bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental assessment of biotic and abiotic filters driving community composition
Authors: Švamberková Eva , Lepš Jan
Published: June 2020

Species occurrence in a site can be limited by both the abiotic environment and biotic interactions. These two factors operate in concert, but their relative importance is often unclear. By experimentally introducing seeds or plants into competition‐free gaps or into the intact vegetation, we can disentangle the biotic and abiotic effects on plant establishment.

We established a seed‐sowing/transplant experiment in three different meadows. Species were introduced, as seeds and pregrown transplants, into competition‐free gaps and the intact vegetation. They included 12 resident plants from the locality and 18 species typical for different habitats. Last two years, gaps were overgrown with vegetation from surrounding plants and we observed the competitive exclusion of our focal plants. We compared plant survival with the expected occurrence in target locality (Beals index).

Many of the species with habitat preferences different from our localities were able to successfully establish from seeds and grow in the focal habitat if competition was removed. They included species typical for much drier conditions. These species were thus not limited by the abiotic conditions, but by competition. Pregrown transplants were less sensitive to competition, when compared to seedlings germinated from seeds. Beals index significantly predicted both species success in gaps and the ability to withstand competition. Survival in a community is dependent on the adaptation to both the abiotic environment and biotic interactions. Statistically significant correlation coefficients of the ratio of seedling survival in vegetation and gaps with Beals index suggest the importance of biotic interactions as a determinant of plant community composition.

To disentangle the importance of abiotic and biotic effect on plant establishment, it is important to distinguish between species pool as a set of species typically found in given community type (determined by Beals index) and a set of species for which the abiotic conditions are suitable.
It's All in the (Cyanamide) Tilt: Synthesis and Structure of NaSc(NCN)2
Authors: Corkett Alex J. , Chen Kaixuan , Dronskowski Richard
Published: June 2020

The ternary cyanamide NaSc(NCN)2 was prepared by a solid‐state metathesis reaction between Na2NCN and ScCl3 at 600 °C. The orthorhombic crystal structure was determined from powder X‐ray diffraction data to be isotypic to that of LiY(NCN)2 with Pbcn symmetry. As such the structure of NaSc(NCN)2 is well thought of as being derived from [NiAs]‐type MNCN binaries with a hexagonally close‐packed array of NCN2–. In this hettotypic form, however, the Na+ and Sc3+ cations occupy the octahedral holes in a 1:1 ordered fashion forming corrugated rows within the octahedral planes that alternate along the stacking direction. Furthermore, the significant cation size differential induces a pronounced tilting of the cyanamide anion away from the [100] direction. Electronic structure calculations indicate an indirect band gap of 3.41 eV (SCAN functional), in broad agreement with the measured value of 4.19 eV, which characterizes NaSc(NCN)2 as a wide‐band‐gap semiconductor.
Conditional expression of HIV‐1 tat in the mouse alters the onset and progression of tonic, inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Bagdas Deniz , Paris Jason J. , Carper Moriah , Wodarski Rachel , Rice Andrew S. C. , Knapp Pamela E. , Hauser Kurt F. , Damaj M. Imad
Published: June 2020

Background

At least one‐third of HIV‐1‐afflicted individuals experience peripheral neuropathy. Although the underlying mechanisms are not known, they may involve neurotoxic HIV‐1 proteins.

Methods

We assessed the influence of the neurotoxic HIV‐1 regulatory protein, Tat, on inflammatory and neuropathic nociceptive behaviours using transgenic male and female mice that conditionally expressed (or did not express) HIV‐1 Tat1‐86 in fibrillary acidic protein‐expressing glia in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Results

Tat induction significantly attenuated the time spent paw‐licking following formalin injection (2.5%, i.pl.) in both male and female mice. However, significant sex differences were observed in the onset and magnitude of inflammation and sensory sensitivity following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection (10%, i.pl.) after Tat activation. Unlike female mice, male mice showed a significant attenuation of paw swelling and an absence of mechanical/thermal hypersensitivity in response to CFA after Tat induction. Male Tat(+) mice also showed accelerated recovery from chronic constrictive nerve injury (CCI)‐induced neuropathic mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity compared to female Tat(+) mice. Morphine (3.2 mg/kg) fully reversed CCI‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity in female Tat(−) mice, but not in Tat(+) females.

Conclusions

The ability of Tat to decrease oedema, paw swelling, and limit allodynia suggests a sequel of events in which Tat‐induced functional deficits precede the onset of mechanical hypersensitivity. Moreover, HIV‐1 Tat attenuated responses to inflammatory and neuropathic insults in a sex‐dependent manner. HIV‐1 Tat appears to directly contribute to HIV sensory neuropathy and reveals sex differences in HIV responsiveness and/or the underlying peripheral neuroinflammatory and nociceptive mechanisms.
Measuring channel planform change from image time series: A generalizable, spatially distributed, probabilistic method for quantifying uncertainty
Authors: Leonard Christina M. , Legleiter Carl J. , Lea Devin M. , Schmidt John C.
Published: June 2020

Channels change in response to natural or anthropogenic fluctuations in streamflow and/or sediment supply and measurements of channel change are critical to many river management applications. Whereas repeated field surveys are costly and time‐consuming, remote sensing can be used to detect channel change at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Repeat images have been widely used to measure long‐term channel change, but these measurements are only significant if the magnitude of change exceeds the uncertainty. Existing methods for characterizing uncertainty have two important limitations. First, while the use of a spatially variable image co‐registration error avoids the assumption that errors are spatially uniform, this type of error, as originally formulated, can only be applied to linear channel adjustments, which provide less information on channel change than polygons of erosion and deposition. Second, previous methods use a level‐of‐detection (LoD) threshold to remove non‐significant measurements, which is problematic because real changes that occurred but were smaller than the LoD threshold would be removed. In this study, we present a new method of quantifying uncertainty associated with channel change based on probabilistic, spatially varying estimates of co‐registration error and digitization uncertainty that obviates a LoD threshold. The spatially distributed probabilistic (SDP) method can be applied to both linear channel adjustments and polygons of erosion and deposition, making this the first uncertainty method generalizable to all metrics of channel change. Using a case study from the Yampa River, Colorado, we show that the SDP method reduced the magnitude of uncertainty and enabled us to detect smaller channel changes as significant. Additionally, the distributional information provided by the SDP method allowed us to report the magnitude of channel change with an appropriate level of confidence in cases where a simple LoD approach yielded an indeterminate result. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tonic GABA‐activated synaptic and extrasynaptic currents in dentate gyrus granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons along the mouse hippocampal dorsoventral axis
Authors: Netsyk Olga , Hammoud Hayma , Korol Sergiy V. , Jin Zhe , Tafreshiha Atieh S. , Birnir Bryndis
Published: June 2020

The hippocampus is a medial temporal lobe structure in the brain and is widely studied for its role in memory and learning, in particular, spacial memory and emotional responses. It was thought to be a homogenous structure but emerging evidence shows differentiation along the dorsoventral axis and even microdomains for functional and cellular markers. We have examined in two cell‐types of the hippocampal projection neurons, the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons, if the GABA‐activated tonic current density varied between the dorsal (septal) and the ventral (temporal) poles of the male mouse hippocampus. Tonic synaptic currents, arising from spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSC, mIPSC), and extrasynaptic tonic currents were evaluated. The results revealed different levels of sIPSC but not mIPSC density between the dorsal and ventral hippocampal neurons for both the DG granule cells and the CA3 pyramidal neurons. The extrasynaptic tonic current density was larger in the DG granule cells as compared to the CA3 pyramidal neurons but did not vary between the dorsal and ventral regions. IPSC bursting was observed in both cell‐types in the ventral hippocampus but was more common in the CA3 pyramidal neurons. Only in the dorsal DG granule cells was the level of the sIPSC and mIPSC density similar. The results indicate that the tonic GABAergic inhibition is particularly strong in the ventral hippocampal DG granule cells and enhanced in the dorsal as compared to the ventral hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons.
Combination of baseline total metabolic tumor volume measured on FDG‐PET/CT and β2‐microglobulin have a robust predictive value in patients with primary breast lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Peiqi , Zhu Lei , Song Zheng , Wang Xianhuo , Ma Wenchao , Zhu Xiang , Qiu Lihua , Li Lanfang , Zhou Shiyong , Qian Zhengzi , Xu Wengui , Zhang Huilai
Published: June 2020

The aim was to build a prognostic model to stratify patients at diagnosis into different risk categories. We investigated the prognostic value of functional PET parameters and clinical features in 64 primary breast lymphoma (PBL) patients. With a median follow‐up of 60 months, 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 62.5% and 73.4%. In multivariate analysis, baseline total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV0) and β2‐microglobulin remained more reliable predictors of survival than other prognostic factors. The optimal TMTV0 cut‐off value was 90 cm3. Among 29 patients with high TMTV0, 5‐year PFS and OS were 44.8% and 62.1%, respectively, while 5‐year PFS and OS of 35 patients with low TMTV0 were 74.3% and 85.7%, respectively. TMTV0 combined with β2‐microglobulin identified three groups with very different prognosis, including low‐risk group with low TMTV0 and β2‐microglobulin≤normal (n = 30), intermediate‐risk group with high TMTV0 or β2‐microglobulin>normal (n = 20), and high‐risk group with high TMTV0 and β2‐microglobulin>normal (n = 14). In the three groups, 5‐year PFS rates were 80%, 55% and 28.6% (P = .003), and 5‐year OS rates were 90%, 65%, and 50% (P = .023) respectively. We established a new prognostic model through TMTV0 and β2‐microglobulin, and can divide PBL at diagnosis into different risk categories.
Complementary use of dating and hydrochemical tools to assess mixing processes involving centenarian groundwater in a geologically complex alpine karst aquifer
Authors: Gil‐Márquez José Manuel , De la Torre Beatriz , Mudarra Matías , Sültenfuß Jürgen , Andreo Bartolomé
Published: June 2020

Environmental dating tracers (3H, 3He, 4He, CFC‐12, CFC‐11, and SF6) and the natural spring response (hydrochemistry, water temperature, and hydrodynamics) were jointly used to assess mixing processes and to characterize groundwater flow in a relatively small carbonate aquifer with complex geology in southern Spain. Results evidence a marked karst behaviour of some temporary outlets, with sharp and rapid responses to precipitation events, while some perennial springs show buffer and delayed variations with respect to recharge periods. The general geochemical evolution shows a pattern, from higher to lower altitudes, in which mineralization and the Mg/Ca ratio rise, evidencing longer water–rock interaction. The large SF6 concentrations in groundwater suggest terrigenic production, whereas CFC‐11 values are affected by sorption or degradation. The groundwater age in the perennial springs—as deduced from CFC‐12 and 3H/3He—points to mean residence times of several decades, although the large amount of radiogenic 4He in samples indicate a contribution of old groundwater (free of 3H and CFC‐12). Lumped parameter models and shape‐free models were created based on 3H, tritiogenic 3He, CFC‐12, and radiogenic 4He data in order to interpret the age distribution of the samples. Results evidence the existence of two mixing components, with an old fraction ranging between 160 and 220 years in age. The correlation of physicochemical parameters with some dating parameters, derived from the mixing models, serves to explain the hydrogeochemical processes occurring within the system. Altogether, long residence times are shown to be possible in small alpine systems with a clearly karst behaviour if the geological setting features highly tectonized media including units with diverse hydrogeological characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of applying different approaches, including groundwater dating techniques, when studying such groundwater flow regimes.
Pervasive Pesticide Contamination of Wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Area
Authors: Vandergragt Maria L , Warne Michael St J , Borschmann Geoffrey , Johns Caitlin V
Published: June 2020

Knowledge of the types and impacts of contaminants occurring in the freshwater wetlands of the Great Barrier Reef catchment area (GBRCA) is limited. The present study examined the presence and concentrations of pesticides occurring in 22 floodplain wetlands, situated in moderate to high-intensity land uses in the GBRCA. The dominant land use within 1 km of the wetlands was sugar cane for 12 wetlands, grazing for 6 wetlands, plantation forestry and conservation for 2 wetlands, and one with an equal mix of land uses. Fifty-nine pesticides and pesticide degradates were detected in the wetlands during 2 consecutive early wet seasons. These included 27 herbicides, 11 herbicide degradates, 11 insecticides, 8 fungicides, 1 nematicide, and 1 pesticide synergist. Each wetland sampled contained between 12 and 30 pesticides with an average of 21 pesticides detected per wetland sampling. Temporal differences existed in the number, types, and average concentrations of pesticides detected. No exceedances of Australian and New Zealand water guideline values were found during the first sampling season, while 10 wetlands had concentrations of at least 1 pesticide exceeding the guidelines during the following sampling season. For 1 wetland, concentrations of 4 pesticides were greater than the prescribed guideline values. Individually, the vast majority of aquatic species would be protected, but in some wetlands, diuron would affect 49% of species and atrazine up to 24% of species. Statistically significant correlations between the number of pesticides and the percentage of intensive land use, primarily sugar cane growing in a 1 km radius of the wetlands, were found. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:968–982. © 2020 SETAC
Attachment & Child Health (ATTACH) pilot trials: Effect of parental reflective function intervention for families affected by toxic stress
Authors: Letourneau Nicole , Anis Lubna , Ntanda Henry , Novick Jason , Steele Miriam , Steele Howard , Hart Martha
Published: June 2020

Toxic stressors (e.g., parental violence, depression, low income) place children at risk for insecure attachment. Parental reflective function—parents’ capacity to understand their own and their child's mental states and thus regulate their own feelings and behavior toward their child—may buffer the negative effects of toxic stress on attachment. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of the Attachment and Child Health (ATTACH) intervention, focusing on improving reflective function and children's attachment security, for at‐risk mothers and children <36 months of age. Three pilot studies were conducted with women and children from an inner city agency serving vulnerable, low‐income families and a family violence shelter. Randomized control trial (n = 20, n = 10 at enrollment) and quasi‐experimental (n = 10 at enrollment) methods tested the effect of the ATTACH intervention on the primary outcome of reflective function scores, from transcribed Parent Development Interviews. Our secondary outcome was children's attachment patterns from Ainsworth's Strange Situation Procedure. Despite some attrition, mixed methods analysis of covariance and t tests revealed significant differences in maternal, child, and overall reflective function, with moderate effect sizes. While more children whose mothers received the ATTACH program were securely attached posttreatment, as compared with controls, significant differences were not observed, which may be due to missing observations (n = 5 cases). Understanding the effectiveness of programs like the ATTACH intervention contributes to improved programs and services to promote healthy development of children affected by toxic stress.
Average treatment effects for stayers with correlated random coefficient models of panel data
Authors: Verdier Valentin
Published: June 2020

Correlated random coefficient (CRC) models provide a useful framework for estimating average treatment effects (ATE) with panel data by accommodating heterogeneous treatment effects and flexible patterns of selection. In their simplest form, they lead to the well‐known difference‐in‐differences estimator. CRC models yield estimates of ATE for “movers” (i.e., cross‐sectional units whose treatment status changed over time) while ATE for “stayers” (i.e., cross‐sectional units who retained the same treatment status over time) are not identified. We study additional restrictions on selection into treatment that lead to the identification of ATE for stayers by an extrapolation from quantities identified by the CRC model. We discuss estimation and testing of the extrapolation's validity, then use our results to estimate the returns to agricultural technology adoption among maize farmers in Kenya.
Structural phase formation and in vitro bioactivity evaluations of strontium phosphosilicate for orthopedic applications
Authors: Chetan  , Vijayalakshmi Uthirapathy
Published: June 2020

Structural features of apatites make them one of the most promising candidates for bone tissue regenerative applications. The unique structure and availability of mobile Metal ion as well as other components help interaction with biological fluids and can promote as well as stimulate bone regeneration with correct components. The present study focusses on Strontium phosphosilicate, an apatite analogue to Calcium phosphate‐based HAP only loaded with better composition replacing Calcium with stimulatory Strontium and co‐existent Silicate alongside phosphate both known to stimulate osteogenesis. Bulk particles were synthesized as powders with Acidic medium as well as the Basic medium of reaction mixture via Sol–Gel and Co‐precipitation techniques respectively and phase formation was studied with respect to temperature further detailed by TGA‐DSC studies. Secondary phases were also indexed based on which Acidic medium samples sintered at 800°C were comparatively better from the Basic medium on account of the presence of silicate phase forming agglomerated Strontium phosphosilicate. Hemolysis assay and MG‐63 based cytotoxicity assay were carried out to study biocompatibility and antibacterial properties were also elucidated in Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Apatite seeding and bone mineralization studies were carried out with Simulated body fluid and characterized structurally and morphologically.
MAGI2‐AS3 rs7783388 polymorphism contributes to colorectal cancer risk through altering the binding affinity of the transcription factor GR to the MAGI2‐AS3 promoter
Authors: Yang Xi , Wu Shenshen , Li Xiaobo , Yin Ying , Chen Rui
Published: June 2020

Background

It has been indicated that the single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) in the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have association with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility.

Methods

We enrolled 1078 cases with CRC and 1175 age‐ and gender‐matched cancer‐free controls to explore whether the polymorphisms in MAGI2‐AS3 have associations with CRC risk. qRT‐PCR, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), flow cytometry, and transwell assays were performed to explore the specific mechanisms in which MAGI2‐AS3 rs7783388 variation influenced the tumorigenesis of CRC.

Results

Subjects carrying rs7783388 GG genotype presented a higher risk of CRC compared with the AG/AA genotypes. Mechanistically, we found that the functional genetic variant of rs7783388 A > G decreased binding affinity of transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to the MAGI2‐AS3 promoter, resulting in decreased transcriptional activity that subsequently downregulated MAGI2‐AS3 expression. Furthermore, functional experiments elucidated that MAGI2‐AS3 overexpression suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and promoted cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrated that the potential function of MAGI2‐AS3 as a tumor suppressor for CRC, and the MAGI2‐AS3 rs7783388 polymorphism is associated with the increased susceptibility to CRC by altering the binding ability of GR to the MAGI2‐AS3 promoter.
CCL20 is a novel ligand for the scavenging atypical chemokine receptor 4
Authors: Matti Christoph , D'Uonnolo Giulia , Artinger Marc , Melgrati Serena , Salnikov Angela , Thelen Sylvia , Purvanov Vladimir , Strobel Tobias D. , Spannagel Lisa , Thelen Marcus , Legler Daniel F.
Published: June 2020

The chemokine CCL20 is broadly produced by endothelial cells in the liver, the lung, in lymph nodes and mucosal lymphoid tissues, and recruits CCR6 expressing leukocytes, particularly dendritic cells, mature B cells, and subpopulations of T cells. How CCL20 is systemically scavenged is currently unknown. Here, we identify that fluorescently labeled human and mouse CCL20 are efficiently taken-up by the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR4. CCL20 shares ACKR4 with the homeostatic chemokines CCL19, CCL21, and CCL25, although with a lower affinity. We demonstrate that all 4 human chemokines recruit β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2 to human ACKR4. Similarly, mouse CCL19, CCL21, and CCL25 equally activate the human receptor. Interestingly, at the same chemokine concentration, mouse CCL20 did not recruit β-arrestins to human ACKR4. Further cross-species analysis suggests that human ACKR4 preferentially takes-up human CCL20, whereas mouse ACKR4 similarly internalizes mouse and human CCL20. Furthermore, we engineered a fluorescently labeled chimeric chemokine consisting of the N-terminus of mouse CCL25 and the body of mouse CCL19, termed CCL25_19, which interacts with and is taken-up by human and mouse ACKR4.
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in patients with preexisting ILD: A retrospective study in a single center in Wuhan, China
Authors: Huang Hong , Zhang Ming , Chen Can , Zhang Huilan , Wei Yanqiu , Tian Jianbo , Shang Jin , Deng Yan , Du Aihua , Dai Huaping
Published: June 2020

Since the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) pneumonia, many patients with underlying disease, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), were admitted to Tongji hospital in Wuhan, China. To date, no data have ever been reported to reflect the clinical features of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among these patients with preexisting ILD. We analyzed the incidence and severity of COVID‐19 patients with ILD among 3201 COVID‐19 inpatients, and compared two independent cohorts of COVID‐19 patients with pre‐existing ILD (n = 28) and non‐ILD COVID‐19 patients (n = 130). Among those 3201 COVID‐19 inpatients, 28 of whom were COVID‐19 with ILD (0.88%). Fever was the predominant symptom both in COVID‐19 with ILD (81.54%) and non‐ILD COVID‐19 patients (72.22%). However, COVID‐19 patients with ILD were more likely to have cough, sputum, fatigue, dyspnea, and diarrhea. A very significantly higher number of neutrophils, monocytes, interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐10, IL‐1β, and D‐Dimer was characterized in COVID‐19 with ILD as compared to those of non‐ILD COVID‐19 patients. Furthermore, logistic regression models showed neutrophils counts, proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, IL6, IL1β, IL2R), and coagulation dysfunction biomarkers (D‐Dimer, PT, Fbg) were significantly associated with the poor clinical outcomes of COVID‐19. ILD patients could be less vulnerable to SARS‐CoV‐2. However, ILD patients tend to severity condition after being infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. The prognosis of COVID‐19 patients with per‐existing ILD is significantly worse than that of non‐ILD patients. And more, aggravated inflammatory responses and coagulation dysfunction appear to be the critical mechanisms in the COVID‐19 patients with ILD.
Impact of climate change on inter‐annual variation in tea plant output in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Lou Weiping , Sun Ke , Zhao Yuming , Deng Shengrong , Zhou Zhuding
Published: June 2020

Recent studies have shown that climate change is having severe impacts on production of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze], an important woody cash crop. Quantitative production figures are necessary to provide tea stakeholders and policy makers with evidence to justify immediate action. We used data from Zhejiang Province, China, and the economic output model of four tea plant cultivars (Jiaming 1, Longjing 43, Baiye 1, and Jiukeng) in spring and the yield output model of one tea plant cultivar (Jiukeng) in summer and autumn, and analyzed the impact of climate change on tea production from 1985 to 2018. The results showed that the effects of high temperature and drought on tea production have increased significantly. Temperature was the main factor effecting the economic output of tea plants in spring. Climate change has resulted in the start date of tea buds and leaves plucking period to have become significantly earlier in spring. The risk of frost damage and economic loss, caused by frost, decreased significantly in the period of spring tea production. Among the five bud and leaf grades, the length of plucking periods for superfine, Grades 1 and 2 decreased significantly. High temperatures and drought were the main factors impacting tea production in summer and autumn, and effected the economic output of spring tea in the following year. The economic losses caused by daytime rainfall decreased significantly in spring tea production. This study has provided essential evidence that climate change has already had a significant impact on tea plant output.
Leading modes of Asian–Australian monsoon interannual variability as represented in CMIP5 models
Authors: Zhou Fang , Ren Hong‐Li , Liu Ming‐Hong , Wang Run , Huang Kai
Published: June 2020

The Asian–Australian monsoon (AAM) exerts a strong impact on the regional climate. The ability of climate models to simulate the AAM is of great importance. This study evaluates the performance of 26 models, which participate in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5), in representing features of the leading modes of the AAM interannual variability. This is achieved by diagnosing quantitative metrics derived from a Season‐reliant Empirical Orthogonal Function (S‐EOF) analysis, and plausible external forcing contributing to the simulation results are presented. Our results show that the CMIP5 models can generally capture the spatial patterns of the leading modes of AAM interannual variability during El Niño development periods because of strong air–sea interactions. The variance percentage explained by the first two S‐EOF modes is found to be closely related to the amplitude of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the models. In contrast, simulation of the periodicity remains challenging, and the models show deficiencies in the accurate capture of periodic characteristics. Models with realistic ENSO simulations typically perform well in simulating S‐EOF1, and the key to improving the simulation of S‐EOF2 is the greater intensity of the simulated field of background heating over the Northwest Pacific warm pool. The multimodel ensemble (MME) performs better than most of the 26 individual models. Models in the MME with better ENSO simulation and stronger warm pool heating are found to be better able to represent the relationships between the first two leading S‐EOF modes and ENSO, although biases remained.
A quantitative serum biomarker of circulating collagen X effectively correlates with endochondral fracture healing
Authors: Working Zachary M. , Morris Elizabeth R. , Chang Jiun Chiun , Coghlan Ryan F. , Johnstone Brian , Miclau Theodore , Horton William A. , Bahney Chelsea S.
Published: June 2020

Currently, there are no standardized methods for quantitatively measuring fracture repair. Physicians rely on subjective physical examinations and qualitative evaluation of radiographs to detect mineralized tissue. Since most fractures heal indirectly through a cartilage intermediate, these tools are limited in their diagnostic utility of early repair. Prior to converting to the bone, cartilage undergoes hypertrophic maturation, characterized by the deposition of a provisional collagen X matrix. The objective of this study was to characterize the kinetics of a novel collagen X biomarker relative to other biological measurements of fracture healing using a murine model of endochondral fracture repair in which a closed, mid‐shaft tibia fracture was created using the classic drop‐weight technique. Serum was collected 5 to 42 days post‐fracture in male and female mice and compared to uninjured controls (n = 8‐12). Collagen X in the serum was quantified using a recently validated ELISA‐based bioassay (“Cxm”)1 and compared to genetic and histological markers of fracture healing and inflammation. We found the Cxm biomarker reliably increased from baseline to a statistically unique peak 14 days post‐fracture that then resolved to pre‐fracture levels by 3 weeks following injury. The shape and timing of the Cxm curve followed the genetic and histological expression of collagen X but did not show a strong correlation with local inflammatory states. Assessment of fracture healing progress is crucial to making correct and timely clinical decisions for patients. This Cxm bioassay represents a minimally invasive, inexpensive technique that could provide reliable information on the biology of the fracture to significantly improve clinical care.
Preparation and textural properties of white salted noodles made with hard red winter wheat flour partially replaced by different levels of cross‐linked phosphorylated RS4 wheat starch
Authors: Hsieh Chao‐Feng , Wang Li‐Kun , Xu Bin , Seib Paul A , Shi Yong‐Cheng
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Resistant starch (RS) has health benefits and can be used as a functional ingredient in various food products. Kansas hard red winter (HRW) wheat is conventionally used for bread making and this is attributed to its strong gluten network. To develop Asian white salted noodles with a high RS content, HRW wheat flour was partially replaced with cross‐linked phosphorylated RS4 wheat starch. Vital wheat gluten or wheat protein isolate was added to compensate for textural changes due to the addition of RS.

RESULTS

The maximum recommended level of RS4 starch to replace HRW wheat flour was 40%. The substitution of 10–40 parts of RS4 for flour did not change hardness in cooked noodles but it did reduce their extensibility, cohesiveness, and springiness, which was probably due to the non‐swelling properties of RS4. At 40 parts of RS4 replacement, supplementation of 2–8 parts of vital wheat gluten or wheat protein isolate in the composite flour notably enhanced the hardness and extensibility of cooked noodles, whereas cohesiveness and springiness were minimally affected. Supplemental vital wheat gluten produced a thicker protein network than endogenous protein or added wheat protein isolate, giving cooked noodles greater breaking force and distance.

CONCLUSION

RS4 could be used as a functional ingredient to replace up to 40% of hard wheat flour for making Asian noodles while maintaining their hardness after cooking. The extensibility of cooked noodles with high RS4 could be noticeably enhanced by supplementation with vital wheat gluten in the composite flour (RS/flour = 40/60). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of soluble starch synthase IIa allelic variation on rice grain quality with different Waxy backgrounds
Authors: You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Xu Liang , Liang Cheng , Xiang Xunchao
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Soluble starch synthase IIa (ALK, SSII‐3) is the major gene regulating gelatinization temperature (GT) and SSII‐3 M1 is an effective marker for identifying SSIIa alleles. However, the haplotypes of SSIIa alleles amplified by SSII‐3M1 and their allelic effect sunder different Waxy (Wx) background in non‐glutinous rice remain unclear.

RESULTS

By integrating the genetic background analysis and by the identification of the genotypes of Wx and SSIIa, we found that the SSIIa alleles amplified by SSII‐3 M1 were haplotype 1 (G/G/GC, indica‐type) and 4 (A/G/TT, japonica‐type), which had a significant effect on pasting temperature (PaT), hot paste viscosity (HPV), and the alkali spreading value (ASV). There were significant effects of SSIIa alleles on HPV, cool paste viscosity (CPV), and consistency value with different Wx backgrounds. The apparent amylose content (AAC) of samples significantly affected the accuracy of GT, which was represented by the manually determined pasting temperature (PTm).

CONCLUSIONS

The SSIIa alleles amplified by SSII‐3 M1 are indica type and japonica type. Different SSIIa haplotypes significantly affect HPV, CPV, PaT, and ASV. GT, PaT, and PTm are mainly affected by SSIIa alleles. The classification of all samples with different haplotypes of SSIIa indicates that their AAC (Wx genotypes) is essentially. The effects of SSIIa alleles are themselves affected by different Wx alleles. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Extensive Use of Intertidal Habitat by Shorebirds Outside Protected Nesting Areas
Authors: Monk Julia D. , Kwon Eunbi , Derose‐Wilson Audrey , Robinson Samantha G. , Bellman Henrietta A. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Catlin Daniel H. , Fraser James D.
Published: June 2020

Conservation of shorebirds throughout their breeding and migratory ranges has become a priority as shorebird populations decline globally. Along the North Atlantic Coast, management efforts have particularly focused on preserving nesting habitat for piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is unclear whether these conservation measures suffice to protect foraging habitat for piping plovers and other shorebirds on stopover during migration along the Atlantic Flyway. To evaluate the extent to which conservation of piping plover nesting areas extends to all habitats used by plovers, and to determine whether these protections also benefited non‐breeding migratory shorebirds in the region, we conducted weekly shorebird surveys, recording the number and locations of piping plovers and other species, during northward and southward migration on Fire Island and Westhampton Island, New York, USA, from 2014–2016. We used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to assess the degree of spatiotemporal overlap between breeding plovers, foraging plovers, and other migratory shorebirds that temporarily stage at the site. The spatiotemporal distribution of migratory shorebirds matched more closely with piping plovers seen during foraging than piping plovers observed tending nests and engaging in other breeding activities. Migratory shorebirds and foraging piping plovers were more abundant and frequent in wet intertidal zones outside of fenced‐off nesting areas, which were not protected under current management regimes. Therefore, additional protection of piping plover foraging habitat could benefit plovers and migratory shorebirds that use similar feeding grounds during stopover on northward and southward migration. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Transoral Versus Endoscopic Examination in Predicting Outcomes of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lee Clara H. , Mulholland Graeme B. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: June 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the correlation between transoral and awake endoscopic examination and investigate their respective ability to predict outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study at a US medical center.

Methods

Subjects were adults with apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) >15 events/hr who underwent HGNS according to standard indications. Eligible subjects had diagnostic preoperative sleep studies, full‐night efficacy postoperative studies, as well as postoperative video recordings of transoral examination and awake endoscopy. Recordings were independently scored by two blinded reviewers. Cohen's κ coefficient, Student t test, and χ2 analyses were performed.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients met all inclusion criteria. On average, patients were Caucasian, middle aged, and overweight. The mean preoperative AHI was 36.7 events/hr, which improved significantly to 18.3 events/hr following HGNS (P < .01). Overall, the response rate (defined as AHI reduction >50% and AHI < 20 events/hr) was 49%. There was slight correlation between transoral tongue protrusion and endoscopic tongue base movement (κ = 0.10). On transoral examination, patients with minimal/moderate tongue motion achieved a greater mean AHI reduction than patients with full motion (26.0 ± 18.0 vs. 12.8 ± 24.1, P = .02). In contrast, on awake endoscopy, patients with minimal/moderate tongue motion achieved a lesser mean AHI reduction than patients with full motion (8.7 ± 19.9 vs. 22.1 ± 22.7, P = .04).

Conclusions

Transoral tongue protrusion bears an inverse relationship to HGNS success and correlates poorly with endoscopic tongue base movement. Endoscopic tongue base motion appears reflective of response to HGNS, with greater motion corresponding to greater AHI reduction.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:675–679, 2021
Recommendations for surgical management of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chow Velda Ling Yu , Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Wong Stanley Thian Sze , Wei William Ignace
Published: June 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is endemic in southern parts of China including Hong Kong. Primary treatment entails radiotherapy ± chemotherapy depending on disease stage at presentation. Surgery is offered as a means of salvage for persistent and recurrent disease. Comprehensive preoperative work‐up, careful patient selection, attention to details perioperation and multidisciplinary approach is essential in ensuring optimal outcomes after salvage surgery for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Since the COVID‐19 outbreak, we are faced with unprecedented challenges with priorities of care and resources being shifted to combat the virus. These include patient selection and timing of treatment, while preventing disease transmission to heath care providers. Practices and recommendations made in this document are intended to support safe clinical practice and efficient use of resources during this challenging time.
Deep zooplankton rely on small particles when particle fluxes are low
Authors: Romero‐Romero Sonia , Ka'apu‐Lyons Cassie A. , Umhau Blaire P. , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Hannides Cecelia C. S. , Close Hilary G. , Drazen Jeffrey C. , Popp Brian N.
Published: June 2020

The fate of organic matter (OM) in the deep ocean remains enigmatic, with little understood regarding the flux and its utilization by deep food webs. We used compound‐specific nitrogen stable isotope ratios of source amino acids measured in particle size classes and deep zooplankton (700–1500 m) to determine the contribution of small (0.7–53 μm) vs. large particles (> 53 μm) to their diet at four sites in the North Pacific. Our results show that small particles constitute between 9% and 98% of zooplankton diets, being the contribution higher at sites with lower flux regimes. The contribution of small particles to the diet of deep zooplankton was also higher when biomass of vertical migrators, and therefore actively transported OM, was lower. Climate‐driven changes in primary production and export are expected to shift particle fluxes to smaller size classes, and thus their importance in midwater food webs may become more widespread.
Rapid translation of clinical guidelines into executable knowledge: A case study of COVID‐19 and online demonstration
Authors: Fox John , Khan Omar , Curtis Hywel , Wright Andrew , Pal Carla , Cockburn Neil , Cooper Jennifer , Chandan Joht S. , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: June 2020

Introduction

We report a pathfinder study of AI/knowledge engineering methods to rapidly formalise COVID‐19 guidelines into an executable model of decision making and care pathways. The knowledge source for the study was material published by BMJ Best Practice in March 2020.

Methods

The PROforma guideline modelling language and OpenClinical.net authoring and publishing platform were used to create a data model for care of COVID‐19 patients together with executable models of rules, decisions and plans that interpret patient data and give personalised care advice.

Results

PROforma and OpenClinical.net proved to be an effective combination for rapidly creating the COVID‐19 model; the Pathfinder 1 demonstrator is available for assessment at https://www.openclinical.net/index.php?id=746.

Conclusions

This is believed to be the first use of AI/knowledge engineering methods for disseminating best‐practice in COVID‐19 care. It demonstrates a novel and promising approach to the rapid translation of clinical guidelines into point of care services, and a foundation for rapid learning systems in many areas of healthcare.
Co‐occurrence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic nerve gliomas with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease type 2
Authors: Peces Ramón , Mena Rocío , Martín Yolanda , Hernández Concepción , Peces Carlos , Tellería Dolores , Cuesta Emilio , Selgas Rafael , Lapunzina Pablo , Nevado Julián
Published: June 2020

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are both autosomal dominant disorders with a high rate of novel mutations. However, the two disorders have distinct and well‐delineated genetic, biochemical, and clinical findings. Only a few cases of coexistence of ADPKD and NF1 in a single individual have been reported, but the possible implications of this association are unknown.

Methods

We report an ADPKD male belonging to a family of several affected members in three generations associated with NF1 and optic pathway gliomas. The clinical diagnosis of ADPKD and NF1 was performed by several image techniques.

Results

Linkage analysis of ADPKD family was consistent to the PKD2 locus by a nonsense mutation, yielding a truncated polycystin‐2 by means of next‐generation sequencing. The diagnosis of NF1 was confirmed by mutational analysis of this gene showing a 4‐bp deletion, resulting in a truncated neurofibromin, as well. The impact of this association was investigated by analyzing putative genetic interactions and by comparing the evolution of renal size and function in the proband with his older brother with ADPKD without NF1 and with ADPKD cohorts.

Conclusion

Despite the presence of both conditions there was not additive effect of NF1 and PKD2 in terms of the severity of tumor development and/or ADPKD progression.
Wood composites modified with waterborne hyperbranched polyacrylate dispersed organo‐montmorillonite emulsion and the permeability investigations by surface characterizations
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Xu Jianfeng , Long Ling , Liu Ru
Published: June 2020

A novel waterborne hyperbranched polyacrylate (HBPA) dispersed organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) emulsion was synthesized in laboratory. The sapwood of Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana Rehd.) was modified with the emulsion via vacuum treatment for polymer impregnated wood composite with cross section sealing off. Some surface characterization was carried out to analyze the impregnation depth. The results showed that OMMT and HBPA successfully penetrated into the wood cell wall with completely exfoliated OMMT and formed a hydrophobic film covering on the inner surface of cell wall lumen, which improved the surface hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of wood cell wall. With increasing impregnation depth, the improvements decreased, which was associated with the limited impregnation ability of the modifiers only with the pathway of radial and tangential sections. Thus, for better modification, the cross section of the wood must be unobstructed.
Outcomes of prenatally diagnosed spontaneous chorioamniotic membrane separation in singleton pregnancies: A systematic review of case series and case reports
Authors: Zhu Katherine H. , Young Brett C. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Espinoza Jimmy , Sanz‐Cortes Magdalena , Donepudi Roopali , Modest Anna M. , Gerson Kristin D. , Belfort Michael A. , Nassr Ahmed A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To provide an overview of perinatal outcomes in prenatally diagnosed spontaneous chorioamniotic separation (sCAS).

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed from inception to July 2019, including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE. All studies reporting prenatally diagnosed sCAS after 16 weeks' gestation in singleton pregnancies were eligible. Two independent reviewers used standardized forms for data abstraction.

Results

Of 408 screened abstracts, 17 studies reporting 118 cases of sCAS were included. Among 113 cases with delivery outcomes, preterm birth (PTB) occurred in 60 (53.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 43.9–62.3%). Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) occurred in seven (6.2%, 95% CI 1.8–10.6%) cases, with four due to cord strangulation. Spontaneous abortion occurred in one (0.88%, 95% CI –0.84–2.6%) case. Among 104 cases with postnatal follow‐up, there were six (5.8%, 95% CI 1.3–10.3%) neonatal deaths and one (0.96%, 95% CI –0.91–2.8%) infant death. Perinatal mortality (IUFD and neonatal deaths) was 11.0% (95% CI 5.4–16.7%).

Conclusions

sCAS may be associated with increased risk of PTB, however, the available data are largely case reports and series. Antepartum surveillance after viability can be considered due to risk of cord accidents. Prospective study is necessary to understand the clinical implications of sCAS.