bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT-based dentulous mandibular alveolar ridge measurements as predictors of crown-to-implant ratio for short and extra short dental implants
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Meggiorin Silvia , Ferrarese Nadia , Lupi Amalia , Cavallin Francesco , Fiorino Antonino , Giraudo Chiara
Published: October 2020

The purpose was to predict the crown-to-implant ratio variation in the edentulous posterior mandibles rehabilitated with short dental implants. Hence, vertical and horizontal dimensions of dentulous posterior mandibles in a sample of 18- to 25-year-olds were measured, and correlations of these dimensions with sex and site were investigated. Mandibular computed tomography scans from 100 subjects were considered. Vertical and horizontal bone and tooth measurements were taken at the sites of the second premolar (PM), and the mesial and distal roots of the first and second molars (M1m, M1d, M2m and M2d, respectively). A hypothetical crown-to-implant ratio (C/I R) was calculated assuming the insertion of short and extra short implants (5, 6 or 7 mm), at 1.5 mm from the inferior alveolar canal, maintaining the position of the existing occlusal plane. All vertical bone dimensions decreased from the PM to the M2d. Width measurements increased from the mesial (PM) to the distal sites (M1m, M1d, M2m and M2d). Males had significantly greater vertical and horizontal measurements than females at all sites. The mean C/I R was higher than 2 for all sizes of implant. The C/I R was lower for the second molar than for the second premolar, while it was similar for the first molar and the second premolar. Males had a higher C/I R than females. Computed tomography can be used to study the anatomical features of alveolar bone, and to predict some clinical aspects of prosthetic rehabilitation with implants, such as the crown-to-implant ratio in conditions of serious bone atrophy.
Deviations of rational choice: an integrative explanation of the endowment and several context effects
Authors: Kruis Joost , Maris Gunter , Marsman Maarten , Bolsinova Maria , van der Maas Han L. J.
Published: October 2020

People’s choices are often found to be inconsistent with the assumptions of rational choice theory. Over time, several probabilistic models have been proposed that account for such deviations from rationality. However, these models have become increasingly complex and are often limited to particular choice phenomena. Here we introduce a network approach that explains a broad set of choice phenomena. We demonstrate that this approach can be used to compare different choice theories and integrates several choice mechanisms from established models. A basic setup implements bounded rationality, loss aversion, and inhibition in a natural fashion, which allows us to predict the occurrence of well-known choice phenomena, such as the endowment effect and the similarity, attraction, compromise, and phantom context effects. Our results show that this network approach provides a simple representation of complex choice behaviour, and can be used to gain a better understanding of how the many choice phenomena and key theoretical principles from different types of decision-making are connected.
Identification of a novel CHN1 p.(Phe213Val) variant in a large Han Chinese family with congenital Duane retraction syndrome
Authors: Zhou Tai-Cheng , Duan Wen-Hua , Fu Xiao-Lin , Zhu Qin , Guo Li-Yun , Zhou Yuan , Hua Zhi-Juan , Li Xue-Jiao , Yang Dong-Mei , Zhang Jie-Ying , Yin Jie , Zhang Xiao-Fan , Zhou Guang-Long , Hu Min
Published: October 2020

Duane retraction syndrome (DRS) is a neuromuscular dysfunction of the eyes. Although many causative genes of DRS have been identified in Europe and the United States, few reports have been published in regard to Chinese DRS. The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic defect of DRS in a Chinese family. Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing gene for the two affected family members. Ophthalmic and physical examinations, as well as genetic screenings for variants in chimerin 1 (CHN1), were performed for all family members. Functional analyses of a CHN1 variant in 293T cells included a Rac-GTP activation assay, α2-chimaerin translocation assay, and co-immunoprecipitation assay. Genetic analysis revealed a NM_001822.7: c.637T > G variant in the CHN1 gene, which resulted in the substitution of a highly conserved C1 domain with valine at codon 213 (NP_001813.1: p.(Phe213Val)) (ClinVar Accession Number: SCV001335305). In-silico analysis revealed that the p.(Phe213Val) substitution affected the protein stability and connections among the amino acids of CHN1 in terms of its tertiary protein structure. Functional studies indicated that the p.(Phe213Val) substitution reduced Rac-GTP activity and enhanced membrane translocation in response to phorbol-myristoyl acetate (PMA). Together with previous studies, our present findings demonstrate that CHN1 may be an important causative gene for different ethnicities with DRS.
Impact of meteorological conditions and air pollution on COVID-19 pandemic transmission in Italy
Authors: Lolli Simone , Chen Ying-Chieh , Wang Sheng-Hsiang , Vivone Gemine
Published: October 2020

Italy was the first, among all the European countries, to be strongly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2). The virus, proven to be very contagious, infected more than 9 million people worldwide (in June 2020). Nevertheless, it is not clear the role of air pollution and meteorological conditions on virus transmission. In this study, we quantitatively assessed how the meteorological and air quality parameters are correlated to the COVID-19 transmission in two large metropolitan areas in Northern Italy as Milan and Florence and in the autonomous province of Trento. Milan, capital of Lombardy region, it is considered the epicenter of the virus outbreak in Italy. Our main findings highlight that temperature and humidity related variables are negatively correlated to the virus transmission, whereas air pollution (PM2.5) shows a positive correlation (at lesser degree). In other words, COVID-19 pandemic transmission prefers dry and cool environmental conditions, as well as polluted air. For those reasons, the virus might easier spread in unfiltered air-conditioned indoor environments. Those results will be supporting decision makers to contain new possible outbreaks.
The liver, a functionalized vascular structure
Authors: Lorente Sylvie , Hautefeuille Mathieu , Sanchez-Cedillo Aczel
Published: October 2020

The liver is not only the largest organ in the body but also the one playing one of the most important role in the human metabolism as it is in charge of transforming toxic substances in the body. Understanding the way its blood vasculature works is key. In this work we show that the challenge of predicting the hepatic multi-scale vascular network can be met thanks to the constructal law of design evolution. The work unveils the structure of the liver blood flow architecture as a combination of superimposed tree-shaped networks and porous system. We demonstrate that the dendritic nature of the hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic vein can be predicted, together with their geometrical features (diameter ratio, duct length ratio) as the entire blood flow architectures follow the principle of equipartition of imperfections. At the smallest scale, the shape of the liver elemental systems—the lobules—is discovered, while their permeability is also predicted. The theory is compared with good agreement to anatomical data from the literature.
Predicting pattern formation in embryonic stem cells using a minimalist, agent-based probabilistic model
Authors: Wang Minhong , Tsanas Athanasios , Blin Guillaume , Robertson Dave
Published: October 2020

The mechanisms of pattern formation during embryonic development remain poorly understood. Embryonic stem cells in culture self-organise to form spatial patterns of gene expression upon geometrical confinement indicating that patterning is an emergent phenomenon that results from the many interactions between the cells. Here, we applied an agent-based modelling approach in order to identify plausible biological rules acting at the meso-scale within stem cell collectives that may explain spontaneous patterning. We tested different models involving differential motile behaviours with or without biases due to neighbour interactions. We introduced a new metric, termed stem cell aggregate pattern distance (SCAPD) to probabilistically assess the fitness of our models with empirical data. The best of our models improves fitness by 70% and 77% over the random models for a discoidal or an ellipsoidal stem cell confinement respectively. Collectively, our findings show that a parsimonious mechanism that involves differential motility is sufficient to explain the spontaneous patterning of the cells upon confinement. Our work also defines a region of the parameter space that is compatible with patterning. We hope that our approach will be applicable to many biological systems and will contribute towards facilitating progress by reducing the need for extensive and costly experiments.
Vertebral artery injury in major trauma patients in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chowdhury Sharfuddin , Almubarak Sadiq Hussain , Binsaad Khadega Hadi , Mitra Biswadev , Fitzgerald Mark
Published: October 2020

Blunt vertebral artery injury (VAI) is associated with severe cervicocephalic trauma and may have devastating consequences. This study aimed to determine the incidence and nature of VAI in polytrauma patients. The secondary objective was to assess the association of VAI with previously suggested risk factors. It was a retrospective observational study of all polytrauma patients admitted to the trauma unit between April 2018 and July 2019, who had CT neck angiography to diagnose blunt VAI according to modified Denver criteria. Out of 1084 admitted polytrauma patients, 1025 (94.6%) sustained blunt trauma. Of these, 120 (11.7%) underwent screening CT neck angiography. VAI was detected in 10 (8.3%; 95% CI 4.1–14.8) patients. There were three patients with Grade I injury, two with Grade II, and five with Grade IV injury. Among all trauma admissions, the incidence of diagnosed VAI was 0.9% (95% CI 0.5–1.8). Among patients suspected of VAI, there was no univariable association of VAI with C-Spine fracture: OR 4.2 (95% CI 0.51–34.4; p = 0.18). There were two (20%) deaths related to VAI. Traumatic VAI was uncommonly detected in this major trauma service in Saudi Arabia. High suspicion and liberal screening by CT angiography in cases where VAI is possible should be considered to avoid missed injuries.
Light-assisted electrospinning monitoring for soft polymeric nanofibers
Authors: Lunni Dario , Giordano Goffredo , Pignatelli Francesca , Filippeschi Carlo , Linari Stefano , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: October 2020

A real-time tool to monitor the electrospinning process is fundamental to improve the reproducibility and quality of the resulting nanofibers. Hereby, a novel optical system integrated through coaxial needle is proposed as monitoring tool for electrospinning process. An optical fiber (OF) is inserted in the inner needle, while the external needle is used to feed the polymeric solution (PEO/water) drawn by the process. The light exiting the OF passes through the solution drop at the needle tip and gets coupled to the electrospun fiber (EF) while travelling towards the nanofibers collector. Numerical and analytical models were developed to assess the feasibility and robustness of the light coupling. Experimental tests demonstrated the influence of the process parameters on the EF waveguide properties, in terms of waveguide length (L), and on the nanofibers diameter distribution, in terms of mean $$\widehat{D}$$

D
^

and normalized standard deviation $$\chi$$
χ
. Data analysis reveals good correlation between L and $$\widehat{D}, \chi$$

D
^

,
χ

(respectively maximum correlation coefficients of $${\rho }_{L,\widehat{D}}$$

ρ

L
,

D
^

= 0.88 and $${\rho }_{L,\chi }$$

ρ

L
,
χ

= 0.84), demonstrating the potential for effectively using the proposed light-assisted technology as real-time visual feedback on the process. The developed system can provide an interesting option for monitoring industrial electrospinning systems using multi- or moving needles with impact in the scaling-up of innovative nanofibers for soft systems.
Electrowetting lens with large aperture and focal length tunability
Authors: Song Xiaomin , Zhang Hongxia , Li Dongyang , Jia Dagong , Liu Tiegen
Published: October 2020

The electrowetting lenses has attracted researchers in many fields, such as biology, beam shaping, and drug delivery. Previous research on electrowetting lens has focused on neither expanding the dynamic focal length range nor reducing the wavefront aberration. However, the properties with large numerical aperture and low aberration are also essential properties of lenses, and can promote their application. Therefore, we calculated the meniscus of the lens with different optical apertures, and subsequently, analyzed the relations among the focal length, wavefront aberration, and optical aperture. To expand the focal length range, we designed an electrowetting-based triple-liquid lens with a root-mean-square wavefront aberration error of less than 1/4 waves.
ALDH2 genotype modulates the association between alcohol consumption and AST/ALT ratio among middle-aged Japanese men: a genome-wide G × E interaction analysis
Authors: Sutoh Yoichi , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Yuji , Komaki Shohei , Ohmomo Hideki , Kakisaka Keisuke , Wang Ting , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Shimizu Atsushi
Published: October 2020

Liver tests (LT), especially to measure AST, ALT and GGT levels, are widely used to evaluate the risk of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). In this study, we investigated the potential genetic factors that modulate the association between LTs and alcohol consumption. We conducted a genome-wide interaction meta-analysis in 7856 Japanese subjects from Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort (TMM CommCohort) study recruited in 2013, and identified 2 loci (12q24 and 2p16) with genome-wide significance (P > 5 × 10–8). The significant variants in the 12q24 included rs671, a variant associated with alcohol intolerance and located at a coding exon of ALDH2. We found that the amount of alcohol consumption was associated with increased level AST/ALT ratio among the subjects with the rs671 GA genotype. The elevated AST/ALT ratio among subjects with moderate-to-high levels of drinking behavior and the rs671 GA genotype was due to decreased levels of ALT, which was not accompanied with significant differences in AST levels. Although the interaction effect was significant in both men and women, the effect was much larger in men. Our results suggest that the impact of alcohol consumption on LT varies according to the ALDH2 genotype, providing an insight for the accurate screening of ALD in drinkers with the rs671 GA genotype.
Analyzing synchronized clusters in neuron networks
Authors: Lodi Matteo , Della Rossa Fabio , Sorrentino Francesco , Storace Marco
Published: October 2020

The presence of synchronized clusters in neuron networks is a hallmark of information transmission and processing. Common approaches to study cluster synchronization in networks of coupled oscillators ground on simplifying assumptions, which often neglect key biological features of neuron networks. Here we propose a general framework to study presence and stability of synchronous clusters in more realistic models of neuron networks, characterized by the presence of delays, different kinds of neurons and synapses. Application of this framework to two examples with different size and features (the directed network of the macaque cerebral cortex and the swim central pattern generator of a mollusc) provides an interpretation key to explain known functional mechanisms emerging from the combination of anatomy and neuron dynamics. The cluster synchronization analysis is carried out also by changing parameters and studying bifurcations. Despite some modeling simplifications in one of the examples, the obtained results are in good agreement with previously reported biological data.
Quantified ischemic core’s radiological hypodensity and risk of parenchymal hematoma in > 4.5 h-window stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Chavarría-Miranda Alba , Yugueros Bárbara , Gómez-Vicente Beatriz , Schüller Miguel , Galván Jorge , Castaño Miguel , Calleja Ana I. , Cortijo Elisa , de Lera Mercedes , Reyes Javier , Coco-Martín María Begoña , Agulla Jesús , Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Arenillas Juan F.
Published: October 2020

We aimed to study the relationship between the ischemic core’s (IC) radiological hypodensity and the risk of parenchymal haematoma after endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting > 4.5 h from onset. We studied AIS patients with a proximal anterior circulation occlusion > 4.5 h from symptoms onset treated with primary EVT. The IC regions of interest (ROI) were manually delineated on pretreatment CT within the affected hemisphere and their specular ROIs on the unaffected side. IC hypodensity ratio was calculated by dividing mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) value from all ROIs in affected/unaffected hemisphere. Primary endpoint: parenchymal hematoma (PH) type hemorrhagic transformation. Secondary: poor long-term clinical outcome. From May 2015 to November 2018, 648 consecutive AIS patients received reperfusion therapies and 107 met all inclusion criteria. PH after EVT was diagnosed in 33 (31%) patients. In bivariate analyses, IC hypodensity ratio (p < 0.001) and minimum HU value (p = 0.008) were associated with PH. A lower IC hypodensity ratio [OR < 0.001 (< 0.001–0.116) p 0.016] predicted PH but not poor clinical outcome in multivariable logistic regression models. A lower IC radiological density predicted a higher risk of PH in > 4.5 h-window AIS patients treated with primary EVT, although it was not independently associated with a worse clinical outcome.
Spatial variations in the stable isotope composition of the benthic algae, Halimeda tuna, and implications for paleothermometry
Authors: Stokes M. Dale , Leichter James J. , Wing Stephen R.
Published: October 2020

On Conch Reef, Florida Keys, USA we examined the effects of reef hydrography and topography on the patterns of stable isotope values (δ18O and δ13C) in the benthic green alga, Halimeda tuna. During the summer, benthic temperatures show high-frequency fluctuations (2 to 8 °C) associated with internal waves that advected cool, nutrient-rich water across the reef. The interaction between local water flow and reef morphology resulted in a highly heterogenous physical environment even within isobaths that likely influenced the growth regime of H. tuna. Variability in H. tuna isotopic values even among closely located individuals suggest biological responses to the observed environmental heterogeneity. Although isotopic composition of reef carbonate material can be used to reconstruct past temperatures (T(°C) = 14.2–3.6 (δ18OHalimeda − δ18Oseawater); r2 = 0.92), comparing the temperatures measured across the reef with that predicted by an isotopic thermometer suggests complex interactions between the environment and Halimeda carbonate formation at temporal and spatial scales not normally considered in mixed sediment samples. The divergence in estimated range between measured and predicted temperatures demonstrates the existence of species- and location-specific isotopic relationships with physical and environmental factors that should be considered in contemporary as well as ancient reef settings.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing analysis and development of EST-SSR markers for the endangered species Populus wulianensis
Authors: Wu Qichao , Zang Fengqi , Xie Xiaoman , Ma Yan , Zheng Yongqi , Zang Dekui
Published: October 2020

Populus wulianensis is an endangered species endemic to Shandong Province, China. Despite the economic and ornamental value of this species, few genomics and genetic studies have been performed. In this study, we performed a relevant analysis of the full-length transcriptome sequencing data of P. wulianensis and obtained expressed sequence tag (EST)-simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with polymorphisms that can be used for further genetic research. In total, 8.18 Gb (3,521,665) clean reads with an average GC content of 42.12% were obtained. From the corrected 64,737 high-quality isoforms, 42,323 transcript sequences were obtained after redundancy analysis with CD-HIT. Among these transcript sequences, 41,876 sequences were annotated successfully. A total of 23,539 potential EST-SSRs were identified from 16,057 sequences. Excluding mononucleotides, the most abundant motifs were trinucleotide SSRs (47.80%), followed by di- (46.80%), tetra- (2.98%), hexa- (1.58%) and pentanucleotide SSRs (0.84%). Among the 100 designed EST-SSRs, 18 were polymorphic with high PIC values (0.721 and 0.683) and could be used for analyses of the genetic diversity and population structure of P. wulianensis. These full-length transcriptome sequencing data will facilitate gene discovery and functional genomics research in P. wulianensis, and the novel EST-SSRs developed in our study will promote molecular-assisted breeding, genetic diversity and conservation biology research in this species.
A novel MRI compatible mouse fracture model to characterize and monitor bone regeneration and tissue composition
Authors: Schmitz Nina , Timmen Melanie , Kostka Katharina , Hoerr Verena , Schwarz Christian , Faber Cornelius , Hansen Uwe , Matthys Romano , Raschke Michael J. , Stange Richard
Published: October 2020

Over the last years, murine in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contributed to a new understanding of tissue composition, regeneration and diseases. Due to artefacts generated by the currently used metal implants, MRI is limited in fracture healing research so far. In this study, we investigated a novel MRI-compatible, ceramic intramedullary fracture implant during bone regeneration in mice. Three-point-bending revealed a higher stiffness of the ceramic material compared to the metal implants. Electron microscopy displayed a rough surface of the ceramic implant that was comparable to standard metal devices and allowed cell attachment and growth of osteoblastic cells. MicroCT-imaging illustrated the development of the callus around the fracture site indicating a regular progressing healing process when using the novel implant. In MRI, different callus tissues and the implant could clearly be distinguished from each other without any artefacts. Monitoring fracture healing using MRI-compatible implants will improve our knowledge of callus tissue regeneration by 3D insights longitudinal in the same living organism, which might also help to reduce the consumption of animals for future fracture healing studies, significantly. Finally, this study may be translated into clinical application to improve our knowledge about human bone regeneration.
Progressive optic atrophy in a retinal ganglion cell-specific mouse model of complex I deficiency
Authors: Wang Luyu , Klingeborn Mikael , Travis Amanda M. , Hao Ying , Arshavsky Vadim Y. , Gospe Sidney M.
Published: October 2020

Optic atrophy resulting from retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is a prominent ocular manifestation of mitochondrial dysfunction. Although transgenic mice lacking the mitochondrial complex I accessory subunit NDUFS4 develop early-onset optic atrophy, severe systemic mitochondrial dysfunction leads to very early death and makes this mouse line impractical for studying the pathobiology of mitochondrial optic neuropathies. Theoretically, RGC-specific inactivation of ndufs4 would allow characterization of RGC degeneration over a longer time course, provided that RGC death from mitochondrial dysfunction is a cell-autonomous process. We demonstrate that the vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2 may be exploited to drive robust Cre recombinase expression in RGCs without any expression observed in directly neighboring retinal cell types. Deletion of ndufs4 in RGCs resulted in reduced expression of NDUFS4 protein within the optic nerves of Vglut2-Cre;ndufs4loxP/loxP mice. RGC degeneration in Vglut2-Cre;ndufs4loxP/loxP retinas commenced around postnatal day 45 (P45) and progressed to loss of two-thirds of RGCs by P90, confirming that intrinsic complex I dysfunction is sufficient to induce RGC death. The rapidly-developing optic atrophy makes the Vglut2-Cre;ndufs4loxP/loxP mouse line a promising preclinical model for testing therapies for currently untreatable mitochondrial optic neuropathies such as Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
Long-term outcomes of omentum-preserving versus resecting gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer with propensity score analysis
Authors: Sakimura Yusuke , Inaki Noriyuki , Tsuji Toshikatsu , Kadoya Shinichi , Bando Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Omentectomy is conducted for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients as radical surgery without an adequate discussion of the effect. This study was conducted to reveal the impact of omentum-preserving gastrectomy on postoperative outcomes. AGC patients with cT3 and 4 disease who underwent total or distal gastrectomy with R0 resection were identified retrospectively. They were divided into the omentum-preserved group (OPG) and the omentum-resected group (ORG) and matched with propensity score matching with multiple imputation for missing values. Three-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) were compared, and the first recurrence site and complications were analysed. The numbers of eligible patients were 94 in the OPG and 144 in the ORG, and after matching, the number was 73 in each group. No significant difference was found in the 3-year OS rate (OPG: 78.9 vs. ORG: 78.9, P = 0.54) or the 3-year RFS rate (OPG: 77.8 vs. ORG: 68.2, P = 0.24). The proportions of peritoneal carcinomatosis and peritoneal dissemination as the first recurrence site and the rate and severity of complications were similar in the two groups. Omentectomy is not required for radical gastrectomy for AGC.
Wide-angle, wide-band, polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber for thermal energy harvesting
Authors: Elsharabasy Ahmed , Bakr Mohamed , Deen M. Jamal
Published: October 2020

We propose a wide-band metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA), using the coupling in the near-field of a quadruple split-ring resonator concentric with crossed ellipses. We designed the MPA with a metal–insulator-metal (MIM) structure for use in thermal energy harvesting. A gradient-based optimization approach was carried out to maximize the absorption of infrared (IR) radiation around 10 μm. Owing to the near-field coupling of resonators with optimal design parameters, the peaks of the absorption responses approach each other, thus broadening the overall bandwidth with almost unity absorptivity. The proposed design has a resonance at 10 μm resulting from magnetic polaritons (MPs) and thus maintains high absorption above 99% up to a range of incident-angles greater than 60° and exhibits a polarization-free behavior due to symmetry. When the optimal design was numerically examined to fabrication tolerances, it showed negligible sensitivities in the absorptivity with respect to design parameters. The strong electric field enhancement inside the split-ring gaps and between the ends of the cross arms and the surrounding ring enables designing MIM diodes to rectify the harvested thermal radiations at 288 K. MIM diodes can be built by the deposition of thin insulators to sit in these gaps. The MIM diode and MPA work together to harvest and rectify the incident IR radiation in a manner similar to the operation of rectennas. The MPA outperforms the traditional nano-antennas in impedance matching efficiency because of its higher resistance. Also, its dual-polarization reception capability doubles the rectenna efficiency. Our proposed MPA retained absorptivity more than 99% when coupled with MIM diodes whose resistances are in the range of 500 Ω–1 MΩ.
Construction of a dense genetic map of the Malus fusca fire blight resistant accession MAL0045 using tunable genotyping-by-sequencing SNPs and microsatellites
Authors: Emeriewen Ofere Francis , Richter Klaus , Berner Thomas , Keilwagen Jens , Schnable Patrick S. , Malnoy Mickael , Peil Andreas
Published: October 2020

Although, the Pacific crabapple,Malus fusca, is a hardy and disease resistant species, studies relating to the genetics of its unique traits are very limited partly due to the lack of a genetic map of this interesting wild apple. An accession ofM. fusca(MAL0045) of Julius Kühn-Institut collection in Germany is highly resistant to fire blight disease, incited by different strains of the causative pathogen—Erwinia amylovora. This is the most destructive bacterial disease ofMalusof which most of the domesticated apples (Malus domestica) are susceptible. Using a scarcely dense genetic map derived from a population of 134 individuals of MAL0045 × ‘Idared’, the locus (Mfu10) controlling fire blight resistance mapped on linkage group 10 (LG10) and explained up to 66% of the phenotypic variance with different strains. Although the development of robust and tightly linked molecular markers on LG10 through chromosome walking approach led to the identification of a major candidate gene, any minor effect locus remained elusive possibly due to the lack of marker density of the entire genetic map. Therefore, we have developed a dense genetic map ofM. fuscausing tunable genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) approach. Of thousands of de novo SNPs identified, 2677 were informative inM. fuscaand 90.5% of these successfully mapped. In addition, integration of SNP data and microsatellite (SSR) data resulted in a final map comprising 17 LGs with 613 loci spanning 1081.35 centi Morgan (cM). This map will serve as a template for mapping using different strains of the pathogen.
Deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis in obesity-dependent and -independent type-2 diabetes mellitus mouse models
Authors: Bonds Jacqueline A. , Shetti Aashutosh , Stephen Terilyn K. L. , Bonini Marcelo G. , Minshall Richard D. , Lazarov Orly
Published: October 2020

Hippocampal neurogenesis plays an important role in learning and memory function throughout life. Declines in this process have been observed in both aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. T2DM often results in cognitive decline in adults, and significantly increases the risk of AD development. The pathways underlying T2DM-induced cognitive deficits are not known. Some studies suggest that alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis may contribute to cognitive deterioration, however, the fate of neurogenesis in these studies is highly controversial. To address this problem, we utilized two models of T2DM: (1) obesity-independent MKR transgenic mice expressing a mutated form of the human insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) in skeletal muscle, and (2) Obesity-dependent db/db mice harboring a mutation in the leptin receptor. Our results show that both models of T2DM display compromised hippocampal neurogenesis. We show that the number of new neurons in the hippocampus of these mice is reduced. Clone formation capacity of neural progenitor cells isolated from the db/db mice is deficient. Expression of insulin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor was reduced in hippocampal neurospheres isolated from db/db mice. Results from this study warrant further investigation into the mechanisms underlying decreased neurogenesis in T2DM and its link to the cognitive decline observed in this disorder.
Validation of stable reference genes in Staphylococcus aureus to study gene expression under photodynamic treatment: a case study of SEB virulence factor analysis
Authors: Ogonowska Patrycja , Nakonieczna Joanna
Published: October 2020

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), encoded by the seb gene, is a virulence factor produced by Staphylococcus aureus that is involved mainly in food poisoning and is known to act as an aggravating factor in patients with atopic dermatitis. Research results in animal infection models support the concept that superantigens, including SEB contribute to sepsis and skin and soft tissue infections. In contrast to antibiotics, antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a promising method to combat both bacterial cells and virulence factors. The main aims of this research were to (1) select the most stable reference genes under sublethal aPDI treatments and (2) evaluate the impact of aPDI on seb. Two aPDI combinations were applied under sublethal conditions: rose bengal (RB) and green light (λmax = 515 nm) and new methylene blue (NMB) and red light (λmax = 632 nm). The stability of ten candidate reference genes (16S rRNA, fabD, ftsZ, gmk, gyrB, proC, pyk, rho, rpoB and tpiA) was evaluated upon aPDI using four software packages—BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder. Statistical analyses ranked ftsZ and gmk (RB + green light) and ftsZ, proC, and fabD (NMB + red light) as the most stable reference genes upon photodynamic treatment. Our studies showed downregulation of seb under both aPDI conditions, suggesting that aPDI could decrease the level of virulence factors.
Experimental measurements and modelling of viscosity and density of calcium and potassium chlorides ternary solutions
Authors: Arshad Mohammad , Easa Ahmed , Qiblawey Hazim , Nasser Mustafa , Benamor Abdelbaki , Bhosale Rahul , Al-Ghouti Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Measured viscosity and density data for ternary aqueous solutions of CaCl2 and KCl are presented at temperatures between 293 and 323 K with 5 K increment. A modified Jones–Dole was introduced by adding extra terms and proved to be suitable for modelling of the viscosity data. Goldsack and Franchetto, Hu and Exponential models are used to correlate the viscosity data, too. Al models are correlated as a function of temperature and concentration. All models had successfully predicted the viscosity with high precision reaching a maximum average absolute deviation (AAD) of less than 2.3%. The modified Jones–Dole showed the best results among other models. Viscosity of the ternary solution is higher than the viscosity of water by about 15% at low concentrations and reaches about 270% at the highest concentrations. The amount of CaCl2 has more significant effect on the ternary mixture viscosity compared to KCl. This has created difficulty in measuring the viscosity and consequently the challenge in finding the different models parameters. Ternary solution densities were successfully correlate with Kumar’s model with AAD of less than 0.4%. Comparison of the ternary solution density and viscosity with the few available data literature showed a good agreement.
Gravitational models explain shifts on human visual attention
Authors: Zanca Dario , Gori Marco , Melacci Stefano , Rufa Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Visual attention refers to the human brain’s ability to select relevant sensory information for preferential processing, improving performance in visual and cognitive tasks. It proceeds in two phases. One in which visual feature maps are acquired and processed in parallel. Another where the information from these maps is merged in order to select a single location to be attended for further and more complex computations and reasoning. Its computational description is challenging, especially if the temporal dynamics of the process are taken into account. Numerous methods to estimate saliency have been proposed in the last 3 decades. They achieve almost perfect performance in estimating saliency at the pixel level, but the way they generate shifts in visual attention fully depends on winner-take-all (WTA) circuitry. WTA is implemented by the biological hardware in order to select a location with maximum saliency, towards which to direct overt attention. In this paper we propose a gravitational model to describe the attentional shifts. Every single feature acts as an attractor and the shifts are the result of the joint effects of the attractors. In the current framework, the assumption of a single, centralized saliency map is no longer necessary, though still plausible. Quantitative results on two large image datasets show that this model predicts shifts more accurately than winner-take-all.
CT features and disease spread patterns in ROS1-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas: comparison with those of EGFR-mutant or ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Woo Jung Han , Kim Tae Jung , Kim Tae Sung , Han Joungho
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in CT characteristics and disease spread patterns between ROS1-rearranged adenocarcinomas and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged adenocarcinomas. Patients with stage IIIb/IV adenocarcinoma with ROS1 rearrangement, EGFR mutations, or ALK rearrangement were retrospectively identified. Two radiologists evaluated CT features and disease spread patterns. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine the clinical and CT characteristics that can discriminate between ROS1-rearranged and EGFR-mutant or ALK-rearranged adenocarcinomas. A cohort of 169 patients was identified (ROS1 = 23, EGFR = 120, and ALK = 26). Compared to EGFR-mutant adenocarcinomas, ROS1-rearranged adenocarcinomas were less likely to have air-bronchogram (p = 0.011) and pleural retraction (p = 0.048) and more likely to have pleural effusion (p = 0.025), pericardial metastases (p < 0.001), intrathoracic and extrathoracic nodal metastases (p = 0.047 and 0.023, respectively), and brain metastases (p = 0.017). Following multivariable analysis, age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12; p = 0.024), pericardial metastases (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 2.10, 52.60; p = 0.005), and nodal metastases (OR = 8.55; 95% CI: 1.14, 62.52; p = 0.037) were found to be more common in ROS1-rearranged tumors than in non-ROS1-rearranged tumors. ROS1-rearranged adenocarcinomas appeared as solid tumors and were associated with young age, pericardial metastases and advanced nodal metastases relative to tumors with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangement.
A biocompatible PAA-Cu-MOP hydrogel for wound healing
Authors: Chen Linlin , Qin Yu , Cheng Jing , Cheng Yi , Lu Zhixiang , Liu Xiaolan , Yang Shaoxiong , Lu Shuhan , Zheng Liyan , Cao Qiue
Published: October 2020

PAA-Cu-MOP hydrogel prepared by a facile mixing and ultrasonic procedure showed an excellent wound healing behavior which was better than that of commercial recombinant human epidermal growth factor.
Analytical validation of an ATR-FTIR based method for quantifying the amount of polysorbate 80 adsorbed on PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Sinha Nabodita , Joshi Abhayraj Shrikrishna , Thakur Ashwani Kumar
Published: October 2020

Method validation for calculating the amount of polysorbate 80 adsorbed on PLGA nanoparticles for regulatory compliance.
Cesium iodide post-treatment of organic–inorganic perovskite crystals to improve photovoltaic performance and thermal stability
Authors: Kogo Atsushi , Chikamatsu Masayuki
Published: October 2020

Treating organic–inorganic perovskites with CsI solution improves the photovoltaic performance up to 20.48% and thermal stability.
Molecular recognition and sensing of dicarboxylates and dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Butler Stephen M. , Jolliffe Katrina A.
Published: October 2020

This review outlines challenges faced in recognition and detection of dicarboxylic acids and dicarboxylates and strategies used to obtain effective and observable interactions in the period from 2014 to 2020.
Inherently degradable cross-linked polyesters and polycarbonates: resins to be cheerful
Authors: Șucu Theona , Shaver Michael P.
Published: October 2020

We summarise the most recent advances in the synthesis and characterisation of degradable thermosetting polyester and polycarbonates, including partially degradable systems derived from itaconic acid and isosorbide.
Machine learning-based prediction of toxicity of organic compounds towards fathead minnow
Authors: Chen Xingmei , Dang Limin , Yang Hai , Huang Xianwei , Yu Xinliang
Published: October 2020

A quantitative structure–toxicity relationship of 963 chemicals against fathead minnow was developed by using support vector machine and genetic algorithm.
Immobilizing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst on a recyclable polymeric composite for floating and suspended applications in water treatment
Authors: Mehmood Ch. Tahir , Zhong Ziyi , Zhou Hua , Zhang Chenchen , Xiao Yeyuan
Published: October 2020

A recyclable visible light-responsive nanocomposite was prepared and immobilized in a spherical polymeric matrix having inter-switchable suspended or buoyant forms for wastewater treatment.
New zinc complexes derived from “self-adaptable” acyclic diiminodipyrromethanes as potent catalysts for the reduction of curing temperature of bisphenol-A/F benzoxazines
Authors: Loke Shiva K. , Pagadala Eswar , Devaraju S. , Srinivasadesikan V. , Kottalanka Ravi K.
Published: October 2020

The present work utilized the “self-adaptable” acyclic diiminodipyrromethane Schiff's bases (2a and 2b) for the synthesis of their Zn-based complexes and explored their potential in the ring-opening polymerization of BA-a and BF-a benzoxazines.
Multiscale modeling of molecular structure and optical properties of complex supramolecular aggregates
Authors: Bondarenko Anna S. , Patmanidis Ilias , Alessandri Riccardo , Souza Paulo C. T. , Jansen Thomas L. C. , de Vries Alex H. , Marrink Siewert J. , Knoester Jasper
Published: October 2020

Multiscale modeling resolves the molecular structure of a synthetic light-harvesting complex, unraveling the microscopic origin of its photophysical properties.
Construction and bioimaging application of novel indole heptamethine cyanines containing functionalized tetrahydropyridine rings
Authors: Ma Xiaoxie , Zhang Chen , Feng Lan , Liu Sheng Hua , Tan Ying , Yin Jun
Published: October 2020

IR780 as a commercially available dye with near-infrared emission has been extensively applied in fluorescent probes and bioimaging.
White-light electroluminescence from a layer incorporating a single fully-organic spiro compound with phosphine oxide substituents
Authors: Tourneur P. , Lucas F. , Quinton C. , Olivier Y. , Lazzaroni R. , Viville P. , Cornil J. , Poriel C.
Published: October 2020

We have investigated the potential as an OLED emitter of a spiro compound with phosphine substituents initially designed as a host layer for triplet emitters.
Aggregation-induced emission based on a fluorinated macrocycle: visualizing spontaneous and ultrafast solid-state molecular motions at room temperatureviaF⋯F interactions
Authors: Zhang Mei , Guo Jingjing , Liu Tingting , He Zhanyu , Irfan Majeed , Zhao Zujin , Zeng Zhuo
Published: October 2020

We report the first example of fluorinated macrocycle, where two adjacent6F-2macrocycles were linked by two C–F⋯F–C halogen interactions, which endowed the molecule with autonomous and rapid MFC reversibility, within 100 s, at room temperature.
Language Development From Early Childhood to Adolescence in Youths With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Brady Nancy C. , Fleming Kandace , Bredin-Oja Shelley L. , Fielding-Gebhardt Heather , Warren Steven F.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate language growth in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) from early childhood to adolescence and the influence of maternal responsivity on language growth.

Method

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of language development in 55 youths (44 males, 11 females) with FXS. Data collection spanned the ages of 11–216 months. We measured expressive and receptive vocabulary with standardized tests. The number of different words and mean length of utterance were obtained from language sample analyses of mother–child interactions. We also measured maternal comments (responsivity indicator) produced during the language samples and child nonverbal IQ.

Results

Growth models indicated that rates of number of different words and receptive vocabulary were related to maternal commenting. Mean length of utterance did not change significantly over time. Expressive vocabulary measured with a standardized test grew, but the growth was not related to maternal commenting. Nonverbal IQ was related to all language outcomes at age of 10 years and to changes over time in vocabulary. Visual analysis indicated that the highest scores on standardized tests were produced by girls; however, measures derived from language sample analyses appeared similar for boys and girls. Language models for boys only were similar to the total sample models with lower scores at age of 10 years for some outcomes.

Conclusion

Results of persistent language impairments for most youths with FXS suggest the need for continued, focused interventions aimed at improved language productions in addition to a responsive environment.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13022825
Increasing the technological and economic efficiency of nursery production based on processes biologization
Authors: Egorov Evgeniy , Shadrina Zhanna , Kochyan Gayane
Published: October 2020

The necessity of reformatting the structural organization of processes, which determines the priority of using the ways, forms and methods of the sixth technological structure, in particular, biotechnologies is actualized. The main definitions are given: nursery, biologization, greening, resource saving, promising technology. The analysis of the efficiency of sapling fruit production, the structural organization of specific processes for the production of planting material and sapling is presented. The main elements of the agrocenosis, which are most susceptible to chemical and technogenic effects, have been determined. The analysis of soil fertility and the state of soil biota is carried out, the problem of microbiological processes branch in all agrocenosis elements is actualized. It was found that the increased chemical load on the agrocenosis of the fruit nursery led to the destruction of microflora useful species. The nature of plant organs infection has changed, and negative changes have occurred in the plants immune status. The priority role of biologization in ensuring the stability of the fruit nursery agrocenosis has been substantiated.
The organization of the virus-tested planting material production for the grape varieties of the local and foreign selection in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kazybayeva Saule , Dolgikh Svetlana , Kulshanov Shokan , Urazayeva Marina , Ushkempirova Gulnaz
Published: October 2020

The intensification of viniculture involves the organization of the virus-tested planting material production, establishment of the basic parent plantings, certification of the virus-tested planting material with the control of genetic stability of the grape plants propagated in tissue culture. The modified nutritional medium was developed for microclonal propagation of vine in vitro with the content of the free amino acids: glycine and glutamine, increasing propagation factor up to 15% and the number of nodes on microplant up to 27%.