bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unchartered waters: Climate change likely to intensify infectious disease outbreaks causing mass mortality events in marine mammals
Authors: Sanderson Claire E. , Alexander Kathleen A.
Published: June 2020

Infectious disease emergence has increased significantly over the last 30 years, with mass mortality events (MMEs) associated with epizootics becoming increasingly common. Factors influencing these events have been widely studied in terrestrial systems, but remain relatively unexplored in marine mammals. Infectious disease‐induced MMEs (ID MMEs) have not been reported ubiquitously among marine mammal species, indicating that intrinsic (host) and/or extrinsic (environmental) ecological factors may influence this heterogeneity. We assess the occurrence of ID MMEs (1955–2018) across extant marine mammals (n = 129) in relation to key life‐history characteristics (sociality, trophic level, habitat breadth) and environmental variables (season, sea surface temperature [SST] anomalies, El Niño occurrence). Our results show that ID MMEs have been reported in 14% of marine mammal species (95% CI 9%–21%), with 72% (n = 36; 95% CI 56%–84%) of these events caused predominantly by viruses, primarily morbillivirus and influenza A. Bacterial pathogens caused 25% (95% CI 14%–41%) of MMEs, with only one being the result of a protozoan pathogen. Overall, virus‐induced MMEs involved a greater number of fatalities per event compared to other pathogens. No association was detected between the occurrence of ID MMEs and host characteristics, such as sociality or trophic level, but ID MMEs did occur more frequently in semiaquatic species (pinnipeds) compared to obligate ocean dwellers (cetaceans; χ2 = 9.6, p = .002). In contrast, extrinsic factors significantly influenced ID MMEs, with seasonality linked to frequency (χ2 = 19.85, p = .0002) and severity of these events, and global yearly SST anomalies positively correlated with their temporal occurrence (Z = 3.43, p = 2.7e‐04). No significant association was identified between El Niño and ID MME occurrence (Z = 0.28, p = .81). With climate change forecasted to increase SSTs and the frequency of extreme seasonal weather events, epizootics causing MMEs are likely to intensify with significant consequences for marine mammal survival.
Near‐net shape manufacture of macroporous nanosized alumina monolith by aqueous gel casting method
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Sarpoolaky Hossein
Published: June 2020

A potentially near‐net‐shape manufacturing procedure for macroporous alumina monoliths with 20%‐75% porosity was presented by gel casting of nano γ‐Al2O3. Although monolith obtained by nano alumina had a high surface area and low sintering temperature, an optimum fraction of micron alumina needed to be added to achieve the proper rheological and mechanical properties of slurries. The preparation parameters including alumina loading, sintering temperature, monomer concentration, and the fraction of nano alumina were investigated. The green densities ranging from 0.66 to 0.86 g cm−3 were obtained by raising alumina loading from 10 to 20 vol%. Depending on the monomer concentration and sintering temperature, the mean pore size ranging from 45 to 412 nm, total porosity (20%–75%), and open porosity varying from 12% to 89% were obtained. The sintered density (from 0.95 to 3.15 g cm−3) and compressive strength (CS) (from 4.2 to 31.46 MPa) were suitable for use in different fields.
What relationships do same‐sex parents foster with school in France? Analysis of parental strategies deployed to prevent any risk of homophobia
Authors: Richardot Sophie , Bureau Marie‐Christine
Published: June 2020

What relationships do same‐sex parent families foster daily at school? Do they feel as welcome as any other family? Up until now, few studies exist on this subject, not only in France but internationally. The objective of this paper is therefore to rectify this lack through exploring the relationships that lesbian‐parented and gay‐parented families foster with educational establishments. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis of the DEVHOM study reveals that these parents deploy a certain number of strategies with the aim of preventing homophobia to which they or their child could fall victim. These strategies are based on: (1) a well‐considered choice of school; (2) controlled strategies of exposure; and (3) active participation in school life. Certain moments in school life are critical when it comes to dealing with parents and teaching staff (the election of parent representatives, administrative registration, “mother's day, father's day”). All the strategies put in place by same‐sex parents seem to prove effective as these parents feel little discrimination and consider that their children foster a positive relationship with their school.
Do Firms Spend More on Suppliers That Have Environmental Expertise? An Empirical Study of U.S. Manufacturers’ Procurement Spend
Authors: Mukandwal Prabhjot S. , Cantor David E. , Grimm Curtis M. , Elking Isaac , Hofer Christian
Published: June 2020

Stakeholders expect focal firms to improve their environmental performance. While firms may be able to accumulate the environmental expertise needed to achieve this goal internally, doing so may require significant time and resource commitments. Alternatively, buyer firms can leverage their suppliers’ existing environmental expertise and gain access to such expertise when they purchase products and services from these suppliers. The purpose of this study was to develop and test theory regarding under what conditions suppliers’ environmental expertise influences a buying firms’ procurement spend with these suppliers. We ground our study in transaction cost economics and agency theories and empirically test our hypotheses using a unique buyer–supplier dyadic data set. We find that buyer firms are willing to increase their overall business spend with suppliers that have strong environmental expertise, particularly when the buyer firms are more profitable and have higher levels of absorptive capacity. However, we find the opposite effect when the buyer firm’s executive compensation is linked to the firm’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Likewise, we also find that the buyer firm’s environmental concern ratings negatively moderate the relationship between the supplier’s environmental expertise and the buyer’s procurement spend with the supplier.
Right atrial conduction time for predicting coexistent typical atrial flutter in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Higuchi Satoshi , Ejima Koichiro , Shoda Morio , Kanai Miwa , Kataoka Shohei , Yazaki Kyoichiro , Yagishita Daigo , Yoshida Ayano , Tanino Sae , Saito Chihiro , Yagishita Yoshimi , Arai Kotaro , Ashihara Kyomi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Screening of coexistent typical atrial flutter (AFL) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is sometimes challenging. This study investigated whether a prolonged right atrial conduction time (RACT) estimated by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) predicts patients with concomitant AFL and AF.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 398 patients (mean age: 61.6 years, 73.4% men) undergoing catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF. The patients were classified into two groups according to whether they had evidence of AFL (N = 122, 30.7%) determined by a clinical observation (N = 68), induction during procedures (N = 33), or AFL recurrence after procedures (N = 21) or not (N = 276, 69.3%). The preoperative RACT, defined as a longer duration between the onset of the P‐wave and peak A′‐wave on the right atrial lateral wall or septal wall, and total atrial conduction time (TACT), defined as the same time duration on the left atrial lateral wall, were evaluated in all patients. Patients with evidence of AFL had a significantly longer RACT than those without AFL (p < .001). A multiple logistic regression and receiver operator characteristics curve analysis revealed the ratio of the RACT and TACT (RACT/TACT) was the independent and most superior accurate cofounder for predicting evidence of AFL (area under the curve: 0.867). When adding a discriminator of an RACT/TACT ≧ 93% into the conventional screening, 98.4% of the patients with evidence of AFL were estimated to be treated during the initial procedures.

Conclusion

The estimated RACT/TACT using the TDI may be useful for predicting patients with concomitant AFL in patients with AF.
Recurrent ventricular tachycardia after cardiac sympathetic denervation: Prolonged cycle length with improved hemodynamic tolerance and ablation outcomes
Authors: Hayase Justin , Dusi Veronica , Do Duc , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Vaseghi Marmar , Lee Jay M. , Yanagawa Jane , Hoftman Nir , Revels Sha'Shonda , Buch Eric F. , Khakpour Houman , Fujimura Osamu , Krokhaleva Yuliya , Macias Carlos , Sorg Julie , Gima Jean , Pavez Geraldine , Boyle Noel G. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Bradfield Jason S.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is utilized for the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structural heart disease when refractory to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or when patient/VT characteristics are not conducive to RFA.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients who underwent CSD at our institution from 2009 to 2018 with VT requiring repeat RFA post‐CSD. Patient demographics, VT/procedural characteristics, and outcomes were assessed.

Results

Ninety‐six patients had CSD, 16 patients underwent RFA for VT post‐CSD. There were 15 male and 1 female patients with mean age of 54.2 ± 13.2 years. Fourteen patients had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. A mean of 2.0 ± 0.8 RFAs for VT was unsuccessful before the patient undergoing CSD. The median time between CSD and RFA was 104 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 15–241). The clinical VT cycle length was significantly increased after CSD both spontaneously on ECG and/or ICD interrogation (355 ± 73 ms pre‐CSD vs. 422 ± 94 ms post‐CSD, p = .001) and intraprocedurally (406 ± 86 ms pre‐CSD vs. 457 ± 88 ms post‐CSD, p = .03). Two patients had polymorphic and 14 had monomorphic VT (MMVT) pre‐CSD, and all patients had MMVT post‐CSD. The proportion of mappable, hemodynamically stable VTs increased from 35% during pre‐CSD RFA to 58% during post‐CSD RFA (p = .038). At median follow‐up of 413 days (IQR = 43–1840) after RFA, eight patients had no further VT.

Conclusion

RFA for recurrent MMVT post‐CSD is a reasonable treatment option with intermediate‐term clinical success in 50% of patients. Clinical VT cycle length was significantly increased after CSD with associated improvement in mappable, hemodynamically tolerated VT during RFA.
MicroRNA‐183‐5p is stress‐inducible and protects neurons against cell death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Li Chunyu , Chen Yongping , Chen Xueping , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Gu Xiaojing , Cao Bei , Shang Huifang
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of motor neurons. A fundamental pathogenesis of ALS is the prolonged cell stress in neurons, which is caused by either accumulation of protein aggregates or reactive oxygen species. However, the mechanistic link between stress sensing and cell death is unsettled. Here, we identify that miR‐183‐5p, a neuron‐enriched miRNA, couples stress sensing and cell death programming in ALS. miR‐183‐5p is immediately induced by hydrogen peroxide, tunicamycin or TNF‐α in neurons. The overexpression of miR‐183‐5p increases neuron survival under stress conditions, whereas its knockdown causes neuron death. miR‐183‐5p coordinates apoptosis and necroptosis pathways by directly targeting PDCD4 and RIPK3, and thus protects neurons against cell death under stress conditions. The consistent reduction of miR‐183‐5p in ALS patients and mouse models enhances the notion that miR‐183‐5p is a central regulator of motor neuron survival under stress conditions. Our study supplements current understanding of the mechanistic link between cell stress and death/survival, and provides novel targets for clinical interventions of ALS.
Can Cross‐border Cooperation Boost Cross‐border Ethical Governance?*
Authors: Nadalutti Elisabetta
Published: June 2020

Is there a ethical dimension in cross‐border cooperation? Although EU border scholars and practitioners highlight how important is to consider the normative dimension of cross‐border cooperation for its successful management, the ethical dimension has been instead so far neglected and understudied because of the lack of an appropriate methodological and theoretical background. Thus, I aim to fill this scholarly and policy‐making gap by addressing this main question and by proposing an alternative ethical‐humanist approach to cross‐border cooperation. It is argued that the cross‐border governance ethical code elaborated here is the necessary lynchpin to promote and strengthen integration and cohesion through cross‐border cooperation within the EU. The outcome of this analysis is an alternative modern cross‐border cooperation roadmap that promotes social conditions through which human beings as well as their natural environment can harmoniously develop through the fulfilment of specific ethical values.
The effects of fuel prices and vehicle sales on fuel‐saving technology adoption in passenger vehicles
Authors: Klier Thomas , Linn Joshua , Zhou Yichen C.
Published: June 2020

Although economic theory suggests that both sales and fuel costs affect technology adoption by vehicle manufacturers, there is very little empirical evidence on either effect. We document a strong connection between a vehicle's sales and its energy efficiency. Using a demographics‐driven demand shifter to isolate demand‐side changes in sales, we find that a one standard deviation increase in sales raises efficiency by 0.2%, compared with a mean improvement rate of 1.4% per year between 1997 and 2013. Higher fuel prices also increase technology adoption directly by increasing willingness to pay for fuel cost savings. The results have two implications: manufacturers will continue to focus technological improvements on top selling vehicles; and fuel taxes will have larger effects on technology adoption than fuel economy standards and feebates.
Evidence for population genetic structure in two exploited Mekong River fishes across a natural riverine barrier
Authors: Biesack Ellen E. , Dang Binh T. , Ackiss Amanda S. , Bird Christopher E. , Chheng Phen , Phounvisouk Latsamy , Truong Oanh T. , Carpenter Kent E.
Published: June 2020

Impacts of urban development on aquatic populations are often complex and difficult to ascertain, but population genetic analysis has allowed researchers to monitor and estimate gene flow in the context of existing and future hydroelectric projects. The Lower Mekong Basin is undergoing rapid hydroelectric development with around 50 completed and under‐construction dams and 95 planned dams. The authors investigated the baseline genetic diversity of two exploited migratory fishes, the mud carp Henicorhynchus lobatus (five locations), and the rat‐faced pangasiid catfish, Helicophagus leptorhynchus (two locations), in the Lower Mekong Basin using the genomic double digest restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing method. In both species, fish sampled upstream of Khone Falls were differentiated from those collected at other sites, and Ne estimates at the site above the falls were lower than those at other sites. This was the first study to utilize thousands of RAD‐generated single nucleotide polymorphisms to indicate that the Mekong's Khone Falls are a potential barrier to gene flow for these two moderately migratory species. The recent completion of the Don Sahong dam across one of the only channels for migratory fishes through Khone Falls may further exacerbate signatures of isolation and continue to disrupt the migration patterns of regionally vital food fishes. In addition, H. lobatus populations downstream of Khone Falls, including the 3S Basin and Tonle Sap system, displayed robust connectivity. Potential obstruction of migration pathways between these river systems resulting from future dam construction may limit dispersal, which has led to elevated inbreeding rates and even local extirpation in other fragmented riverine species.
Pregnant Women with Obesity Have Unique Perceptions About Gestational Weight Gain, Exercise, and Support for Behavior Change
Authors: Faucher Mary Ann , Mirabito Ann M.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) pose health risks to woman and fetus, yet gestational weight management interventions are largely unsuccessful. Little research examines the perceptions of women with obesity about weight gain and exercise. Although women with obesity have different body habitus and life experiences, most studies combine overweight and obese women into one group.

Methods

We conducted 3 focus groups with pregnant women with obesity to determine perceptions of GWG, exercise, and a proposed behavioral intervention.

Results

Seventeen women participated in the focus groups including 6 at a birth center and 11 at a federally qualified health center. A key finding was that women with obesity felt stigmatized and perceived pregnancy as a refuge from fat shaming. Participants viewed risks associated with excessive GWG as exaggerated and instead deemed self‐assessments of how they feel and look as more reliable measures of maternal and fetal health. Participants reported that quality rather than quantity of food promotes pregnancy health and that restrained eaters put their fetuses at risk. Knowledge gaps emerged related to dissatisfaction with counseling about weight gain guidelines. Although physical activity was endorsed, participants voiced safety concerns about exercise during pregnancy and instead favored walking and routine daily activity. Goal setting, positive messaging, and positive reinforcement were identified as favorable aspects of the proposed behavioral intervention.

Discussion

Pregnant women with obesity share other pregnant women's perceptions about weight gain and exercise in pregnancy but also have unique perceptions. Pregnant women with obesity in this study reported feeling stigmatized and fearful of being shamed by their health care providers but paradoxically eager for guidance. The findings offer implications for health care counseling and GWG interventions for this population.
Association of hemorrhage at termination in caesarean scar pregnancy using the crossover sign of ultrasound image
Authors: Wang Yan , Tan Guichun , Cheng Xianghong , Xu Yahui , Xu Fuxia , Qu Pengpeng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To analyze whether crossover sign (COS) can help predict the risk of bleeding during surgical evacuation in patients with caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentations, ultrasound images and treatment outcomes of patients with CSP. The relationship among the gestational sac, caesarean scar and the anterior uterine wall, defined as the COS, was analyzed to predict the risk of severe bleeding during surgical evacuation in these patients. All patients were categorized according to the relationship between the endometrial line and the superior–inferior diameter of the gestational sac into crossover sign‐1 and crossover sign‐2 groups. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the data with non‐normal distribution, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the correlates of severe bleeding.

Results

A total of 74 patients were included. In COS‐1 group (n = 21), 16 (76.19%) patients suffered heavy bleeding(≥200 mL) during surgical evacuation, while COS‐2 group (n = 53) had only 1(11.89%) patient complaint of heavy bleeding (≥200 mL) (P < 0.01). Adverse surgical outcomes were more common in women with COS‐1. Logistic regression analysis showed that COS‐1 (OR, 7.93; 95% CI, 1.35–46.67) was independently associated with severe bleeding.

Conclusion

COS can help predict who has a higher risk of severe hemorrhage in patients with CSP and guide the clinical treatment selection for optimal management of this condition.
The Millennial ‘Meh’: Correlated Groups as Collective Agents in the Automobile Field
Authors: Montgomery A. Wren , Wolske Kimberly S. , Lyon Thomas P.
Published: June 2020

Explanations for field change emphasize the role of purposeful strategic actors, paying little attention to uncoordinated but cohesive social groups, despite their profound impacts on fields ranging from autos and news to politics. Using a mixed methods approach, we study Millennials’ driving behaviours, focusing on the role of generation cohorts as field actors. Combining in‐depth qualitative analysis with an original nationwide survey (N = 2,225) we find that Millennials exhibit significantly different driving behaviour than earlier generations, driving for roughly 8 per cent fewer trips. These differences are primarily due to their attitudes, not, as commonly presumed, socio‐economic factors. Our results contribute to theory on fields and collective actors. First, we identify a new field phenomenon, correlated groups, uncoordinated actors behaving as collective agents due to shared experiences and characteristics. Second, we identify four mechanisms through which correlated groups impact fields: correlated imprinting, cohorts as conduit, cohort myth apathy, and cohort myth creation.
Ambulatory electrocardiography and serum cardiac troponin I measurement in 21 dogs envenomated by the European adder (Vipera berus)
Authors: Harjen Hannah J. , Bjelland Annelin A. , Harris Joanne , Grøn Tone K. , Anfinsen Kristin P. , Moldal Elena R. , Rørtveit Runa
Published: June 2020

Background

Envenomation by the European adder (Vipera berus) is common in dogs in Europe. Cardiac arrhythmias occur but clinical studies of envenomated dogs are limited.

Objectives

To describe arrhythmias in dogs within 48 hours of envenomation, and investigate associations between arrhythmia grade, serum troponin I (cTnI), and snakebite severity score (SS score).

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs bitten byV berus.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of envenomated dogs. Ambulatory electrocardiograms were recorded from presentation to 48 hours after snakebite, and arrhythmias graded 0 to 3 based on frequency and severity. Serum cTnI was measured at presentation, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, and 14 days after bite. An SS score of 1 to 3 was recorded at admission and based on clinical examination.

Results

All dogs survived. Twelve dogs (57%) developed arrhythmias, all of which were ventricular in origin. Severe complex ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) were observed in 6 dogs (29%). Eighty‐one percent of dogs (n = 17) had increased cTnI concentrations at 1 or more time points. Dogs that developed arrhythmias had significantly higher concentrations of cTnI at 12 hours (1.67 [0.04‐32.68] versus 0.03 [0.01‐0.052];P= .002), 24 hours (1.88 [0.2‐14.23] versus 0.06 [0.01‐2.06];P= .009), and 36 hours (3.7 [0.02‐16.62] versus 0.06 [0.01‐1.33];P= .006) after bite compared to those that did not. Contingency table analysis showed that SS score was not significantly associated with arrhythmia grade (P= .9).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Myocardial cell injury, reflected by increased cTnI concentrations and VAs, is common afterV berusenvenomation in dogs. Prolonged electrocardiography monitoring is advised, particularly where cTnI is increased.
Phenylpiperidine opioid effects on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in cats
Authors: Brosnan Robert J. , Pypendop Bruno H. , Stanley Scott D.
Published: June 2020

Different structurally related phenylpiperidine opioids exhibit different isoflurane‐sparing effects in cats. Because minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in cats is affected only by very high plasma concentrations of some phenylpiperidine opioids, we hypothesized these effects are caused by actions on nonopioid receptors. Using a prospective, randomized, crossover design, six cats were anesthetized with isoflurane, intubated, ventilated, and instrumented. Isoflurane MAC was measured in triplicate using a tail‐clamp and bracketing technique. A computer‐controlled intravenous infusion using prior pharmacokinetic models targeted plasma concentrations of 60 ng/ml fentanyl, 10 ng/ml sufentanil, or 500 ng/ml alfentanil, and isoflurane MAC was measured in duplicate. Next, naltrexone 0.6 mg/kg was administered to cats hourly during the opioid infusion, and isoflurane MAC was measured in duplicate. Blood was collected during MAC determinations to measure opioid concentrations. Responses were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with significance atp < .05. Alfentanil and sufentanil decreased isoflurane MAC by 16.4% and 6.4%, respectively, and these effects were completely reversed by naltrexone. Fentanyl had no significant effect on isoflurane MAC. Alfentanil and sufentanil modestly reduce isoflurane MAC via agonist effects on opioid receptors. However, these effects are too small to justify clinical use of phenylpiperidine opioids as single agents to reduce MAC in cats.
Towards Greater Collaboration in Educational Neuroscience: Perspectives From the 2018Earli‐SIG22Conference
Authors: van Atteveldt Nienke , Peters Sabine , De Smedt Bert , Dumontheil Iroise
Published: June 2020

The special issue resulting from the 2018 Earli‐SIG22 conference reflects the current state of the field, the diversity of methods, the persevering limitations and promising directions towards solutions. About half of the empirical papers in this special issue that consist of three parts, uses behavioral, self‐report or qualitative measures to understand the “mind” level ofMind, Brain, and Education. The other half investigates the “brain” level, using neuroimaging but also genetics or eye‐tracking to gain access to the wider range of biological substrates of learning and cognition. These biological studies mostly have added value by refining psychological theories, such that these inspire new hypotheses to test in the field, to ultimately better inform teaching. Importantly, the special issue presents several approaches to more intensive, bi‐directional and systematic practice‐research collaborations to better connect the “mind” and “brain” levels to education, and to equip researchers to realize such collaborations successfully in the future.
Ecological divergence in sympatry causes gene misexpression in hybrids
Authors: McGirr Joseph A. , Martin Christopher H.
Published: June 2020

Ecological speciation occurs when reproductive isolation evolves as a byproduct of adaptive divergence between populations. Selection favouring gene regulatory divergence between species could result in transgressive levels of gene expression in F1 hybrids that may lower hybrid fitness. We combined 58 resequenced genomes with 124 transcriptomes to identify patterns of hybrid gene misexpression that may be driven by adaptive regulatory divergence within a young radiation ofCyprinodonpupfishes, which consists of a dietary generalist and two trophic specialists—a molluscivore and a scale‐eater. We found more differential gene expression between closely related sympatric specialists than between allopatric generalist populations separated by 1,000 km. Intriguingly, 9.6% of genes that were differentially expressed between sympatric species were also misexpressed in F1 hybrids. A subset of these genes were in highly differentiated genomic regions and enriched for functions important for trophic specialization, including head, muscle and brain development. These regions also included genes that showed evidence of hard selective sweeps and were significantly associated with oral jaw length—the most rapidly diversifying skeletal trait in this radiation. Our results indicate that divergent ecological selection in sympatry can contribute to hybrid gene misexpression which may act as a reproductive barrier between nascent species.
The identification of autophagy‐related genes in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Longbiao , Yan Donglin , Chen Yan , Chen Sheng , Chen Ning , Han Jing
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify prognostic autophagy‐related genes and assess the ability of these genes to predict clinical outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Subjects and methods

The details of the human autophagy‐related genes were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to obtain the gene expression profiles and clinical data of patients. Prediction of biological functions of differentially expressed genes was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Prognosis‐related genes were identified by Cox regression analysis, and the coefficient was applied to construct a prognostic risk score model. The median of the risk score was applied to distinguish between high‐ and low‐risk groups. The Gene Expression Omnibus database, qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to validate the expression of key genes.

Results

KEGG analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in autophagy‐related pathways and virus infection. BAK1, BID, NKX2‐3 and SPHK1 were identified. The risk score model showed that the high‐risk score had poorer overall survival (Kaplan‐Meier analysis, p = 1.79 × 10–7). SPHK1 was upregulated in OSCC tissues and cells, and NXK2‐3 was downregulated.

Conclusions

Autophagy‐related gene expression profiles may be a potential biomarker for OSCC prognosis.
The role of technology in melanoma screening and diagnosis
Authors: Young Albert T. , Vora Niki B. , Cortez Jose , Tam Andrew , Yeniay Yildiray , Afifi Ladi , Yan Di , Nosrati Adi , Wong Andrew , Johal Arjun , Wei Maria L.
Published: June 2020

Melanoma presents challenges for timely and accurate diagnosis. Expert panels have issued risk‐based screening guidelines, with recommended screening by visual inspection. To assess how recent technology can impact the risk/benefit considerations for melanoma screening, we comprehensively reviewed non‐invasive visual‐based technologies. Dermoscopy increases lesional diagnostic accuracy for both dermatologists and primary care providers; total body photography and sequential digital dermoscopic imaging also increase diagnostic accuracy, are supported by automated lesion detection and tracking, and may be best suited to use by dermatologists for longitudinal follow‐up. Specialized imaging modalities using non‐visible light technology have unproven benefit over dermoscopy and can be limited by cost, access, and training requirements. Mobile apps facilitate image capture and lesion tracking. Teledermatology has good concordance with face‐to‐face consultation and increases access, with increased accuracy using dermoscopy. Deep learning models can surpass dermatologist accuracy, but their clinical utility has yet to be demonstrated. Technology‐aided diagnosis may change the calculus of screening; however, well‐designed prospective trials are needed to assess the efficacy of these different technologies, alone and in combination to support refinement of guidelines for melanoma screening.
Between the sheets: Investigating young adults' communication during sexual activity
Authors: Denes Amanda , Crowley John P. , Bennett Margaret
Published: June 2020

The present study investigated young adults' self‐reported communication during sexual activity and its link to sexual and relational outcomes. The associations between two forms of communication during sexual activity (i.e., positive relational disclosures and erotic talk) and orgasm and relationship satisfaction were explored. Additionally, the study tested whether orgasm mediated the association between communication during sexual activity and relationship satisfaction. Three‐hundred and nineteen young adults (237 women, 82 men) ranging in age from 18–32 years (M = 19) completed a survey within 2 hours of a recent sexual episode addressing their communication during sexual activity. Results revealed that positive relational disclosures, but not erotic talk, predicted the likelihood of orgasm, controlling for participants' biological sex. More specifically, individuals who disclosed more positive feelings during sexual activity were more likely to orgasm. Additionally, the more individuals disclosed positive thoughts and feelings for their partners during sexual activity or the more they engaged in mutualistic erotic talk that included intimacy and bonding, the higher their reported relationship satisfaction after sexual activity. The implications of these findings for research on sexual satisfaction, relational health, and the post sex disclosures model are discussed.
Brincidofovir for the treatment of human adenovirus infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients: A case series
Authors: Londeree Jackson , Winterberg Pamela D. , Garro Rouba , George Roshan P. , Shin Stella , Liverman Rochelle , Serluco Anastacia , Romero Rene , Yildirim Inci
Published: June 2020

HAdV viremia can cause significant morbidity among pediatric recipients of SOT with variability in incidence and severity of disease based on the type of allograft. Currently, there are no US FDA–approved treatments for HAdV infections, and historically, the mainstay of treatment has been decreasing immunosuppression, with antiviral therapies reserved for those with severe disease. We describe the treatment of four pediatric SOT recipients (two kidney, one combined kidney‐liver, and one liver) presenting with HAdV disease at our institution using brincidofovir. Our case series highlights the variability in presentation and the potential for severe disease in pediatric SOT recipients as we review disease presentation, disease course, complications, and treatment with brincidofovir.
Estimates of the macroeconomic costs of cyber‐attacks
Authors: Dieye Rokhaya , Bounfour Ahmed , Ozaygen Altay , Kammoun Niaz
Published: June 2020

This paper estimates the macroeconomic losses related to the cyber‐attacks originating from the information and communications technology (ICT) and the financial sectors. The study accounts for the interdependency of various economic sectors and looks to the cascading effect of cyber‐attacks on production network in the United States and leading Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries with the help of the input–output methodology and the World Input–Output Database. Our results suggest that cyber‐attacks that affect the ICT and finance sectors result in losses which also impact different economic sectors, due to cascading effects.
Kernel density estimation with linked boundary conditions
Authors: Colbrook Matthew J. , Botev Zdravko I. , Kuritz Karsten , MacNamara Shev
Published: June 2020

Kernel density estimation on a finite interval poses an outstanding challenge because of the well‐recognized bias at the boundaries of the interval. Motivated by an application in cancer research, we consider a boundary constraint linking the values of the unknown target density function at the boundaries. We provide a kernel density estimator (KDE) that successfully incorporates this linked boundary condition, leading to a non‐self‐adjoint diffusion process and expansions in nonseparable generalized eigenfunctions. The solution is rigorously analyzed through an integral representation given by the unified transform (or Fokas method). The new KDE possesses many desirable properties, such as consistency, asymptotically negligible bias at the boundaries, and an increased rate of approximation, as measured by the AMISE. We apply our method to the motivating example in biology and provide numerical experiments with synthetic data, including comparisons with state‐of‐the‐art KDEs (which currently cannot handle linked boundary constraints). Results suggest that the new method is fast and accurate. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to build statistical estimators of the boundary conditions satisfied by the target function without a priori knowledge. Our analysis can also be extended to more general boundary conditions that may be encountered in applications.
Array Jet Impingement on High Porosity Thin Metal Foams: Effect of Foam Height, Pore-Density, and Spent Air Crossflow Scheme on Flow Distribution and Heat Transfer
Authors: Sambamurthy Vivek Subramaniam , Madhavan Srivatsan , Singh Prashant , Ekkad Srinath V.
Published: June 2020

Experimental investigation was carried out to study heat transfer and fluid flow in high porosity (93%) thin metal foams (MFs) subjected to array jet impingement, under maximum and intermediate crossflow exit schemes. Separate effects of pore-density (pores per inch: PPI) and jet-to-target spacing (z/d) have been studied. To this end, for a fixed pore-density of 40 PPI foams, three different jet-to-target spacings (z/d = 1, 2, 6) were investigated, and for a fixed jet-to-target spacing (z/d) of 6, three different pore-density of 5, 20, and 40 PPI were investigated. The jet diameter-based Reynolds number was varied between 3000 and 12,000. Both flow and heat transfer experiments were carried out to characterize the flow distribution, crossflow mass flux accumulation, and local Nusselt numbers for different jet impingement configurations. The heat transfer results were obtained through steady-state experiments. Local flow measurements show that, as jet-to-target distance decreases, the mass flux distributions were increasingly skewed with higher mass flux distributed toward the exit(s). It was observed that Nusselt number increased with increasing pore density at a fixed jet-to-target spacing and reduced with increase in jet to target spacing at a fixed pore density. Intermediate crossflow had higher heat transfer than maximum crossflow with significantly lower pumping power. For a fixed pumping power, z/d = 2, 40 ppi foam provided an average heat transfer enhancement of 35% over the corresponding baseline configuration for intermediate crossflow scheme and was found to be the optimum configuration.
A powerful graphical display of technical information: Robert Serber's plot of physical conditions inside a nuclear explosion
Authors: Reed B. Cameron
Published: June 2020

A 1943 graph depicting the time evolution of physical conditions within an exploding nuclear weapon is reconstructed and discussed. The graph is remarkable for its combination of generality, simplicity, and density of information. Analyzing how Robert Serber constructed this graph proves to be a valuable exercise for developing deeper understanding of the physics of a nuclear explosion.
Partitioning of cancer therapeutics in nuclear condensates
Authors: Klein Isaac A. , Boija Ann , Afeyan Lena K. , Hawken Susana Wilson , Fan Mengyang , Dall'Agnese Alessandra , Oksuz Ozgur , Henninger Jonathan E. , Shrinivas Krishna , Sabari Benjamin R. , Sagi Ido , Clark Victoria E. , Platt Jesse M. , Kar Mrityunjoy , McCall Patrick M. , Zamudio Alicia V. , Manteiga John C. , Coffey Eliot L. , Li Charles H. , Hannett Nancy M. , Guo Yang Eric , Decker Tim-Michael , Lee Tong Ihn , Zhang Tinghu , Weng Jing-Ke , Taatjes Dylan J. , Chakraborty Arup , Sharp Phillip A. , Chang Young Tae , Hyman Anthony A. , Gray Nathanael S. , Young Richard A.
Published: June 2020

Drug partitioning in nuclear condensates

There is increasing interest in the function of phase-separated biomolecular condensates in cells because of their distinct properties and expanding roles in important biological processes. Klein
et al.
considered the fate of small-molecule therapeutics in the context of nuclear condensates (see the Perspective by Viny and Levine). They show that certain antineoplastic drugs have physicochemical properties that cause them to concentrate preferentially in condensates, both in vitro and in cancer cells. This property influences drug activity, and protein mutations that alter condensate formation can lead to drug resistance. Optimizing condensate partitioning may be valuable in developing improved therapeutics.

Science
, this issue p.
1386
; see also p.
1314
Climate-driven risks to the climate mitigation potential of forests
Authors: Anderegg William R. L. , Trugman Anna T. , Badgley Grayson , Anderson Christa M. , Bartuska Ann , Ciais Philippe , Cullenward Danny , Field Christopher B. , Freeman Jeremy , Goetz Scott J. , Hicke Jeffrey A. , Huntzinger Deborah , Jackson Robert B. , Nickerson John , Pacala Stephen , Randerson James T.
Published: June 2020

Risks to mitigation potential of forests

Much recent attention has focused on the potential of trees and forests to mitigate ongoing climate change by acting as sinks for carbon. Anderegg
et al.
review the growing evidence that forests' climate mitigation potential is increasingly at risk from a range of adversities that limit forest growth and health. These include physical factors such as drought and fire and biotic factors, including the depredations of insect herbivores and fungal pathogens. Full assessment and quantification of these risks, which themselves are influenced by climate, is key to achieving science-based policy outcomes for effective land and forest management.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaz7005
Landscape-scale forest loss as a catalyst of population and biodiversity change
Authors: Daskalova Gergana N. , Myers-Smith Isla H. , Bjorkman Anne D. , Blowes Shane A. , Supp Sarah R. , Magurran Anne E. , Dornelas Maria
Published: June 2020

Land-use change and forest biodiversity

Land-use change by humans, particularly forest loss, is influencing Earth's biodiversity through time. To assess the influence of forest loss on population and biodiversity change, Daskalova
et al.
integrated data from more than 6000 time series of species' abundance, richness, and composition in ecological assemblages around the world. Forest loss leads to both positive and negative responses of populations and biodiversity, and the temporal lags in population and biodiversity change after forest loss can extend up to half a century. Land-use change precipitates divergent population and biodiversity change. This analysis has consequences for projections of human impact, ongoing conservation, and assessments of biodiversity change.

Science
, this issue p.
1341
Information arms race explains plant-herbivore chemical communication in ecological communities
Authors: Zu Pengjuan , Boege Karina , del-Val Ek , Schuman Meredith C. , Stevenson Philip C. , Zaldivar-Riverón Alejandro , Saavedra Serguei
Published: June 2020

A plant-herbivore information “arms race”

The consumption of plants by herbivores has driven the evolution of many diverse plant defense chemicals to which herbivores have constantly adapted. The transmission of chemical information at the community level is less known but important given the plethora of plant and herbivore species, especially in tropical communities. Zu
et al.
propose an information “arms race” approach to explain plant-herbivore chemical communication at the community level (see the Perspective by Solé). To test their conceptual framework, they used field data of herbivore-plant interactions and plant–volatile organic compound associations in a tropical dry forest. Their approach provides an understanding of the functioning and persistence of systems where individuals send and receive information in the form of signals to which other individuals react and, in turn, affect the behavior of other participants in these systems.

Science
, this issue p.
1377
; see also p.
1315
Understanding persistent gender gaps in STEM
Authors: Cimpian Joseph R. , Kim Taek H. , McDermott Zachary T.
Published: June 2020

Does achievement matter differently for men and women?
3D fault architecture controls the dynamism of earthquake swarms
Authors: Ross Zachary E. , Cochran Elizabeth S. , Trugman Daniel T. , Smith Jonathan D.
Published: June 2020

Seismic swarms show the structure

Faults responsible for earthquakes are idealized into two dimensions, despite fault zones being complicated, three-dimensional structures. Ross
et al.
used machine learning to find 22,000 seismic events near Cahuilla, California, during a seismic swarm. They used the locations and sizes of these events to show how the complex structure of the fault interacted with natural fluid injections from below. The authors' methods highlight the complexities of one fault and suggest a way to characterize other faults around the world.

Science
, this issue p.
1357
Perovskite solar cells take a step forward
Authors: Juarez-Perez Emilio J. , Haro Marta
Published: June 2020

A new encapsulation technique helps move a photovoltaic toward commercialization
Getting a grip on touch receptors
Authors: Marshall Kara , Patapoutian Ardem
Published: June 2020

Meissner corpuscles are anatomically complex mechanosensors critical for tactile acuity
Expanding the Diversity of Bacterioplankton Isolates and Modeling Isolation Efficacy with Large-Scale Dilution-to-Extinction Cultivation
Authors: Henson Michael W. , Lanclos V. Celeste , Pitre David M. , Weckhorst Jessica Lee , Lucchesi Anna M. , Cheng Chuankai , Temperton Ben , Thrash J. Cameron
Published: June 2020

Even before the coining of the term “great plate count anomaly” in the 1980s, scientists had noted the discrepancy between the number of microorganisms observed under the microscope and the number of colonies that grew on traditional agar media. New cultivation approaches have reduced this disparity, resulting in the isolation of some of the “most wanted” bacterial lineages. Nevertheless, the vast majority of microorganisms remain uncultured, hampering progress toward answering fundamental biological questions about many important microorganisms. Furthermore, few studies have evaluated the underlying factors influencing cultivation success, limiting our ability to improve cultivation efficacy. Our work details the use of dilution-to-extinction (DTE) cultivation to expand the phylogenetic and geographic diversity of available axenic cultures. We also provide a new model of the DTE approach that uses cultivation results and natural abundance information to predict taxon-specific viability and iteratively constrain DTE experimental design to improve cultivation success.
Genomic Insights into Two Novel Fe(II)-Oxidizing
Zetaproteobacteria
Isolates Reveal Lifestyle Adaption to Coastal Marine Sediments
Authors: Blackwell Nia , Bryce Casey , Straub Daniel , Kappler Andreas , Kleindienst Sara
Published: June 2020

Until recently, the importance and relevance of
Zetaproteobacteria
were mainly thought to be restricted to high-Fe(II) environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The two novel
Mariprofundus
isolates presented here originate from typical low-Fe(II) coastal marine sediments. As well as being low in Fe(II), these environments are often subjected to fluctuating O
2
concentrations and regular mixing by wave action and bioturbation. The discovery of two novel isolates highlights the importance of these organisms in such environments, as Fe(II) oxidation has been shown to impact nutrients and trace metals. Genome analysis of these two strains further supported their lifestyle adaptation and therefore their potential preference for coastal marine sediments, as genes necessary for surviving dynamic O
2
concentrations and oxidative stress were identified. Furthermore, our analyses also expand our understanding of the poorly understood Fe(II) oxidation pathways used by neutrophilic, microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers.
Supplemental Material: Flank sliding: A valve and a sentinel for paroxysmal eruptions and magma ascent at Mount Etna, Italy
Authors: Pezzo Giuseppe , al. et
Published: June 2020

Description of the volcanic and seismic activity at Mount Etna, and details on the data processing and models.
Supplemental Material: Geochronological constraints on Neoproterozoic rifting and onset of the Marinoan glaciation from the Kingston Peak Formation in Death Valley, California (USA)
Authors: Nelson Lyle , al. et
Published: June 2020

Detailed analytical methods, compiled geochronology data and references, U-Pb geochronology data tables, and field and petrographic photographs.