bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Schools, Social Ecological Factors, and Neighbourhood Crime
Authors: Wo James C , Park Jihye
Published: January 2020

Although theories suggest that schools are associated with higher neighbourhood crime rates, it is not clear what particular measures of schools have a crime-producing impact when controlling for a diversity of social-ecological factors. We therefore address this question by performing a block-level analysis of schools and crime in the city of Chicago. Negative binomial regression models reveal that the presence of any school in the focal block is associated with higher violent and property crime rates and that these associations are largely robust to differing measures of schools. We also determine that concentrated disadvantage moderates the effect of school presence in the block on property crime. The implications of these findings for criminology and public policy are discussed.
Vascular reserve in brain resilience: pipes or perfusion?
Authors: Wiesmann Maximilian , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: January 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Hippocampal vascular reserve associated with cognitive performance and hippocampal volume’, by Perosa et al. (doi: 10.1093/brain/awz383).
Functional Connectivity of Hippocampal CA3 Predicts Neurocognitive Aging via CA1–Frontal Circuit
Authors: Liang Xia , Hsu Li-Ming , Lu Hanbing , Ash Jessica A , Rapp Peter R , Yang Yihong
Published: January 2020

The CA3 and CA1 principal cell fields of the hippocampus are vulnerable to aging, and age-related dysfunction in CA3 may be an early seed event closely linked to individual differences in memory decline. However, whether the differential vulnerability of CA3 and CA1 is associated with broader disruption in network-level functional interactions in relation to age-related memory impairment, and more specifically, whether CA3 dysconnectivity contributes to the effects of aging via CA1 network connectivity, has been difficult to test. Here, using resting-state fMRI in a group of aged rats uncontaminated by neurodegenerative disease, aged rats displayed widespread reductions in functional connectivity of CA3 and CA1 fields. Age-related memory deficits were predicted by connectivity between left CA3 and hippocampal circuitry along with connectivity between left CA1 and infralimbic prefrontal cortex. Notably, the effects of CA3 connectivity on memory performance were mediated by CA1 connectivity with prefrontal cortex. We additionally found that spatial learning and memory were associated with functional connectivity changes lateralized to the left CA3 and CA1 divisions. These results provide novel evidence that network-level dysfunction involving interactions of CA3 with CA1 is an early marker of poor cognitive outcome in aging.
African Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroup L2 Is Associated With Slower Decline of β-cell Function and Lower Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in Non-Hispanic, Black Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Sun Jing , Brown Todd T , Tong Weiqun , Samuels David , Tien Phyllis , Aissani Brahim , Aouizerat Bradley , Villacres Maria , Kuniholm Mark H , Gustafson Deborah , Michel Katherine , Cohen Mardge , Schneider Michael , Adimora Adaora A , Ali Mohammed K , Bolivar Hector , Hulgan Todd
Published: January 2020

Background

Susceptibility to metabolic diseases may be influenced by mitochondrial genetic variability among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH), but remains unexplored in populations with African ancestry. We investigated the association between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups and the homeostatic model assessments of β-cell function (HOMA-B) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as incident diabetes mellitus (DM), among Black women living with or at risk for HIV.

Methods

Women without DM who had fasting glucose (FG) and insulin (FI) data for ≥2 visits were included. Haplogroups were inferred from genotyping data using HaploGrep. HOMA-B and HOMA-IR were calculated using FG and FI data. Incident DM was defined by a combination of FG ≥ 126 mg/dL, the use of DM medication, a DM diagnosis, or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. We compared HOMA-B, HOMA-IR, and incident DM by haplogroups and assessed the associations between HOMA-B and HOMA-IR and DM by haplogroup.

Results

Of 1288 women (933 living with HIV and 355 living without HIV), PLWH had higher initial HOMA-B and HOMA-IR than people living without HIV. PLWH with haplogroup L2 had a slower decline in HOMA-B per year (Pinteraction = .02) and a lower risk of incident DM (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], .32–.82) than PLWH with other haplogroups after adjustments for age, body mass index, combination antiretroviral therapy use, CD4 cell counts, and HIV RNA. The impact of HOMA-IR on incident DM was less significant in those with haplogroup L2, compared to non-L2 (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, .70–2.38] vs 4.13 [95% CI, 3.28–5.22], respectively; Pinteraction < .01), among PLWH.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial genetic variation is associated with β-cell functions and incident DM in non-Hispanic, Black women with HIV and alters the relationship between insulin resistance and DM.
Do follicles matter? Testing the effect of follicles on hair cortisol levels
Authors: Sergiel Agnieszka , Cattet Marc , Kapronczai Luciene , Janz David M , Selva Nuria , Bartoń Kamil A , Swenson Jon E , Zedrosser Andreas
Published: January 2020

Cortisol concentrations in hair are used increasingly as a biomarker of long-term stress in free-ranging wildlife. Cortisol is believed to be integrated into hair primarily during its active growth phase, typically occurring over weeks to months or longer periods, depending on latitude. Cortisol concentrations in hair thus reflect the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis over this time. However, local, independent cortisol secretion within the skin, which includes hair follicles, may also contribute to cortisol levels in growing hair. Methodological differences between studies include the measurement of cortisol in only the hair shaft (i.e. follicle absent, as with shaved hair) versus the whole hair (i.e. follicle present, as with plucked hair). If the concentration of cortisol in the follicle is high enough to influence the overall hair cortisol concentration (HCC), this could confound comparisons between studies using different types of hair samples (hair shafts vs. whole hair) and collection methods. Here, we test the hypothesis that cortisol present in follicles influences HCC. We compared HCC in paired subsamples of hair with and without follicles from 30 free-ranging Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos) and observed significantly greater HCC in samples with follicles present. The effect of follicles remained significant also with sex and age of sampled bears taken into account in a linear mixed model. Finally, we provide an overview of collection methods and types of hair samples used for HCC analysis in 77 studies dealing with stress in wild mammal species. Our findings highlight the need to unify methods of hair collection and preparation to allow for valid comparisons, and to optimize labour input in ecophysiological studies.
Treatment of Perianal Fistulas in Crohn’s Disease, Seton Versus Anti-TNF Versus Surgical Closure Following Anti-TNF [PISA]: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wasmann Karin A , de Groof E Joline , Stellingwerf Merel E , D’Haens Geert R , Ponsioen Cyriel Y , Gecse Krisztina B , Dijkgraaf Marcel G W , Gerhards Michael F , Jansen Jeroen M , Pronk Apollo , van Tuyl Sebastiaan A C , Zimmerman David D E , Bruin Karlien F , Spinelli Antonino , Danese Silvio , van der Bilt Jarmila D W , Mundt Marco W , Bemelman Willem A , Buskens Christianne J
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Most patients with perianal Crohn’s fistula receive medical treatment with anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF], but the results of anti-TNF treatment have not been directly compared with chronic seton drainage or surgical closure. The aim of this study was to assess if chronic seton drainage for patients with perianal Crohn’s disease fistulas would result in less re-interventions, compared with anti-TNF and compared with surgical closure.

Methods

This randomised trial was performed in 19 European centres. Patients with high perianal Crohn’s fistulas with a single internal opening were randomly assigned to: i] chronic seton drainage for 1 year; ii] anti-TNF therapy for 1 year; and iii] surgical closure after 2 months under a short course anti-TNF. The primary outcome was the cumulative number of patients with fistula-related re-intervention[s] at 1.5 years. Patients declining randomisation due to a specific treatment preference were included in a parallel prospective PISA registry cohort.

Results

Between September 14, 2013 and November 20, 2017, 44 of the 126 planned patients were randomised. The study was stopped by the data safety monitoring board because of futility. Seton treatment was associated with the highest re-intervention rate [10/15, versus 6/15 anti-TNF and 3/14 surgical closure patients, p = 0.02]. No substantial differences in perianal disease activity and quality of life between the three treatment groups were observed. Interestingly, in the PISA prospective registry, inferiority of chronic seton treatment was not observed for any outcome measure.

Conclusions

The results imply that chronic seton treatment should not be recommended as the sole treatment for perianal Crohn’s fistulas.
Transhepatic echocardiography: a novel approach for imaging in left ventricle assist device patients with difficult acoustic windows
Authors: Strachinaru Mihai , Bowen Daniel J , Constatinescu Alina , Manintveld Olivier C , Brugts Jasper J , Geleijnse Marcel L , Caliskan Kadir
Published: January 2020

Aims

A significant proportion of left ventricle assist device (LVAD) patients have very difficult transthoracic echocardiographic images. The aim of this study was to find an echocardiographic window which would provide better visualization of the heart in LVAD patients with limited acoustic windows.

Methods and results

Based on the anatomic relationships in LVAD patients, a right intercostal transhepatic approach was proposed. By using a computer simulator, we searched for the appropriate probe orientation. Further, 15 ambulatory LVAD patients (age 56 ± 15 years, 73% males) underwent two echocardiographic studies: one normal transthoracic echocardiography following the institutional protocol (Echo 1) and a second study which included the transhepatic approach (Echo 2). The two exams were performed by two different sonographers and the results validated by a third observer for agreement. The transhepatic intercostal window was feasible in all patients, with an image quality allowing good visualization of structures in 93%. Precise quantification of the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function was achieved more often in the Echo 2 (10 vs. 3 patients for LV, P = 0.03 and 14 vs. 8 patients for RV, P = 0.04). A significant difference existed also in the quantification of the LVAD inflow cannula flow by pulsed Doppler (11 patients in Echo 2 vs. 3 patients in Echo 1, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

This is the first study describing a new echocardiographic window in LVAD patients. The transhepatic window may provide better quantification of left and RV dimensions and function and improvement in Doppler interrogation of the inflow cannula.
Acute redistribution of regional left ventricular work by cardiac resynchronization therapy determines long-term remodelling
Authors: Duchenne Jürgen , Aalen John M , Cvijic Marta , Larsen Camilla K , Galli Elena , Bézy Stéphanie , Beela Ahmed S , Ünlü Serkan , Pagourelias Efstathios D , Winter Stefan , Hopp Einar , Kongsgård Erik , Donal Erwan , Fehske Wolfgang , Smiseth Otto A , Voigt Jens-Uwe
Published: January 2020

Aims 

Investigating the acute impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on regional myocardial work distribution in the left ventricle (LV) and to which extent it is related to long-term reverse remodelling.

Methods and results 

One hundred and thirty heart failure patients, referred for CRT implantation, were recruited in our prospective multicentre study. Regional myocardial work was calculated from non-invasive segmental stress–strain loop area before and immediately after CRT. The magnitude of volumetric reverse remodelling was determined from the change in LV end-systolic volume, 11 ± 2 months after implantation. CRT caused acute redistribution of myocardial work across the LV, with an increase in septal work, and decrease in LV lateral wall work (all P < 0.05). Amongst all LV walls, the acute change in work in the septum and lateral wall of the four-chamber view correlated best and significantly with volumetric reverse remodelling (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001), with largest change seen in patients with most volumetric reverse remodelling. In multivariate linear regression analysis, including conventional parameters, such as pre-implant QRS morphology and duration, LV ejection fraction, ischaemic origin of cardiomyopathy, and the redistribution of work across the septal and lateral walls, the latter appeared as the strongest determinant of volumetric reverse remodelling after CRT (model R2 = 0.414, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion 

The acute redistribution of regional myocardial work between the septal and lateral wall of the LV is an important determinant of reverse remodelling after CRT implantation. Our data suggest that the treatment of the loading imbalance should, therefore, be the main aim of CRT.
The robotic thymectomy via the subxiphoid approach: technique and early outcomes
Authors: Kang Chang Hyun , Na Kwon Joong , Song Jae Won , Bae So Young , Park Samina , Park In Kyu , Kim Young Tae
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Robotic thymectomy via the subxiphoid approach (RTX) is a recently introduced surgical approach. This study aimed to report on the surgical technique and early outcomes of RTX in our institute.

METHODS

RTX was performed using the 3-arm technique in the da Vinci robotic surgical system. The camera was inserted into a subxiphoid port, and 2 robotic arms were inserted in bilateral intercostal ports. A complete dissection of both cervical poles up to the thyroid gland was conducted, and bilateral phrenic nerves were identified in all cases. Radical combined resection of adjacent organs, including the lung, pericardium, phrenic nerve and the innominate vein, was performed if necessary. The resected specimen could be retrieved through the subxiphoid port site.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients underwent RTX in our institute from October 2016 to August 2019. Thymoma was the most common diagnosis (60.9%), and the mean size of the tumours was 4.9 ± 2.4 cm. Combined resection was performed in the lung (n = 9, 8.1%), pericardium (n = 6, 5.5%) and innominate vein (n = 5, 4.5%). There were 2 minor postoperative complications (1.8%), and the mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 ± 1.4 days. For the cumulative sum curve analysis of the learning curve using operative time, 50 cases were necessary to gain proficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

RTX was a safe and feasible surgical approach, even in advanced thymic epithelial tumours. It should be considered one of the valuable surgical options in minimally invasive thymectomy.
Indication and prognostic significance of programmed ventricular stimulation in asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Asada Saori , Morita Hiroshi , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Nakagawa Koji , Nagase Satoshi , Miyamoto Masakazu , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Kawada Satoshi , Nishii Nobuhiro , Ito Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Aims

To establish the indication for programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) for asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS), we evaluated the prognostic significance of PVS based on abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) markers.

Methods and results

One hundred and twenty-five asymptomatic patients with BrS were included. We performed PVS at two sites of the right ventricle with up to three extrastimuli [two pacing cycle lengths and minimum coupling interval (MCI) of 180 ms]. We followed the patients for 133 months and evaluated ventricular fibrillation (VF) events. Fragmented QRS (fQRS) and Tpeak-Tend (Tpe) interval were evaluated as ECG markers for identifying high-risk patients. Fragmented QRS and long Tpe interval (≥100 ms) were observed in 66 and 37 patients, respectively. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by PVS in 60 patients. During follow-up, 10 patients experienced VF events. Fragmented QRS, long Tpe interval, and PVS-induced VF with an MCI of 180 ms or up to two extrastimuli were associated with future VF events (fQRS: P = 0.015, Tpe ≥ 100 ms: P = 0.038, VF induction: P < 0.001). However, PVS-induced VF with an MCI of 200 ms was less specific (P = 0.049). The frequencies of ventricular tachyarrhythmia events during follow-up were 0%/year with no ECG markers and 0.1%/year with no VF induction. The existence of two ECG factors with induced VF was strongly associated with future VF events (event rate: 4.4%/year, P < 0.001), and the existence of one ECG factor with induced VF was also associated (event rate: 1.3%/year, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

We propose PVS with a strict protocol for asymptomatic patients with fQRS and/or long Tpe interval to identify high-risk patients.
Prognosis of incidental left bundle branch block
Authors: Zegard Abbasin , Okafor Osita , de Bono Joseph , Steeds Richard , Hudsmith Lucy , Stegemann Berthold , Jani Ayman , Marshall Howard , Holloway Ben , Leyva Francisco
Published: January 2020

Aims

Incidental left bundle branch block (iLBBB) is a frequent cause for cardiology referrals. In such instances, there is uncertainty as to its prognosis. We sought to determine the utility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the risk stratification of patients with iLBBB.

Methods and results

Clinical events were collected in patients with iLBBB who had CMR. Controls had no cardiac symptoms or cardiac disease, a normal CMR scan and electrocardiogram. Amongst patients with iLBBB [n = 193, aged 62.7 ± 12.6 years (mean ± SD)], 110/193 (56.9%) had an abnormal phenotype (iLBBBCMR+) and 83/110 (43.0%) had a normal phenotype (iLBBBCMR−). Over 3.75 years (median; inter-quartile range: 2.7–5.5), iLBBBCMR+ had a higher total mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–22.0] and total mortality or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; aHR 9.15, 95% CI 2.56–32.6) than controls (n = 107). In contrast, iLBBBCMR− had a similar risk of total mortality compared with controls, but total mortality or MACEs was higher (aHR 4.24, 95% CI 1.17–15.4; P = 0.028). Amongst iLBBB patients, both myocardial fibrosis (aHR 5.15, 95% CI 1.53–17.4) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)  ≤ 50% (aHR 3.88, 95% CI 1.67–9.06) predicted total mortality. Myocardial fibrosis plus LVEF ≤50% was associated with the highest risk of total mortality (aHR: 9.87, 95% CI 2.99–32.6) and total mortality or MACEs (aHR 3.98, 95% CI 1.73–9.11).

Conclusions

Outcomes in iLBBBCMR+ were poor whereas survival in iLBBBCMR− was comparable with controls. Myocardial fibrosis and LVEF <50% had an additive effect on the risk of clinical outcomes. A CMR scan is pivotal in risk-stratifying patients with iLBBB.
Lifetime employment histories and their relationship with 10-year health trajectories in later life: evidence from England
Authors: Di Gessa Giorgio , Corna Laurie , Price Debora , Glaser Karen
Published: January 2020

Background

Employment histories influence health. However, most studies have so far investigated cross-sectional associations between employment histories and health, failing to recognize health as a dynamic process in later life.

Methods

We use Waves 3–8 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, including retrospective information on respondents’ employment activities. We used dynamic hamming distances to summarize lifetime employment histories up to state pension age (64 for men and 59 for women). Multilevel growth curve models were then used to estimate the influence of lifetime employment histories on later life health trajectories over a 10-year period using quality of life (QoL), somatic health, and depression.

Results

Net of selection effect and a host of contemporaneous material and social resources, men who exited early started off with poorer health than those with continuous attachment to the labour market but had a very similar health profile by the end of the 10-year period considered. Among women, better somatic health and higher QoL were observed among those who had employment breaks for family care, and this health advantage was maintained over time. Lifetime employment histories are not related to depression for either men or women.

Conclusion

Overall, differences in health by employment histories level off only among men who left earlier and those continuously employed. Flexible arrangements for men in poor health who benefit from leaving the labour market early and supporting women who wish to take breaks for family care may help reduce health inequalities in later life.
Seasonal dynamics ofChironomus transvaalensispopulations and the microbial community composition of their egg masses
Authors: Sela Rotem , Halpern Malka
Published: January 2020

Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae) are the most abundant insects in freshwater environments and are considered natural reservoirs of Vibrio cholerae. We monitored the annual dynamics of chironomid populations along with their microbiota in order to better understand host–microbiota interactions. Chironomus transvaalensis populations peaked biannually in August and May–June. The composition of the endogenous bacterial communities of their egg masses clustered in two groups according to the sampling periods August–November and May–July. Nevertheless, a core bacterial community (43%) was present in all egg-mass samples. The most abundant phyla were: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The abundance of several genera (e.g. Rheinheimera and Pseudomonas) was positively correlated with C. transvaalensis population dynamics, while a predator–prey interaction was observed between the relative abundance of Vibrio OTUs and C. transvaalensis population size. Chironomids are known to tolerate toxic and stress conditions, and our results demonstrated that bacterial genera that may protect the insect under these conditions are present in the egg masses. After hatching, the first larval meal is the gelatinous matrix that surrounds the eggs. This meal contains a probiotic consortium that may protect the larva during its metamorphosis. The results provide important insights into the host–microbe interactions of chironomids.
Investigating the role of ERAD on antibody processing in glycoengineeredSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Piirainen Mari A , Frey Alexander D
Published: January 2020

N-glycosylation plays an important role in the endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ERQC). N-glycan biosynthesis pathways have been engineered in yeasts and fungi to enable the production of therapeutic glycoproteins with human-compatible N-glycosylation, and some glycoengineering approaches alter the synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO). Because the effects of LLO engineering on ERQC are currently unknown, we characterized intracellular processing of IgG in glycoengineered Δalg3 Δalg11 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain and analyzed how altered LLO structures affect endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). Intracellular IgG light and heavy chain molecules expressed in Δalg3 Δalg11 strain are ERAD substrates and targeted to ERAD independently of Yos9p and Htm1p, whereas in the presence of ALG3 ERAD targeting is dependent on Yos9p but does not require Htm1p. Blocking of ERAD accumulated ER and post-Golgi forms of IgG and increased glycosylation of matα secretion signal but did not improve IgG secretion. Our results show ERAD targeting of a heterologous glycoprotein in yeast, and suggest that proteins in the ER can be targeted to ERAD via other mechanisms than the Htm1p-Yos9p-dependent route when the LLO biosynthesis is altered.
A Longitudinal Study of Retirement Transition and Advance Directive Completion
Authors: Koss Catheryn S
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Advance directives (AD) help to ensure patients’ wishes are honored and contribute to improved end-of-life care. According to normative life course theory, retirement is a significant role change that signals a transition into the third age and its socially prescribed activities. This study tested whether transitioning from work to retirement prompted AD completion.

Research Design and Methods

The sample included Health and Retirement Study participants who, in 2012, had no ADs and were not completely retired (N = 919). Three waves of data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression to test associations between retirement transition and advance directive completion.

Results

By 2014, 21% had completed ADs and another 17% completed them by 2016. Those who completely retired between 2012 and 2014 were almost twice as likely to complete ADs between 2014 and 2016. Graduated increase in level of retirement between 2012 and 2014 was associated with higher odds of new AD possession in 2016, but did not reach statistical significance at p < .05.

Discussion and Implications

The period following retirement may be an optimal time to encourage patients and clients who have not already done so to complete advance directives.
Noise-based ballistic wave passive seismic monitoring – Part 2: surface waves
Authors: Mordret Aurélien , Courbis Roméo , Brenguier Florent , Chmiel Małgorzata , Garambois Stéphane , Mao Shujuan , Boué Pierre , Campman Xander , Lecocq Thomas , Van der Veen Wim , Hollis Dan
Published: January 2020

We develop a new method to monitor and locate seismic velocity changes in the subsurface using seismic noise interferometry. Contrary to most ambient noise monitoring techniques, we use the ballistic Rayleigh waves computed from 30 d records on a dense nodal array located above the Groningen gas field (the Netherlands), instead of their coda waves. We infer the daily relative phase velocity dispersion changes as a function of frequency and propagation distance with a cross-wavelet transform processing. Assuming a 1-D velocity change within the medium, the induced ballistic Rayleigh wave phase shift exhibits a linear trend as a function of the propagation distance. Measuring this trend for the fundamental mode and the first overtone of the Rayleigh waves for frequencies between 0.5 and 1.1 Hz enables us to invert for shear wave daily velocity changes in the first 1.5 km of the subsurface. The observed deep velocity changes (±1.5 per cent) are difficult to interpret given the environmental factors information available. Most of the observed shallow changes seem associated with effective pressure variations. We observe a reduction of shear wave velocity (–0.2 per cent) at the time of a large rain event accompanied by a strong decrease in atmospheric pressure loading, followed by a migration at depth of the velocity decrease. Combined with P-wave velocity changes observations from a companion paper, we interpret the changes as caused by the diffusion of effective pressure variations at depth. As a new method, noise-based ballistic wave passive monitoring could be used on several dynamic (hydro-)geological targets and in particular, it could be used to estimate hydrological parameters such as the hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity.
Did the Flores backarc thrust rupture offshore during the 2018 Lombok earthquake sequence in Indonesia?
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Singh Satish C , Tripathi Anand
Published: January 2020

The Flores thrust forms the west segment (∼450 km) of a very active, ∼E–W striking, ∼800-km-long backarc thrust along the east Sunda Arc. In 2018, a deadly earthquake sequence composed of ~110 M4+ events rattled the Indonesian island of Lombok near the Flores thrust and caused tremendous damage on the island, however what is the nature of rupturing during this earthquake sequence remains unknown. Here, using a total of 2120 km of high-resolution seismic profiles covering ∼300 km of the Flores thrust off Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa, in addition to earthquake data and InSAR measurements, we investigated the active thrusting during this earthquake sequence. Our seismic interpretation and structural mapping show that offshore north of Lombok and Bali, the remarkable Flores thrust is essentially blind, deforming the seabed by folds, not faults. The Lombok earthquakes were all shallow thrust events with depth <40 km and occurred within ∼35 km north of the Rinjani volcano beneath the Lombok Island and its northern extremity. The InSAR measurements suggested that the most of the crustal deformation caused by these earthquakes occurred the north the and northeast of the island. The maximum vertical deformation was ∼36 cm near the northwest margin of the island, caused by the 5th August Mw 6.9 event. These observations combined with the presence of blind thrusts off Lombok suggest that the offshore portion of Flores thrust did not rupture during the 2018 Lombok earthquake sequence; the most coseismic slip must have occurred along a deep-rooted, north-verging basal fault and a range of imbricate thrusts beneath the north of the island, not along the buried thrusts offshore. Despite being blind off Lombok and Bali, the Flores thrust can still pose tsunami threats to the adjacent population centres by rupturing the seafloor during future large earthquakes (M > 7) that occur directly on the offshore blind thrusts, not beneath the island like the Lombok sequence. The proximity of the Rinjani volcano and thrust earthquakes suggests a possible role of volcanic activity (e.g. magmatic fluids and gas migration, stress change induced by pressurized magma chamber) in inducing the Lombok earthquakes.
A rapid four-dimensional resistivity data inversion method using temporal segmentation
Authors: Liu Bin , Pang Yonghao , Mao Deqiang , Wang Jing , Liu Zhengyu , Wang Ning , Liu Shenhua , Zhang Xinxin
Published: January 2020

4-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), an important geophysical method, is widely used to observe dynamic processes within static subsurface structures. However, because data acquisition and inversion consume large amounts of time, rapid changes that occur in the medium during a single acquisition cycle are difficult to detect in a timely manner via 4-D inversion. To address this issue, a scheme is proposed in this paper for restructuring continuously measured data sets and performing GPU-parallelized inversion. In this scheme, multiple reference time points are selected in an acquisition cycle, which allows all of the acquired data to be sequentially utilized in a 4-D inversion. In addition, the response of the 4-D inversion to changes in the medium has been enhanced by increasing the weight of new data being added dynamically to the inversion process. To improve the reliability of the inversion, our scheme uses actively varied time-regularization coefficients, which are adjusted according to the range of the changes in model resistivity; this range is predicted by taking the ratio between the independent inversion of the current data set and historical 4-D inversion model. Numerical simulations and experiments show that this new 4-D inversion method is able to locate and depict rapid changes in medium resistivity with a high level of accuracy.
Combination of whole exome sequencing and animal modeling identifies TMPRSS9 as a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Chun-An , Pal Rituraj , Yin Jiani , Tao Huifang , Amawi Abdallah , Sabo Aniko , Bainbridge Matthew N , Gibbs Richard A , Zoghbi Huda Y , Schaaf Christian P
Published: January 2020

Autism spectrum disorders are associated with some degree of developmental regression in up to 30% of all cases. Rarely, however, is the regression so extreme that a developmentally advanced young child would lose almost all ability to communicate and interact with her surroundings. We applied trio whole exome sequencing to a young woman who experienced extreme developmental regression starting at 2.5 years of age and identified compound heterozygous nonsense mutations in TMPRSS9, which encodes for polyserase-1, a transmembrane serine protease of poorly understood physiological function. Using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction, we showed that Tmprss9 is expressed in various mouse tissues, including the brain. To study the consequences of TMPRSS9 loss of function on the mammalian brain, we generated a knockout mouse model. Through a battery of behavioral assays, we found that Tmprss9−/− mice showed decreased social interest and social recognition. We observed a borderline recognition memory deficit by novel object recognition in aged Tmprss9−/− female mice, but not in aged Tmprss9−/− male mice or younger adult Tmprss9−/− mice in both sexes. This study provides evidence to suggest that loss of function variants in TMPRSS9 are related to an autism spectrum disorder. However, the identification of more individuals with similar phenotypes and TMPRSS9 loss of function variants is required to establish a robust gene–disease relationship.
Frataxin deficiency in Friedreich’s ataxia is associated with reduced levels of HAX-1, a regulator of cardiomyocyte death and survival
Authors: Tiano Francesca , Amati Francesca , Cherubini Fabio , Morini Elena , Vancheri Chiara , Maletta Sara , Fortuni Silvia , Serio Dario , Quatrana Andrea , Luffarelli Riccardo , Benini Monica , Alfedi Giulia , Panarello Luca , Rufini Alessandra , Toschi Nicola , Frontali Marina , Romano Silvia , Marcotulli Christian , Casali Carlo , Gioiosa Silvia , Mariotti Caterina , Mongelli Alessia , Fichera Mario , Condò Ivano , Novelli Giuseppe , Testi Roberto , Malisan Florence
Published: January 2020

Frataxin deficiency, responsible for Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA), is crucial for cell survival since it critically affects viability of neurons, pancreatic beta cells and cardiomyocytes. In FRDA, the heart is frequently affected with typical manifestation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can progress to heart failure and cause premature death. A microarray analysis performed on FRDA patient’s lymphoblastoid cells stably reconstituted with frataxin, indicated HS-1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) as the most significantly upregulated transcript (FC = +2, P < 0.0006). quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis performed on (I) HEK293 stably transfected with empty vector compared to wild-type frataxin and (II) lymphoblasts from FRDA patients show that low frataxin mRNA and protein expression correspond to reduced levels of HAX-1. Frataxin overexpression and silencing were also performed in the AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell line. HAX-1 protein levels are indeed regulated through frataxin modulation. Moreover, correlation between frataxin and HAX-1 was further evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from FRDA patients and from non-related healthy controls. A regression model for frataxin which included HAX-1, group membership and group* HAX-1 interaction revealed that frataxin and HAX-1 are associated both at mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, a linked expression of FXN, HAX-1 and antioxidant defence proteins MnSOD and Nrf2 was observed both in PBMCs and AC16 cardiomyocytes. Our results suggest that HAX-1 could be considered as a potential biomarker of cardiac disease in FRDA and the evaluation of its expression might provide insights into its pathogenesis as well as improving risk stratification strategies.
Muscle weakness and selective muscle atrophy in osteoprotegerin-deficient mice
Authors: Hamoudi Dounia , Bouredji Zineb , Marcadet Laetitia , Yagita Hideo , Landry Louis-Bénédict , Argaw Anteneh , Frenette Jérôme
Published: January 2020

Bone and muscle are tightly coupled and form a functional unit under normal conditions. The receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB/receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANK/RANKL/OPG) triad plays a crucial role in bone remodeling. RANKL inhibition by OPG prevents osteoporosis. In contrast, the absence of OPG results in elevated serum RANKL and early onset osteoporosis. However, the impacts of OPG deletion on muscle structure and function are unknown. Our results showed that 1-, 3- and 5-month-old Opg−/− mice have reduced tibial and femoral bone biomechanical properties and higher levels of circulating RANKL. OPG-deficient mice displayed reduced locomotor activity and signs of muscle weakness at 5 months of age. Furthermore, OPG deficiency did not affect the skeletal muscles in 1- and 3-month-old mice. However, it impaired fast-twitch EDL but not slow-twitch Sol muscles in 5-month-old Opg−/− mice. Moreover, 5-month-old Opg−/− mice exhibited selective atrophy of fast-twitch-type IIb myofibers, with increased expression of atrophic proteins such as NF-kB, atrogin-1 and MuRF-1. We used an in vitro model to show that RANKL-stimulated C2C12 myotubes significantly increased the expression of NF-kB, atrogin-1 and MuRF-1. A 2-month anti-RANKL treatment starting at 3 months of age in Opg−/− mice improved voluntary activity, the ex vivo maximum specific force (sP0) of EDL muscles, and whole limb grip force performance and rescued the biomechanical properties of bone. In conclusion, the deletion of OPG and the disruption of the RANKL/OPG balance induced osteoporosis as well as the selective weakness and atrophy of the powerful fast-twitch IIb myofibers, which was partly alleviated by an anti-RANKL treatment.
What’s good for the goose ain’t good for the gander: heterogeneous innovation capabilities and the performance effects of R&D
Authors: Coad Alex , Mathew Nanditha , Pugliese Emanuele
Published: January 2020

We investigate the effects of R&D investment on performance outcomes (sales growth and relative profitability) for Indian manufacturing firms. Previous research shows contradictory results—while some studies find a positive effect of R&D on firm performance, some find that firms investing in R&D do not perform significantly better, in some cases, even perform worse than their noninvesting counterparts. We claim that the effects of R&D on performance are often misspecified. Indeed, innovation capabilities will probably simultaneously influence the decision to invest in R&D and also R&D’s expected benefits. We apply endogenous switching regression to tackle the issue of selection and censored data, and the results we observe are sharp: Firms investing in R&D would have had less growth and less relative profitability if they had not done so. Interestingly, firms that did not invest in R&D would not have benefited had they done so. We interpret this as evidence that firms need to have sufficiently developed management capabilities to be able to convert R&D investments into tangible results, and that not all firms are well positioned to benefit from R&D investment.
Persisting Antibody Response 9 Years After Bivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in a Cohort of Dutch Women: Immune Response and the Relation to Genital HPV Infections
Authors: Hoes Joske , Pasmans Hella , Knol Mirjam J , Donken Robine , van Marm-Wattimena Naomi , Schepp Rutger M , King Audrey J , van der Klis Fiona R M , de Melker Hester E
Published: January 2020

The bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective and induces robust serological responses. Using a Dutch prospective cohort initiated in 2009, including 744 vaccinated and 294 unvaccinated girls (1993–1994) who provide a vaginal self-swab sample, serum sample, and questionnaire yearly, we report a high, persisting antibody response up to 9 years after vaccination for vaccine types HPV-16 or HPV-18. Antibodies against nonvaccine HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 were lower but still significantly higher than in unvaccinated individuals. This was also reflected in the seroprevalence. We compared participant characteristics and antibody levels between vaccinated women with and those without HPV infections 1 year before infection (204 incident and 64 persistent infections), but we observed no consistent difference in type-specific antibody levels. Having a high-risk HPV infection was associated with sexual risk behavior and smoking 1 year before infection. Although high antibody levels are necessary for protection, our study suggests that on the individual level other factors such as HPV exposure or antibody avidity could be important.
Insecticide-treated bed net access and use among preschool children in Nouna District, Burkina Faso
Authors: Sié Ali , Bountogo Mamadou , Ouattara Mamadou , Zabre Pascal , Bagagnan Cheik , Zakane Alphonse , Brogdon Jessica , Lebas Elodie , Lin Ying , Godwin William W , Bärnighausen Till , Lietman Thomas M , Oldenburg Catherine E ,   the Étude CHAT Study Group
Published: January 2020

Background

We evaluated universal insecticide-treated bed net access and use in children <5 y of age in a rural area of Burkina Faso.

Methods

A door-to-door enumerative census was conducted in Nouna District, Burkina Faso in December 2018 through April 2019. The most recent mass bed net distribution campaign occurred in June 2016. Heads of households were interviewed about household bed net ownership and use by children <5 y of age. We evaluated the relationship between demographic and socio-economic factors and household universal bed net access and use by children.

Results

In 23 610 households with at least one child <5 y of age, 71 329 bed nets were reported (94.5% insecticide-treated). One-third (35.2%) of households had universal access and two-thirds (67.0%) of children slept under an insecticide-treated net the previous night. Children in households with universal access more often slept under a net the previous night (adjusted odds ratio 4.81 [95% confidence interval 4.39–5.26]).

Conclusions

Bed net coverage was substantially less than the 80% World Health Organization target for universal coverage in Nouna District. Insecticide-treated nets were used preferentially for children, but important gaps remain in consistent bed net use in this population. Structural and behavioural interventions are needed to close these gaps.
Mimicking cotranslational folding of prosubtilisin E in vitro
Authors: Kim Sung-Gun , Chen Yu-Jen , Falzon Liliana , Baum Jean , Inouye Masayori
Published: January 2020

Nascent polypeptides are synthesized on ribosomes starting at the N-terminus and simultaneously begin to fold during translation. We constructed N-terminal fragments of prosubtilisin E containing an intramolecular chaperone (IMC) at N-terminus to mimic cotranslational folding intermediates of prosubtilisin. The IMC-fragments of prosubtilisin exhibited progressive enhancement of their secondary structures and thermostabilities with increasing polypeptide length. However, even the largest IMC-fragment with 72 residues truncated from the C-terminus behaved as a molten globule, indicating the requirement of the C-terminal region to have a stable tertiary structure. Furthermore, truncation of the IMC in the IMC-fragments resulted in aggregation, suggesting that the IMC plays a crucial role to prevent misfolding and aggregation of cotranslational folding intermediates during translation of prosubtilisin polypeptide.
Predicting the Potential Invasive Range of Klambothrips myopori (Thysanopetra: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Shogren Christopher , Paine Timothy
Published: January 2020

Temperature-driven development of myoporum thrips, Klambothrips myopori (Thysanopetra: Phlaeothripidae), was examined at seven constant temperatures (15, 17, 20, 25, 30, 34, and 35.5°C) on Myoporum laetum Forst (Lamiales: Scrophulariaceae). Thrips successfully completed development to adult stage between 15 and 35.5°C. One linear and three nonlinear models were fitted to describe developmental rates of K. myopori as a function of temperature, and for estimating thermal constants and bioclimatic thresholds (Tmin, Topt, and Tmax). The Briere-1 model performed best in describing the developmental rate of cumulative life stages. Two ecological niche models, CLIMEX and Maxent, were used to predict the geographic distribution of K. myopori in its native range and globally. Overall predictions of environmental suitability differed greatly across models. The CLIMEX model accurately predicted known invasive and native localities, while the Maxent model failed to predict the native localities and parts of the invasive range. Based on the CLIMEX model, K. myopori has the potential to establish in many regions of the globe.
Effect of Rice Winter Cultural Management Practices on the Size of the Hatching Population of Triops longicaudatus (Notostraca: Triopsidae) in California Rice Fields
Authors: Bloese Joanna B , Goding Kevin M , Godfrey Larry D
Published: January 2020

The tadpole shrimp [Triops longicaudatus (Leconte)] has emerged as a significant pest of rice grown in California in recent decades. The change in T. longicaudatus’ pest status has coincided with changes in cultural management of residual rice straw postharvest. Policy changes have reduced the postharvest burning of fields from nearly 95% to less than 10%, promoting increased use of winter flooding as a means of accelerating straw decomposition. Field and laboratory trials were conducted from 2015 to 2017 at the Rice Experiment Station in Biggs, CA and in greenhouses at the University of California (UC) Davis to evaluate the effects of burning, flooding, and a fallow control on T. longicaudatus population dynamics. Experiments demonstrated that burning of rice straw failed to suppress densities of hatching T. longicaudatus and actually had the reverse effect, causing a 51% increase in numbers hatching, perhaps as a result of burning triggering termination of multiyear T. longicaudatus egg dormancy. Winter flooding had no measurable effect on T. longicaudatus hatch. Thus, these changes in winter cultural practices do not appear to be responsible for the emergence of T. longicaudatus as a major rice pest.
Incidence of Citrus leprosis virus C and Orchid fleck dichorhavirus Citrus Strain in Mites of the Genus Brevipalpus in Mexico
Authors: Beltran-Beltran Ana Karen , Santillán-Galicia Ma Teresa , Guzmán-Franco Ariel W , Teliz-Ortiz Daniel , Gutiérrez-Espinoza María Alejandra , Romero-Rosales Felipe , Robles-García Pedro L
Published: January 2020

The incidences of Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) and Orchid fleck dichorhavirus Citrus strain (OFV-citrus) were determined in field populations of Brevipalpus mites from 15 citrus-producing states in Mexico. Mites were collected from orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lime, and sweet lime orchards. Brevipalpus yothersi (Baker) (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) was the most abundant species followed by Brevipalpus californicus (Banks) (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae), which confirmed previous reports. The viruses CiLV-C and OFV-citrus were found in both mite species. The incidence of CiLV-C, OFV-citrus and both viruses simultaneously (CiLV-C and OFV-citrus) was 17.2, 10.3, and 3.4% (n = 116) for B. yothersi, and 12.5, 20.8, and 4.1% (n = 24) for B. californicus, respectively. No significant difference was found when the incidence of these viruses was compared between both mite species. The importance of our results in relation to the epidemiology of leprosis is discussed.