bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource utilisation in paediatric patients with secundum atrial septal defects
Authors: Ziebell Daniel S. , Ghaleb Stephanie , Anderson Jeffrey , Statile Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Background:

There is variation in care of secundum atrial septal defects. Defects <3 mm and patent foramen ovale are not clinically significant. Defects >3 mm are often followed clinically and may require closure. Variation in how these lesions are monitored may result in over-utilisation of routine studies and higher than necessary patient charges.

Purpose:

To determine utilisation patterns for patients with secundum atrial septal defects diagnosed within the first year of life and compare to locally developed optimal utilisation standard to assess charge savings.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of patients with secundum atrial septal defects diagnosed within the first year of life. Patients with co-existing cardiac lesions were excluded. Total number of clinic visits, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms were recorded. Total charge was calculated based on our standard institutional charges. Patients were stratified based on lesion and provider type and then compared to “optimal utilisation” using analysis of variance statistical analysis.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients were included, 40 had patent foramen ovale (or atrial septal defect <3 mm), 43 had atrial septal defects not requiring intervention and 14 had atrial septal defects requiring intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in mean charge above optimal for these lesions of $1033, $2885, and $5722 (p < 0.02), respectively. There was statistically significant variation of charge among types of provider as well. Average charge savings per patient would be $2530 with total charge savings of $242,472 if the optimal utilisation pathway was followed.

Conclusion:

Using optimal utilisation and decreasing variation could save the patient significant unnecessary charges.
Nasal Capnography Monitoring of a Patient with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Eyler Yesim , Kilic Turgay Yilmaz , Idil Hasan
Published: February 2020

Background:

End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) is a non-invasive method giving information about the perfusion, ventilation, and metabolic condition of patients. The correlation was studied here between the metabolic (pH, bicarbonate) values and EtCO2 during the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Case Report:

A 23-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with the complaints of nausea, vomiting, and fever. The patient with a diagnosis of DKA was continuously monitored with EtCO2; EtCO2 was correlated with serum bicarbonate (HCO3; r = 0.96; P < .001) and pH (r = 0.93; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Continuous EtCO2 monitoring should be considered by emergency physicians in the metabolic monitoring of the patients as it is an easy-to-use, non-invasive, and cost-effective method that provides instant and reliable information.
On the Alleged Augustinianism in Kant’sReligion
Authors: Pasternack Lawrence
Published: February 2020

Both critics and defenders of Kant’sReligion within the Boundaries of Mere Reasonhave raised worries about its alleged employment of an ‘Augustinian’ conception of moral evil as well as the accounts of grace and moral regeneration consequent to it. Combined, these aspects of theReligionare often seen as responsible for its principal ‘wobble’, ‘conundrum’ or ‘internal contradiction’, and are likewise among the key reasons why theReligionis commonly seen as at odds with the epistemic strictures and moral principles which shape Kant’s broader Critical corpus. It is the purpose of this article to reassess these charges and to show thereby that rather than accepting this alleged Augustinianism, Kant engages with and ultimatelyrejectsits core tenets.
Management of breast cancer: an overview for therapeutic radiographers
Authors: McKittrick Gillian , Shepherd Paul , Gilleece Terri
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

The management of breast cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment and beyond can be variable depending on factors including tumour extent and location, histology, genetics, health and wellbeing of the patient as well as personal patient preferences. The therapeutic radiographer’s role is not only vital to ensure safe and accurate radiotherapy delivery but also crucially, as the regular patient interface, they must be fully empowered to engage effectively with all aspects of the patient care pathway. They must be knowledgeable and up to date with evidence-based practices relating to the patient experience including surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiotherapy.

Aim:

The aim of this paper is to outline the breast cancer management pathway, highlighting the potential side effects that occur as a result of breast radiotherapy treatment and concomitant treatment in order to inform therapeutic radiographers and best practice.

Discussion:

The treatment pathway for breast cancer patients varies greatly depending on a wide range of factors and is very much individualised for each patient. Each treatment modality has its advantages and disadvantages, and all come with a number of side effects that can affect a patient’s daily living. Toxicities can arise during radiotherapy treatment or months after treatment, and education regarding the management of these is essential for effective patient care. Many technological advances in radiotherapy treatment techniques and regimes have the potential to decrease radiation-induced side effects. Despite attempts to standardise clinical guidelines on the use of topical agents and dressings, historical opinions and ideas are still evident in clinical practice. The use of grading systems in radiotherapy tends to only record patients’ physical symptoms and not their holistic wellbeing and emotional needs.

Conclusion:

Therapeutic radiographers must ensure that they remain equipped with the skills and knowledge to correctly manage and/or signpost services effectively. This overall outline of the management of patients with breast cancer is designed to help therapeutic radiographers reflect on the current practices and to inspire them, where evidence dictates, to seize opportunities, to explore improvement and to enhance best practice.
INVESTMENT AND INVISIBILITY
Authors: Rosenthal Aaron
Published: February 2020

Does political distrust generate a desire to engage in the political process or does it foster demobilization? Utilizing a theoretical framework rooted in government experiences and a mixed-methods research design, this article highlights the racially contingent meaning of political distrust to show that both relationships exist. For Whites, distrust is tied to a perception of tax dollars being poorly spent, leading to increased political involvement as Whites to try to gain control over “their” investment in government. For People of Color, distrust of government is grounded in a fear of the criminal justice system, and thus drives disengagement by motivating a desire for invisibility in relation to the state. Ultimately, this finding highlights a previously unseen racial heterogeneity in the political consequences of distrust. Further, it demonstrates how the state perpetuates racially patterned political inequality in a time when many of the formal laws engendering this dynamic have fallen away.
Evaluation of nonselective herbicides for strawberry termination
Authors: Yu Jialin , Boyd Nathan S.
Published: February 2020

Florida strawberry growers apply the nonselective herbicide paraquat for crop termination. Alternative herbicides are desirable because of recent label restrictions on paraquat use and the occurrence of three paraquat-resistant weed species found in strawberry fields. Field experiments were conducted at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm, FL, to compare the efficacy of diquat, paraquat, and glufosinate and determine the optimal rate for strawberry termination. Peak control occurred at 14 d after treatment and strawberry foliage desiccation increased as herbicide rate increased. The highest rate of diquat (2,240 g ai ha−1) and paraquat (2240 g ai ha−1) provided 59% and 79% strawberry control, respectively, and 39% and 77% strawberry foliage desiccation, respectively. The highest rate of glufosinate (2,624 g ai ha−1) provided 82% and 84% strawberry control and desiccation, respectively. Regression analysis determined the rates required to provide 50% strawberry control measured 1,100, 650, and 550 g ha−1 for diquat, paraquat, and glufosinate, respectively, whereas the rates required to provide 80% strawberry control were greater than 2,240 g ha−1 for the first two herbicides and 2,020 g ha−1 for glufosinate. Herbicide rates required to provide 50% strawberry foliage desiccation measured 480, 550, and 330 g ha−1 for diquat, paraquat, and glufosinate, respectively, whereas the rates required to provide 80% strawberry foliage desiccation were greater than 2,240 g ha−1 for the first two herbicides and 1150 g ha−1 for glufosinate. Overall, these results indicate glufosinate is the most effective herbicide for strawberry termination, whereas diquat is the least effective herbicide.
Microcirculatory assessment of vascular diseases
Authors: Marcoccia Antonella , Klein-Weigel Peter F. , Gschwandtner Michael E. , Wautrecht Jean Claude , Matuska Jiri , Rother Ulrich , Houben Alfons J. H. M.
Published: February 2020

Summary. The term “microcirculation” refers to the terminal vascular network of the body, which includes arterioles, capillaries, venules as well as initial lymphatic vessels. Additionally, it insinuates to their unique function in thermoregulation, fluid balance, maintenance of cellular exchange, and metabolism. Disturbances of microvascular function were identified to precede macrovascular involvement in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and is the hallmark of terminal disease stages like critical limb or acral ischemia. Nevertheless, despite its obvious significance in vascular medicine assessment of microvascular function became increasingly neglected in the clinical institutions during the last decades and seems to play a subordinary role in medical education. We therefore provide an overview over relevant and clinically practicable methods to assess microcirculation in vascular medicine with critical estimations of their pros and cons and their perspectives in the future.
Werden suizidgefährdete junge Menschen durch Online-Beratung erreicht?
Authors: Weiss Maren , Hildebrand Anja , Braun-Scharm Hellmuth , Weckwerth Klaus , Held Dagmar , Stemmler Mark
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Das Beratungsangebot [U25] Deutschland bietet Hilfe für Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene in Krisensituationen oder bei Suizidgefahr. Die Ratsuchenden bleiben anonym, die Beratung wird durch ehrenamtlich tätige Gleichaltrige (Peers) durchgeführt. Durch den Online-Zugang ist das Angebot besonders niederschwellig. Die vorliegende Untersuchung befasst sich mit der Frage, ob junge Menschen in Krisensituationen und bei Suizidgefahr durch die Online-Peerberatung [U25] erreicht werden und welche Merkmale die erreichte Klientel auszeichnen. Methodik: Datengrundlage bietet die Auswertung der Dokumentation von 1062 Beratungsprozessen aus dem Jahr 2017 sowie eine Interviewstudie mit Peerberaterinnen und -beratern des [U25]-Standortes Nürnberg (n = 13). Ergebnisse: Die Daten deuten darauf hin, dass das Ziel, junge Menschen in (suizidalen) Krisen zu erreichen, durch [U25] gut erfüllt wird. Dies spiegelt sich auch in der hohen Inanspruchnahme des Angebots wider. Allerdings nehmen junge Männer das Angebot weniger häufig wahr. Es liegen auch erste Hinweise darauf vor, dass junge Menschen aus bildungsfernen Familien weniger gut erreicht werden. Schlussfolgerungen: [U25] bietet einen vielversprechenden Ansatz, um junge Menschen in Krisensituationen niederschwellig zu erreichen und bei Bedarf zur Inanspruchnahme von Präsenzangeboten hinzuführen. Konzepte zur gezielten Ansprache von jungen Männern und Personen aus bildungsfernen Schichten müssen erarbeitet und evaluiert werden.
Airborne Mapping Reveals Emergent Power Law of Arctic Methane Emissions
Authors: Elder Clayton D. , Thompson David R. , Thorpe Andrew K. , Hanke Philip , Walter Anthony Katey M. , Miller Charles E.
Published: February 2020

Methane (CH4) emissions from thawing permafrost amplify a climate warming feedback. However, upscaling of site‐level CH4 observations across diverse Arctic landscapes remains highly uncertain, compromising accuracy of current pan‐Arctic CH4 budgets and confidence in model forecasts. We report a 30,000‐km2 survey at 25‐m2 resolution (~1 billion observations) of CH4 hotspot patterns across Alaska and northwestern Canada using airborne imaging spectroscopy. Hotspots covered 0.2% of the surveyed area, concentrated in the wetland‐upland ecotone, and followed a two‐component power law as a function of distance from standing water. Hotspots decreased sharply over the first 40 m from standing water (y = 0.21×−0.649, R2 = 0.97), mirroring in situ flux observations. Beyond 40 m, CH4 hotspots diminished gradually over hundreds of meters (y = 0.004×−0.164, R2 = 0.99). This emergent property quantifies the distribution of strong methanogenic zones from site to regional scales, vastly improving metrics for scaling ground‐based CH4 inventories and validation of land models.
Engineering microscale systems for fully autonomous intracellular neural interfaces
Authors: Kumar Swathy Sampath , Baker Michael S. , Okandan Murat , Muthuswamy Jit
Published: February 2020

Conventional electrodes and associated positioning systems for intracellular recording from single neurons in vitro and in vivo are large and bulky, which has largely limited their scalability. Further, acquiring successful intracellular recordings is very tedious, requiring a high degree of skill not readily achieved in a typical laboratory. We report here a robotic, MEMS-based intracellular recording system to overcome the above limitations associated with form factor, scalability, and highly skilled and tedious manual operations required for intracellular recordings. This system combines three distinct technologies: (1) novel microscale, glass–polysilicon penetrating electrode for intracellular recording; (2) electrothermal microactuators for precise microscale movement of each electrode; and (3) closed-loop control algorithm for autonomous positioning of electrode inside single neurons. Here we demonstrate the novel, fully integrated system of glass–polysilicon microelectrode, microscale actuators, and controller for autonomous intracellular recordings from single neurons in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica (n = 5 cells). Consistent resting potentials (<−35 mV) and action potentials (>60 mV) were recorded after each successful penetration attempt with the controller and microactuated glass–polysilicon microelectrodes. The success rate of penetration and quality of intracellular recordings achieved using electrothermal microactuators were comparable to that of conventional positioning systems. Preliminary data from in vivo experiments in anesthetized rats show successful intracellular recordings. The MEMS-based system offers significant advantages: (1) reduction in overall size for potential use in behaving animals, (2) scalable approach to potentially realize multi-channel recordings, and (3) a viable method to fully automate measurement of intracellular recordings. This system will be evaluated in vivo in future rodent studies.
circRNA_0000140 suppresses oral squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis by targeting miR-31 to inhibit Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Peng Qiu-Shi , Cheng Ya-Nan , Zhang Wen-Bai , Fan Hui , Mao Qiu-Hua , Xu Pu
Published: February 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies and has a poor prognosis. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial contributor to carcinogenesis. circRNA_0000140 has been aberrantly expressed in OSCC, but its role in tumor growth and metastasis remains largely unclear. Sanger sequencing, actinomycin D, and RNase R treatments were used to confirm head-to-tail junction sequences and the stability of circ_0000140. In vitro cell activities, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, were determined by colony formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays. The expression levels of circ_0000140, Hippo signaling pathway, and serial epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Dual luciferase reporter assays and Argonaute 2-RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the interplay among circ_0000140, miR-31, and LATS2. Subcutaneous tumor growth was observed in nude mice, in which in vivo metastasis was observed following tail vein injection of OSCC cells. circ_0000140 is derived from exons 7 to 10 of the KIAA0907 gene. It was down-regulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and correlated negatively with poor prognostic outcomes in OSCC patients. Gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that circ_0000140 enhancement suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and facilitated cell apoptosis in vitro. In xenograft mouse models, overexpression of circ_0000140 was able to repress tumor growth and lung metastasis. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that circ_0000140 could bind with miR-31 and up-regulate its target gene LATS2, thus affecting OSCC cellular EMT. Our findings demonstrated the roles of circ_0000140 in OSCC tumorigenesis as well as in metastasis, and circ_0000140 exerts its tumor-suppressing effect through miR-31/LATS2 axis of Hippo signaling pathway in OSCC.
Retraction Note: Sirt3 suppresses calcium oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via modification of FoxO3a-mediated autophagy
Authors: Peng Yonghan , Yang Cheng , Shi Xiaolei , Li Ling , Dong Hao , Liu Changcheng , Fang Ziyu , Wang Zeyu , Ming Shaoxiong , Liu Min , Xie Bin , Gao Xiaofeng , Sun Yinghao
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Molecular basis for N-terminal acetylation by human NatE and its modulation by HYPK
Authors: Deng Sunbin , McTiernan Nina , Wei Xuepeng , Arnesen Thomas , Marmorstein Ronen
Published: February 2020

The human N-terminal acetyltransferase E (NatE) contains NAA10 and NAA50 catalytic, and NAA15 auxiliary subunits and associates with HYPK, a protein with intrinsic NAA10 inhibitory activity. NatE co-translationally acetylates the N-terminus of half the proteome to mediate diverse biological processes, including protein half-life, localization, and interaction. The molecular basis for how NatE and HYPK cooperate is unknown. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of human NatE and NatE/HYPK complexes and associated biochemistry. We reveal that NAA50 and HYPK exhibit negative cooperative binding to NAA15 in vitro and in human cells by inducing NAA15 shifts in opposing directions. NAA50 and HYPK each contribute to NAA10 activity inhibition through structural alteration of the NAA10 substrate-binding site. NAA50 activity is increased through NAA15 tethering, but is inhibited by HYPK through structural alteration of the NatE substrate-binding site. These studies reveal the molecular basis for coordinated N-terminal acetylation by NatE and HYPK.
Precise timing of transcription by c-di-GMP coordinates cell cycle and morphogenesis in Caulobacter
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Andreas , Hempel Antje M. , von Arx Christoph , Böhm Raphael , Dubey Badri N. , Nesper Jutta , Schirmer Tilman , Hiller Sebastian , Jenal Urs
Published: February 2020

Bacteria adapt their growth rate to their metabolic status and environmental conditions by modulating the length of their G1 period. Here we demonstrate that a gradual increase in the concentration of the second messenger c-di-GMP determines precise gene expression during G1/S transition in Caulobacter crescentus. We show that c-di-GMP stimulates the kinase ShkA by binding to its central pseudo-receiver domain, activates the TacA transcription factor, and initiates a G1/S-specific transcription program leading to cell morphogenesis and S-phase entry. Activation of the ShkA-dependent genetic program causes c-di-GMP to reach peak levels, which triggers S-phase entry and promotes proteolysis of ShkA and TacA. Thus, a gradual increase of c-di-GMP results in precise control of ShkA-TacA activity, enabling G1/S-specific gene expression that coordinates cell cycle and morphogenesis.
Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies eight new susceptibility loci for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sarin Kavita Y. , Lin Yuan , Daneshjou Roxana , Ziyatdinov Andrey , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Rubin Adam , Pardo Luba M. , Wu Wenting , Khavari Paul A. , Uitterlinden Andre , Nijsten Tamar , Toland Amanda E. , Olafsson Jon H. , Sigurgeirsson Bardur , Thorisdottir Kristin , Jorgensen Eric , Whittemore Alice S. , Kraft Peter , Stacey Simon N. , Stefansson Kari , Asgari Maryam M. , Han Jiali
Published: February 2020

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with cutaneous SCC. Here, we report the largest cutaneous SCC meta-analysis to date, representing six international cohorts and totaling 19,149 SCC cases and 680,049 controls. We discover eight novel loci associated with SCC, confirm all previously associated loci, and perform fine mapping of causal variants. The novel SNPs occur within skin-specific regulatory elements and implicate loci involved in cancer development, immune regulation, and keratinocyte differentiation in SCC susceptibility.
Serum neurofilament light levels in normal aging and their association with morphologic brain changes
Authors: Khalil Michael , Pirpamer Lukas , Hofer Edith , Voortman Margarete M. , Barro Christian , Leppert David , Benkert Pascal , Ropele Stefan , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz , Schmidt Reinhold , Kuhle Jens
Published: February 2020

Neurofilament light (NfL) protein is a marker of neuro-axonal damage and can be measured not only in cerebrospinal fluid but also in serum, which allows for repeated assessments. There is still limited knowledge regarding the association of serum NfL (sNfL) with age and subclinical morphologic brain changes and their dynamics in the normal population. We measured sNfL by a single molecule array (Simoa) assay in 335 individuals participating in a population-based cohort study and after a mean follow-up time of 5.9 years (n = 103). Detailed clinical examination, cognitive testing and 3T brain MRI were performed to assess subclinical brain damage. We show that rising and more variable sNfL in individuals >60 years indicate an acceleration of neuronal injury at higher age, which may be driven by subclinical comorbid pathologies. This is supported by a close association of sNfL with brain volume changes in a cross-sectional and especially longitudinal manner.
Supersymmetry in the time domain and its applications in optics
Authors: García-Meca Carlos , Ortiz Andrés Macho , Sáez Roberto Llorente
Published: February 2020

Supersymmetry is a conjectured symmetry between bosons and fermions aiming at solving fundamental questions in string and quantum field theory. Its subsequent application to quantum mechanics led to a ground-breaking analysis and design machinery, later fruitfully extrapolated to photonics. In all cases, the algebraic transformations of quantum-mechanical supersymmetry were conceived in the space realm. Here, we demonstrate that Maxwell’s equations, as well as the acoustic and elastic wave equations, also possess an underlying supersymmetry in the time domain. We explore the consequences of this property in the field of optics, obtaining a simple analytic relation between the scattering coefficients of numerous time-varying systems, and uncovering a wide class of reflectionless, three dimensional, all-dielectric, isotropic, omnidirectional, polarisation-independent, non-complex media. Temporal supersymmetry is also shown to arise in dispersive media supporting temporal bound states, which allows engineering their momentum spectra and dispersive properties. These unprecedented features may enable the creation of novel reconfigurable devices, including invisible materials, frequency shifters, isolators, and pulse-shape transformers.
High resolution 3D mapping of grain kinematics during high temperature sequestration of SO2 from flue gas by carbonate aggregates
Authors: Saadatfar Mohammad , Brink Frank , Latham Shane , King Penelope , Middleton Jill , Troitzsch Ulrike , Turner Michael , Henley Richard W.
Published: February 2020

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is removed from flue gases prior to discharge into the atmosphere by high temperature sulphation reactions with the mineral calcite (CaCO3) in the form of calcite aggregates such as limestone. The efficiency of this industrial-scale process is constrained by the self-inhibiting growth of anhydrite (CaSO4) along calcite grain boundaries. Using very high resolution X-ray μCT and Scanning Electron Microscopy we show, for the first time, how the sulphation reaction is initiated by the anisotropic thermal expansion of calcite grains to produce high inter-grain permeability. In turn fast gas-solid reaction occurs to produce a network of porous anhydrite layers between grains. Individual calcite grains are then free to rotate and translate with respect to each other as the sulphation reaction proceeds. Grain translations of up to 24 μm and rotations of up to 0.64 degrees have been tracked in samples of a highly compacted calcite aggregate (Carrara Marble) across up to 600,000 grains through heating and cooling cycles during exposure to SO2 gas flow at temperatures from 600 to 750 °C at one atmosphere. Such grain kinematics help to maintain gas phase permeability in the solid reactant and mitigate the inhibitory growth of porous anhydrite on grain boundaries.
REP-X: An Evolution-guided Strategy for the Rational Design of Cysteine-less Protein Variants
Authors: Dalton Kevin , Lopez Tom , Pande Vijay , Frydman Judith
Published: February 2020

Site-specific labeling of proteins is often a prerequisite for biophysical and biochemical characterization. Chemical modification of a unique cysteine residue is among the most facile methods for site-specific labeling of proteins. However, many proteins have multiple reactive cysteines, which must be mutated to other residues to enable labeling of unique positions. This trial-and-error process often results in cysteine-free proteins with reduced activity or stability. Herein we describe a general methodology to rationally engineer cysteine-less proteins. Briefly, natural variation across orthologues is exploited to identify suitable cysteine replacements compatible with protein activity and stability. As a proof-of-concept, we recount the successful engineering of a cysteine-less mutant of the group II chaperonin from methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis. A webapp, REP-X (Replacement at Endogenous Positions from eXtant sequences), which enables users to design their own cysteine-less protein variants, will make this rational approach widely available.
Association between myopia and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures in children
Authors: Lyu In Jeong , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: February 2020

We investigated the characteristics of children with peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) and evaluated the associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study included 132 eyes of 66 children with PHOMS and 92 eyes of 46 children without PHOMS (controls) who were assessed by disc enhanced-depth image spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors associated with presence of PHOMS. Among the 66 children with PHOMS, 53 (80.3%) had bilateral and 13 (19.7%) had unilateral PHOMS. The mean age of the PHOMS group was 11.7 ± 2.6 years, and that of the control group was 11.4 ± 3.1 years. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) as determined by cycloplegic refraction was −3.13 ± 1.87 diopters (D) in the PHOMS group and −0.95 ± 2.65 D in the control group. Additionally, mean astigmatism was 0.67 ± 0.89 D and 0.88 ± 1.02 D in the PHOMS group and the control group, respectively. Mean disc size was 1,735 ± 153 µm in the PHOMS group and 1,741 ± 190 µm in the control group, while mean optic nerve head (ONH) tilt angle was 9.84 ± 5.38 degrees in the PHOMS group and 3.71 ± 4.41 degrees in the control group. SE and ONH tilt angle were significantly associated with PHOMS according to both univariable [odds ratio (OR): 1.59; p < 0.001 and OR: 1.35; p < 0.001, respectively] and multivariable (OR: 1.71; p = 0.001 and OR: 1.29; p = 0.001, respectively) logistic regression analyses. There was a significant correlation between SE and ONH tilt (r = −0.46; p < 0.001). In conclusion, PHOMS is associated with myopic shift in children, and optic disc tilt may be a mediator between myopia and PHOMS.
Soil properties explain tree growth and mortality, but not biomass, across phosphorus-depleted tropical forests
Authors: Soong Jennifer L. , Janssens Ivan A. , Grau Oriol , Margalef Olga , Stahl Clément , Van Langenhove Leandro , Urbina Ifigenia , Chave Jerome , Dourdain Aurelie , Ferry Bruno , Freycon Vincent , Herault Bruno , Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep , Verbruggen Erik
Published: February 2020

We observed strong positive relationships between soil properties and forest dynamics of growth and mortality across twelve primary lowland tropical forests in a phosphorus-poor region of the Guiana Shield. Average tree growth (diameter at breast height) increased from 0.81 to 2.1 mm yr−1 along a soil texture gradient from 0 to 67% clay, and increasing metal-oxide content. Soil organic carbon stocks in the top 30 cm ranged from 30 to 118 tons C ha−1, phosphorus content ranged from 7 to 600 mg kg−1 soil, and the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ranged from 0 to 50%, all positively correlating with soil clay, and iron and aluminum oxide and hydroxide content. In contrast, already low extractable phosphorus (Bray P) content decreased from 4.4 to <0.02 mg kg−1 in soil with increasing clay content. A greater prevalence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in more clayey forests that had higher tree growth and mortality, but not biomass, indicates that despite the greater investment in nutrient uptake required, soils with higher clay content may actually serve to sustain high tree growth in tropical forests by avoiding phosphorus losses from the ecosystem. Our study demonstrates how variation in soil properties that retain carbon and nutrients can help to explain variation in tropical forest growth and mortality, but not biomass, by requiring niche specialization and contributing to biogeochemical diversification across this region.
An assessment of oil palm plantation aboveground biomass stocks on tropical peat using destructive and non-destructive methods
Authors: Lewis Kennedy , Rumpang Elisa , Kho Lip Khoon , McCalmont Jon , Teh Yit Arn , Gallego-Sala Angela , Hill Timothy Charles
Published: February 2020

The recent expansion of oil palm (OP, Elaeis guineensis) plantations into tropical forest peatlands has resulted in ecosystem carbon emissions. However, estimates of net carbon flux from biomass changes require accurate estimates of the above ground biomass (AGB) accumulation rate of OP on peat. We quantify the AGB stocks of an OP plantation on drained peat in Malaysia from 3 to 12 years after planting using destructive harvests supported by non-destructive surveys of a further 902 palms. Peat specific allometric equations for palm (R2 = 0.92) and frond biomass are developed and contrasted to existing allometries for OP on mineral soils. Allometries are used to upscale AGB estimates to the plantation block-level. Aboveground biomass stocks on peat accumulated at ~6.39 ± 1.12 Mg ha−1 per year in the first 12 years after planting, increasing to ~7.99 ± 0.95 Mg ha−1 yr−1 when a ‘perfect’ plantation was modelled. High inter-palm and inter-block AGB variability was observed in mature classes as a result of variations in palm leaning and mortality. Validation of the allometries defined and expansion of non-destructive inventories across alternative plantations and age classes on peat would further strengthen our understanding of peat OP AGB accumulation rates.
Phylogenetic analysis of small ruminant lentiviruses in Germany and Iran suggests their expansion with domestic sheep
Authors: Molaee Vahid , Bazzucchi Moira , De Mia Gian Mario , Otarod Vahid , Abdollahi Darab , Rosati Sergio , Lühken Gesine
Published: February 2020

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are found in sheep in Germany and Iran. SRLVs have been classified into four genotypes: A–C and E. Genotype A has been subdivided into 20 subtypes. Previous studies suggested that, first, the ancestors of genotype A are those SRLVs found in Turkey, second, the evolution of SRLVs is related to the domestication process, and, third, SRLV infection was first observed in sheep in Iceland and the source of that infection was a flock imported from Germany. This study generated, for the first time, partial SRLV sequence data from German and Iranian sheep, enhancing our knowledge of the genetic and evolutionary relationships of SRLVs, and their associations with the domestication process. Based on 54 SRLV sequences from German and Iranian sheep, our results reveal: (1) SRLV subtypes A4, A5, A11, A16 and A21 (new) are found in German sheep and A22 (new) in Iranian sheep. (2) Genotype A has potentially an additional ancestor (A22), found in Iran, Lebanon and Jordan. (3) Subtype A22 is likely an old version of SRLVs. (4) The transmission routes of some SRLVs are compatible with domestication pathways. (5) This study found no evidence of Icelandic subtype A1 in German sheep.
Differences in Transcriptional Dynamics Between T-cells and Macrophages as Determined by a Three-State Mathematical Model
Authors: DeMarino Catherine , Cowen Maria , Pleet Michelle L. , Pinto Daniel O. , Khatkar Pooja , Erickson James , Docken Steffen S. , Russell Nicholas , Reichmuth Blake , Phan Tin , Kuang Yang , Anderson Daniel M. , Emelianenko Maria , Kashanchi Fatah
Published: February 2020

HIV-1 viral transcription persists in patients despite antiretroviral treatment, potentially due to intermittent HIV-1 LTR activation. While several mathematical models have been explored in the context of LTR-protein interactions, in this work for the first time HIV-1 LTR model featuring repressed, intermediate, and activated LTR states is integrated with generation of long (env) and short (TAR) RNAs and proteins (Tat, Pr55, and p24) in T-cells and macrophages using both cell lines and infected primary cells. This type of extended modeling framework allows us to compare and contrast behavior of these two cell types. We demonstrate that they exhibit unique LTR dynamics, which ultimately results in differences in the magnitude of viral products generated. One of the distinctive features of this work is that it relies on experimental data in reaction rate computations. Two RNA transcription rates from the activated promoter states are fit by comparison of experimental data to model predictions. Fitting to the data also provides estimates for the degradation/exit rates for long and short viral RNA. Our experimentally generated data is in reasonable agreement for the T-cell as well macrophage population and gives strong evidence in support of using the proposed integrated modeling paradigm. Sensitivity analysis performed using Latin hypercube sampling method confirms robustness of the model with respect to small parameter perturbations. Finally, incorporation of a transcription inhibitor (F07#13) into the governing equations demonstrates how the model can be used to assess drug efficacy. Collectively, our model indicates transcriptional differences between latently HIV-1 infected T-cells and macrophages and provides a novel platform to study various transcriptional dynamics leading to latency or activation in numerous cell types and physiological conditions.
Diamond lateral FinFET with triode-like behavior
Authors: Huang Biqin , Bai Xiwei , Lam Stephen K. , Kim Samuel J.
Published: February 2020

In this letter we report a diamond lateral FinFET fabricated using an ohmic regrowth technique. The use of ohmic regrowth separates the source/drain and gate fabrication, providing a viable means to improve ohmic contact resistance while protecting the top surface of the diamond channel from dry etch damage. Enabled by high channel quality, the diamond transistor behavior was shown to transit from a pentode-like to a triode-like characteristic when channel length decreased. For the first time, space charge limited transport in diamond FinFETs with a short channel length was demonstrated. We have analyzed the space charge limited transport from room temperature to 150 °C. This space charge limited transport, in combination with improved ohmic contacts, will enable diamond FinFETs for various high-power applications.
Physical performances show conflicting associations in aged manual workers
Authors: Norheim Kristoffer L. , Samani Afshin , Bønløkke Jakob H. , Omland Øyvind , Madeleine Pascal
Published: February 2020

Ageing is associated with a decrease in physical performance implying that aged manual workers may be unable to match the physical requirements of their jobs. In this cross-sectional study, 96 male manual workers aged 51–72 years were recruited. Outcomes included handgrip strength (HGS), fat-free mass (FFM), fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness ($$\dot{{\rm{V}}}$$V̇O2max), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume after 1 s (FEV1), spinal flexibility, sit-to-stand test performance and static balance. Covariates included height, smoking habits, leisure-time physical activity and systemic inflammation from blood samples. Outcomes were also compared with general populations. Age was negatively related to FFM and FEV1, whereas static balance (velocity of displacement) was positively associated with age. Greater HGS, but poorer $$\dot{{\rm{V}}}$$V̇O2max and FEV1/FEV ratio were found compared with general populations. Age was negatively related with physical performances although a large part of the variance in performance could be explained by factors other than age such as smoking and systemic inflammation. The manual workers had greater muscle strength but had poorer cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function when compared with general populations. Specific health interventions targeting specifically cardiorespiratory fitness, lung function, and balance may be needed to maintain physical performances among manual workers.
SETD3 acts as a prognostic marker in breast cancer patients and modulates the viability and invasion of breast cancer cells
Authors: Hassan Nourhan , Rutsch Niklas , Győrffy Balázs , Espinoza-Sánchez Nancy Adriana , Götte Martin
Published: February 2020

In several carcinomas, the SET Domain Containing 3, Actin Histidine Methyltransferase (SETD3) is associated with oncogenesis. However, there is little knowledge about the role of SETD3 in the progression and prognosis of breast cancer. In this study, we first analyzed the prognostic value of SETD3 in breast cancer patients using the database of the public Kaplan-Meier plotter. Moreover, in vitro assays were performed to assess the role of SETD3 in the viability and capacity of invasion of human breast cancer cell lines. We observed that the high expression of SETD3 was associated with better relapse-free survival (RFS) of the whole collective of 3,951 patients, of Estrogen Receptor-positive, and of Luminal A-type breast cancer patients. However, in patients lacking expression of estrogen-, progesterone- and HER2-receptor, and those affected by a p53-mutation, SETD3 was associated with poor RFS. In vitro analysis showed that SETD3 siRNA depletion affects the viability of triple-negative cells as well as the cytoskeletal function and capacity of invasion of highly invasive MDA-MB-231 cells. Interestingly, SETD3 regulates the expression of other genes associated with cancer such as β-actin, FOXM1, FBXW7, Fascin, eNOS, and MMP-2. Our study suggests that SETD3 expression can act as a subtype-specific biomarker for breast cancer progression and prognosis.
Sting nematodes modify metabolomic profiles of host plants
Authors: Willett Denis S. , Filgueiras Camila C. , Benda Nicole D. , Zhang Jing , Kenworthy Kevin E.
Published: February 2020

Plant-parasitic nematodes are devastating pathogens of many important agricultural crops. They have been successful in large part due to their ability to modify host plant metabolomes to their benefit. Both root-knot and cyst nematodes are endoparasites that have co-evolved to modify host plants to create sophisticated feeding cells and suppress plant defenses. In contrast, the ability of migratory ectoparasitic nematodes to modify host plants is unknown. Based on global metabolomic profiling of sting nematodes in African bermudagrass, ectoparasites can modify the global metabolome of host plants. Specifically, sting nematodes suppress amino acids in susceptible cultivars. Upregulation of compounds linked to plant defense have negative impacts on sting nematode population densities. Pipecolic acid, linked to systemic acquired resistance induction, seems to play a large role in protecting tolerant cultivars from sting nematode feeding and could be targeted in breeding programs.
Autophagy Activation in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration
Authors: Chávez Myra N. , Morales Rodrigo A. , López-Crisosto Camila , Roa Juan Carlos , Allende Miguel L. , Lavandero Sergio
Published: February 2020

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a key role in the maintenance of overall cellular health. While it has been suggested that autophagy may elicit cardioprotective and pro-survival modulating functions, excessive activation of autophagy can also be detrimental. In this regard, the zebrafish is considered a hallmark model for vertebrate regeneration, since contrary to adult mammals, it is able to faithfully regenerate cardiac tissue. Interestingly, the role that autophagy may play in zebrafish heart regeneration has not been studied yet. In the present work, we hypothesize that, in the context of a well-established injury model of ventricular apex resection, autophagy plays a critical role during cardiac regeneration and its regulation can directly affect the zebrafish regenerative potential. We studied the autophagy events occurring upon injury using electron microscopy, in vivo tracking of autophagy markers, and protein analysis. Additionally, using pharmacological tools, we investigated how rapamycin, an inducer of autophagy, affects regeneration relevant processes. Our results show that a tightly regulated autophagic response is triggered upon injury and during the early stages of the regeneration process. Furthermore, treatment with rapamycin caused an impairment in the cardiac regeneration outcome. These findings are reminiscent of the pathophysiological description of an injured human heart and hence put forward the zebrafish as a model to study the poorly understood double-sword effect that autophagy has in cardiac homeostasis.
The peripheral origin of tap-induced muscle contraction revealed by multi-electrode surface electromyography in human vastus medialis
Authors: Botter Alberto , Vieira Taian M. , Geri Tommaso , Roatta Silvestro
Published: February 2020

It is well established that muscle percussion may lead to the excitation of muscle fibres. It is still debated, however, whether the excitation arises directly at the percussion site or reflexively, at the end plates. Here we sampled surface electromyograms (EMGs) from multiple locations along human vastus medialis fibres to address this issue. In five healthy subjects, contractions were elicited by percussing the distal fibre endings at different intensities (5–50 N), and the patellar tendon. EMGs were detected with two 32-electrode arrays, positioned longitudinally and transversally to the percussed fibres, to detect the origin and the propagation of action potentials and their spatial distribution across vastus medialis. During muscle percussion, compound action potentials were first observed at the electrode closest to the tapping site with latency smaller than 5 ms, and spatial extension confined to the percussed strip. Conversely, during tendon tap (and voluntary contractions), action potentials were first detected by electrodes closest to end plates and at a greater latency (mean ± s.d., 28.2 ± 1.7 ms, p < 0.001). No evidence of reflex responses to muscle tap was observed. Multi-electrode surface EMGs allowed for the first time to unequivocally and quantitatively describe the non-reflex nature of the response evoked by a muscle tap.
Enhanced cortical responsiveness during natural sleep in freely behaving mice
Authors: Matsumoto Sumire , Ohyama Kaoru , Díaz Javier , Yanagisawa Masashi , Greene Robert W. , Vogt Kaspar E.
Published: February 2020

Cortical networks exhibit large shifts in spontaneous dynamics depending on the vigilance state. Waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are characterized by ongoing irregular activity of cortical neurons while during slow wave sleep (SWS) these neurons show synchronous alterations between silent (OFF) and active (ON) periods. The network dynamics underlying these phenomena are not fully understood. Additional information about the state of cortical networks can be obtained by evaluating evoked cortical responses during the sleep-wake cycle. We measured local field potentials (LFP) and multi-unit activity (MUA) in the cortex in response to repeated brief optogenetic stimulation of thalamocortical afferents. Both LFP and MUA responses were considerably increased in sleep compared to waking, with larger responses during SWS than during REM sleep. The strongly increased cortical response in SWS is discussed within the context of SWS-associated neuro-modulatory tone that may reduce feedforward inhibition. Responses to stimuli were larger during SWS-OFF periods than during SWS-ON periods. SWS responses showed clear daily fluctuation correlated to light-dark cycle, but no reaction to increased sleep need following sleep deprivation. Potential homeostatic synaptic plasticity was either absent or masked by large vigilance-state effects.
Chronic irradiation of human cells reduces histone levels and deregulates gene expression
Authors: Lowe Donna J. , Herzog Mareike , Mosler Thorsten , Cohen Howard , Felton Sarah , Beli Petra , Raj Ken , Galanty Yaron , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: February 2020

Over the past decades, there have been huge advances in understanding cellular responses to ionising radiation (IR) and DNA damage. These studies, however, were mostly executed with cell lines and mice using single or multiple acute doses of radiation. Hence, relatively little is known about how continuous exposure to low dose ionising radiation affects normal cells and organisms, even though our cells are constantly exposed to low levels of radiation. We addressed this issue by examining the consequences of exposing human primary cells to continuous ionising γ-radiation delivered at 6–20 mGy/h. Although these dose rates are estimated to inflict fewer than a single DNA double-strand break (DSB) per hour per cell, they still caused dose-dependent reductions in cell proliferation and increased cellular senescence. We concomitantly observed histone protein levels to reduce by up to 40%, which in contrast to previous observations, was not mainly due to protein degradation but instead correlated with reduced histone gene expression. Histone reductions were accompanied by enlarged nuclear size paralleled by an increase in global transcription, including that of pro-inflammatory genes. Thus, chronic irradiation, even at low dose-rates, can induce cell senescence and alter gene expression via a hitherto uncharacterised epigenetic route. These features of chronic radiation represent a new aspect of radiation biology.