bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced stretchable electronics made by fused-filament fabrication
Authors: Salo Teemu , Halme Aki , Lahtinen Juhani , Vanhala Jukka
Published: September 2020

3D printing is widely used for manufacturing complex non-functional parts, and recently, the fabrication of electronics has also attracted research attention. The commercialized process of fused-filament fabrication (FFF), which is still evolving,has been used in the preparation of basic electronic conductors and sensors but only a few studies of more complex structures with integrated circuits and passive components have been reported. Notably, the usage of FFF in wearable stretchable electronics has not been studied previously. We demonstrate that the combination of FFF printing and commonly used stretchable electronics materials and methods enables new wearable stretchable electronics. In this study, thermoplastics were extruded directly onto a stretchable substrate and their adhesion was measured using T-peel tests. The test results were further used in the fabrication of supports for meander-shaped screen-printed interconnects. The elongation of the interconnects with the supports were studied by tensile tests with simultaneous measurements of the electrical conductivity. The results were good, and the adhesion exceeded the constitution of the substrate when the filament and the substrate were of the same material type. The average bond strength was ∼2 N mm−1. Support structures placed close to the meander-shaped interconnects changed the interconnects’ deformation under elongation. The average maximum elongation of the interconnects was improved by ∼27% when the supports directed stresses away from the interconnects’ weak areas. Conversely, the results were ∼21% lower when the supports directed stresses towards the weak areas. This study demonstrates that it is possible to use direct 3D printing onto highly stretchable substrates. Currently, commercial FFF materials and methods can be used to manufacture supports, frames and other non-functional parts on wearable electronics substrates in a single process step. We believe that in the future, FFF will become a valuable tool in the manufacture of inexpensive and reliable wearable electronics.
Colour deconvolution: stain unmixing in histological imaging
Authors: Landini Gabriel , Martinelli Giovanni , Piccinini Filippo
Published: September 2020

Motivation

Microscopy images of stained cells and tissues play a central role in most biomedical experiments and routine histopathology. Storing colour histological images digitally opens the possibility to process numerically colour distribution and intensity to extract quantitative data. Among those numerical procedures are colour deconvolution, which enable decomposing an RGB image into channels representing the optical absorbance and transmittance of the dyes when their RGB representation is known. Consequently, a range of new applications become possible for morphological and histochemical segmentation, automated marker localization and image enhancement.

Availability and implementation

Colour deconvolution is presented here in two open-source forms: a MATLAB program/function and an ImageJ plugin written in Java. Both versions run in Windows, Macintosh and UNIX-based systems under the respective platforms. Source code and further documentation are available at: https://blog.bham.ac.uk/intellimic/g-landini-software/colour-deconvolution-2/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BarleyVarDB: a database of barley genomic variation
Authors: Tan Cong , Chapman Brett , Wang Penghao , Zhang Qisen , Zhou Gaofeng , Zhang Xiao-qi , Barrero Roberto A , Bellgard Matthew I , Li Chengdao
Published: September 2020

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the first domesticated grain crops and represents the fourth most important cereal source for human and animal consumption. BarleyVarDB is a database of barley genomic variation. It can be publicly accessible through the website at http://146.118.64.11/BarleyVar. This database mainly provides three sets of information. First, there are 57 754 224 single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) and 3 600 663 insertions or deletions (InDels) included in BarleyVarDB, which were identified from high-coverage whole genome sequencing of 21 barley germplasm, including 8 wild barley accessions from 3 barley evolutionary original centers and 13 barley landraces from different continents. Second, it uses the latest barley genome reference and its annotation information publicly accessible, which has been achieved by the International Barley Genome Sequencing Consortium (IBSC). Third, 522 212 whole genome-wide microsatellites/simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also included in this database, which were identified in the reference barley pseudo-molecular genome sequence. Additionally, several useful web-based applications are provided including JBrowse, BLAST and Primer3. Users can design PCR primers to asses polymorphic variants deposited in this database and use a user-friendly interface for accessing the barley reference genome. We envisage that the BarleyVarDB will benefit the barley genetic research community by providing access to all publicly available barley genomic variation information and barley reference genome as well as providing them with an ultra-high density of SNP and InDel markers for molecular breeding and identification of functional genes with important agronomic traits in barley.

Database URL: http://146.118.64.11/BarleyVar
Does contracting-out of primary health care services to non-state providers reduce child mortality in South Sudan? A synthetic control analysis
Authors: Bol Juliana , Trujillo Antonio J
Published: September 2020

Contracting-out is increasingly utilized as a health system strengthening strategy in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to expand access to health interventions known to reduce child mortality. Existing scholarship suggests its effect has been mixed, limiting a definitive conclusion on its magnitude and direction. There are few studies assessing the impact on under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and fewer evaluations to-date have focused on Sub-Saharan Africa. We test the hypothesis that the contracting-out approach implemented in South Sudan in 2012 led to an observable reduction in U5MR. We use a novel approach, the synthetic control method to construct a synthetic South Sudan from a panel of LMICs using data from the World Bank Developmental Indicators (WDI) database. The analysis shows on average, contracting-out had a limited effect on the rate of decline of U5MR; U5MR declined by 5.2% annually between 2000 and 2011, and by 2.58% between 2012 and 2014. Relative to its synthetic control, U5MR is 2% and 5% higher in 2012 and 2013, continuing to diverge during the observation period. These findings suggest limitations in the contracting approach, and we discuss the possible policy implications of these findings.
Socioeconomic inequality in premiums for a community-based health insurance scheme in Rwanda
Authors: Chirwa Gowokani Chijere , Suhrcke Marc , Moreno-Serra Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) has gained popularity in many low- and middle-income countries, partly as a policy response to calls for low-cost, pro-poor health financing solutions. In Africa, Rwanda has successfully implemented two types of CBHI systems since 2005, one of which with a flat rate premium (2005–10) and the other with a stratified premium (2011–present). Existing CBHI evaluations have, however, tended to ignore the potential distributional aspects of the household contributions made towards CBHI. In this paper, we investigate the pattern of socioeconomic inequality in CBHI household premium contributions in Rwanda within the implementation periods. We also assess gender differences in CBHI contributions. Using the 2010/11 and 2013/14 rounds of national survey data, we quantify the magnitude of inequality in CBHI payments, decompose the concentration index of inequality, calculate Kakwani indices and implement unconditional quantile regression decomposition to assess gender differences in CBHI expenditure. We find that the CBHI with stratified premiums is less regressive than CBHI with a flat rate premium system. Decomposition analysis indicates that income and CBHI stratification explain a large share of the inequality in CBHI payments. With respect to gender, female-headed households make lower contributions towards CBHI expenditure, compared with male-headed households. In terms of policy implications, the results suggest that there may be a need for increasing the premium bracket for the wealthier households, as well as for the provision of more subsidies to vulnerable households.
Assessing the practice of data quality evaluation in a national clinical data research network through a systematic scoping review in the era of real-world data
Authors: Bian Jiang , Lyu Tianchen , Loiacono Alexander , Viramontes Tonatiuh Mendoza , Lipori Gloria , Guo Yi , Wu Yonghui , Prosperi Mattia , George Thomas J , Harle Christopher A , Shenkman Elizabeth A , Hogan William
Published: September 2020

Objective

To synthesize data quality (DQ) dimensions and assessment methods of real-world data, especially electronic health records, through a systematic scoping review and to assess the practice of DQ assessment in the national Patient-centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet).

Materials and Methods

We started with 3 widely cited DQ literature—2 reviews from Chan et al (2010) and Weiskopf et al (2013a) and 1 DQ framework from Kahn et al (2016)—and expanded our review systematically to cover relevant articles published up to February 2020. We extracted DQ dimensions and assessment methods from these studies, mapped their relationships, and organized a synthesized summarization of existing DQ dimensions and assessment methods. We reviewed the data checks employed by the PCORnet and mapped them to the synthesized DQ dimensions and methods.

Results

We analyzed a total of 3 reviews, 20 DQ frameworks, and 226 DQ studies and extracted 14 DQ dimensions and 10 assessment methods. We found that completeness, concordance, and correctness/accuracy were commonly assessed. Element presence, validity check, and conformance were commonly used DQ assessment methods and were the main focuses of the PCORnet data checks.

Discussion

Definitions of DQ dimensions and methods were not consistent in the literature, and the DQ assessment practice was not evenly distributed (eg, usability and ease-of-use were rarely discussed). Challenges in DQ assessments, given the complex and heterogeneous nature of real-world data, exist.

Conclusion

The practice of DQ assessment is still limited in scope. Future work is warranted to generate understandable, executable, and reusable DQ measures.
Nitric oxide function during oxygen deprivation in physiological and stress processes
Authors: Manrique-Gil Isabel , Sánchez-Vicente Inmaculada , Torres-Quezada Isabel , Lorenzo Oscar
Published: September 2020

Plants are aerobic organisms that have evolved to maintain specific requirements for oxygen (O2), leading to a correct respiratory energy supply during growth and development. There are certain plant developmental cues and biotic or abiotic stress responses where O2 is scarce. This O2 deprivation known as hypoxia may occur in hypoxic niches of plant-specific tissues and during adverse environmental cues such as pathogen attack and flooding. In general, plants respond to hypoxia through a complex reprogramming of their molecular activities with the aim of reducing the impact of stress on their physiological and cellular homeostasis. This review focuses on the fine-tuned regulation of hypoxia triggered by a network of gaseous compounds that includes O2, ethylene, and nitric oxide. In view of recent scientific advances, we summarize the molecular mechanisms mediated by phytoglobins and by the N-degron proteolytic pathway, focusing on embryogenesis, seed imbibition, and germination, and also specific structures, most notably root apical and shoot apical meristems. In addition, those biotic and abiotic stresses that comprise hypoxia are also highlighted.
RMVar: an updated database of functional variants involved in RNA modifications
Authors: Luo Xiaotong , Li Huiqin , Liang Jiaqi , Zhao Qi , Xie Yubin , Ren Jian , Zuo Zhixiang
Published: September 2020

Distinguishing the few disease-related variants from a massive number of passenger variants is a major challenge. Variants affecting RNA modifications that play critical roles in many aspects of RNA metabolism have recently been linked to many human diseases, such as cancers. Evaluating the effect of genetic variants on RNA modifications will provide a new perspective for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of human diseases. Previously, we developed a database called ‘m6AVar’ to host variants associated with m6A, one of the most prevalent RNA modifications in eukaryotes. To host all RNA modification (RM)-associated variants, here we present an updated version of m6AVar renamed RMVar (http://rmvar.renlab.org). In this update, RMVar contains 1 678 126 RM-associated variants for 9 kinds of RNA modifications, namely m6A, m6Am, m1A, pseudouridine, m5C, m5U, 2′-O-Me, A-to-I and m7G, at three confidence levels. Moreover, RBP binding regions, miRNA targets, splicing events and circRNAs were integrated to assist investigations of the effects of RM-associated variants on posttranscriptional regulation. In addition, disease-related information was integrated from ClinVar and other genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the relationship between RM-associated variants and diseases. We expect that RMVar may boost further functional studies on genetic variants affecting RNA modifications.
Update on congenital cytomegalovirus infection: Prenatal prevention, newborn diagnosis, and management
Authors: Barton Michelle , Forrester A Michael , McDonald Jane
Published: September 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital infection and the most common cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in childhood. Although most infected infants are asymptomatic at birth, the risk for SNHL and other neurodevelopmental morbidity makes congenital CMV (cCMV) a disease of significance. Adherence to hygienic measures in pregnancy can reduce risk for maternal CMV infection. The prompt identification of infected infants allows early initiation of surveillance and management. A multidisciplinary approach to management is critical to optimize outcomes in affected infants.
Improving Access to Banking: Evidence from Kenya*
Authors: Allen Franklin , Carletti Elena , Cull Robert , Qian Jun QJ , Senbet Lemma , Valenzuela Patricio
Published: September 2020

We explore the relationship between bank branch expansion, financial inclusion, and profitability for Equity Bank. Unlike traditional banks, including foreign and government owned banks in Kenya, Equity Bank targets less developed territories and less privileged households. Its presence increased financial inclusion by 31% of the adult population between 2006 and 2015, especially for Kenyans who were less educated, did not own their own home, and lived in less-developed areas. The bank’s business model proves to be highly effective, with branch-level profits rising in areas with a smaller number of operating banks. Overall, the growth of Equity Bank demonstrates that financial inclusion can be achieved and sustained through profitable branching and service strategies that also serve the needs of underserved regions and populations. Thus, financial inclusion need not come at the sacrifice of bank profitability.
Tokyo and New York: A Study in the Contrasting Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outcomes
Authors: Hifumi Toru , Ishikawa Yohei , Otani Norio , Ishimatsu Shinichi , Urashima Mitsuyoshi
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

It is still not known why cases of coronavirus disease 2019 during the first wave in Tokyo have fallen without lockdown restrictions. People with low socioeconomic status are not dominant among coronavirus disease 2019 patients in Tokyo in contrast with New York, where the opposite demographics have been in play. Thus, we set out to examine the association between socioeconomic status and the rate of coronavirus disease 2019 infections using public data from Tokyo.

Design:

We obtained data from each of the 23 wards of Tokyo, showing population size, density, age, sex, number of graduates, income, and hospital attendance numbers. Coronavirus disease 2019 infections were gathered for 2 separate days: April 9, 2020, when new daily coronavirus disease 2019 infections were at their peak during the first wave in Japan; and May 9, 2020, to observe any changes in incidence over the preceding month.

Setting:

The primary outcome was set as the number of coronavirus disease 2019 infections per 100,000 population.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

By conducting simple linear regression modeling, the incidence of cases on April 9 was associated significantly with four variables: population age greater than 65 years (%), university rate, hospital, and income. Using these four variables, multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that only income remained significant (p = 0.006 at April 9 and p = 0.03 at May 9). This indicates that the highest case numbers were dominant in high-income areas, and affected fewer patients in districts in the low-income areas.

Conclusions:

The result of the current study is exactly opposite to the data from New York. This may be considered one of the main reasons why the rate of death and new patients of coronavirus disease 2019 has been so low in Tokyo. That is, appropriate hygienic status, free access to hospital by ambulance, and universal health insurance system may contribute to the outcome in such low-income areas.
Myocarditis in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Jain Supriya , Nolan Sheila M. , Singh Aalok R. , Lovig Leif , Biller Rachel , Kamat Aditi , Brennan Mary H. , Erb Markus , Rescoe Erin , Tatz Gary , Gewitz Michael H.
Published: September 2020

Cardiac involvement as a complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in children is a relatively new entity. We present our initial experience managing children with coronavirus disease 2019–related acute myocardial injury. The 3 patients presented here represent a spectrum of the cardiac involvement noted in children with coronavirus disease 2019–related multisystem inflammatory syndrome, including myocarditis presenting as cardiogenic shock or heart failure with biventricular dysfunction, valvulitis, coronary artery changes, and pericardial effusion.
Lack of Cellular Inflammation in a Non-human Primate Model of Radiation Nephropathy
Authors: Cohen Eric P. , Farese Ann M. , Parker George A. , Kane Maureen A. , MacVittie Thomas J.
Published: September 2020

Inflammation is commonly cited as a mechanism of delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). Confirmation of its presence could provide significant insight to targeted use of treatments or mitigators of DEARE. We sought to quantify the presence of cellular inflammation in kidneys of non-human primates that developed acute and chronic kidney injury after a partial body irradiation exposure. We show herein that cellular inflammation is not found as a component of either acute or chronic kidney injury. Other mechanistic pathways of injury must be sought.
Harmonizing Legacy Automated Dispensing Systems to Serve the Global Market
Authors: Rickert Mark , Webb Alec , Moore Bob , Maiorano Steve , Deeb Jean-Paul
Published: September 2020

Automated medication dispensing systems are standard equipment for healthcare facilities in most parts of the world but needs and use cases vary significantly across regions and segments. TouchPoint Medical recently launched a single software platform design to support a variety of hardware and workflow solutions for the global market. Through this project, known as Harmony, the company gained a deeper understanding of a wide range of customer needs, wants, and best practices related to medication storage and dispensing.
Patency of Anterior Epitympanic Space and Surgical Outcomes After Endoscopic Ear Surgery for the Attic Cholesteatoma
Authors: Mizutari Kunio , Takihata Saki , Kimura Eiko , Inuzuka Eri , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To reveal the patency of the anterior epitympanic space (AES) and the surgical outcomes after transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) for attic cholesteatoma with a classification of anatomical variation of the AES.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Seventy-four ears (72 patients with early-stage (I or II) attic cholesteatoma) aged between 16 and 85 years (mean: 48.9 yr) who underwent TEES between 2015 and 2017 were analyzed.

Intervention:

Tympanoplasty with atticoantrotomy was performed with TEES. TEES was performed using a rigid endoscope with an outer diameter of 2.7 mm.

Main Outcome Measure:

The tensor fold in the AES anatomical classification, the postoperative patency of the AES evaluated by computer tomography images, and hearing outcomes based on the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery criteria were evaluated after TEES for early-stage attic cholesteatoma.

Results:

There were 14 (18.9%) ears with a vertical tensor fold orientation, 29 (39.2%) ears with an oblique orientation, and 29 (39.2%) ears with a horizontal orientation. The total postoperative patency rate in the AES was 81.0%, without any significant difference in the anatomical variation in the AES, whereas the rate of preoperative complete tensor fold was 90.5%. Cholesteatoma recurrence was observed in three cases (4.1%), and all recurrent cases had obstructed AES. No significant difference was found in the postoperative air-bone gap regardless of the patency of the AES.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that TEES is useful in restoring ventilation in the AES, resulting in favorable management of cholesteatoma.
Alternative algorithms and devices in sleep apnoea diagnosis: what we know and what we expect
Authors: Penzel Thomas , Fietze Ingo , Glos Martin
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review

Diagnosis of sleep apnoea was performed in sleep laboratories with polysomnography. This requires a room with supervision and presence of technologists and trained sleep experts. Today, clinical guidelines in most countries recommend home sleep apnoea testing with simple systems using six signals only. If criteria for signal quality, recording conditions, and patient selection are considered, then this is a reliable test with high accuracy.

Recent findings

Recently diagnostic tools for sleep apnoea diagnosis become even more simple: smartwatches and wearables with smart apps claim to diagnose sleep apnoea when these devices are tracking sleep and sleep quality as part of new consumer health checking. Alternative and new devices range from excellent diagnostic tools with high accuracy and full validation studies down to very low-quality tools which only result in random diagnostic reports. Due to the high prevalence of sleep apnoea, even a random diagnosis may match a real disorder sometimes.

Until now, there are no metrics established how to evaluate these alternative algorithms and simple devices. Proposals for evaluating smartwatches, smartphones, single-use sensors, and new algorithms are presented. New assessments may help to overcome current limitations in sleep apnoea severity metrics.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/COPM/A28.
Changing landscape: psychological care in the era of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators
Authors: Havermans Trudy , Duff Alistair J.A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose of review

The current review provides an overview of key psychological issues and challenges for the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator era of care. It discusses research from diagnosis and beyond, to patient-team communication with a particular focus on medical trials, adherence and living with CFTR modulators.

Recent findings

The impact of the diagnosis on parents is immense and the complexity of treatment now and in the future, are a challenge for both parents and teams. Communicating digitally is starting to become daily practice for many in CF care, with coronavirus disease 2019 accelerating this process. Participating in trials has a psychological impact, but most of all the (delayed) access and timing of accessing CFTR modulators is an important theme. Adherence remains of significance, both to ‘old’ and ‘new’ treatments. Living with CF in the era of CFTR modulators is beginning to impact on patients’ quality of life, including new possibilities, opportunities and challenges.

Psychological care needs to engage and keep pace with the rapid medical changes. Some care priorities remain the same, including psychological screening and assessment, as well as psychoeducation, communication training and psychotherapy. The presence of CF psychologist in the CF clinic remains as important as ever.
Chromosome aberrations during in-vitro labeling of red blood cells with 99mTc: a study with cytokinesis block micronucleus assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Martinez Teresa , Abella Tarazona Alejandra , Garcia Aliaga Angeles
Published: September 2020

Radiopharmaceuticals are special medicines composed by a radionuclide and a non-radioactive compound characterized by non-pharmacodynamic effects, low prevalence of side effects, and a possible risk of oncogenesis, since its administration to patients supposes a radiation dose to organism. Over these years, radiation damage induced by diagnosis radiopharmaceuticals has been evaluated, including the radiolabeled autologous cells, a group of radiopharmaceuticals where blood cells extracted from patients are labeled in-vitro and readministered for diagnosis. There is not a consensus about the possibility of increasement of risk for malignancies associated with the radiolabeled blood cells, so for a more accurate evaluation of the potential oncogenic risk related to the administration of [99mTc]Tc labeled red blood cells, radiation dose received by the cells during the labeling process is studied by means of the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay and a dose-response curve constructed by in-vitro external irradiation of blood samples. Our work enables to establish the range of activity to be added during the in-vitro labeling of red blood cells with [99mTc]Tc pertechnetate to avoid radiation damage to cells. Activities recommended for blood volume determination and angiography do not increase the risk of malignancies, whilst activities of 370 MBq show chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes. Evaluation of the radiation damage related to the in-vitro labeling is recommended to estimate the potential oncogenic risk and minimize it.
Relationship of Quality of Life, Resilience, and Associated Factors Among Nursing Faculty During COVID-19
Authors: Keener Tina Antill , Hall Katherine , Wang Kesheng , Hulsey Tara , Piamjariyakul Ubolrat
Published: September 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing guidelines greatly impacted the quality of life (QoL) of nursing faculty.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of QoL, resilience, and associated factors among nursing faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In April 2020, a cross-sectional, anonymous survey was conducted with nursing faculty in a public university in rural Appalachia (n = 52). Instruments included QoL, resilience scales, work-related, and demographic variables. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze data. A content analysis was used to analyze an open-ended question.

Results

Resilience was the strongest variable to predict each of the QoL domains. Nursing faculty who reported better QoL were those who were able to adapt to changes and challenges mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Evidence-based programs to build resilience and improve nursing faculty working conditions and their QoL are needed.
Treatment of Excessive Gingival Display by Using Botulinum Toxin-A Targeting Yonsei Points and Zygomatic Major Muscles
Authors: Duruel Onurcem , Ataman-Duruel Emel Tuğba , Tözüm Tolga Fikret
Published: September 2020

The aim of this clinical report is to present satisfying and unsatisfying treatment results of a patient with excessive gingival display (EGD) treated via botulinum toxin injections in different time points. A 22-year-old male patient referred to the Department of Periodontology with a complaint of EGD. The patient opted the treatment with botulinum toxin-A injections. During the first treatment, injections at Yonsei points were performed. After the first EGD treatment, the patient did not satisfy with his smile. The closure of gingival display was not sufficient, especially in posteriors. However, he did not demand for reinjection. Six months after the first treatment, he was advised to have 2 injection points per side including zygomatic major muscles as well as Yonsei points. Two weeks after the second treatment, the patient totally satisfied with his new smile. Yonsei point is a safe and repeatable injection point for the practitioners. However, the authors suggested injections targeting zygomatic major muscles as well as Yonsei point injections to treat the patients with mixed EGD.
Body synchrony in triadic interaction
Authors: Dale Rick , Bryant Gregory A. , Manson Joseph H. , Gervais Matthew M.
Published: September 2020

Humans subtly synchronize body movement during face-to-face conversation. In this context, bodily synchrony has been linked to affiliation and social bonding, task success and comprehension, and potential conflict. Almost all studies of conversational synchrony involve dyads, and relatively less is known about the structure of synchrony in groups larger than two. We conducted an optic flow analysis of body movement in triads engaged in face-to-face conversation, and explored a common measure of synchrony: time-aligned bodily covariation. We correlated this measure of synchrony with a diverse set of covariates related to the outcome of interactions. Triads showed higher maximum cross-correlation relative to a surrogate baseline, and ‘meta-synchrony’, in that composite dyads in a triad tended to show correlated structure. A windowed analysis also revealed that synchrony varies widely across an interaction. As in prior studies, average synchrony was low but statistically reliable in just a few minutes of interaction. In an exploratory analysis, we investigated the potential function of body synchrony by predicting it from various covariates, such as linguistic style matching, liking, laughter and cooperative play in a behavioural economic game. Exploratory results do not reveal a clear function for synchrony, though colaughter within triads was associated with greater body synchrony, and is consistent with an earlier analysis showing a positive connection between colaughter and cooperation. We end by discussing the importance of expanding and codifying analyses of synchrony and assessing its function.
Tribological properties of black phosphorus nanosheets as oil-based lubricant additives for titanium alloy-steel contacts
Authors: Wang Qingjuan , Hou Tingli , Wang Wei , Zhang Guoliang , Gao Yuan , Wang Kuaishe
Published: September 2020

The black phosphorus (BP) powders were prepared by high-energy ball milling with red phosphorus as the raw material, and then the BP nanosheets were obtained by liquid-phase exfoliation. The tribological properties of the BP nanosheets as oil-based lubricant additives were investigated by the ball-on-disc tribometer. Results show that compared with the base oil of liquid paraffin (LP), the coefficient of friction and wear rate of the BP nanosheets as the additives in liquid paraffin (BP-LP) are lower for the same loads. BP-LP lubricants could significantly improve the load-bearing capacity of the base oil for titanium alloy-steel contacts and show excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear properties. The surface morphologies and elemental compositions of the friction pairs were further analysed using an optional microscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The lubrication mechanism of BP-LP can be attributed to the synergistic effects between lamellar adsorption and interlayer shear of BP nanosheets.
Facile production of ultra-fine silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Tokarska Klaudia , Shi Qitao , Otulakowski Lukasz , Wrobel Pawel , Ta Huy Quang , Kurtyka Przemyslaw , Kordyka Aleksandra , Siwy Mariola , Vasylieva Margaryta , Forys Aleksander , Trzebicka Barbara , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: September 2020

A facile procedure for the synthesis of ultra-fine silicon nanoparticles without the need for a Schlenk vacuum line is presented. The process consists of the production of a (HSiO
1.5
)

n

sol–gel precursor based on the polycondensation of low-cost trichlorosilane (HSiCl
3
), followed by its annealing and etching. The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized after each preparation step by electron microscopy, Fourier transform and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray dispersion spectroscopy, diffraction methods and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The data confirm the formation of ultra-fine silicon nanoparticles with controllable average diameters between 1 and 5 nm depending on the etching time.
Social and emotional contexts predict the development of gaze following in early infancy
Authors: Astor Kim , Lindskog Marcus , Forssman Linda , Kenward Ben , Fransson Mari , Skalkidou Alkistis , Tharner Anne , Cassé Juliëtte , Gredebäck Gustaf
Published: September 2020

The development of gaze following begins in early infancy and its developmental foundation has been under heavy debate. Using a longitudinal design (
N
= 118), we demonstrate that attachment quality predicts individual differences in the onset of gaze following, at six months of age, and that maternal postpartum depression predicts later gaze following, at 10 months. In addition, we report longitudinal stability in gaze following from 6 to 10 months. A full path model (using attachment, maternal depression and gaze following at six months) accounted for 21% of variance in gaze following at 10 months. These results suggest an
experience-dependent
development of gaze following, driven by the infant's own motivation to interact and engage with others (the
social-first
perspective).
Nowcasting CoVID-19 Deaths in England by Age and Region
Authors: Seaman Shaun , Samartsidis Pantelis , Kall Meaghan , De Angelis Daniela
Published: September 2020

Understanding the trajectory of the daily numbers of deaths in people with CoVID-19 is essential to decisions on the response to the CoVID-19 pandemic. Estimating this trajectory from data on numbers of deaths is complicated by the delay between deaths occurring and their being reported to the authorities. In England, Public Health England receives death reports from a number of sources and the reporting delay is typically several days, but can be several weeks. Delayed reporting results in considerable uncertainty about the number of deaths that occurred on the most recent days. In this article, we estimate the number of deaths per day in each of five age strata within seven English regions. We use a Bayesian hierarchical model that involves a submodel for the number of deaths per day and a submodel for the reporting delay distribution. This model accounts for reporting-day effects and longer-term changes over time in the delay distribution. We show how the model can be fitted in a computationally efficient way when the delay distribution is same in multiple strata, e.g. over a wide range of ages.
SNP heritability: What are we estimating?
Authors: Rawlik Konrad , Canela-Xandri Oriol , Woolliams John , Tenesa Albert
Published: September 2020

The SNP heritabilityhas become a central concept in the study of complex traits. Estimation ofbased on genomic variance components in a linear mixed model using restricted maximum likelihood has been widely adopted as the method of choice were individual level data are available. Empirical results have suggested that this approach is not robust if the population of interest departs from the assumed statistical model. Prolonged debate of the appropriate model choice has yielded a number of approaches to account for frequency- and linkage disequilibrium dependent genetic architectures. Here we analytically resolve the question of how these estimates relate toof the population from which samples are drawn. In particular, we show that the correct model for the purpose of inference aboutdoes not require knowledge of the true genetic architecture of a trait. More generally, our results provide a complete perspective of these class of estimators of, highlighting practical shortcomings of current practise. We illustrate our theoretical results using simulations and data from UK Biobank.
Estimating effects of parents’ cognitive and non-cognitive skills on offspring education using polygenic scores
Authors: Demange Perline A. , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Abdellaoui Abdel , Eilertsen Espen Moen , Malanchini Margherita , Domingue Benjamin W. , de Zeeuw Eveline L. , Rimfeld Kaili , Eley Thalia C. , Boomsma Dorret I. , van Bergen Elsje , Breen Gerome , Nivard Michel G. , Cheesman Rosa
Published: September 2020

Understanding how parents’ cognitive and non-cognitive skills influence offspring education is vital for educational, family and economic policy. We use genetics (GWAS-by-subtraction) to assess a latent, broad non-cognitive skills dimension. To index parental effects controlling for genetic transmission, we estimate indirect parental genetic effects of polygenic scores on childhood and adulthood educational outcomes, using siblings (N=47,459), adoptees (N=6,407), and parent-offspring trios (N=2,534) in three UK and Dutch cohorts. We find that parental cognitive and non-cognitive skills affect offspring education through their environment: on average across cohorts and designs, indirect genetic effects explain 36-40% of population polygenic score associations. However, indirect genetic effects are lower for achievement in the Dutch cohort, and for the adoption design. We identify causes of higher sibling- and trio-based estimates: prenatal indirect genetic effects, population stratification, and assortative mating. Our phenotype-agnostic, genetically sensitive approach has established overall environmental effects of parents’ skills, facilitating future mechanistic work.
Atypical TGF-β Signaling Controls Neuronal Guidance inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Baltaci Oguzhan , Pedersen Mikael Egebjerg , Sherry Tessa , Handley Ava , Snieckute Goda , Haas Matilda , Archer Stuart , Pocock Roger
Published: September 2020

Coordinated expression of cell adhesion and signaling molecules is crucial for brain development. Here, we report that theCaenorhabditis eleganstransforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) type I receptor SMA-6 (small-6) acts independently of its cognate TGF-β type II receptor DAF-4 (dauer formation-defective-4) to control neuronal guidance. SMA-6 directs neuronal development from the epidermis through interactions with three, orphan, TGF-β ligands. Intracellular signaling downstream of SMA-6 limits expression of NLR-1, an essential Neurexin-like cell adhesion receptor, to enable neuronal guidance. Together, our data identify an atypical TGF-β-mediated regulatory mechanism to ensure correct development of the nervous system.
Competitiveness prediction for nodule colonization inSinorhizobium melilotithrough combinedin vitrotagged strain characterization and genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Bellabarba A. , Bacci G. , Decorosi F. , Aun E. , Azzarello E. , Remm M. , Giovannetti L. , Viti C. , Mengoni A. , Pini F.
Published: September 2020

Associations between leguminous plants and symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria (rhizobia) are a classical example of mutualism between a eukaryotic host and a specific group of prokaryotic microbes. Though being in part species-specific, different strains may colonize the same plant symbiotic structure (nodule). It is known that some rhizobial strains are better competitor than others, but detailed analyses aimed to predict from the rhizobial genome its competitive abilities are still scarce. Here we performed a bacterial genome wide association (GWAS) analysis to define the genomic determinants related to the competitive capabilities in the model rhizobial speciesSinorhizobium meliloti. Thirteen tester strains were GFP-tagged and assayed against three reference competitor strains RFP-tagged (Rm1021, AK83 and BL225C) in aMedicago sativanodule occupancy test. Competition data in combination with strains genomic sequences were used to build-up a model for GWAS based on k-mers. The model was then trained and applied for competition capabilities prediction. The model was able to well predict the competition abilities against two partners, BL225C, Rm1021 with coefficient of determination of 0.96 and 0.84, respectively. Four strains showing the highest competition phenotypes (> 60% single strain nodule occupancy; GR4, KH35c, KH46 and SM11)versusBL225C were used to identify k-mers associated with competition. The k-mers with highest scores mapped on the symbiosis-related megaplasmid pSymA and on genes coding for transporters, proteins involved in the biosynthesis of cofactors and proteins related to metabolism (i.e. glycerol, fatty acids) suggesting that competition abilities reside in multiple genetic determinants comprising several cellular components.

IMPORTANCE

Decoding the competitive pattern that occurs in the rhizosphere is challenging in the study of bacterial social interaction strategies. To date, single-gene approach has been mainly used to uncover the bases of nodulation, but there is still a gap about the main features thata prioriturn out rhizobial strains able to outcompete indigenous rhizobia. Therefore, tracking down which traits make different rhizobial strains able to win the competition for plant infection over other indigenous rhizobia will allow ameliorating strain selection and consequently plant yield in sustainable agricultural production systems. We have proven that a k-mer based GWAS approach can effectively predict the competition abilities of a panel of strains, which were analyzed for their plant tissue occupancy by using double fluorescent labeling. The reported strategy could be used for detailed studies on the genomic aspects of the evolution of bacterial symbiosis and for an extensive evaluation of rhizobial inoculants.
Divergent resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy explains response in different skin cancers
Authors: Dollinger Emmanuel , Bergman Daniel , Zhou Peijie , Atwood Scott , Nie Qing
Published: September 2020

The advent of immune checkpoint therapy for metastatic skin cancer has greatly improved patient survival. However, most skin cancer patients are refractory to checkpoint therapy, and furthermore the differential intra-immune signaling between cancers driving the response to checkpoint therapy remains uncharacterized. When comparing the immune transcriptome in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), we found that the presence of memory B cells and macrophages negatively correlate when stratifying patients by response, with memory B cells more present in responders. Inhibitory immune signaling is reduced in melanoma responders and is increased in BCC responders. We further explored the relationships between macrophages, B cells and response to checkpoint therapy by developing a stochastic differential equation model which qualitatively agrees with the data analysis. Our model predicts BCC to be more refractory to checkpoint therapy than melanoma. We show differences in tumor progression and regression that could serve as a diagnostic and predict the optimal ratio of macrophages and memory B cells for successful treatment.
Generation of human induced trophoblast stem cells
Authors: Castel Gaël , Meistermann Dimitri , Bretin Betty , Firmin Julie , Blin Justine , Loubersac Sophie , Bruneau Alexandre , Chevolleau Simon , Kilens Stephanie , Chariau Caroline , Gaignerie Anne , Francheteau Quentin , Kagawa Harunobu , Charpentier Eric , Flippe Léa , Francois - - Campion Valentin , Haider Sandra , Dietrich Bianca , Knöfler Martin , Arima Takahiro , Bourdon Jérémie , Rivron Nicolas , Masson Damien , Fournier Thierry , Okae Hiroaki , Freour Thomas , David Laurent
Published: September 2020

Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSC) derived from blastocysts and first-trimester cytotrophoblasts offer an unprecedented opportunity to study the human placenta. However, access to human embryos and first trimester placentas is limited thus preventing the establishment of hTSC from a variety of genetic backgrounds associated with placental disorders. In the present study, we show that hTSC can be generated from numerous genetic backgrounds using post-natal cells via two alternative methods: (I) somatic cell reprogramming of adult fibroblasts using the Yamanaka factors, and (II) cell fate conversion of naive and extended pluripotent stem cells. The resulted induced and converted hTSC (hiTSC/hcTSC) recapitulated hallmarks of hTSC including long-term self-renewal, expression of specific transcription factors, transcriptome-side signature, and the potential to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells. We also clarified the developmental stage of hTSC and show that these cells resemble post-implantation NR2F2+ cytotrophoblasts (day 8-10). Altogether, hTSC lines of diverse genetics origins open the possibility to model both placental development and diseases in a dish.

Highlights

Reprogramming of human somatic cells to induced hTSC with OSKM

Conversion of naive and extended hPSC to hTSC

Genetic diversity of hTSC lines

Developmental matching of hTSC in the peri-implantation human embryo
FGF8-mediated signaling regulates tooth developmental pace during odontogenesis
Authors: Lin Chensheng , Ruan Ningsheng , Li Linjun , Chen Yibin , Hu Xiaoxiao , Chen YiPing , Hu Xuefeng , Zhang Yanding
Published: September 2020

The developing human and mouse teeth constitute an ideal model system to study the regulatory mechanism underlying organ growth control due to the fact that their teeth share highly conserved and well-characterized developmental processes and their developmental tempo vary notably. In the current study, we manipulated heterogenous recombination between human and mouse dental tissues and demonstrate that the dental mesenchyme dominates the tooth developmental tempo and FGF8 could be a critical player during this developmental process. Forced activation of FGF8 signaling in the dental mesenchyme of mice promoted cell proliferation, prevented cell apoptosis via p38 and perhaps PI3K-Akt intracellular signaling, and impelled the transition of the cell cycle from G1- to S-phase in the tooth germ, resulting in the slowdown of the tooth developmental pace. Our results provide compelling evidence that extrinsic signals can profoundly affect tooth developmental tempo and the dental mesenchymal FGF8 could be a pivotal factor in controlling developmental pace in a non-cell-autonomous manner during mammalian odontogenesis.