bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemically assisted synthesis of titanium carbonitride from metal and organic precursor
Authors: Liu Shaocun , Li Baozhong , Wu Yingju , Luo Kun , Zhao Zhisheng , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2020

Ultrafine TiC0.29N0.38 powders with a particle size of approximately 170 nm were synthesized by mechanochemical synthesis combined with moderate‐temperature annealing using Ti and ethylenediamine as raw materials. Ethylenediamine plays a versatile role in the fabrication of ultrafine TiCxNy powders. It can serve as not only carbon and nitrogen sources, but also a process control agent, that facilitates the generation of ultrafine particles. A dense TiC0.3N0.39 ceramic with a high hardness of 16.7 GPa was obtained by spark plasma sintering at a considerably reduced temperature of 1100°C. This simple, energy‐efficient method is a novel approach to synthesizing valuable TiCxNy.
Correlation analysis of microribonucleic acid‐155 and microribonucleic acid‐29 with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the prediction and verification of target genes
Authors: Zhu Jiaojiao , Wang Cuizhe , Zhang Xueting , Qiu Tongtong , Ma Yinghua , Li Xue , Pang Huai , Xiong Jianyu , Yang Xin , Pan Chongge , Xie Jianxin , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2020

Aims/Introduction

Microribonucleic acid‐155 (microRNA155) and microRNA29 are reported to inhibit glucose metabolism in some cell and animal models, but no evidence from susceptible populations that examines the relationship between microRNA155 or microRNA29 and type 2 diabetes mellitus currently exists. Furthermore, target genes regulated by microRNA155 and microRNA29 that affect glucose and lipid metabolism remain unknown.

Materials and Methods

Human participants were divided into normal weight (n = 72), obesity (n = 120) and type 2 diabetes (n = 59) groups. The contents of microRNA155 and microRNA29 abundance in serum were measured, and candidate genes potentially related to glucose and lipid metabolism targeted by either microRNA155 or microRNA29 were screened. Overexpression of microRNA155 and microRNA29 in HepG2 cells was used to verify candidate gene expression, and measure the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Results

Serum levels of microRNA155 and microRNA29 show a significant increase in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes compared with normal weight individuals. Identified target genes for microRNA155 were MAPK14, MAP3K10, DUSP14 and PRKAR2B. Identified target genes for microRNA29 were PEX11A and FADS1. Overexpression of microRNA155 or microRNA29 in HepG2 cells was found to downregulate the expression of identified target genes, and result in inhibition of triglyceride synthesis and glucose incorporation.

Conclusions

MicroRNA155 and microRNA29 were significantly higher in type 2 diabetes patients compared with the control patients, their levels were also positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose levels, and over‐expression of microRNA155 or microRNA29 were found to downregulate glucose and lipid metabolism target genes, and reduce lipid synthesis and glucose incorporation in HepG2 cells.
Intermittent fasting promotes adult hippocampal neuronal differentiation by activating GSK‐3β in 3xTg‐AD mice
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Meijian , Zhang Yilin , Wei Xuemin , Zang Jiankun , Liu Yinghua , Wang Yanping , Gong Cheng‐Xin , Wei Wei
Published: June 2020

Moderate dietary restriction can ameliorate age‐related chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) by increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors and promoting neurogenesis in the brain. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) signaling is essential for the coordination of progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation during brain development. The mechanisms by which GSK‐3β is involved in dietary restriction‐induced neurogenesis and cognitive improvement remain unclear. Six‐month‐old male 3xTg‐AD and wild‐type mice were fed on alternate days (intermittent fasting, IF) or ad libitum (AL) for 3 months. GSK‐3β activity was regulated by bilaterally infusing lentiviral vectors carrying siRNA targeting GSK‐3β into the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus. Intermittent fasting promoted neuronal differentiation and maturation in the dentate gyrus and ameliorated recognized dysfunction in 3xTg‐AD mice. These effects were reversed by siRNA targeting GSK‐3β. After intermittent fasting, the insulin and protein kinase A signaling pathways were inhibited, while the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor pathways were activated. These findings suggest that intermittent fasting can promote neuronal differentiation and maturation in the hippocampus by activating GSK‐3β, thus improving learning and memory.

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Femoral anteversion: significance and measurement
Authors: Scorcelletti Matteo , Reeves Neil D. , Rittweger Jörn , Ireland Alex
Published: June 2020

Femoral neck anteversion (FNA) is the angle between the femoral neck and femoral shaft, indicating the degree of torsion of the femur. Differences in FNA affect the biomechanics of the hip, through alterations in factors such as moment arm lengths and joint loading. Altered gait associated with differences in FNA may also contribute to the development of a wide range of skeletal disorders including osteoarthritis. FNA varies by up to 30° within apparently healthy adults. FNA increases substantially during gestation and thereafter decreases steadily until maturity. There is some evidence of a further decrease at a much lower rate during adulthood into old age, but the mechanisms behind it have never been studied. Development of FNA appears to be strongly influenced by mechanical forces experienced during everyday movements. This is evidenced by large differences in FNA in groups where movement is impaired, such as children born breech or individuals with neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy. Several methods can be used to assess FNA, which may yield different values by up to 20° in the same participant. While MRI and CT are used clinically, limitations such as their cost, scanning time and exposure to ionising radiation limit their applicability in longitudinal and population studies, particularly in children. More broadly, applicable measures such as ultrasound and functional tests exist, but they are limited by poor reliability and validity. These issues highlight the need for a valid and reliable universally accepted method. Treatment for clinically problematic FNA is usually de‐rotational osteotomy; passive, non‐operative methods do not have any effect. Despite observational evidence for the effects of physical activity on FNA development, the efficacy of targeted physical activity remains unexplored. The aim of this review is to describe the biomechanical and clinical consequences of FNA, factors influencing FNA and the strengths and weaknesses of different methods used to assess FNA.
Cytoarchitectural analysis of the neuron‐to‐glia association in the dorsal root ganglia of normal and diabetic mice
Authors: Ciglieri Elisa , Vacca Maurizia , Ferrini Francesco , Atteya Mona A. , Aimar Patrizia , Ficarra Elisa , Di Cataldo Santa , Merighi Adalberto , Salio Chiara
Published: June 2020

Dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) host the somata of sensory neurons which convey information from the periphery to the central nervous system. These neurons have heterogeneous size and neurochemistry, and those of small‐to‐medium size, which play an important role in nociception, form two distinct subpopulations based on the presence (peptidergic) or absence (non‐peptidergic) of transmitter neuropeptides. Few investigations have so far addressed the spatial relationship between neurochemically different subpopulations of DRG neurons and glia. We used a whole‐mount mouse lumbar DRG preparation, confocal microscopy and computer‐aided 3D analysis to unveil that IB4+ non‐peptidergic neurons form small clusters of 4.7 ± 0.26 cells, differently from CGRP+ peptidergic neurons that are, for the most, isolated (1.89 ± 0.11 cells). Both subpopulations of neurons are ensheathed by a thin layer of satellite glial cells (SGCs) that can be observed after immunolabeling with the specific marker glutamine synthetase (GS). Notably, at the ultrastructural level we observed that this glial layer was discontinuous, as there were patches of direct contact between the membranes of two adjacent IB4+ neurons. To test whether this cytoarchitectonic organization was modified in the diabetic neuropathy, one of the most devastating sensory pathologies, mice were made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ). In diabetic animals, cluster organization of the IB4+ non‐peptidergic neurons was maintained, but the neuro‐glial relationship was altered, as STZ treatment caused a statistically significant increase of GS staining around CGRP+ neurons but a reduction around IB4+ neurons. Ultrastructural analysis unveiled that SGC coverage was increased at the interface between IB4+ cluster‐forming neurons in diabetic mice, with a 50% reduction in the points of direct contacts between cells. These observations demonstrate the existence of a structural plasticity of the DRG cytoarchitecture in response to STZ.
The Policy Substance of Legislative Ideology
Authors: Cayton Adam
Published: June 2020

Ideological differences in Congress are often presented as disagreement over what the government should do, but no study has systematically measured the policy instruments in bills. This article uses an original data set of policy instruments in all substantive House bills from 2007 to 2012 to test an argument about the kinds of instruments that most divide the contemporary ideological/partisan coalitions and uses an exploratory factor analysis of policy substance (combinations of instruments and topics) that lawmakers support to reveal the structure and content of the policy space. The analysis shows that disagreement over whether to increase or decrease taxes and spending are more divisive than disagreement over regulations and communication. Policy ideologies are characterized by a dominant economic dimension that is highly correlated with NOMINATE's first dimension, but with lower polarization and explanatory power. A second dimension that is conceptually similar to NOMINATE's second, and many smaller, issue‐specific dimensions also exist.
Caleta el Cobre 022 Martian meteorite: Increasing nakhlite diversity
Authors: Krämer Ruggiu L. , Gattacceca J. , Devouard B. , Udry A. , Debaille V. , Rochette P. , Lorand J.‐P. , Bonal L. , Beck P. , Sautter V. , Busemann H. , Meier M. M. M. , Maden C. , Hublet G. , Martinez R.
Published: June 2020

Caleta el Cobre (CeC) 022 is a Martian meteorite of the nakhlite group, showing an unbrecciated cumulate texture, composed mainly of clinopyroxene and olivine. Augite shows irregular core zoning, euhedral rims, and thin overgrowths enriched in Fe relative to the core. Low‐Ca pyroxene is found adjacent to olivine. Phenocrysts of Fe‐Ti oxides are titanomagnetite with exsolutions of ilmenite/ulvöspinel. Intercumulus material consists of both coarse plagioclase and fine‐grained mesostasis, comprising K‐feldspars, pyroxene, apatite, ilmenite, Fe‐Ti oxides, and silica. CeC 022 shows a high proportion of Martian aqueous alteration products (iddingsite) in olivine (45.1 vol% of olivine) and mesostasis. This meteorite is the youngest nakhlite with a distinct Sm/Nd crystallization age of 1.215 ± 0.067 Ga. Its ejection age of 11.8 ± 1.8 Ma is similar to other nakhlites. CeC 022 reveals contrasted cooling rates with similarities with faster cooled nakhlites, such as Northwest Africa (NWA) 817, NWA 5790, or Miller Range 03346 nakhlites: augite irregular cores, Fe‐rich overgrowths, fine‐grained K‐feldspars, quenched oxides, and high rare earth element content. CeC 022 also shares similarities with slower cooled nakhlites, including Nakhla and NWA 10153: pyroxene modal abundance, pyroxenes crystal size distribution, average pyroxene size, phenocryst mineral compositions, unzoned olivine, and abundant coarse plagioclase. Moreover, CeC 022 is the most magnetic nakhlite and represents an analog source lithology for the strong magnetization of the Martian crust. With its particular features, CeC 022 must originate from a previously unsampled sill or flow in the same volcanic system as the other nakhlites, increasing Martian sample diversity and our knowledge of nakhlites.
The effect of colonic tissue electrical stimulation and celiac branch of the abdominal vagus nerve neuromodulation on colonic motility in anesthetized pigs
Authors: Larauche Muriel , Wang Yushan , Wang Po‐Min , Dubrovsky Genia , Lo Yi‐Kai , Hsiang En‐Lin , Dunn James C. Y. , Taché Yvette , Liu Wentai , Million Mulugeta
Published: June 2020

Background

Knowledge on optimal electrical stimulation (ES) modalities and region‐specific functional effects of colonic neuromodulation is lacking. We aimed to map the regional colonic motility in response to ES of (a) the colonic tissue and (b) celiac branch of the abdominal vagus nerve (CBVN) in an anesthetized porcine model.

Methods

In male Yucatan pigs, direct ES (10 Hz, 2 ms, 15 mA) of proximal (pC), transverse (tC), or distal (dC) colon was done using planar flexible multi‐electrode array panels and CBVN ES (2 Hz, 0.3‐4 ms, 5 mA) using pulse train (PT), continuous (10 min), or square‐wave (SW) modalities, with or without afferent nerve block (200 Hz, 0.1 ms, 2 mA). The regional luminal manometric changes were quantified as area under the curve of contractions (AUC) and luminal pressure maps generated. Contractions frequency power spectral analysis was performed. Contraction propagation was assessed using video animation of motility changes.

Key Results

Direct colon ES caused visible local circular (pC, tC) or longitudinal (dC) muscle contractions and increased luminal pressure AUC in pC, tC, and dC (143.0 ± 40.7%, 135.8 ± 59.7%, and 142.0 ± 62%, respectively). The colon displayed prominent phasic pressure frequencies ranging from 1 to 12 cpm. Direct pC and tC ES increased the dominant contraction frequency band (1‐6 cpm) power locally. Pulse train CBVN ES (2 Hz, 4 ms, 5 mA) triggered pancolonic contractions, reduced by concurrent afferent block. Colon contractions propagated both orally and aborally in short distances.

Conclusion and Inferences

In anesthetized pigs, the dominant contraction frequency band is 1‐6 cpm. Direct colonic ES causes primarily local contractions. The CBVN ES‐induced pancolonic contractions involve central neural network.
Leaf reflectance spectra capture the evolutionary history of seed plants
Authors: Meireles José Eduardo , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Townsend Philip A. , Ustin Susan , Gamon John A. , Schweiger Anna K. , Schaepman Michael E. , Asner Gregory P. , Martin Roberta E. , Singh Aditya , Schrodt Franziska , Chlus Adam , O'Meara Brian C.
Published: June 2020

Leaf reflectance spectra have been increasingly used to assess plant diversity. However, we do not yet understand how spectra vary across the tree of life or how the evolution of leaf traits affects the differentiation of spectra among species and lineages.

Here we describe a framework that integrates spectra with phylogenies and apply it to a global dataset of over 16 000 leaf‐level spectra (400–2400 nm) for 544 seed plant species. We test for phylogenetic signal in spectra, evaluate their ability to classify lineages, and characterize their evolutionary dynamics.

We show that phylogenetic signal is present in leaf spectra but that the spectral regions most strongly associated with the phylogeny vary among lineages. Despite among‐lineage heterogeneity, broad plant groups, orders, and families can be identified from reflectance spectra. Evolutionary models also reveal that different spectral regions evolve at different rates and under different constraint levels, mirroring the evolution of their underlying traits.

Leaf spectra capture the phylogenetic history of seed plants and the evolutionary dynamics of leaf chemistry and structure. Consequently, spectra have the potential to provide breakthrough assessments of leaf evolution and plant phylogenetic diversity at global scales.
Getting to the roots of aeroponic indoor farming
Authors: Eldridge Bethany M. , Manzoni Lillian R. , Graham Calum A. , Rodgers Billy , Farmer Jack R. , Dodd Antony N.
Published: June 2020

Vertical farming is a type of indoor agriculture where plants are cultivated in stacked systems. It forms a rapidly growing sector with new emerging technologies. Indoor farms often use soil‐free techniques such as hydroponics and aeroponics. Aeroponics involves the application to roots of a nutrient aerosol, which can lead to greater plant productivity than hydroponic cultivation. Aeroponics is thought to resolve a variety of plant physiological constraints that occur within hydroponic systems. We synthesize existing studies of the physiology and development of crops cultivated under aeroponic conditions and identify key knowledge gaps. We identify future research areas to accelerate the sustainable intensification of vertical farming using aeroponic systems.
Hyaluronan and halogen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and lung injury
Authors: Lazrak Ahmed , Song Weifeng , Zhou Ting , Aggarwal Saurabh , Jilling Tamas , Garantziotis Stavros , Matalon Sadis
Published: June 2020

Chlorine (Cl2) and bromine (Br2) are produced in large quantities throughout the world and used in the industry and the sanitation of water. These halogens can pose a significant threat to public health when released into the atmosphere during transportation and industrial accidents, or as acts of terrorism. In this review, we discuss the evidence showing that the activity of Cl2 and Br2, and of products formed by their interaction with biomolecules, fragment high‐molecular‐weight hyaluronan (HMW‐HA), a key component of the interstitial space and present in epithelial cells, to form proinflammatory, low‐molecular‐weight hyaluronan fragments that increase intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and activate RAS homolog family member A (RhoA) in airway smooth muscle and epithelial and microvascular cells. These changes result in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine and increase epithelial and microvascular permeability. The increase in intracellular Ca2+ is the result of the activation of the calcium‐sensing receptor by Cl2, Br2, and their by‐products. Posthalogen administration of a commercially available form of HMW‐HA to mice and to airway cells in vitro reverses the increase of Ca2+ and the activation of RhoA, and restores AHR to near‐normal levels of airway function. These data have established the potential of HMW‐HA to be a countermeasure against Cl2 and Br2 toxicity.
Erzählerzeit
Authors: Waszak Tomasz
Published: June 2020

Der Aufsatz gilt einem narratologischen Terminus, der sowohl in der Erzähltheorie als auch in der analytischen Praxis selten erscheint und nicht einheitlich definiert wird. Die Mehrdeutigkeit lässt sich durch zweifaches Anwendungsfeld erklären: Einerseits bezieht sich der Terminus auf die Ordnung, andererseits auf die Dauer des Erzählens. Das spärliche Vorkommen resultiert dagegen aus der häufigen Ersetzbarkeit des Terminus durch eine der verwandten Kategorien: die Erzählzeit bzw. die erzählte Zeit. Nur in Fällen, wo die Erzählerzeit mit ihnen eine ternäre Opposition zu bilden vermag, ist der Terminusgebrauch berechtigt, was am Beispiel einer Kurzgeschichte von Marie Luise Kaschnitz demonstriert wird.
Circadian variation and seasonal distribution of implantable defibrillator detected new onset atrial fibrillation
Authors: Younis Arwa , Goldenberg Ilan , McNitt Scott , Kutyifa Valentina , Polonsky Bronislava , Goldenberg Ido , Zareba Wojciech , Aktas Mehmet K.
Published: June 2020

Background

We aimed to characterize the hourly, daily, and seasonally variations in the detection of new atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure patients implanted with a defibrillator.

Methods

In 1309 patients enrolled in MADIT‐RIT without AF at baseline, atrial arrhythmia data were analyzed from device interrogations. The circadian, weekly, and seasonal distribution of device detected AF was evaluated. The morning period was defined as 06:00‐11:59, afternoon as 12:00‐16:59, evening as 17:00‐22:59, and the nighttime as 23:00‐05:59.

Results

During 17 months of follow‐up, 66 (5%) patients developed new device‐detected AF. AF patients were less likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy and were more likely to have received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator rather than a cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator. The highest number of AF occurred during the evening hours (25 patients [38%]) followed by a second peak in AF detection during the afternoon hours (21 patients [32%]). Importantly during the nighttime, new AF occurred only in three patients (4%). In comparison with the nighttime period, the odds ratio (OR) of developing AF during the evening time period was 8.5‐fold higher (95% CI 7.3‐9.7, P < .01). Detection of AF during the spring and winter seasons accounted for 67% of all new device‐detected AF.

Conclusions

There is diurnal and seasonal variation in new onset AF. A double peak in the incidence of AF is observed during the afternoon and evening hours, and during the spring and winter seasons. This information may be useful when deciding when to screen at‐risk patients for new AF.
A Risk Analysis Framework for Prioritizing and Managing Biosecurity Threats
Authors: Montibeller Gilberto , Franco L. Alberto , Carreras Ashley
Published: June 2020

The increasing need to manage biosecurity threats, such as diseases, zoonoses, and biological weapons, poses serious challenges for risk analysts and policymakers. These threats are large in number, can occur concurrently, and may cause multiple tangible and intangible impacts. They often have an emerging nature, exacerbated by incomplete evidence about their probability of occurrence and potential impacts. There is also a limited amount of time and resources available to evaluate the risks posed by each threat, and it is difficult to learn from past projects. On the other hand, there is also a need to provide policymakers with transparent and consistent threat prioritizations, together with evidence‐based recommendations. In response to these challenges, we propose a risk analysis framework for the prioritization and management of biosecurity threats. The framework encompasses key design choices that analysts may use in risk analysis projects along three dimensions: risk support, risk group, and risk organization. The framework has prescriptive value, as a design tool to inform risk analysis projects in this context, along with descriptive value, as a learning tool to understand past projects. We applied the framework prescriptively in two biosecurity threat prioritization projects for the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and illustrate its descriptive value by reporting our experience of these projects as in‐depth case studies. Overall, the proposed framework provides important insights into the impact of different design choices on the success of risk analysis projects for biosecurity threat prioritizations.
Erroneous introduction of femoral venous catheter into a broad ligament varicose vein causing hemoperitoneum in a woman with postpartum thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Shemies Rasha S. , Taman Mohamed A. , Elrefaey Rabab M. , Hammad Mohammed A. , Eldieb Ahmed M. , Sayed‐Ahmed Nagy A.
Published: June 2020

Femoral venous catheterization is a common procedure in critical care patients. Pregnant women and those in the postpartum period are at risk of various complications such as shock, acute kidney injury, and thrombotic microangiopathic syndromes requiring hemodialysis and plasma exchange, which may necessitate central venous catheterization. Femoral vein catheters may also sometimes be needed. These women may have underlying pelvic congestion and varicosities. Here we present a 24‐year‐old female patient, who has been treated for postpartum thrombotic microangiopathy with initial clinical improvements, became hemodynamically unstable with diffuse abdominal tenderness and a significant drop in the hemoglobin/hematocrit. Her abdominal ultrasound showed fluid in the peritoneal cavity with hemorrhagic diagnostic tap. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy which unexpectedly revealed an erroneously introduced femoral vein catheter into a broad ligament varicose vein causing hemoperitoneum and evident ovarian injury. Puncturing of broad ligament varicosities causing hemoperitoneum in peripartum women has not been previously reported as a complication of femoral vein catheterization. This indicates that femoral catheterization in pregnant and peripartum women should be cautiously done and that development of acute abdominal issues, following insertion of femoral vein catheter should raise clinical suspicion and warrant evaluation of catheter misplacement.
Dermal thickness and echogenicity using DermaScan C high frequency ultrasound: Methodology and reliability testing in people with and without primary lymphoedema
Authors: Phillips Jane , Reynolds Karen J. , Gordon Susan J.
Published: June 2020

Background

DermaScan C high frequency ultrasound was investigated for image capture and analysis of dermal measures in people with and without primary lymphoedema.

Method

Three repeated images were taken at six sites in people without lymphoedema (NLO). Intra‐rater reliability was assessed by taking three sets of measures on images from 10 people and inter‐session reliability by capturing three images, lifting the probe from the skin in between. Methods were adjusted, and repeated images from four sites were taken in people with primary lymphoedema (PLO) and reliability re‐assessed.

Results

Intra‐rater reliability in NLO and PLO for echogenicity measures were excellent (NLO ICC(3,1): .989; PLO .997) across all sites and specific to each site (calf: ICC(3,1): .989; and foot: ICC(3,1): .999, respectively). Inter‐session reliability was moderate for NLO (ICC(3,1): .727), improving after method modifications for PLO (ICC(3,1): .916). When investigated by site, inter‐session reliability was good in the foot (ICC(3,1): .811) and moderate in the calf (ICC(3,1): .616). Mean thickness analysed by site resulted in good inter‐session reliability only in the foot (ICC(3,1) .838).

Conclusion

Intra‐rater reliability was excellent using the DermaScan C for dermal measures in people with primary lymphoedema. Inter‐session reliability required particular attention to method and gain settings.
COVID‐19 infection in solid organ transplant recipients: A single‐center experience with patients immediately after transplantation
Authors: Kolonko Aureliusz , Dudzicz Sylwia , Wiecek Andrzej , Król Robert
Published: June 2020

In our transplant center, infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was confirmed in 4 organ transplant recipients (3 kidney and 1 liver transplant recipients) during their early post‐transplant hospital stay. In this paper, we report the basic characteristics, management, clinical course, and outcomes of these patients.
Extended TAQing system for large‐scale plant genome reorganization
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Muramoto Nobuhiko , Sugimoto Hiroki , Oda Arisa H. , Ohta Kunihiro
Published: June 2020

We previously developed a large‐scale genome restructuring technology called the TAQing system. It can induce genomic rearrangements by introducing transient and conditional formation of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) via heat activation of a restriction enzyme TaqI, which can cleave DNA at 5′‐TCGA‐3′ sequences in the genome at higher temperatures (37–42°C). Such heat treatment sometimes confers lethal damage in certain plant species and TaqI cannot induce rearrangements in AT‐rich regions. To overcome such problems we developed an extended TAQing (Ex‐TAQing) system, which enables the use of a wider range of restriction enzymes active at standard plant‐growing temperatures. We established the Ex‐TAQing system using MseI that can efficiently cleave DNA at room temperature (at temperatures ranging from 22 to 25°C) and the 5′‐TTAA‐3′ sequence which is highly abundant in the Arabidopsis genome. A synthetic intron‐spanningMseI gene, which was placed downstream of a heat‐shock‐inducible promoter, was conditionally expressed upon milder heat treatment (33°C) to generate DSBs in Arabidopsis chromosomes. Genome resequencing revealed various types of genomic rearrangements, including copy number variations, translocation and direct end‐joining at MseI cleavage sites. The Ex‐TAQing system could induce large‐scale rearrangements in diploids more frequently (17.4%,n = 23) than the standard TAQing system. The application of this system to tetraploids generated several strains with chromosomal rearrangements associated with beneficial phenotypes, such as high salinity stress tolerance and hypersensitivity to abscisic acid. We have developed the Ex‐TAQing system, allowing more diverse patterns of genomic rearrangements, by employing various types of endonucleases and have opened a way to expand the capacity for artificial genome reorganization.
Extraordinarily conserved chromosomal synteny ofCitrusspecies revealed by chromosome‐specific painting
Authors: He Li , Zhao Hainan , He Jian , Yang Zujun , Guan Bin , Chen Keling , Hong Qibin , Wang Jianhui , Liu Jianjun , Jiang Jiming
Published: June 2020

Reliable identification of individual chromosomes in eukaryotic species is the foundation for comparative chromosome synteny and evolutionary studies. Unfortunately, chromosome identification has been a major challenge for plants with small chromosomes, such as theCitrusspecies. We developed oligonucleotide‐based chromosome painting probes for all nine chromosomes inCitrus maxima(Pummelo). We were able to identify allC. maximachromosomes in the same metaphase cells using multiple rounds of sequential fluorescencein situhybridization with the painting probes. We conducted comparative chromosome painting analysis in six differentCitrusand related species. We found that each painting probe hybridized to only a single chromosome in all other five species, suggesting that the six species have maintained a complete chromosomal synteny after more than 9 million years of divergence. No interchromosomal rearrangement was identified in any species. These results support the hypothesis that karyotypes of woody species are more stable than herbaceous plants because woody plants need a longer period to fix chromosome structural variants in natural populations.
Retrospective evaluation of the influence of azotemia on plasma lactate concentrations in hypotensive dogs and cats (2008‐2018): 337 cases
Authors: Wolf Jacob M. , Stefanovski Darko , Silverstein Deborah C.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between azotemia and plasma lactate concentration in hypotensive dogs and cats presented to an emergency department.

Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

The electronic medical record database was searched for dogs and cats presented to the emergency department that had severe azotemia (creatinine ≥ 443.1 μmol/L [5 mg/dL]), hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mm Hg), and a plasma lactate measurement within 2 h of each another. Non‐azotemic, normotensive dogs and cats; non‐azotemic, hypotensive dogs and cats; and azotemic, normotensive dogs and cats that presented to the emergency department were used as control populations.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Severely azotemic, hypotensive dogs (n = 10) and cats (n = 63) had a lower plasma lactate than non‐azotemic, hypotensive dogs and cats (P = 0.031 andP < 0.001, respectively). Median plasma lactate concentrations in hypotensive dogs (1.75 mmol/L) and cats (1.90 mmol/L) with severe azotemia were within reference intervals.

Conclusions

Hypotensive dogs and cats with severe azotemia have decreased plasma lactate concentrations as compared to hypotensive, non‐azotemic dogs and cats. The median plasma lactate in azotemic, hypotensive dogs and cats was within reference intervals. This may be due to either decreased cellular production of lactate or increased excretion of lactate. Further research is needed to determine which of these mechanisms is responsible and the clinical significance of plasma lactate concentrations in azotemic, hypotensive dogs and cats.
Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in dogs is frequently detected on multiphase multidetector‐row CT as hypervascular nodules
Authors: Cordella Alessia , Caldin Marco , Bertolini Giovanna
Published: June 2020

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the formation and development of blood cells outside the bone marrow, and in dogs it frequently occurs in the spleen. Although splenic EMH is a relatively common condition, data regarding its appearance in veterinary medicine are lacking. Our aim was to describe different multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) features of splenic EMH in dogs. In this descriptive retrospective study, dogs with cytological diagnosis of splenic EMH and three‐phase MDCT study of the abdomen were included. Multi‐detector CT findings recorded were splenomegaly, appearance of the parenchyma, and mean attenuation of the spleen and lesions. Out of 89 dogs included, 55 (62%) presented multifocal nodular aspect, 14 (16%) mass, 12 (13%) diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma, and eight (9%) normal spleen. Most lesions were hyperattenuating to the parenchyma in the arterial (57/89, 64%) and portal (59/89, 66%) phases; whereas in the interstitial phase only 40 of 89 (45%) were hyperattenuating. The mean attenuations of the lesions were higher compared to the values of the adjacent spleen, and the difference of the mean attenuation between the hyperattenuating lesions and the parenchyma was significantly higher in arterial and portal phases than in interstitial phase (P < .0001). The most frequent MDCT aspect of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis consists of multiple nodules hyperattenuating to the normal spleen, best visualized in the arterial and portal phases.
Have Macron’s Recent Labour Reforms Been as Impactful as Past German Reforms?
Authors: Ellis Colin
Published: June 2020

Structural reforms can sometimes take many years for the effects to be visible in economic data: but one area where impacts can manifest more swiftly is the labour market. In particular, Germany’s experience in the mid-2000s is often cited as a clear example of how macroeconomic dynamics can shift relatively swiftly if the reforms are effective. More recently, France has seen a number of structural reforms, driven by President Macron’s desire to revitalize the French economy after his 2016 election. This paper examines the macroeconomic impact of recent French labour market reforms, comparing and contrasting this impact against the German experience in the 2000s. If idiosyncratic policy changes were a significant driver of labour market dynamics, then empirical outcomes should be different for those countries experiencing policy changes, relative to their peers. Using a variety of different statistical techniques, we find that – while there is clear evidence of the German labour market outperforming its peers when the Hartz reforms were enacted – there is no sign of the French labour market doing so under Macron’s presidency.
La nave del tiempo. El edificio de oficinas y la indeterminación funcional
Authors: Plouganou Damián
Published: June 2020

El desarrollo de la indeterminación funcional en la arquitectura del siglo XX tiene una referencia constante, aunque no siempre asumida, en el edificio de oficinas, el tipo menos definido funcionalmente. Mientras Louis Sullivan redactaba la célebre frase form follows function —estandarte del funcionalismo determinista—, se dedicaba a desarrollar, al mismo tiempo, las plantas más libres que se hubieran construido hasta el momento. En el edificio de oficinas la forma no puede seguir a la función, porque la misma resulta prescindible; al mismo tiempo, la función solo puede ser fruto de la forma, en cuanto se considere a esta última como contenedora vacía y carente de cualquier especificidad funcional. La aparición del edificio de oficinas provocó un sismo en el pensamiento arquitectónico de fines de siglo XIX y principios del XX; las lecturas sobre el mismo permitieron nuevas herramientas para operar en otros programas, primero de la mano de Mies van der Rohe, quien incorporó el espacio etéreo y carente de cualquier definición en la mayor parte de los programas en los que trabajó, después de su experimental proyecto para el rascacielos al inicio de su carrera. Décadas más tarde, Rem Koolhaas, con el despacho Office for Metropolitan Architecture, volvió a poner la mirada en la libertad de las plantas de oficinas de Chicago, reinterpretándolas en varios de sus proyectos de fines de los ochenta. El paradigma del edificio de oficinas radica en que, habiéndose colocado como modelo de inspiración de la indeterminación funcional en la arquitectura del siglo veinte, sigue manteniendo su programa vigente en la actualidad.
DHD-Creativa monumento”: propuesta de un modelo multidimensional para el desarrollo de procesos de sensibilización hacia el patrimonio
Authors: San Martín Florit Patricia Silvana , Rodríguez Cerrutti Guillermo Luján , Andrés Manzotti Gonzalo Darío , Decoppet Cabrera Guillermo Omar , Monjelat Bladinich Natalia Gabriela , Cenacchi Viamonte Marisa Andrea
Published: June 2020

El artículo presenta el modelo analítico multidimensional Dispositivo Hipermedial Dinámico (DHD) Creativa Monumento para la sostenibilidad de procesos de sensibilización en patrimonio. Dicho modelo tiene como finalidad colaborar en el análisis de las condiciones de co-construcción y sostenibilidad de una red sociotécnica participativa y no excluyente en un contexto patrimonial situado. La metodología implementada interrelacionó cuatro proyectos bajo el enfoque sociotécnico, y se diseñó en tres fases. Primero, se presenta un reestudio de dos casos relacionados con el patrimonio cultural regional de amplia participación comunitaria. Luego, se aborda el diseño modelo. Posteriormente, siguiendo el mismo, se explicita el proceso de co-construcción y acciones de sostenimiento de una red sociotécnica, tomando el caso Monumento Histórico Nacional a la Bandera. Finalmente, se concluye reflexionando sobre cómo seguir pensando la sostenibilidad del DHD Creativa Monumento, considerando las relaciones complejas y las tensiones sociopolíticas e institucionales mediatizadas por las tecnologías y recursos disponibles.
Patrimonio desde las percepciones, emociones, miradas y discursos sociales
Authors: Fernández Poncela Anna María
Published: June 2020

El texto es un estudio del patrimonio, pero no desde las instancias gubernamentales o especialistas académicos. Es un acercamiento desde las voces y miradas sociales de la ciudadanía. Para ello se centra en tres pueblos como estudios de caso, y se analiza una encuesta aplicada en los mismos sobre el tema. La valoración positiva de su pueblo y patrimonio es uno de los resultados de esta investigación.
Pregnancy and Lactation Impair Subchondral Bone Leading to Reduced Rat Supraspinatus Tendon-to-Bone Insertion Site Failure Properties
Authors: Fung Ashley K. , Shetye Snehal S. , Li Yihan , Zhou Yilu , Sherry Liu X. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: June 2020

Pregnant women experience weight gain, gait changes, and biochemical fluctuations that impair joint function and alter the maternal skeleton. Hormonal changes increase pelvic ligament laxity in preparation for childbirth and affect peripheral joint laxity. Calcium demands also rise during pregnancy and lactation, resulting in reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and maternal bone loss. Altered tendon properties and bone loss during pregnancy and lactation may impact tendon insertion sites, such as rotator cuff tendons where insertion site ruptures are common. However, the effects of pregnancy and lactation at the tendon-to-bone interface have not been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate supraspinatus tendon mechanical properties and insertion site microstructure during pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning recovery in female rats. We hypothesized that pregnancy and lactation would compromise supraspinatus tendon mechanical properties and subchondral bone microstructure. Female rats were divided into virgin, pregnancy, lactation, and recovery groups, and supraspinatus tendons were mechanically evaluated. Surprisingly, tendon mechanics was unaffected by pregnancy and lactation. However, tendon modulus decreased two-weeks postweaning. Additionally, tendons failed by bony avulsion at the insertion site, and the lactation group exhibited reduced failure properties corresponding to decreased subchondral bone mineralization. Lactation also resulted in dramatic bone loss at the epiphysis, but trabecular bone microarchitecture recovered postweaning. In conclusion, lactation following pregnancy impaired trabecular bone microstructure and subchondral bone mineralization, leading to reduced supraspinatus tendon-to-bone insertion site failure properties. These findings will contribute toward understanding the pathogenesis of tendon-to-bone disorders.
Semikinetic Model for Acid Dew Point Prediction in an Engine Cylinder
Authors: Li Deli , Wang Enlu , Cui Yi , Li Kai , Dong Jingjin
Published: June 2020

In this work, a simplified kinetic model of the SO3 generation reaction is proposed with a test diesel engine, and the semikinetic model was further developed and applied to predict the acid dew point (ADP) temperature. In the model, the one-dimensional combustion model and the reaction kinetic model of O-radicals and SO3 generation were considered. The recommended kinetic constant equation was also provided. In addition, the evolution of O-radicals and SO3 and the effects of both on the semikinetic ADP model were also discussed. To the best of my knowledge, the introduction of dynamics into the ADP model is a new and noteworthy contribution. The research results indicated that the ADP model based on the semikinetic method improved the prediction accuracy of the thermodynamic ADP model. The key factors in the O2 dissociation reaction were the high-temperature environment and the presence of flame and ignition. The O-radical concentration played a leading role in the SO3 formation reaction, and the SO3/SO2 conversion ratio was less than 10% in the cylinder.
Structural and optical properties of (Zn,Mn)O thin films prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ghods Amirhossein , Zhou Chuanle , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates manganese-doped zinc oxide (ZnMnO) thin films grown using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. ZnO and MnO layers were deposited alternatively using diethyl zinc and manganese (III) acetylacetonate (Mn(acac)3) as metallic precursors. A suppressed growth rate for both materials was observed during the growth of ZnMnO samples, which is due to reduced adsorption of the precursor molecules on the surface of the sample. Structural characterization of the ZnMnO films shows a weak polycrystalline structure for the as-deposited thin films. On the other hand, thermally annealed samples demonstrated a textured polycrystalline structure with a distinct (002) orientation. A red shift in the near band edge absorption was observed by increasing the Mn:Zn ratio. The results of this work demonstrate the potential in ALD growth of high-quality wide bandgap ZnMnO thin films that can be used as an active semiconductor material in memory and logic devices.
Ambulatory monitoring of Lombard-related vocal characteristics in vocally healthy female speakers
Authors: Whittico Thomas H. , Ortiz Andrew J. , Marks Katherine L. , Toles Laura E. , Van Stan Jarrad H. , Hillman Robert E. , Mehta Daryush D.
Published: June 2020

Speakers typically modify their voice in the presence of increased background noise levels, exhibiting the classic Lombard effect. Lombard-related characteristics during everyday activities were recorded from 17 vocally healthy women who wore an acoustic noise dosimeter and ambulatory voice monitor. The linear relationship between vocal sound pressure level and environmental noise level exhibited an average slope of 0.54 dB/dB and value of 72.8 dB SPL at 50 dBA when correlation coefficients were greater than 0.4. These results, coupled with analyses of spectral and cepstral vocal function measures, provide normative ambulatory Lombard characteristics for comparison with patients with voice-use related disorders.
State of the Science on Ultramarathon Running After a Half Century: A Systematic Analysis and Commentary
Authors: Hoffman Martin D.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To systematically examine scientific publishing related to ultramarathon running. Methods: PubMed-indexed publications through 2019 were identified in which the work involved data collection at or in association with an ultramarathon running event, included experimental running trials of ultramarathon duration using human subjects, focused on human ultramarathon runners as the study participants, or were directed at discussing some aspect of ultramarathon running or ultramarathon runners. The characteristics of each publication were tabulated. Results: A total of 616 indexed publications were identified, with the first being in 1970. A rapid increase in publications was seen by 2010 in association with increased participation in ultramarathon running, followed by a plateauing at around 49 annual publications from 2014 to 2018. Most (83.3%) publications were observational, and the mean annual number of 1.6 experimental studies did not change (P = .20) from 1999 to 2019. Most of the publications were related to physiological issues, and race performance was the largest topic area (21.8%). The largest percentage of publications came from authors from the United States, followed by authors from Switzerland. Conclusions: Research related to ultramarathon running has had a small presence in sport science and offers potential for further development. At present, publishing appears to be stable and without recent increased emphasis on experimental studies. Worthwhile research opportunities remain, particularly those where ultramarathons serve as a model for stress and could offer relevance to a wider population than ultramarathon runners, but such research appears challenged by relatively small participation in the activity and limited funding opportunities.
Workplace Experiences of Adapted Physical Educators: A Comparison of Educators With and Without National Certification
Authors: Wilson Wesley J. , Holland Steven K. , Haegele Justin A. , Richards K. Andrew R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To better understand the workplace experiences of adapted physical education teachers with particular attention given to differences between those with and without Adapted Physical Education National Standards certification. Role socialization theory was used as the theoretical framework to explore how teachers navigate the contexts of their work environment.Methods: The participants included a total of 233 adapted physical education teachers, 131 with certification and 102 without it. The participants completed an online survey examining marginalization and isolation, perceived mattering, role stress, resilience, job satisfaction, perceived organizational support, and emotional exhaustion.Results: Certified adapted physical educators perceived less marginalization and role ambiguity and more perceived mattering than their noncertified counterparts.Discussion/Conclusion: These findings are consistent with other research suggesting the positive association between workplace experiences and advanced certifications. As the requirements for certification continue to advance and change, this study highlights the need for the continued study of advanced certification.