bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalency of In-Person Versus Remote Assessment: WISC-V and KTEA-3 Performance in Clinically Referred Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hamner Taralee , Salorio Cynthia F. , Kalb Luther , Jacobson Lisa A.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Teletesting has the potential to reduce numerous barriers to patient care which have only become exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although telehealth is commonly utilized throughout medicine and mental health practices, teletesting has remained limited within cognitive and academic evaluations. This may be largely due to concern for the validity of test administration via remote assessment. This cross-sectional study examined the equivalency of cognitive [Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V)] and academic [Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement – Third Edition (KTEA-3)] subtests administered via either teletesting or traditional in-person testing within clinically referred youth.

Method:

Chart review using a retrospective, cross-sectional design included a total of 893 children and adolescents, ranging from 4 to 17 years (Mean age = 10.2 years, SD = 2.9 years) who were administered at least one subtest from the aforementioned cognitive or academic assessments. Of these, 285 received teletesting, with the remaining (n = 608) receiving in-person assessment. A total of seven subtests (five from the WISC-V and two from the KTEA-3) were examined. A series of inverse probability of exposure weighted (IPEW) linear regression models examined differences between groups for each of the seven subtests after adjustment for numerous demographic, diagnostic, and parent-reported symptom variables.

Results:

Only two significant differences were found, such that WISC-V Visual Puzzles (p < .01) and KTEA-3 Math Concepts (p = .03) scores were slightly higher in the teletesting versus in-person groups. However, these differences were quite small in magnitude (WISC-V Visual Puzzles, d = .33, KTEA-3 Math Concepts, d = .18).

Conclusions:

Findings indicate equivalency across methods of service delivery without clinically meaningful differences in scores among referred pediatric patients.
Nonground Abductive Logic Programming with Probabilistic Integrity Constraints
Authors: BELLODI ELENA , GAVANELLI MARCO , ZESE RICCARDO , LAMMA EVELINA , RIGUZZI FABRIZIO
Published: September 2021

Uncertain information is being taken into account in an increasing number of application fields. In the meantime, abduction has been proved a powerful tool for handling hypothetical reasoning and incomplete knowledge. Probabilistic logical models are a suitable framework to handle uncertain information, and in the last decade many probabilistic logical languages have been proposed, as well as inference and learning systems for them. In the realm of Abductive Logic Programming (ALP), a variety of proof procedures have been defined as well. In this paper, we consider a richer logic language, coping with probabilistic abduction with variables. In particular, we consider an ALP program enriched with integrity constraints à la IFF, possibly annotated with a probability value. We first present the overall abductive language and its semantics according to the Distribution Semantics. We then introduce a proof procedure, obtained by extending one previously presented, and prove its soundness and completeness.
GRZEGORCZYK POINTS AND FILTERS IN BOOLEAN CONTACT ALGEBRAS
Authors: GRUSZCZYŃSKI RAFAŁ , PIETRUSZCZAK ANDRZEJ
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to compare the notion of a Grzegorczyk point introduced in [19] (and thoroughly investigated in [3, 14, 16, 18]) to the standard notions of a filter in Boolean algebras and round filter in Boolean contact algebras. In particular, we compare Grzegorczyk points to filters and ultrafilters of atomic and atomless algebras. We also prove how a certain extra axiom influences topological spaces for Grzegorczyk contact algebras. Last but not least, we do not refrain from a philosophical interpretation of the results from the paper.
The first semi-quantitative toddler’s food frequency questionnaire (T-FFQ) in Iran
Authors: Bahreynian Maryam , Feizi Awat , Kelishadi Roya
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Background: Only few food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) have been specifically designed and validated for toddlers. There is no valid instrument to assess usual intakes of Iranian toddlers. The present study was designed to develop a FFQ, and to examine its validity and reliability among toddlers. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in Iran. Mothers of 100 toddlers completed a semi-quantitative FFQ with 99 items as well as three non-consecutive dietary records. Data on maternal age, education, toddler gender, birth order, birth weight, current weight and height, and the age of beginning complementary foods were collected. By comparing the results obtained from dietary records and the FFQ, we assessed the relative validity. Reliability was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficients between results of two FFQs administered with four weeks intervals to the same participants (n=20), as well as weighted kappa. The Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between two FFQs. Results: Mean and standard deviation (SD) of age was 32.71 (4.76) years and 22.42 (3.52) months, for mothers and toddlers, respectively. The FFQ showed acceptable validity and reliability. The correlation coefficients for the first FFQ were 0.82 (energy), 0.81 (fats), 0.60 (carbohydrate), 0.96 (calcium), 0.39 (iron) and 0.24 (vitamin C), all P-values were <0.001, except for vitamin C (P: 0.02). Reliability coefficients were between 0.77 (vitamin C) and 0.99 (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin E and D). The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.91, showing high reliability. Conclusion: The present study provided a thorough assessment of both validity and reliability of T-FFQ, and indicated acceptable validity as compared with three-day dietary records and good reliability. Therefore, this FFQ could be a useful tool to evaluate usual dietary intake of toddlers.
The Interplay Between Individual and Dyadic/Common Coping in Female Patients With Cancer
Authors: Paschali Antonia , Palli Alexandra , Thomadakis Christoforos , Karademas Evangelos C.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Both individual and dyadic coping behaviors are important for adaptation to a severe illness. However, there is a theoretical controversy regarding the interplay between these two forms of coping. In this cross-sectional study, we examined (a) whether recently diagnosed cancer patients engage mostly with one form of coping or whether they use both in parallel; (b) the relationship of individual and supportive dyadic/common coping to emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction. Participants were 92 women recently diagnosed with cancer (mostly breast cancer) and receiving medical treatment ( Mage = 49.37 years; SD = 10.52). All had been living with their partner for at least 2 years. The parallel use of individual and supportive dyadic/common coping behaviors was frequently reported. Individual and dyadic/common coping proved to be related to each other ( p < .01), and both were related to emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction ( p < .05). The combination of high individual and high supportive dyadic/common coping was associated with greater satisfaction with the relationship ( p < .01). Patients probably use individual and dyadic coping behaviors in concert to better deal with the different aspects of their illness experience. Both types of coping should be considered in the context of personalized intervention programs to facilitate adaptation to cancer.
Quantifying Importance of Macrobenthos for Benthic‐Pelagic Coupling in a Temperate Coastal Shelf Sea
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Neumann Andreas , Daewel Ute , Wirtz Kai , van Beusekom Justus E. E. , Eisele Annika , Ma Mengyao , Schrum Corinna
Published: September 2021

Benthic oxygen fluxes consist mostly of advective and diffusive terms. Both terms in the German Bight exhibit a prominent annual cycle but with opposite variation patterns. To understand the driving mechanisms quantitatively, a novel 3‐D benthic‐pelagic coupled model resolving interactions among macrobenthos, bioturbation, oxygen consumption, and carbon early diagenesis was applied to reconstruct the benthic states. Simulation results show a satisfactory agreement with field data and reveal that the benthic oxygen flux is determined by not only pelagic drivers but also by internal dynamics associated with the interaction between organic carbon and macrobenthos, and bedform morphodynamics. Variation of advective flux, characterized by summer‐low and winter‐high, is mainly driven by hydrodynamics and bedform morphodynamics, while variation of diffusive flux, featured by summer‐high and winter‐low, is a compound effect of pelagic and benthic drivers with a dominant control by macrobenthos through bioturbation. The role of bioturbation in benthic oxygen consumption is twofold: (a) on the one hand, it alters the particulate organic carbon (POC) distribution in surface sediments, thereby changing the availability of POC to oxygen consumption; (b) on the other hand, it mixes oxygen down into sediments, thereby facilitating oxygen consumption. Our results indicate that the first role prevails in sandy seafloor characterized by energetic hydrodynamics, while the second role becomes increasingly important along with a weakening of bottom currents. We found that bioturbation contributes up to 87%  4% and 55%  8% of the total benthic oxygen fluxes in muddy seabed and at a regional scale (the German Bight), respectively.
Remembering FLIP, an Engineering Marvel for Oceanic Research
Authors: Ortiz-Suslow David
Published: September 2021

Since the 1960s, the Floating Instrument Platform has bobbed at the sea surface, supporting numerous discoveries. One scientist recalls his time aboard FLIP during what was likely its final mission.
Direct Viscosity Measurement of Peridotite Melt to Lower‐Mantle Conditions: A Further Support for a Fractional Magma‐Ocean Solidification at the Top of the Lower Mantle
Authors: Xie Longjian , Yoneda Akira , Katsura Tomoo , Andrault Denis , Tange Yoshinori , Higo Yuji
Published: September 2021

As evidenced by isotope geochemistry, the persistence of primitive reservoirs indicates that the earth's lower mantle is likely to be heterogeneous. Such heterogeneity could be a legacy from magma‐ocean (MO) solidification. The viscosity of MO is a key parameter to constrain the solidification type of MO. Here we directly measure the viscosity of peridotite (an analog of MO composition) melt at the pressure‐temperature conditions of the deep mantle, using the in situ falling sphere method. The viscosity of peridotite melt along liquidus is in the range of 38–17 mPa s at pressures from 7 to 25 GPa, which is 0.9–0.4 times of the estimation based on the viscosity of endmember compositions. Low viscosity favors fractional solidification and chemically layering of the early mantle at least to the top lower mantle, which could be a source of heterogeneity for the present mantle.
Snow Reconciles Observed and Simulated Phase Partitioning and Increases Cloud Feedback
Authors: Cesana Grégory V. , Ackerman Andrew S. , Fridlind Ann M. , Silber Israel , Kelley Maxwell
Published: September 2021

The surprising increase of Earth's climate sensitivity in the most recent coupled model intercomparison project (CMIP) models has been largely attributed to extratropical cloud feedback, which is thought to be driven by greater supercooled water in present‐day cloud phase partitioning (CPP). Here, we report that accounting for precipitation in the Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE3 radiation scheme, neglected in more than 60% of CMIP6 and 90% of CMIP5 models, systematically changes its apparent CPP and substantially increases its cloud feedback, consistent with results using CMIP models. Including precipitation in the comparison with cloud–aerosol lidar and infrared pathfinder satellite observations (CALIPSO) measurements and in model radiation schemes is essential to faithfully constrain cloud amount and phase partitioning, and simulate cloud feedbacks. Our findings suggest that making radiation schemes precipitation‐aware (missing in most CMIP6 models) should strengthen their positive cloud feedback and further increase their already high mean climate sensitivity.
Sensitivity of Upper Atmosphere to Different Characteristics of Flow Bursts in the Auroral Zone
Authors: Sheng Cheng , Deng Yue , Gabrielse Christine , Lyons Larry R. , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Heelis Roderick A. , Chen Yun‐Ju
Published: September 2021

Meso‐scale plasma convection and particle precipitation could be significant momentum and energy sources for the ionosphere‐thermosphere (I‐T) system. Following our previous work on the I‐T response to a typical midnight flow burst, flow bursts with different characteristics (lifetime, size, and speed) have been examined systematically with Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model (GITM) simulations in this study. Differences between simulations with and without additional flow bursts are used to illustrate the impact of flow bursts on the I‐T system. The neutral density perturbation due to a flow burst increases with the lifetime, size, and flow speed of the flow burst. It was found that the neutral density perturbation is most sensitive to the size of a flow burst, increasing from ∼0.3% to ∼1.3% when the size changes from 80 to 200 km. A westward‐eastward asymmetry has been identified in neutral density, wind, and temperature perturbations, which may be due to the changing of the forcing location in geographic coordinates and the asymmetrical background state of the I‐T system. In addition to midnight flow bursts, simulations with flow bursts centered at noon, dawn, and dusk have also been carried out. A flow burst centered at noon (12.0 Local Time [LT], 73°N) produces the weakest perturbation, and a flow burst centered at dusk (18.0 LT, 71°N) produces the strongest. Single‐cell and two‐cell flow bursts induce very similar neutral density perturbation patterns.
Non-line-of-sight reconstruction with signal–object collaborative regularization
Authors: Liu Xintong , Wang Jianyu , Li Zhupeng , Shi Zuoqiang , Fu Xing , Qiu Lingyun
Published: September 2021

Non-line-of-sight imaging aims at recovering obscured objects from multiple scattered lights. It has recently received widespread attention due to its potential applications, such as autonomous driving, rescue operations, and remote sensing. However, in cases with high measurement noise, obtaining high-quality reconstructions remains a challenging task. In this work, we establish a unified regularization framework, which can be tailored for different scenarios, including indoor and outdoor scenes with substantial background noise under both confocal and non-confocal settings. The proposed regularization framework incorporates sparseness and non-local self-similarity of the hidden objects as well as the smoothness of the signals. We show that the estimated signals, albedo, and surface normal of the hidden objects can be reconstructed robustly even with high measurement noise under the proposed framework. Reconstruction results on synthetic and experimental data show that our approach recovers the hidden objects faithfully and outperforms state-of-the-art reconstruction algorithms in terms of both quantitative criteria and visual quality.
Rapid, continuous projection multi-photon 3D printing enabled by spatiotemporal focusing of femtosecond pulses
Authors: Somers Paul , Liang Zihao , Johnson Jason E. , Boudouris Bryan W. , Pan Liang , Xu Xianfan
Published: September 2021

There is demand for scaling up 3D printing throughput, especially for the multi-photon 3D printing process that provides sub-micrometer structuring capabilities required in diverse fields. In this work, high-speed projection multi-photon printing is combined with spatiotemporal focusing for fabrication of 3D structures in a rapid, layer-by-layer, and continuous manner. Spatiotemporal focusing confines printing to thin layers, thereby achieving print thicknesses on the micron and sub-micron scale. Through projection of dynamically varying patterns with no pause between patterns, a continuous fabrication process is established. A numerical model for computing spatiotemporal focusing and imaging is also presented which is verified by optical imaging and printing results. Complex 3D structures with smooth features are fabricated, with millimeter scale printing realized at a rate above 10−3 mm3 s−1. This method is further scalable, indicating its potential to make fabrications of 3D structures with micro/nanoscale features in a practical time scale a reality.
Syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kurosawa Shuhei , Mizuno Shohei , Arai Yasuyuki , Masuko Masayoshi , Kanda Junya , Kohno Kentaro , Onai Daishi , Fukuda Takahiro , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Katayama Yuta , Tanaka Masatsugu , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Uchida Naoyuki , Eto Tetsuya , Ota Shuichi , Tanaka Junji , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yanada Masamitsu
Published: September 2021

The present study evaluated outcomes and prognostic factors in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Among patients in first complete remission (CR1), outcomes of syngeneic HSCT (Syn) were compared with those of autologous HSCT (Auto), allogeneic HSCT from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor (MSD), or allogeneic HSCT from HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD). Among 11,866 patients receiving first HSCT, 26 in the Syn group were analyzed. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate, the cumulative incidence of relapse, and the cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 47.8%, 59.6%, and 4.6%, respectively. The OS was significantly better in patients in CR1 (n = 13) than in patients in non-CR1 (P = 0.012). Furthermore, 39 patients in CR1 each were assigned to the Auto, MSD, and MUD groups using propensity score matching. The 5-year OS in the Syn (68.4%) was not significantly different from those in the Auto (55.9%, P = 0.265), MSD (62.4%, P = 0.419), or MUD (63.7%, P = 0.409) groups. A higher relapse in the Syn than in the MSD and MUD groups was offset by lower NRM. In summary, syngeneic HSCT might be an alternative option for AML patients in CR1.
Epigenetic derepression converts PPARγ into a druggable target in triple-negative and endocrine-resistant breast cancers
Authors: Loo Ser Yue , Syn Nicholas L. , Koh Angele Pei-Fern , Teng Janet Cheng-Fei , Deivasigamani Amudha , Tan Tuan Zea , Thike Aye Aye , Vali Shireen , Kapoor Shweta , Wang Xiaoyuan , Wang Jiong Wei , Tan Puay Hoon , Yip George W. , Sethi Gautam , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju , Hui Kam Man , Wang Lingzhi , Goh Boon Cher , Kumar Alan Prem
Published: September 2021

Clinical trials repurposing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) agonists as anticancer agents have exhibited lackluster efficacy across a variety of tumor types. Here, we report that increased PPARG expression is associated with a better prognosis but is anticorrelated with histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and 2 expressions. We show that HDAC overexpression blunts anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic responses to PPARγ agonists via transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, however, these can be neutralized with clinically approved and experimental HDAC inhibitors. Supporting this notion, concomitant treatment with HDAC inhibitors was required to license the tumor-suppressive effects of PPARγ agonists in triple-negative and endocrine-refractory breast cancer cells, and combination therapy also restrained angiogenesis in a tube formation assay. This combination was also synergistic in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)–positive cells because HDAC blockade abrogated ERα interference with PPARγ-regulated transcription. Following a pharmacokinetics optimization study, the combination of rosiglitazone and a potent pan-HDAC inhibitor, LBH589, stalled disease progression in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer greater than either of the monotherapies, while exhibiting a favorable safety profile. Our findings account for historical observations of de-novo resistance to PPARγ agonist monotherapy and propound a therapeutically cogent intervention against two aggressive breast cancer subtypes.
Expanding the known phenotype of Mullegama–Klein–Martinez syndrome in male patients
Authors: Freyberger Fiona , Kokotović Tomislav , Krnjak Goran , Frković Sanda Huljev , Nagy Vanja
Published: September 2021

Here, we report a novel case of a male patient with a hemizygous missense variant in STAG2 (p.Tyr159His) resulting in Mullegama–Klein–Martinez syndrome (MKMS), a rare X-linked cohesinopathy. He shares distinct clinical features with a previously reported male patient carrying the STAG2 variant p.Tyr159Cys, suggesting that this phenotype is determined by the position of the mutation. Additionally, our patient exhibits symptoms not previously associated with MKMS, expanding the known clinical phenotype of this rare disease.
γ-Selective C(sp3)–H amination via controlled migratory hydroamination
Authors: Lee Changseok , Seo Huiyeong , Jeon Jinwon , Hong Sungwoo
Published: September 2021

Remote functionalization of alkenes via chain walking has generally been limited to C(sp3)–H bonds α and β to polar-functional units, while γ-C(sp3)–H functionalization through controlled alkene transposition is a longstanding challenge. Herein, we describe NiH-catalyzed migratory formal hydroamination of alkenyl amides achieved via chelation-assisted control, whereby various amino groups are installed at the γ-position of aliphatic chains. By tuning olefin isomerization and migratory hydroamination through ligand and directing group optimization, γ-selective amination can be achieved via stabilization of a 6-membered nickellacycle by an 8-aminoquinoline directing group and subsequent interception by an aminating reagent. A range of amines can be installed at the γ-C(sp3)–H bond of unactivated alkenes with varying alkyl chain lengths, enabling late-stage access to value-added γ-aminated products. Moreover, by employing picolinamide-coupled alkene substrates, this approach is further extended to δ-selective amination. The chain-walking mechanism and pathway selectivity are investigated by experimental and computational methods.
Structural basis of gating modulation of Kv4 channel complexes
Authors: Kise Yoshiaki , Kasuya Go , Okamoto Hiroyuki H. , Yamanouchi Daichi , Kobayashi Kan , Kusakizako Tsukasa , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Nakajo Koichi , Nureki Osamu
Published: September 2021

Modulation of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels by auxiliary subunits is central to the physiological function of channels in the brain and heart1,2. Native Kv4 tetrameric channels form macromolecular ternary complexes with two auxiliary β-subunits—intracellular Kv channel-interacting proteins (KChIPs) and transmembrane dipeptidyl peptidase-related proteins (DPPs)—to evoke rapidly activating and inactivating A-type currents, which prevent the backpropagation of action potentials1–5. However, the modulatory mechanisms of Kv4 channel complexes remain largely unknown. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Kv4.2–DPP6S–KChIP1 dodecamer complex, the Kv4.2–KChIP1 and Kv4.2–DPP6S octamer complexes, and Kv4.2 alone. The structure of the Kv4.2–KChIP1 complex reveals that the intracellular N terminus of Kv4.2 interacts with its C terminus that extends from the S6 gating helix of the neighbouring Kv4.2 subunit. KChIP1 captures both the N and the C terminus of Kv4.2. In consequence, KChIP1 would prevent N-type inactivation and stabilize the S6 conformation to modulate gating of the S6 helices within the tetramer. By contrast, unlike the reported auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated channel complexes, DPP6S interacts with the S1 and S2 helices of the Kv4.2 voltage-sensing domain, which suggests that DPP6S stabilizes the conformation of the S1–S2 helices. DPP6S may therefore accelerate the voltage-dependent movement of the S4 helices. KChIP1 and DPP6S do not directly interact with each other in the Kv4.2–KChIP1–DPP6S ternary complex. Thus, our data suggest that two distinct modes of modulation contribute in an additive manner to evoke A-type currents from the native Kv4 macromolecular complex.
The three major axes of terrestrial ecosystem function
Authors: Migliavacca Mirco , Musavi Talie , Mahecha Miguel D. , Nelson Jacob A. , Knauer Jürgen , Baldocchi Dennis D. , Perez-Priego Oscar , Christiansen Rune , Peters Jonas , Anderson Karen , Bahn Michael , Black T. Andrew , Blanken Peter D. , Bonal Damien , Buchmann Nina , Caldararu Silvia , Carrara Arnaud , Carvalhais Nuno , Cescatti Alessandro , Chen Jiquan , Cleverly Jamie , Cremonese Edoardo , Desai Ankur R. , El-Madany Tarek S. , Farella Martha M. , Fernández-Martínez Marcos , Filippa Gianluca , Forkel Matthias , Galvagno Marta , Gomarasca Ulisse , Gough Christopher M. , Göckede Mathias , Ibrom Andreas , Ikawa Hiroki , Janssens Ivan A. , Jung Martin , Kattge Jens , Keenan Trevor F. , Knohl Alexander , Kobayashi Hideki , Kraemer Guido , Law Beverly E. , Liddell Michael J. , Ma Xuanlong , Mammarella Ivan , Martini David , Macfarlane Craig , Matteucci Giorgio , Montagnani Leonardo , Pabon-Moreno Daniel E. , Panigada Cinzia , Papale Dario , Pendall Elise , Penuelas Josep , Phillips Richard P. , Reich Peter B. , Rossini Micol , Rotenberg Eyal , Scott Russell L. , Stahl Clement , Weber Ulrich , Wohlfahrt Georg , Wolf Sebastian , Wright Ian J. , Yakir Dan , Zaehle Sönke , Reichstein Markus
Published: September 2021

The leaf economics spectrum1,2 and the global spectrum of plant forms and functions3 revealed fundamental axes of variation in plant traits, which represent different ecological strategies that are shaped by the evolutionary development of plant species2. Ecosystem functions depend on environmental conditions and the traits of species that comprise the ecological communities4. However, the axes of variation of ecosystem functions are largely unknown, which limits our understanding of how ecosystems respond as a whole to anthropogenic drivers, climate and environmental variability4,5. Here we derive a set of ecosystem functions6 from a dataset of surface gas exchange measurements across major terrestrial biomes. We find that most of the variability within ecosystem functions (71.8%) is captured by three key axes. The first axis reflects maximum ecosystem productivity and is mostly explained by vegetation structure. The second axis reflects ecosystem water-use strategies and is jointly explained by variation in vegetation height and climate. The third axis, which represents ecosystem carbon-use efficiency, features a gradient related to aridity, and is explained primarily by variation in vegetation structure. We show that two state-of-the-art land surface models reproduce the first and most important axis of ecosystem functions. However, the models tend to simulate more strongly correlated functions than those observed, which limits their ability to accurately predict the full range of responses to environmental changes in carbon, water and energy cycling in terrestrial ecosystems7,8.
A putatively extinct higher taxon of Spirotrichea (Ciliophora) from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: da Silva Paiva Thiago , de Souza Carvalho Ismar
Published: September 2021

Fossil microeukaryotes are key elements for understanding ancient ecosystems at microscopic level and improving the knowledge on the diversification of microbial life as a whole. We describePalaeohypothrix bahiensisgen.etsp. nov., an exceptionally well-preserved Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian–Barremian; 145–125 Mya) amber-entrapped microeukaryote, identified as a spirotrich ciliate. The preservation of structures interpreted as the nuclear apparatus and remains of the ciliature revealed a novel ground plan, not found in modern Spirotrichea, thus representing a putatively extinct higher taxon lineage, viz. the Palaeohypotricha nov. tax. Based on cladistic analysis, the new taxon is hypothesized as phylogenetically related to the Protohypotrichia.
Transient hexagonal structures in sheared emulsions of isotropic inclusions on smectic bubbles in microgravity conditions
Authors: Dolganov P. V. , Shuravin N. S. , Dolganov V. K. , Kats E. I. , Stannarius R. , Harth K. , Trittel T. , Park C. S. , Maclennan J. E.
Published: September 2021

We describe the collective behavior of isotropic droplets dispersed over a spherical smectic bubble, observed under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). We find that droplets can form two-dimensional hexagonal structures changing with time. Our analysis indicates the possibility of spatial and temporal periodicity of such structures of droplets. Quantitative analysis of the hexagonal structure including the first three coordination circles was performed. A peculiar periodic-in-time ordering of the droplets, related to one-dimensional motion of droplets with non-uniform velocity, was found.
The influence of antenna gain and beamwidth used in OSSEUS in the screening process for osteoporosis
Authors: Pinheiro Bruno de Melo , Campos Antônio Luiz Pereira de Siqueira , de Carvalho Dionísio Dias Aires , Cruz Agnaldo Souza , de Medeiros Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro , Veras Nicolas Vinícius Rodrigues , dos Santos João Paulo Queiroz
Published: September 2021

Applications on electromagnetic waves in the field of biotelemetry have increased in the latest years, being used to prevent, diagnose, and treatment of several diseases. In this context, biotelemetry allows minimally invasive monitoring of the physiologic, improving comfort and patient care and significantly reducing hospital costs. Aiming to assist the mineral bone density classification, through a radio frequency signal (RF), for a later diagnosis of osteoporosis, Osseus was proposed in 2018. This equipment is a combination of the application of techniques and concepts of several areas such as software, electrical, electronic, computational, and biomedical engineering, developed at a low cost, with easy access to the population, and non-invasive. However, when placed on evaluation, potential improvements were identified to increase the stability of Osseus operation. It is proposed the implementation of improvements in the antennas used by Osseus, aiming its miniaturization, improvement in the reception of the RF signal, and better stability of the equipment's operation. Then, two antennas were built, one of which was used as a project for the second, which is an array. The array showed significant improvements in the radiation parameters relevant to the application, being a candidate to replace the antennas currently in use at Osseus.
Determination of bacterial abundance and communities in the nipple drinking system of cascading cage layer houses
Authors: Wan Yi , Ma Ruiyu , Chai Lilong , Du Qiang , Yang Rongbin , Qi Renrong , Liu Wei , Li Junying , Li Yan , Zhan Kai
Published: September 2021

Water quality is critical for egg production and animal health in commercial layer housing systems. To investigate microbial contamination in nipple drinking system in layer houses, the bacterial abundance and communities in water pipes and V-troughs on different tiers (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tiers) of a layer house with 8 overlapping cage tiers were determined using qRT-PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. The water bacterial abundance (i.e., genome 16S rDNA copy number, WBCN) in water pipes and V-troughs did not significantly differ among tiers, but they were 46.77 to 1905.46 times higher in V-troughs than that in water pipes (P < 0.05) for each tier. Illumina sequencing obtained 1,746,303 effective reads from 24 water samples in V-troughs of 4 tiers (six samples from each tier). Taxonomic analysis indicated that the 1st and 5th tiers were predominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the 3rd and 7th tiers were predominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The top four genera were Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, Rothia and Comamonas among measured tiers. The high bacterial abundance and bacterial OTUs of water in the V-troughs reflect poor water quality, which may adversely affect growth and health of laying hens. Therefore, it is suggested that water quality in the V-tough should be checked more frequently in commercial layer houses.
Artificial intelligence-based image analysis can predict outcome in high-grade serous carcinoma via histology alone
Authors: Laury Anna Ray , Blom Sami , Ropponen Tuomas , Virtanen Anni , Carpén Olli Mikael
Published: September 2021

High-grade extrauterine serous carcinoma (HGSC) is an aggressive tumor with high rates of recurrence, frequent chemotherapy resistance, and overall 5-year survival of less than 50%. Beyond determining and confirming the diagnosis itself, pathologist review of histologic slides provides no prognostic or predictive information, which is in sharp contrast to almost all other carcinoma types. Deep-learning based image analysis has recently been able to predict outcome and/or identify morphology-based representations of underlying molecular alterations in other tumor types, such as colorectal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and melanoma. Using a carefully stratified HGSC patient cohort consisting of women (n = 30) with similar presentations who experienced very different treatment responses (platinum free intervals of either ≤ 6 months or ≥ 18 months), we used whole slide images (WSI, n = 205) to train a convolutional neural network. The neural network was trained, in three steps, to identify morphologic regions (digital biomarkers) that are highly associating with one or the other treatment response group. We tested the classifier using a separate 22 slide test set, and 18/22 slides were correctly classified. We show that a neural network based approach can discriminate extremes in patient response to primary platinum-based chemotherapy with high sensitivity (73%) and specificity (91%). These proof-of-concept results are novel, because for the first time, prospective prognostic information is identified specifically within HGSC tumor morphology.
CCL3L3-null status is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim Young-Ho , Lee Eunyoung Emily , Sim Hye-Won , Kang Eun-Kyung , Won Yoon-Ho , Lee Dong-eun , Hong Kyeong-Man , Song Yeong-Wook
Published: September 2021

The correlation between copy number variation (CNV) and the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been reported for various immunity-related genes. However, the contribution of CNVs to SLE susceptibility awaits more investigation. To evaluate the copy numbers in immunity-related genes such as TNFAIP3, TNIP1, IL12B, TBX21 (T-bet), TLR7, C4A, C4B, CCL3L1, and CCL3L3, the modified real competitive polymerase chain reaction (mrcPCR) assay was employed, and the association between the copy numbers and SLE susceptibility was analyzed in 334 SLE patients and 338 controls. CCL3L3-null status was significantly associated with SLE susceptibility (OR > 18, P < 0.0001), which remained significant by Bonferroni’s correction (corrected P = 0.0007). However, the significant association between C4B low-copy status and SLE susceptibility (OR = 1.6051, P = 0.0331) became non-significant by Bonferroni’s correction (corrected P = 0.3938). Except for these results, no other significant association between SLE susceptibility and copy number status in other genes was observed. The CCL3L3-null status may be a significant factor for SLE susceptibility.
Nuclear restriction of HIV-1 infection by SUN1
Authors: Persaud Mirjana , Selyutina Anastasia , Buffone Cindy , Opp Silvana , Donahue Daniel A. , Schwartz Oliver , Diaz-Griffero Felipe
Published: September 2021

Overexpression of the human Sad-1-Unc-84 homology protein 2 (SUN2) blocks HIV-1 infection in a capsid-dependent manner. In agreement, we showed that overexpression of SUN1 (Sad1 and UNC-84a) also blocks HIV-1 infection in a capsid-dependent manner. SUN2 and the related protein SUN1 are transmembrane proteins located in the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. The N-terminal domains of SUN1/2 localizes to the nucleoplasm while the C-terminal domains are localized in the nuclear lamina. Because the N-terminal domains of SUN1/2 are located in the nucleoplasm, we hypothesized that SUN1/2 might be interacting with the HIV-1 replication complex in the nucleus leading to HIV-1 inhibition. Our results demonstrated that SUN1/2 interacts with the HIV-1 capsid, and in agreement with our hypothesis, the use of N-terminal deletion mutants showed that SUN1/2 proteins bind to the viral capsid by using its N-terminal domain. SUN1/2 deletion mutants correlated restriction of HIV-1 with capsid binding. Interestingly, the ability of SUN1/2 to restrict HIV-1 also correlated with perinuclear localization of these proteins. In agreement with the notion that SUN proteins interact with the HIV-1 capsid in the nucleus, we found that restriction of HIV-1 by overexpression of SUN proteins do not block the entry of the HIV-1 core into the nucleus. Our results showed that HIV-1 restriction is mediated by the interaction of SUN1/2N-terminal domains with the HIV-1 core in the nuclear compartment.
Environment and culture shape both the colour lexicon and the genetics of colour perception
Authors: Josserand Mathilde , Meeussen Emma , Majid Asifa , Dediu Dan
Published: September 2021

Many languages express ‘blue’ and ‘green’ under an umbrella term ‘grue’. To explain this variation, it has been suggested that changes in eye physiology, due to UV-light incidence, can lead to abnormalities in blue-green color perception which causes the color lexicon to adapt. Here, we apply advanced statistics on a set of 142 populations to model how different factors shape the presence of a specific term for blue. In addition, we examined if the ontogenetic effect of UV-light on color perception generates a negative selection pressure against inherited abnormal red-green perception. We found the presence of a specific term for blue was influenced by UV incidence as well as several additional factors, including cultural complexity. Moreover, there was evidence that UV incidence was negatively related to abnormal red-green color perception. These results demonstrate that variation in languages can only be understood in the context of their cultural, biological, and physical environments.
Construction of an MRI-based decision tree to differentiate autoimmune and autoinflammatory inner ear disease from chronic otitis media with sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Lee Boeun , Bae Yun Jung , Choi Byung Yoon , Kim Young Seok , Han Jin Hee , Kim Hyojin , Choi Byung Se , Kim Jae Hyoung
Published: September 2021

Autoimmune and autoinflammatory inner ear diseases (AIED/AID) are characterized by the symptom of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). To date, standardized diagnostic tools for AIED/AID are lacking, and clinically differentiating AIED/AID from chronic otitis media (COM) with SNHL is challenging. This retrospective study aimed to construct a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based decision tree using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to distinguish AIED/AID from COM. In total, 67 patients were enrolled between January 2004 and October 2019, comprising AIED/AID (n = 18), COM (n = 24), and control groups (n = 25). All patients underwent 3 T temporal bone MRI, including post-contrast T1-weighted images (postT1WI) and post-contrast FLAIR images (postFLAIR). Two radiologists evaluated the presence of otomastoid effusion and inner ear contrast-enhancement on MRI. A CART decision tree model was constructed using MRI features to differentiate AIED/AID from COM and control groups, and diagnostic performance was analyzed. High-intensity bilateral effusion (61.1%) and inner ear enhancement (postFLAIR, 93.8%; postT1WI, 61.1%) were the most common findings in the AIED/AID group. We constructed two CART decision tree models; the first used effusion amount as the first partitioning node and postT1WI-inner ear enhancement as the second node, whereas the second comprised two partitioning nodes with the degree of postFLAIR-enhancement of the inner ear. The first and second models enabled distinction of AIED/AID from COM with high specificity (100% and 94.3%, respectively). The amount of effusion and the degree of inner ear enhancement on MRI may facilitate the distinction between AIED/AID and COM with SNHL using decision tree models, thereby contributing to early diagnosis and intervention.
Electromagnetic stimulation increases mitochondrial function in osteogenic cells and promotes bone fracture repair
Authors: Hollenberg Alex M. , Huber Aric , Smith Charles O. , Eliseev Roman A.
Published: September 2021

Bone fracture is a growing public health burden and there is a clinical need for non-invasive therapies to aid in the fracture healing process. Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of electromagnetic (EM) fields in promoting bone repair; however, its underlying mechanism of action is unclear. Interestingly, there is a growing body of literature describing positive effects of an EM field on mitochondria. In our own work, we have previously demonstrated that differentiation of osteoprogenitors into osteoblasts involves activation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Therefore, it was reasonable to propose that EM field therapy exerts bone anabolic effects via stimulation of mitochondrial OxPhos. In this study, we show that application of a low intensity constant EM field source on osteogenic cells in vitro resulted in increased mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory complex I activity and induced osteogenic differentiation. In the presence of mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A, the osteoinductive effect was reversed, confirming that this effect was mediated via increased OxPhos activity. Using a mouse tibial bone fracture model in vivo, we show that application of a low intensity constant EM field source enhanced fracture repair via improved biomechanical properties and increased callus bone mineralization. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence that EM field therapy promotes bone fracture repair through mitochondrial OxPhos activation.
Anodal tDCS augments and preserves working memory beyond time-on-task deficits
Authors: Karthikeyan Rohith , Smoot Meredith R. , Mehta Ranjana K.
Published: September 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to promote working memory (WM), however, its efficacy against time-on-task-related performance decline and associated cognitive fatigue remains uncertain. This study examined the impact of anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC on performance during a fatiguing visuospatial WM test. We adopted a repeated measures design, where 32 healthy adults (16 female), underwent anodal, control and sham tDCS on separate days. They completed an hour long two-back test, with stimulation intensity, onset, and duration set at 1 mA, at the 20th minute for 10 minutes respectively. Task performance, subjective responses, and heart rate variability (HRV) were captured during the experiment. Anodal tDCS substantially improved WM relative to sham tDCS and control in both sexes. These benefits lasted beyond the stimulation interval, and were unique across performance measures. However, no perceptual changes in subjective effort or fatigue levels were noted between conditions, although participants reported greater discomfort during stimulation. While mood and sleepiness changed withtime-on-task, reflecting fatigue, these were largely similar across conditions. HRV increased under anodal tDCS and control, and plateaued under sham tDCS. We found that short duration anodal tDCS at 1 mA was an effective countermeasure totime-on-taskdeficits during a visuospatial two-back task, with enhancement and preservation of WM capacity. However, these improvements were not available at a perceptual level. Therefore, wider investigations are necessary to determine “how” such solutions will be operationalized in the field, especially within human-centered systems.
Shoulder transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation decreases heart rate via potentiating vagal tone
Authors: Hsieh Chun-Ming , Lin Wan-Chen , Peng Hsien-Yu , Chen Huang-Chung , Ho Yu-Cheng , Li Chi-Jui , Wu Xi-Guan , Chung Jen-Yi , Lee Shin-Da , Lin Tzer-Bin
Published: September 2021

By enhancing vagal activity, auricle transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is developed as a non-invasive therapy for heart failure. Nevertheless, though shoulder TENS used for treating adhesive capsulitis could affect vagal tone, its potential impact on heart functions remains unclear. In this study, electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate (HR) of subjects in response to sham, right-sided, or left-sided shoulder TENS (TENS-S, TENS-R, and TENS-L, respectively; 5 min) were recorded and analyzed. During the stimulation period, TENS-R constantly and TENS-L transiently decreased the HR of subjects; both TENS-R and TENS-L increased powers of the low- and high-frequency spectra. While TENS-R exhibiting no effect, TENS-L increased the ratio of low/high-frequency power spectrum indicating TENS-R decreased the HR through potentiating cardiac vagal tone. Collectively, these results suggest TENS could be an early and non-invasive therapy for heart failure patients before considering implant devices or devices are not feasible; moreover, therapists/physicians need to carefully monitor the potential adverse events during treatment for patient safety.

Trial registration: The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03982472; 11/06/2019).