bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The matriptase‐prostasin proteolytic cascade in dermatologic diseases
Authors: Touati Andrew , Saeidian Amir Hossein , Youssefian Leila , Faghankhani Masoomeh , Niaziorimi Fatemeh , Pajouhanfar Sara , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Uitto Jouni
Published: April 2020

The proper development and function of skin and hair are dependent on proteolytic activities. Specifically, the matriptase‐prostasin cascade is a series of proteolytic reactions in the epidermis integral to normal regulation of desquamation. An increasing amount of research describing this pathway has recently become available, and the importance of this pathway is exhibited by the association of genetic defects in this pathway with human diseases of the skin and hair. Given the relevance of this pathway to dermatology, we provide a review of the current understanding of its relevance to distinct clinical entities, including ichthyosis‐hypotrichosis and Netherton syndromes.
An in‐depth neurobehavioral characterization shows anxiety‐like traits, impaired habituation behavior, and restlessness in male Cryptochrome‐deficient mice
Authors: Hühne Anisja , Volkmann Paul , Stephan Marius , Rossner Moritz , Landgraf Dominic
Published: April 2020

Many psychiatric disorders, for example, anxiety, are accompanied by disturbances of circadian rhythms, including disturbed sleep/wake cycles, changes in locomotor activity, and abnormal endocrine function. Conversely, alternations of circadian rhythms are a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders. This assumption is supported by animals with clock gene mutations which often display behaviors that resemble human psychiatric disorders. In this study, we performed an in‐depth behavioral analysis with male mice lacking the central clock genes Cryptochrome 1 and 2 (Cry1/2−/−), which are thus unable to express endogenous circadian rhythms. With wild‐type and Cry1/2−/− mice, we performed an extensive behavioral analysis to study their cognitive abilities, social behavior, and their expression of depression‐like and anxiety‐like behavior. While Cry1/2−/− mice showed only mild abnormalities at cognitive and social behavioral levels, they were consistently more anxious than wildtype mice. Anxiety‐like behavior was particularly evident in reduced mobility in new environments, altered ability to habituate, compensatory behavior, and consistent restless behavior across many behavioral tests. In line with their anxiety‐like behavioral phenotype, Cry1/2−/− mice have higher c‐Fos activity in the amygdala after exposure to an anxiogenic stressor than wild‐type mice. In our study, we identified Cry1/2−/− mice as animals that qualify as a translational mouse model for anxiety disorder in humans because of its consistent behavior of restlessness, increased immobility, and dysfunctional habituation in new environments.
Plaque disclosing agent as a guide for professional biofilm removal: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mensi Magda , Scotti Eleonora , Sordillo Annamaria , Agosti Raffaele , Calza Stefano
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate through computer software analysis, the efficacy of the use of a plaque disclosing agent as a visual guide for biofilm removal during professional mechanical plaque removal in terms of post‐treatment residual plaque area (RPA).

Methods

Thirty‐two healthy patients were selected and randomized in two groups to receive a session of professional mechanical plaque removal with air‐polishing followed by ultrasonic instrumentation with (Guided Biofilm therapy—GBT) or without (Control) the preliminary application of a plaque disclosing agent as visual guide. The residual plaque area (RPA) was evaluated through re‐application of the disclosing agent and computer software analysis, considering the overall tooth surface and the gingival and coronal portions separately.

Results

A statistically and clinically significant difference between treatments is observed, with GBT achieving an RPA of 6.1% (4.1‐9.1) vs 12.0% (8.2‐17.3) of the Control on the Gingival surface and of 3.5% (2.3‐5.2) vs 9.0% (6‐13.1) on the Coronal, with a proportional reduction going from 49.2% (P‐value = .018) on the former surface to more than 60% (P‐value = .002) on the latter.

Conclusion

The application of a plaque disclosing agent to guide plaque removal seems to lead to better biofilm removal.
Rescaling the Sanctuary City: Police and Non‐Status Migrants in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hershkowitz Mia , Hudson Graham , Bauder Harald
Published: April 2020

Canadian cities pledge to provide access to municipal services to non‐status migrants and withhold information identifying non‐status migrants from federal immigration authorities. Despite these promises, local police continue to cooperate with the Canada Border Services Agency, which raises questions about the capacity of cities to honour their promises. An empirical study involved interviews with high‐ranking police officers in eight local jurisdictions in Ontario about police perceptions regarding their role in the enforcement of federal immigration law and their obligations to honour sanctuary‐city policies. The results show that many police officers believe they possess legal authority to report non‐status migrants to federal authorities. We suggest that this belief rests on misconceptions about the relationship between criminal law and immigration law, claims of jurisdictional immunity from municipal government, and distortions of the principles of policing in Canada. Rescaling of sanctuary policies to the provincial level may offer solutions.
Outcomes of incisional negative pressure wound therapy following brachiobasilic transposition arteriovenous fistula creation: A 1:2 propensity score matched study
Authors: Chan Kai Siang , Arunaachalam Muthaiah , Hong Qiantai , Yong En Ming , Lingam Pravin , Zhang Li , Chandrasekar Sadhana , Tan Glenn Wei Leong , Lo Zhiwen Joseph
Published: April 2020

Incisional negative wound pressure therapy (iNPWT) use on closed incisions has been shown to improve wound outcomes, but no studies have evaluated the use of iNPWT following brachiobasilic transposition arteriovenous fistula (BBT‐AVF). We aim to investigate the efficacy of iNPWT vs conventional wound therapy in reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) for BBT‐AVF incisions. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent BBT‐AVF creation between January 2010 and December 2017. A 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias and address for confounding factors. Study outcomes included SSI and haematoma incidence, 30‐day readmission, and 30‐day mortality. A total of 154 patients were reviewed in this study: 47 (30.5%) had iNPWT and 107 (69.5%) had conventional wound therapy. The overall median age was 60.5 (interquartile range 54–69). PSM with a 1:2 ratio resulted in a total of 117 patients (39 iNPWT and 78 conventional wound therapy). In the unmatched cohort, SSI incidence was lower in the iNPWT group (n = 1/47 [2.1%] vs n = 14/107 [13.1%], P = .035). However, incidence of SSI was comparable between iNPWT and conventional wound therapy after matching (n = 1/39 [2.6%] vs n = 9/78 [11.5%], P = .102). There was no significant difference in 30‐day readmission and 30‐day mortality. Within our study population of patients with BBT‐AVF incisions, there is a non‐statistically significant reduction in SSI incidence for patients who received iNPWT as compared with conventional wound therapy. Further prospective randomised controlled studies should be conducted to validate these findings.
Comment on: “Effect of particle size on the optical properties of lead zirconate titanate nanopowders” [J. Am. Cream. Soc. 2018;101:5335–5345]
Authors: Sahebi Ramezan
Published: April 2020

In a recent paper [J Am Ceram Soc. 2018;101:5335‐5345], Pakizeh and Moradi studied the structural, morphological, and optical properties of lead zirconate titanate nanopowders. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of samples were calculated based on reflectance and phase angle between the incident and reflected signals for a particular wavenumber. The authors used the Beer‐Lamber equation to calculate the reflectance spectra. It is shown in this comment that they have used a wrong relation to calculate the reflectance, and consequently, calculated results based on the reflectance, such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant, LO and TO phonon modes are incorrect.
Processing and electromechanical properties of high‐coercive field ZnO‐doped PIN‐PZN‐PT ceramics
Authors: Brova Michael J. , Watson Beecher H. , Walton Rebecca L. , Kupp Elizabeth R. , Fanton Mark A. , Meyer Richard J. , Messing Gary L.
Published: April 2020

This study explores sintering and piezoelectricity of ZnO‐doped perovskite Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PIN‐PZN‐PT) ceramics. The enhanced densification of ZnO‐doped PIN‐PZN‐PT is attributed to the formation of oxygen vacancies by the incorporation of Zn2+ into the perovskite B‐site and increased rate of bulk diffusion relative to undoped PIN‐PZN‐PT. Incorporation of Zn2+ into the perovskite lattice increased the tetragonal character of PIN‐PZN‐PT as demonstrated by tetragonal peak splitting and increased Curie temperature. Sintering in flowing oxygen reduced the solubility of Zn2+ in the perovskite lattice and resulted in rhombohedral PIN‐PZN‐PT. Sintering in oxygen prevented secondary phase formation which resulted in a high‐piezoelectric coefficient (d33 – 550 pC/N), high‐coercive field (Ec – 13 kV/cm), and high‐rhombohedral to tetragonal phase transition temperature (Tr‐t – 165°C). We conclude that ZnO‐doped PIN‐PZN‐PT ceramics are excellent candidates for high‐power transducer applications.
Effect of workplace ostracism on emotional exhaustion and unethical behaviour among Chinese nurses: A time‐lagged three‐wave survey
Authors: Qi Lei , Cai Di , Liu Bing , Feng Taiwen
Published: April 2020

Aim

This study examined the following: (a) the impact of nurses' workplace ostracism on unethical behaviour; (b) mediating role of emotional exhaustion between nurses' workplace ostracism and unethical behaviour; and (c) moderating effect of hostile attribution bias.

Background

While unethical behaviour is a workplace phenomenon that can negatively influence the sustainable development of settings, few nurse studies have explored it. This study identified an interpersonal antecedent of unethical behaviour: workplace ostracism.

Design

A time‐lagged three‐wave survey was conducted over 3 months (November 2016–January 2017) to collect data.

Methods

Nurses (N = 530) from three hospitals in China completed three anonymous self‐reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, and moderated mediation tests were performed, and data analysed using SPSS 23.0 and Mplus7.4.

Results

Workplace ostracism positively influenced nurses' unethical behaviour and emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between workplace ostracism and unethical behaviour. Nurses' hostile attribution bias moderated the effect of workplace ostracism on emotional exhaustion and unethical behaviour.

Conclusion

Workplace ostracism was an important interpersonal factor predicting unethical behaviour. Nurse supervisors should establish a harmonious interpersonal environment and be aware of hostile attribution bias to prevent nurses' unethical behaviour.

Impact

Workplace ostracism is a pervasive phenomenon in the nursing workplace that contributes to unethical behaviour. Nurse supervisors and staff should together establish harmonious working environments without workplace ostracism. Nurse supervisors should pay attention to nurses' emotions and conduct psychological counselling to minimize the negative effects of workplace ostracism. This study contributed to understanding how and why nurses engaged in unethical behaviour.
What works in community health education for adults with learning disabilities: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Owens Rebecca , Earle Sarah , McNulty Cliodna , Tilley Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Background

Research suggests there is insufficient good quality information regarding the effectiveness of health education aimed at adults with intellectual disabilities. By analysing the literature, this review aimed to identify what constituted effectiveness in this context.

Method

Relevant evaluations were extracted from bibliographic databases according to pre‐specified criteria. Papers were analysed using QSR NVivo 11 by developing a narrative synthesis and analytic framework that identified and explored text addressing the research question.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. The review identified two broad components of effective health education: mechanisms and context. Mechanisms included embedded programme flexibility, appropriate and accessible resources, and motivational delivery. An effective context included an accessible and supportive environment and longer term opportunities for reinforcement of learning.

Conclusions

Important gaps in the literature highlighted a need for further research addressing community learning experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities as well as the effectiveness of infection prevention programmes.
Hypomethylation of PRDM1 is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Du Guizhen , Yu Mingming , Xu Qiaoqiao , Huang Zhenyao , Huang Xiaomin , Han Li , Fan Yun , Zhang Yan , Wang Ruohan , Xu Shuyu , Han Xiumei , Fu Guangbo , Lv Shuyan , Qin Yufeng , Wang Xinru , Lu Chuncheng , Xia Yankai
Published: April 2020

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) rates have continued to rise during the last few decades, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. An emerging area of interest is the mediation of gene expression by DNA methylation during early pregnancy. Here, genome‐wide DNA methylation from placental villi was profiled in both RPL patients and controls. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes were analysed for changes in gene expression. Many significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified near genes dysregulated in RPL including PRDM1. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in immune response pathways indicating that abnormal immune regulation contributes to RPL. Integrated analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome demonstrated that the expression level of PRDM1 is fine‐tuned by DNA methylation. Specifically, hypomethylation near the transcription start site of PRDM1 can recruit other transcription factors, like FOXA1 and GATA2, leading to up‐regulation of gene expression and resulting in changes to trophoblast cell apoptosis and migration. These phenotypic differences may be involved in RPL. Overall, our study provides new insights into PRDM1‐dependent regulatory effects during RPL and suggests both a mechanistic link between changes in PRDM1 expression, as well as a role for PRDM1 methylation as a potential biomarker for RPL diagnosis.
In “The Pit”: Architecture and the Power of the Tellurian in Lima
Authors: Gandolfo Daniella
Published: April 2020

En el centro de Lima, dos estructuras están en proximidad íntima y en mundos aparte. Una es la torre modernista de la Corte Superior de Lima, erigida en 1954, la otra, el campo ferial de “El Hueco,” a la sombra de la torre. Los dos sitios fueron concebidos conjuntamente como parte de un proyecto de modernización del gobierno que nunca se completó. El Hueco se encuentra dentro de un pozo de construcción inacabado, donde, bajo los auspicios de su santo patrón, el Señor de los Milagros, también conocido como el Señor de los Temblores, los comerciantes venden ropa y electrodomésticos junto a productos pirata y falsificados. Desde su ubicación en el Centro Histórico a su omisión de leyes comerciales y el código de construcción, El Hueco es un lugar que desafía el legado patrimonial de Lima y la grandeza de la torre al otro lado de la avenida. En su existencia contra todo pronóstico, ¿qué explica su poder de permanencia? La investigación archivística y etnográfica nos dirige a las fuerzas telúricas encarnadas en el santo patrón de los comerciantes y en su potencial influencia contra la planificación urbana impulsada por el Estado como medio de control social.
Theoretical basis and clinical practice for FUE megasession hair transplantation in the treatment of large area androgenic alopecia
Authors: Gan Yu‐Yang , Du Li‐Juan , Hong Wei‐Jin , Hu Zhi‐Qi , Miao Yong
Published: April 2020

Background

Large area androgenic alopecia patients seeking hair transplantation treatment has become common. FUE Megasession has become a choice for more and more people. Long‐term in vitro preservation of hair follicles during FUE Megasession has become a new challenge.

Objective

To explore optimal in vitro preservation condition according to FUE Megasession long‐period surgery time and to perform clinical practice to confirm the feasibility.

Methods

Human follicles were obtained from informed patients by FUE Megasession and preserved under different conditions. Live and dead staining with DAPI was used to assess the survival rate of cells. Hair follicles were preserved in vitro for 7 days under different conditions, and the extension of the hair shaft was observed. We also performed some clinical procedures to illustrate the effectiveness of these methods.

Results

Under the condition of 4℃ Ringer's solution, the death rate of hair follicle cells was lower than that of the rest. 4℃ Ringer's solution supported superior growth of the hair follicle unit according to organ culture. 8‐h preservation in 4℃ Ringer's solution was kept as high survival rate as the traditional hair transplantation surgery（P > .05）. Clinical procedures confirmed the feasibility of FUE Megasession hair transplantation surgery.

Conclusion

4℃ Ringer's solution in vitro preservation is optimal for clinical FUE Megasession surgery which ensures the hair follicle survival rate and postoperative results.
Culturalized Religion: A Synthetic Review and Agenda for Research
Authors: Astor Avi , Mayrl Damon
Published: April 2020

Scholars have taken a growing interest in what we call “culturalized religion”—that is, forms of religious identification, discourse, and expression that are primarily cultural in character, insofar as they are divorced from belief in religious dogma or participation in religious ritual. This article aims to clarify our current thinking about these phenomena so as to facilitate future theoretical and empirical work. Drawing on recent work in the sociology of culture, we distinguish between culturalized religion as a form of constituted culture, a form of pragmatic culture, and a form of identity; and theorize three principal types of relations connecting each of these modalities: reinforcing relationships, resource relationships, and destabilizing relationships. In so doing, we develop an inclusive and dynamic approach to studying culturalized religion that clears the ground for further research into its diverse modalities and manifestations, as well as their points of intersection and interaction.
Response to direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C treatment in vertically HIV/HCV co‐infected patients
Authors: Carrasco Itzíar , Sainz Talía , Frick Marie Antoinette , Jiménez de Ory Santiago , Fortuny Claudia , Burgos Joaquin , Montero Marta , Gavilán César , Falcón María Dolores , Couceiro José Antonio , Bernardino José Ignacio , Bisbal Otilia , Guerrero Carmelo , Aldámiz‐Echevarría María Teresa , Berenguer Juan , Navarro María Luisa ,   the Pediatric National AIDS Research Network of Spain (CoRISpe) integrated in the Translational Research Network in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (RITIP)
Published: April 2020

Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV treatment have improved tolerance and efficacy among adults, but experience in vertical transmission is scarce. In our vertically HIV/HCV co‐infected youth cohort of 58 patients, DAA achieved excellent rates of cure among naïve and pretreated individuals. Treating vertically infected seems important as 29.6% displayed advanced fibrosis at treatment initiation.
On the timing and coordination of articulatory movements: Historical perspectives and current theoretical challenges
Authors: Krause Peter A. , Kawamoto Alan H.
Published: April 2020

The timing and coordination of articulatory movements is essential to producing speech. A considerable body of literature explores the cognitive and motor control mechanisms involved. This review provides an accessible introduction to that literature, while highlighting articulatory phenomena that challenge prevailing views. We begin with the concept of dynamic articulatory gestures, and their role in the coproduction account of coarticulation. We then outline prominent accounts of gestural coordination. These accounts generally assume that speech planning involves the selection of coarsely grained units, which then unfold involuntarily. Later we consider evidence that speakers rapidly adapt to surprising acoustic feedback, that they plan around the expected timing of upcoming acoustic consequences, and that they reshape the articulatory time course on the fly. These findings suggest that movements can be flexibly modified, and that execution can considerably overlap planning. We advocate for speech models that permit speakers fine‐grained control over unfolding articulation.
Diachronic change and synchronic variation in the Korean stop laryngeal contrast
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Holliday Jeffrey J. , Kong Eun Jong
Published: April 2020

In this review, we survey the acoustic and perceptual properties of the three‐way laryngeal contrast among voiceless stops in Korean. Paying special attention to variation across dialects and generations, we show how the phonetic properties of the stops have changed over the past 60 years and how different phonological features across regional dialects have interacted with the phonetic cues of the stop contrast. Presenting both acoustic and perceptual evidence, we argue that the Seoul Korean stop system is a good example of phonetic reorganization of distinctive phonological categories in that the importance of the consonantal cue (VOT) has decreased over time as that of the vocalic cue (F0) has increased. The innovative phonetic pattern is also observed in children's speech, indicating that children also need to acquire F0 as well as VOT to differentiate the stop contrast. This sound change seems to have spread widely to other regional and diaspora varieties of Korean as well. For tonal varieties such as Kyungsang and Yanbian Korean, the role of the innovative cue, F0, is less reliable than it is for non‐tonal varieties of Korean, though recent studies have revealed that even in these varieties the importance of F0 to the laryngeal contrast is increasingly becoming similar to Seoul Korean. Finally, non‐tonal varieties, such as Jeju, Shenyang Korean, and North American heritage Korean, have displayed Seoul‐like changes, suggesting that although these varieties of Korean are in a different stage of the change, they share the same direction.
The chemosensory systems of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Ortega Davi R. , Kjær Andreas , Briegel Ariane
Published: April 2020

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the acute diarrheal disease cholera, is able to thrive in diverse habitats such as natural water bodies and inside human hosts. To ensure their survival, these bacteria rely on chemosensory pathways to sense and respond to changing environmental conditions. These pathways constitute a highly sophisticated cellular control system in Bacteria and Archaea. Reflecting the complex life cycle of V. cholerae, this organism has three different chemosensory pathways that together contain over 50 proteins expressed under different environmental conditions. Only one of them is known to control motility, while the function of the other two remains to be discovered. Here, we provide an overview of the chemosensory systems in V. cholerae and the advances toward understanding their structure and function.
Mating patterns of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) explored using an unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Orbach Dara N. , Eaton Jordan , Fiori Lorenzo , Piwetz Sarah , Weir Jody S. , Würsig Melany , Würsig Bernd
Published: April 2020

Few studies have explored the mating patterns of free‐ranging cetaceans, largely because of logistical challenges. We used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to follow and video‐record 25 groups of mating dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) near the surface of the water and examine how behavior patterns varied with mating group type. We collected aerial footage of dolphins mating in traditional Isolated Pods and within Integrated Pods and compared differences in the number of mating animals, swimming speed, bearing change, percent time at the surface of the water, female respiration rate, copulatory position rate, and sex‐specific mating behaviors. Only the mean number of mating animals and some sex‐specific mating behaviors varied significantly between the two mating group types. More dolphins were engaged in mating behaviors in Isolated Pods than Integrated Pods. Males engaged in more interference behaviors in Isolated Pods compared to Integrated Pods. Females performed fewer speed bursts but more rolls on their backs in Integrated Pods compared to Isolated Pods. Several similarities and differences were found in comparison to boat‐based research of the same population of dolphins. We highlight the value of UAVs for noninvasive and accurate collection of cetacean behavioral data.
The spatial–numerical association of response codes effect and math skills: why related?
Authors: Cipora Krzysztof , He Yunfeng , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph
Published: April 2020

Evidence from multiple studies conducted in the past few decades converges on the conclusion that numerical properties can be associated with specific directions in space. Such spatial–numerical associations (SNAs), as a signature of elementary number processing, seem to be a likely correlate of math skills. Nevertheless, almost three decades of research on the spatial–numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect, the hallmark of SNAs, has not provided conclusive results on whether there is a relation with math skills. Here, going beyond reviewing the existing literature on the topic, we try to answer a more fundamental question about why the SNARC effect should (and should not) be related to math skills. We propose a multiroute model framework for a SNARC–math skills relationship. We conclude that the relationship is not straightforward and that several other factors should be considered, which under certain circumstances or in certain groups can cause effects of opposite directions. The model can account for conflicting results, and thus may be helpful for deriving predictions in future studies.
Association between hyperglycemia and the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia in China
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Yang , Zhang Hua , Hua Hong
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the association between hyperglycemia and the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia (OLK).

Patients and Methods

This retrospective case–control study involved 133 patients with the malignant transformation of OLK into oral squamous cell carcinoma (case group) and 266 patients with untransformed OLK (control group). The clinical history and follow‐up data included age, gender, lesion size and location, and fasting plasma glucose. Logistic regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the effects of risk factors on the malignant transformation of OLK.

Results

Hyperglycemia (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 4.7, p = .001), non‐homogenous OLK (AHR = 3.0, p < .001), location of the lesion on the ventral surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth (AHR = 3.6, p < .001), and epithelial dysplasia (AHR = 2.8, p = .005) had significant effects on the malignant transformation of OLK.

Conclusion

Hyperglycemia, non‐homogenous OLK, location of the lesion on the ventral surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth, and epithelial dysplasia might be associated with malignant transformation of OLK.
A multilayer network in an herbaceous tropical community reveals multiple roles of floral visitors
Authors: de Oliveira Lima Geiza , Leite Ana Virgínia , Souza Camila Silveira , Castro Cibele Cardoso , de Santana Bezerra Elisangela Lucia
Published: April 2020

Flower visitation does not necessarily mean pollination. In this sense, floral visitors can either act as mutualists (pollinators) or antagonists (floral robbers/thieves), indicating that these interactions are part of a continuum and that a visitor species can present multiple behaviours. We included both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions between plants and floral visitors in a multilayer network to explore the consequences (at the community level) of the dual roles played by flower visitors. The multilayer network of interactions was formed by herbaceous plants (12 species) and insects that visited their flowers (21 species) in an area of Atlantic Forest in Brazil from Jul 2015 to May 2016. The two layers presented similar structures, with high overlap between them. Similar to what was expected, the antagonistic layer was more modular and specialized than the mutualistic layer. Some visitor species exhibited highly central, dual roles, acting as both antagonists and mutualists. Most behaved consistently as mutualists in all their visits, especially bees, which formed a predominantly mutualistic group. Butterflies represented a mixed group in relation to their visits and flies made more antagonistic visits. This research represents an important step towards understanding the role of mutualisms and antagonisms in the structure of interaction networks between herbaceous plants and floral visitors in tropical environments.
Progress in zero‐fluoroscopy implantation of cardiac electronic device
Authors: Qiu Jie , Wang Yan , Chen Guangzhi , Zhao Chunxia , Wang Dao Wen
Published: April 2020

Fluoroscopy is the imaging modality routinely used for cardiac device implantation. Due to the rising concern regarding the harmful effects of radiation exposure to both the patients and operation staffs, many efforts have been made to develop alternative techniques to achieve zero‐fluoroscopy implantation. In this review, we describe the different methods aimed at avoiding the application of fluoroscopy in recent years, and evaluate their feasibility and safety in cardiac electronic device implantation.
Sulforaphane as an adjunctive treatment for irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Momtazmanesh Sara , Amirimoghaddam‐Yazdi Zeinab , Moghaddam Hossein Sanjari , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: April 2020

Aim

Irritability related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) complicates the management of ASD patients at home and in clinical settings. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of adjuvant treatment with risperidone and sulforaphane in alleviating the irritability of children with ASD.

Methods

Sixty drug‐free patients aged 4–12 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving risperidone plus sulforaphane or placebo. Risperidone was started with a daily dose of 0.25 mg in patients weighing <20 kg and 0.5 mg in those weighing ≥20 kg and increased stepwise to reach a maximum of 1 mg (<20 kg), 2.5 mg (20–45 kg), and 3.5 mg (>45 kg). Sulforaphane was administered at a daily dose of 50 μmol (≤45 kg) or 100 μmol (>45 kg). The participants were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist – Community Edition at baseline and at Weeks 5 and 10.

Results

Compared to the placebo group, ASD patients in the sulforaphane group showed greater improvements in Irritability score (primary outcome measure; P = 0.001) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance score (secondary outcome measure; P = 0.015), and significant Time × Treatment effect for Irritability (P = 0.007) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (P = 0.008). However, no difference was seen in improvements in the other secondary measures: Lethargy/Social Interaction score, Stereotypic Behavior score, Inappropriate Speech score, and frequency of adverse events.

Conclusion

Our results support the safety and efficacy of sulforaphane as an adjuvant to risperidone for improvement of irritability and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD.
New Synthesized Galloyl‐RGD Inhibits Melanogenesis by Regulating the CREB and ERK Signaling Pathway in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Shin Seo Yeon , Sun Sang Ouk , Ko Jae Yeon , Oh Yun Seo , Cho Seung‐Sik , Park Dae‐Hun , Park Kyung Mok
Published: April 2020

Gallic acid (3, 4, 5‐trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a phytochemical derived from diverse herbs. It has been reported to have effective antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant activity. However, gallic acid exhibits low solubility and instability at high temperatures. In a previous study, in order to overcome these limitations, we synthesized galloyl‐RGD by combining gallic acid with arginine, glycine and asparaginic acid (RGD peptide). This compound showed better thermal stability than gallic acid. In this study, we investigated the antimelanogenic effect of galloyl‐RGD and the underlying mechanism for this effect. Galloyl‐RGD markedly inhibited melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. We also found that galloyl‐RGD decreased the levels of melanogenesis‐related gene and protein. In addition, galloyl‐RGD reduces intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels that leads to inhibition of cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and activates extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) expression. These results indicate that CREB and ERK regulation by galloyl‐RGD contributes to reduced melanin synthesis via degradation of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor. Therefore, galloyl‐RGD can be potential candidate for application in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry.
Evaluating Lightning‐Caused Fire Occurrence Using Spatial Generalized Additive Models: A Case Study in Central Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez José Ramón , Ordóñez Celestino , Roca‐Pardiñas Javier , Vecín‐Arias Daniel , Castedo‐Dorado Fernando
Published: April 2020

It is widely accepted that the relationship between lightning wildfire occurrence and its influencing factors vary depending on the spatial scale of analysis, making the development of models at the regional scale advisable. In this study, we analyze the effects of different biophysical variables and lightning characteristics on lightning‐caused forest wildfires in Castilla y León region (Central Spain). The presence/absence of at least one lightning‐caused fire in any 4 × 4‐km grid cell was used as a dependent variable and vegetation type and structure, terrain, climate, and lightning characteristics were used as possible covariates. Five prediction methods were compared: a generalized linear model (GLM), a random forest model (RFM), a generalized additive model (GAM), a GAM that includes a spatial trend function (GAMs) and a spatial autoregressive model (AUREG). A GAMs with just one covariate, apart from longitude and latitude for each observation included as a combined effect, was considered the most appropriate model in terms of both predictive ability and simplicity. According to our results, the probability of a forest being affected by a lightning‐caused fire is positively and nonlinearly associated with the percentage of coniferous woodlands in the landscape, suggesting that occurrence is more closely associated with vegetation type than with topography, climate, or lightning characteristics. The selected GAMs is intended to inform the Regional Government of Castilla y León (the fire and fuel agency in the region) regarding identification of areas at greatest risk so it can design long‐term forest fuel and fire management strategies.
Metallic Phase Change Material's Microstructural Stability Under Repetitive Melting/Solidification Cycles
Authors: Báez Rafael , González Luis E. , de Jesús-López Manny X. , Quintero Pedro O. , Boteler Lauren M.
Published: April 2020

Metallic phase change materials (mPCMs) have been demonstrated as potential passive cooling solution for pulse power applications. The possibility of integrating a metallic PCM directly on top of a heat source, reducing the thermal resistance between the device and the cooling system, could result in a significant improvement in thermal management for transient applications. However, many thermo-physical properties of these alloys are still unknown; furthermore, their microstructural stability with repetitive melting/solidification cycles is not warrant. In this work, we provide a series of potential mPCMs for thermal management of electronics operating on a wide range of application temperatures, followed by an experimental investigation of microstructural and thermo-physical stability of these materials under repetitive melting solidification cycles. The results of the effect of cyclic thermal loading of theses alloys on the melting behavior and latent heat of fusion are discussed. Thermal stability of 51.0 wt  % In–32.5 wt %Bi–16.5 wt %Sn and 50 wt %Bi–26.7 wt %Pb–13.3 wt %Sn–10 wt %Cd alloys, as potential midtemperature mPCM, has been evaluated. The results suggest that these mPCMs maintain their thermo-physical stability over large periods of thermal cycles.
Lactation improves pancreatic β cell mass and function through serotonin production
Authors: Moon Joon Ho , Kim Hyeongseok , Kim Hyunki , Park Jungsun , Choi Wonsuk , Choi Wongun , Hong Hyun Jung , Ro Hyun-Joo , Jun Sangmi , Choi Sung Hee , Banerjee Ronadip R. , Shong Minho , Cho Nam Han , Kim Seung K. , German Michael S. , Jang Hak Chul , Kim Hail
Published: April 2020

Lactation benefits women’s metabolic health by improving pancreatic β cell mass and function through serotonin production in β cells.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum IYO1511, Isolated from Ishizuchi-Kurocha
Authors: Niwa Ryo , Syaputri Yolani , Horie Masanori , Iwahashi Hitoshi
Published: April 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum
IYO1511, isolated from a traditional postfermented tea, is a predominant species associated with Ishizuchi-kurocha. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of this bacterium. The draft genome comprises 3,229,083 nucleotides and 3,044 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), with an average G+C content of 44.5%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Limisphaera ngatamarikiensis NGM72.4
T
, a Moderately Alkaliphilic Thermophile Belonging to the Class
Verrucomicrobiae
Authors: Carere Carlo R. , Steen Jason A. , Hugenholtz Philip , Stott Matthew B.
Published: April 2020

Limisphaera ngatamarikiensis
NGM72.4
T
is a thermophilic representative of the class
Verrucomicrobiae
. Isolated from geothermally heated subaqueous clay sediments from a Ngatamariki hotspring in Aotearoa New Zealand, the 3,908,748-bp genome was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Annotation revealed 3,083 coding sequences, including 3,031 proteins, 3 rRNA genes, and 46 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Listeria monocytogenes Isolate of Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Complex Type 2521 from Ready-to-Eat Meat Sausage Related to an Outbreak (Sigma1) in Germany
Authors: Adler M. , Lüth S. , Kleta S. , Al Dahouk S.
Published: April 2020

We report here the draft genome sequence of a
Listeria monocytogenes
strain, core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) complex type 2521 (CT2521), isolated from ready-to-eat meat sausage related to a protracted and supraregional listeriosis outbreak (Sigma1) in Germany from 2014 to 2019.
Draft Genome Sequence of a
Cladosporium
Species Isolated from the Mesophotic Ascidian Didemnum maculosum
Authors: Gioti Anastasia , Siaperas Romanos , Nikolaivits Efstratios , Le Goff Géraldine , Ouazzani Jamal , Kotoulas Georgios , Topakas Evangelos
Published: April 2020

We report the 28-Mbp draft genome sequence of the marine fungus
Cladosporium
sp. strain TM138. The species was isolated from the marine invertebrate
Didemnum maculosum
. Its genome sequence will inform future investigations into the species’ enzymatic potential for bioremediation and its evolution in marine environments.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of
Clostridium
sp. Strain FP2, Isolated from Spoiled Venison
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Palevich Faith P. , Maclean Paul H. , Jauregui Ruy , Altermann Eric , Mills John , Brightwell Gale
Published: April 2020

Clostridium
sp. strain FP2 was isolated from vacuum-packaged refrigerated spoiled venison in New Zealand. This report describes the generation and annotation of the 5.6-Mb draft genome sequence of
Clostridium
sp. FP2, which will facilitate future functional genomic studies to improve our understanding of premature spoilage of red meats.
Redox state of southern Tibetan upper mantle and ultrapotassic magmas
Authors: Li Weikai , Yang Zhiming , Chiaradia Massimo , Lai Yong , Yu Chao , Zhang Jiayu
Published: April 2020

The redox state of Earth’s upper mantle in several tectonic settings, such as cratonic mantle, oceanic mantle, and mantle wedges beneath magmatic arcs, has been well documented. In contrast, oxygen fugacity () data of upper mantle under orogens worldwide are rare, and the mechanism responsible for the mantle condition under orogens is not well constrained. In this study, we investigated the of mantle xenoliths derived from the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle beneath the Himalayan orogen, and that of postcollisional ultrapotassic volcanic rocks hosting the xenoliths. The of mantle xenoliths ranges from ΔFMQ = +0.5 to +1.2 (where ΔFMQ is the deviation of log from the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer), indicating that the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle is more oxidized than cratonic and oceanic mantle, and it falls within the typical range of mantle wedge values. Mineralogical evidence suggests that water-rich fluids and sediment melts liberated from both the subducting Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab and perhaps the Indian continental plate could have oxidized the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle. The conditions of ultrapotassic magmas show a shift toward more oxidized conditions during ascent (from ΔFMQ = +0.8 to +3.0). Crustal evolution processes (e.g., fractionation) could influence magmatic , and thus the redox state of mantle-derived magma may not simply represent its mantle source.
Antiviral effects of bovine lactoferrin on human norovirus
Authors: Oda Hirotsugu , Kolawole Abimbola O. , Mirabelli Carmen , Wakabayashi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Miyuki , Yamauchi Koji , Abe Fumiaki , Wobus Christiane E.
Published: April 2020

Human noroviruses cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, but lack approved antivirals or vaccines to treat or prevent infections. The recent development of two cell culture systems in human transformed B cells (BJABs) and non-transformed human intestinal enteroid cultures overcomes a main limitation in identifying molecules with anti-norovirus activities. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in the milk of most mammals, with broad spectrum antimicrobial activities, including against the related murine norovirus in cell culture. In a Japanese clinical trial, ingestion of lactoferrin reduced the incidence of infectious gastroenteritis in the participants. Because human noroviruses were the most common cause of gastroenteritis in Japan during the clinical trial period, we sought to determine whether lactoferrin could inhibit infection with human norovirus. Our study, using a B cell culture model, demonstrates that lactoferrin reduces human norovirus infection. The mechanism of antiviral action is likely indirect and may involve the induction of innate interferon responses. Therefore, future studies are warranted to test the antiviral efficacy of lactoferrin against human norovirus infection in patients.
Administration of Enterococcus faecium HS-08 increases intestinal acetate and induces immunoglobulin A secretion in mice
Authors: Fujita Saki , Baba Yasunori , Nakashima Yukari , Higashimura Yasuki , Yamamoto Kenji , Matsuzaki Chiaki , Kawagishi Minoru
Published: April 2020

A probiotic is considered a live microbial feed supplement that has beneficial effects on the host. In this study, the probiotic property by which Enterococcus faecium HS-08 strengthens the immune system was investigated. Using a murine model, we evaluated the abilities of this strain to increase intestinal short-chain fatty acid contents and to induce the production of mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA), which are crucial for mucosal immune systems. Various amounts (0%, 0.0038%, 0.038%, or 0.38%) of strain HS-08 cells were administered to BALB/cAJcl mice, which resulted in a dose-dependent increase of fecal IgA levels. A qRT-PCR analysis of Peyer’s patch cells revealed that the gene expression of retinal-dehydrogenase, interleukin 6, B-cell-activating factor, and a proliferation-inducing ligand were increased, which leads to IgA secretion via a T-cell-independent mechanism. The administration of 0.038% and 0.38% of strain HS-08 cells also increased fecal acetate levels, which plays an important role for maintaining immune functions. This cecal floral analysis and the stability of strain HS-08 against gastrointestinal digestion suggest that this strain can inhabit the host intestine. In conclusion, the administration of E. faecium HS-08 increased intestinal acetate levels and enhanced IgA secretion, which may result in strengthening of the mucosal immune system.
Analysis on the topological structure of Inter-Enterprise technology transfer network: Taking Z-Park as an example
Authors: Lin Lin , Xu Jingying , Xing Lizhi , Guan Jun
Published: April 2020

To understand quantitatively how hi-tech enterprise cooperates with others in patent application over time is of great importance, for it affects how cooperative mechanism is organized and technology transferred. In this research, we construct the patent cooperation network IETTN from 2008–2017 in Z-Park to measure the overall structure of the network and the changes of nodes in the network, thus providing a new measurement for the innovation cooperation of high-tech enterprises from the perspective of the network. With the continuous expansion of patent cooperation among high-tech enterprises, enterprises’ roles in the cooperative network and innovation ecosystem are quite different. Through analysis, it can be found that the Z-Park patent cooperation network presents an obvious scale-free feature, and a few large state-owned enterprises and research institutions are playing a leading role in the network.