis at 27.5 months after therapy.

Materials and methods

This exploratory subanalysis includes patients from the ABPARO‐trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00707369). The per‐protocol collective provided untreated periodontitis patients with high (≥28 kg/m2) or moderate (21–24 kg/m2) BMI. Out of the per‐protocol collective, 80 patients were randomly selected and stratified for BMI group, sex, and treatment group (antibiotics/placebo), resulting in 40 overweight and normal‐weight patients. Patients received non‐surgical periodontal therapy and maintenance at 3‐month intervals. Plasma samples from baseline and 27.5 months following initial treatment were used to measure the concentrations of ORM, hsCRP, chemerin, and RBP4.

Results

At the 27.5‐month examination, ORM and hsCRP decreased noticeably in the overweight group (ORM: p = .001, hsCRP: p = .004) and normal‐weight patients (ORM: p = .007, hsCRP: p < .001). Chemerin decreased in the overweight group (p = .048), and RBP4 concentrations remained stable.

Conclusion

Non‐surgical periodontal therapy reduced systemically elevated inflammation‐associated biomarkers in periodontitis patients. These improvements were more pronounced in overweight patients than in normal‐weight patients.
Methoprene‐induced matings of young Queensland fruit fly males are effective at inducing sexual inhibition in females
Authors: Adnan Saleh Mohammad , Farhana Iffat , Rempoulakis Polychronis , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: April 2020

Pre‐release dietary treatment with methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue, decreases the age at which male Queensland fruit flies mature and hence may decrease the post‐release delay until released sterile flies participate in sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes. However, if matings of young methoprene‐treated males are not effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates, then this treatment may not enhance SIT. The present study investigates efficacy of matings of methoprene‐treated males at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates. Methoprene incorporated into a diet of sugar and yeast hydrolysate (w/w 3:1) for 48 hr after emergence resulted in significantly increased male mating propensity when flies were <10 days of age, but not when older, and longer copulations. Copula latency did not vary with methoprene treatment but did decrease with age. The matings of young methoprene‐treated males were effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates, matching the efficacy of untreated mature males. Regardless of treatment, females had reduced tendency to remate if their first mate was 15 days of age than if their first mate was younger (6, 8 days) or older (20, 25, 30 days). Females mated by methoprene‐treated males that did remate tended to remate later in the day than females mated by untreated males. Also, second copula durations of females first mated by a 6‐ to 10‐day‐old male were shorter if the male was methoprene treated. These patterns in remating females may indicate greater efficacy of the initial mating of methoprene‐treated males. Overall, we find that the additional matings of young methoprene‐treated male Queensland fruit flies are effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates. This finding supports the incorporation of methoprene into pre‐release diet for SIT.
Near‐real‐time spatiotemporal analysis of convection and extreme rainfall leading to a flash flood using MSG‐SEVIRI and TRMM data: A case study of a flash flood in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the November 25, 2009
Authors: Atif Rana Muhammad , Siddiqui Muhammad Haroon , Almazroui Mansour
Published: April 2020

This paper describes a convective system, which brought heavy rainfall leading towards a flash flood on November 25, 2009, over Jeddah city and its surrounding regions. Meteosat Second Generation Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (MSG‐SEVIRI) based near‐real‐time MSG‐RGB (red, green, blue) composites and cloud top temperature images are used for the assessment of convection stages during the event. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data is used to quantify the rainfall amount and found reliable as compared with ground observations. Air mass RGB serves as an effective tool for the visual enhancement of cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds as well as differentiating them from other local features. Cloud top temperatures obtained from MSG IR10.8 channel show that the threshold values of cloud top below 220°K can lead to rainfall with the intensity of 10 mm/hr or above over Jeddah region. The results from MSG‐SEVIRI and TRMM satellite data show that satellite data could serve as an effective tool for the near real‐time monitoring of the rainfall event, when analysing convection stages. The study suggests that where ground measurements are minimal, satellite information can be used in as part of a flood warning system to minimise the aftermaths of a flood disaster.
Inactivation modeling of microorganisms using organic chlorine and acetic acid solutions and estimation of growth kinetics of adhered Enterobacteriaceae to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Alves Roberta B. T. , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Antunes Maria A. , Silva Beatriz S. , Sant'Ana Anderson S. , Peña Wilmer E. L. , Andrade Nélio J.
Published: April 2020

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the organic chlorine and acetic acid solutions on the inactivation of adhered cells of Escherichia coli, Cronobacter sakazakii and Klebsiella pneumoniae to lettuce. Besides, the growth and inactivation of K. pneumoniae adhered to lettuce was modeled. According to the findings, the use of chlorine solution (170 mg/ml of total residual chlorine) caused reductions of 1.8, 1.9, and 1.9 log for E. coli, C. sakazakii, and K pneumoniae, respectively, were recorded. In this regard, the organic chloramine was more effective in controlling the adhered microorganisms while compared with 1.5% acetic acid solution, while the addition of 0.5% sodium chloride to 1.5% acetic acid solution increased microbial inactivation. K. pneumoniae RC‐34 inactivation was characterized by the presence of two sub‐populations with different resistances against the proposed sanitizers. Moreover, the growth kinetic parameters of K. pneumoniae RC‐34 adhered to lettuce leaves were very similar to that reported in the literature for nonadhered microorganisms. The predictive data generated can be valuable to assess the growth and inactivation of produce adhered microorganisms in leafy produce.
The fate of cold‐stressed or tetracycline‐resistantVibrio spp. in precooked shrimp during frozen storage
Authors: Moon Hye J. , Lee Jeong Y. , Lim Ju Y. , Kim Su J. , Song Ki Y. , Yoon Ki S.
Published: April 2020

We compared the fate of cold‐stressed (CS) or tetracycline‐resistant (TR) Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae in precooked shrimp during frozen storage. The recovery ability of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Vibrio cells was compared at 25°C. Each suspension of nonstressed (NS), CS, or TR Vibrio cells inoculated into cooked shrimps were subjected to frozen storage at −20°C or three freeze–thaw cycles. CS and TR cells were more rapidly converted to VBNC state than NS cells. Most of VBNC Vibrio cells were observed as viable cells after frozen storage. Although there were differences in the recovery extent of cells depending on the types of stress and strain, VBNC cells were resuscitated at 25°C. The most resistant to tetracycline and the lowest injury rate were observed in V. cholerae cells during frozen storage.
The impact of deep convolutional neural network‐based artificial intelligence on colonoscopy outcomes: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Fatima Rawish , Dong Charles , Lee‐Smith Wade , Nawras Ali
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

The utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in colonoscopy has gained popularity in current times. Recent trials have evaluated the efficacy of deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)‐based AI system in colonoscopy for improving adenoma detection rate (ADR) and polyp detection rate (PDR). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available studies to assess the impact of DCNN‐based AI‐assisted colonoscopy in improving the ADR and PDR.

Methods

We queried the following database for this study: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences, and Computers and Applied Sciences. We only included randomized controlled trials that compared AI colonoscopy to standard colonoscopy (SC). Our outcomes included ADR and PDR. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model and DerSimonian–Laird approach for each outcome.

Results

A total of three studies with 2815 patients (1415 in SC group and 1400 in AI group) were included. AI colonoscopy resulted in significantly improved ADR (32.9% vs 20.8%, RR: 1.58, 95% CI 1.39–1.80, P = < 0.001) and PDR (43.0% vs 27.8%, RR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.39–1.72, P = < 0.001) compared with SC.

Conclusion

Given the results and limitations, the utility of AI colonoscopy holds promise and should be evaluated in more randomized controlled trials across different population, especially in patients solely undergoing colonoscopy for screening purpose as improved ADR will ultimately help in reducing incident colorectal cancer.
Extracellular vesicles containing the transferrin receptor as nanocarriers of apotransferrin
Authors: Mattera Vanesa S. , Pereyra Gerber Pehuén , Glisoni Romina , Ostrowski Matias , Verstraeten Sandra V. , Pasquini Juana M. , Correale Jorge D.
Published: April 2020

Previous work by our group has shown the pro‐differentiating effects of apotransferrin (aTf) on oligodendroglial cells in vivo and in vitro. Further studies showed the remyelinating effect of aTf in animal demyelination models such as hypoxia/ischemia, where the intranasal administration of human aTf provided brain neuroprotection and reduced white matter damage, neuronal loss, and astrogliosis in different brain regions. These data led us to search for a less invasive and controlled technique to deliver aTf to the CNS. To such end, we isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human and mouse plasma and different neuron and glia conditioned media and characterized them based on their quality, quantity, identity, and structural integrity by western blot, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. All sources yielded highly pure vesicles whose size and structures were in keeping with previous literary evidence. Given that, remarkably, EVs from all sources analyzed contained Tf receptor 1 (TfR1) in their composition, we employed two passive cargo‐loading strategies which rendered successful EV loading with aTf, specifically through binding to TfR1. These results unveil EVs as potential nanovehicles of aTf to be delivered into the CNS parenchyma, and pave the way for further studies into their possible clinical application in the treatment of demyelinating diseases.

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PNU‐120596, a positive allosteric modulator of mammalian α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, is a negative modulator of ligand‐gated chloride‐selective channels of the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Vulfius Catherine A. , Lebedev Dmitrii S. , Kryukova Elena V. , Kudryavtsev Denis S. , Kolbaev Sergey N. , Utkin Yuri N. , Tsetlin Victor I.
Published: April 2020

Excitatory α7 neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChR) are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous and immune systems and are important for learning, memory, and immune response regulation. Specific α7 nAChR ligands, including positive allosteric modulators are promising to treat cognitive disorders, inflammatory processes, and pain. One of them, PNU‐120596, highly increased the neuron response to α7 agonists and retarded desensitization, showing selectivity for α7 as compared to heteromeric nAChRs, but was not examined at the inhibitory ligand‐gated channels. We studied PNU‐120596 action on anion‐conducting channels using voltage‐clamp techniques: it slightly potentiated the response of human glycine receptors expressed in PC12 cells, of rat GABAA receptors in cerebellar Purkinje cells and mouse GABAARs heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. On the contrary, PNU‐120596 exerted an inhibitory effect on the receptors mediating anion currents in Lymnaea stagnalis neurons: two nAChR subtypes, GABA and glutamate receptors. Acceleration of the current decay, contrary to slowing down desensitization in mammalian α7 nAChR, was observed in L. stagnalis neurons predominantly expressing one of the two nAChR subtypes. Thus, PNU‐120596 effect on these anion‐selective nAChRs was just opposite to the action on the mammalian cation‐selective α7 nAChRs. A comparison of PNU‐120596 molecule docked to the models of transmembrane domains of the human α7 AChR and two subunits of L. stagnalis nAChR demonstrated some differences in contacts with the amino acid residues important for PNU‐120596 action on the α7 nAChR. Thus, our results show that PNU‐120596 action depends on a particular subtype of these Cys‐loop receptors.

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Responding to Digital Transformation by External Corporate Venturing: An Enterprising Family Identity and Communication Patterns Perspective
Authors: Prügl Reinhard , Spitzley Dinah Isabel
Published: April 2020

Digital transformation increasingly requires activities located outside firm boundaries, for example via alliances with start‐up companies. Despite this, German Mittelstand firms, primarily owned and managed by enterprising families and seen as role models of innovation, appear reluctant to place strategic emphasis on venturing outside the firm’s boundaries when it comes to digital transformation. Drawing on the concepts of identity and communication patterns, we theorize on the mechanisms behind this behaviour. Applying structural equation modelling to a sample of 254 members of the next generation in enterprising families from Germany, we find that family communication patterns impact the strategic priority for or against external corporate venturing via identity‐related considerations.
Endogenous formation of multiple social groups
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc M. , Richefort Lionel , Vallée Thomas
Published: April 2020

This paper explores a model of group membership formation in which agents decide to join or not multiple social groups. The membership formation process induces a bipartite graph structure with social groups listed on one side and agents listed on the other side. Among members of multiple social groups, we consider two decisive types of agents: the grand star and the mini star. The former type is the unique agent in a society who participates in all social groups. The latter type includes agents who participate in more than one, but not all, social groups such that every social group pair has one and only one common member. We analyze the efficiency and stability conditions of group membership formation, and we establish sufficient conditions under which a connected graph that contains either a grand star or a set of mini stars becomes the unique strongly efficient and stable graph.
Melanopic illuminance defines the magnitude of human circadian light responses under a wide range of conditions
Authors: Brown Timothy M.
Published: April 2020

Ocular light drives a range of nonvisual responses in humans including suppression of melatonin secretion and circadian phase resetting. These responses are driven by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) which combine intrinsic, melanopsin‐based, phototransduction with extrinsic rod/cone‐mediated signals. As a result of this arrangement, it has remained unclear how best to quantify light to predict its nonvisual effects. To address this, we analysed data from nineteen different laboratory studies that measured melatonin suppression, circadian phase resetting and/or alerting responses in humans to a wide array of stimulus types, intensities and durations with or without pupil dilation. Using newly established SI‐compliant metrics to quantify ipRGC‐influenced responses to light, we show that melanopic illuminance consistently provides the best available predictor for responses of the human circadian system. In almost all cases, melanopic illuminance is able to fully account for differences in sensitivity to stimuli of varying spectral composition, acting to drive responses that track variations in illumination characteristic of those encountered over civil twilight (~1‐1000 lux melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance). Collectively, our data demonstrate widespread utility of melanopic illuminance as a metric for predicting the circadian impact of environmental illumination. These data therefore provide strong support for the use of melanopic illuminance as the basis for guidelines that seek to regulate light exposure to benefit human health and to inform future lighting design.
The scale dependency of trait‐based tree neighborhood models
Authors: Zambrano Jenny , Beckman Noelle G. , Marchand Philippe , Thompson Jill , Uriarte María , Zimmerman Jess K. , Umaña María N. , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: April 2020

Questions

We asked: (a) whether the strength of conspecific and heterospecific neighborhood crowding effects on focal tree survival and growth vary with neighborhood radii; and (b) if the relative strength of the effect of neighborhood interactions on tree growth and survival varies with neighborhood scale.

Location

Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot, Puerto Rico.

Methods

We used tree survival and growth data and included information on species‐mean trait values related to several leaf traits, maximum height, seed mass and wood density. We incorporated a tree neighborhood modeling approach that uses an area around a focal tree with a specified radius, to describe the interactions between a focal tree and its neighbors. We constructed survival and growth models for each functional trait using a Bayesian approach, and varied the size of the radius from 5 m to 30 m, at 5‐m intervals.

Results

The results suggested that the estimated effects of conspecific and heterospecific neighbors on tree performance do not vary based on the size of the neighborhood (5–30 m), suggesting that the effects of conspecific and heterospecific neighbors on the performance of a focal tree likely do not vary substantially beyond a neighborhood radius of 5 m in the Luquillo forest. In contrast, the estimated strength of the functional neighborhood (effect of neighbors based on their functional trait values) on tree performance was dependent on the neighborhood range. Our results also suggested that the effects of trait distances and trait hierarchies on tree survival and growth are acting simultaneously and at the same spatial scales.

Conclusion

Findings from this study highlight the importance of spatial scale in community assembly processes, and specifically, call for increased attention when selecting the radius that defines the neighborhood around a focal tree as the selected neighborhood radius influences the community patterns discovered, and affects the conclusions about the drivers that control community assembly.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and prevalence of chronic liver disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Beatrice Giorgia , Dalbeni Andrea
Published: April 2020

At present, there is scarce information regarding the global prevalence of chronic liver disease in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease, which is becoming a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the overall prevalence of chronic liver disease among patients with COVID‐19 disease by meta‐analysing data in observational studies and to investigate the relationship between liver damage and COVID‐19 disease. We included 11 observational studies for a total of 2034 adult individuals (median age 49 years [IQR 45‐54], 57.2% men). The overall prevalence of chronic liver disease at baseline was 3% (95% CI 2%‐4%; I2 = 29.1%). Individuals with severe COVID‐19 disease had relevant alterations of liver enzymes and coagulative profile, probably due to the innate immune response against the virus. Further studies are needed to better investigate the causes of liver injury in patients with COVID‐19 disease and the effect of treatment for COVID‐19 on the liver.
Foraging speed and precision of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under field conditions: An experimental approach
Authors: Šmilauer Petr , Šmilauerová Marie , Kotilínek Milan , Košnar Jiří
Published: April 2020

To better understand the ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, we need to measure functional traits of individual fungal virtual taxa under field conditions. The efficiency of AM fungi in locating nutrient‐rich patches in soil space is one of their central traits in this symbiotic relationship. We used plots of a long‐term field experiment in grassland with manipulated functional group composition of host plant community to establish ingrowth patches with substrate free of roots and fungi and with varying nutrient availability. Comparison of the original AM fungal community before patch creation with that present 9 weeks after patch establishment enabled us to estimate relative hyphal foraging speed for 41 fungal taxa, and a comparison of the fungal community in neighbouring patches differing in nutrient availability provided estimates of hyphal foraging precision for 22 taxa. Members of two dominant fungal families, Glomeraceae and Claroideoglomeraceae, differed in their foraging speed and precision. Glomeraceae taxa responded more slowly, but with a higher focus on enriched patches. We further demonstrated the usefulness of the obtained fungal functional traits by testing the differences between grass and dicotyledonous plant hosts using a data set obtained in another experiment at the same plots. Grass species hosted AM fungal communities with higher foraging speed, but lower foraging precision than the dicotyledonous species. Our study results support the use of field experiments for measuring comparative characteristics of AM fungi, which are highly elusive (or misrepresented) under controlled conditions.