bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and risk of coercive sexual victimization in childhood and adolescence – a population‐based prospective twin study
Authors: Ohlsson Gotby Vide , Lichtenstein Paul , Långström Niklas , Pettersson Erik
Published: March 2018

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention‐deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have, in some previous studies, been shown to increase the risk of being sexually victimized. However, no studies have examined whether the association is driven by a general NDD phenotype versus specific diagnoses, nor the etiology of the association.

Method

Using a genetically informative, prospective design, we examined the association between ASD and ADHD in childhood and coercive sexual victimization up to age 18. A total of 4,500 children participating in the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) were rated by their parents on NDDs at age 9 or 12 years, and self‐reported at age 18 on lifetime experiences of coercive sexual touching and/or coercive sex. First, we regressed sexual victimization on the NDDs. Second, we regressed sexual victimization on general and specific NDD symptoms identified via a bifactor model. Third, we decomposed the observed associations into genetic and environmental parts.

Results

In females, ASD was associated with an almost threefolded increased risk of coercive sexual victimization, and ADHD with a doubled risk. In males, the risk associated with ASD and ADHD was of the same magnitude but not significant. When controlling for overall NDD symptom load ASD or ADHD, no longer uniquely predicted coercive sexual victimization. The association between the NDD general factor and coercive sexual victimization was due to shared genetics.

Conclusions

General NDD symptom load, rather than specific ASD or ADHD symptoms, seems to be a moderate vulnerability factor for coercive sexual victimization. We speculate that an evocative gene–environment correlation might account for this observation, such that sexual perpetrators actively target NDD individuals.
Changing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in bullous pemphigoid: it is the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors
Authors: Gravani A. , Gaitanis G. , Tsironi T. , Tigas S. , Bassukas I.D.
Published: March 2018

Linked article: This article is commentary on by L. Fania et al., pp. e439–e440 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14965
Application of the Mesolens for subcellular resolution imaging of intact larval and whole adult Drosophila
Authors: MCCONNELL G. , AMOS W.B.
Published: March 2018

In a previous paper, we showed a new giant lens called the Mesolens and presented performance data and images from whole fixed and intact fluorescently‐stained 12.5‐day old mouse embryos. Here, we show that using the Mesolens we can image an entire Drosophila larva or adult fly in confocal epifluorescence and show subcellular detail in all tissues. By taking several hundreds of optical sections through the entire volume of the specimen, we show cells and nuclear details within the gut, brain, salivary glands and reproductive system that normally require dissection for study. Organs are imaged in situ in correct 3D arrangement. Imaginal discs are imaged in mature larvae and it proved possible to image pachytene chromosomes in cells within ovarian follicles in intact female flies. Methods for fixing, staining and clearing are given.
Cortical progenitor biology: key features mediating proliferation versus differentiation
Authors: Uzquiano Ana , Gladwyn‐Ng Ivan , Nguyen Laurent , Reiner Orly , Götz Magdalena , Matsuzaki Fumio , Francis Fiona
Published: March 2018

The cerebral cortex is a highly organized structure whose development depends on diverse progenitor cell types, namely apical radial glia, intermediate progenitors, and basal radial glia cells, which are responsible for the production of the correct neuronal output. In recent years, these progenitor cell types have been deeply studied, particularly basal radial glia and their role in cortical expansion and gyrification. We review here a broad series of factors that regulate progenitor behavior and daughter cell fate. We first describe the different neuronal progenitor types, emphasizing the differences between lissencephalic and gyrencephalic species. We then review key factors shown to influence progenitor proliferation versus differentiation, discussing their roles in progenitor dynamics, neuronal production, and potentially brain size and complexity. Although spindle orientation has been considered a critical factor for mode of division and daughter cell output, we discuss other features that are emerging as crucial for these processes such as organelle and cell cycle dynamics. Additionally, we highlight the importance of adhesion molecules and the polarity complex for correct cortical development. Finally, we briefly discuss studies assessing progenitor multipotency and its possible contribution to the production of specific neuronal populations. This review hence summarizes recent aspects of cortical progenitor cell biology, and pinpoints emerging features critical for their behavior.

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Determinants of Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Hung Hsiu‐Yu , Wu Li‐Min , Chen Kang‐Pan
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To examine the relationships of self‐care, symptoms, and a variety of demographic factors to quality of life (QOL), and to identify determinants of QOL in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Design

A cross‐sectional, correlational study.

Methods

159 patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy were recruited from three southern hospitals in Taiwan. Four instruments were used: the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30‐item (QLQ‐C30), M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale‐Short Form (MSAS‐SF), and Self‐Care Behavior Scale (SCBS).

Findings

Lung cancer patients rated lower scores of self‐care behaviors on food choice and nutrition maintenance, regular exercise and sleep, and medical compliance. Being younger, having spouses as main caregivers, having food choice and nutrition maintenance, and getting regular exercise and sleep were associated with better QOL. Degree of interference with life, age, food choice and nutrition maintenance, and psychological symptoms were found to predict functional QOL and accounted for 43% of total variance.

Conclusions

The findings identified factors influencing QOL and provided evidence for designing an intervention to enhance QOL in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Clinical Relevance

The findings may be useful for guiding intervention development for early detection and management of symptom interference with daily living, and place greater focus on patient self‐care to promote food choice and nutrition maintenance, especially in older patients and those whose caregivers are not their spouses.
Working adults’ well‐being: An online self‐help goal‐based intervention
Authors: Oliver Jeremy J. , MacLeod Andrew K.
Published: March 2018

An online self‐help goal‐setting and planning (GAP) intervention to improve working adults’ well‐being was tested using a longitudinal, randomized crossover design. The study sought to (1) test the effectiveness of the intervention relative to wait‐list controls; and (2) test the stability of effects over a 3‐month follow‐up period. Participants were recruited from the UK Civil Service and were randomized to either a GAP intervention or a wait‐list control condition. Wait‐list participants then crossed‐over to receive GAP. Relative to wait‐list controls (N = 149), GAP participants (N = 158) reported significantly higher levels of positive affect (PA) and flourishing, but similar levels of negative affect (NA) and life satisfaction immediately after the intervention. Longitudinal data were analysed for the whole sample (N = 307). Compared to the start of the intervention, participants reported an increase in PA and flourishing directly after the intervention and 3 months later. NA and life satisfaction showed no change by the end of the intervention, but had improved by 3‐month follow‐up. Completing more modules predicted post‐intervention improvements in well‐being, accounting for pre‐intervention well‐being levels. The online self‐help format allowed the intervention to be offered with minimal therapeutic support, enabling convenient access by a large group of employees. The study provides an example of a successful adaptation of a clinically proven well‐being intervention to make it accessible to working adults.

Practitioner points

Well‐being interventions proven in clinical settings can be effectively adapted for use in workplace settings with only minor alterations.

Brief, online self‐help interventions can improve working adults’ well‐being.

Goal‐based interventions can improve working adults’ well‐being when focused towards goals that are aligned with personal values and have been chosen by the individual.
Overexpression of WD repeat domain 5 associates with aggressive clinicopathological features and unfavorable prognosis in head neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yaping , Diao Pengfei , Li Zhongwu , Zhang Wei , Wang Dongmiao , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: March 2018

Background

WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5), a core member of Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) and SET1 histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase complexes, is involved in multiple biological and pathological processes. Its deregulation in cancer and pro‐tumorigenic roles has been increasingly appreciated. However, the expression pattern of WDR5 and its biological functions in head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been well established.

Methods

The expression of WDR5 mRNA in HNSCC was determined by data mining and interrogation using publicly available databases. Its protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in a retrospective cohort of primary HNSCC samples. Moreover, the associations between WDR5 expression and various clinicopathological parameters and patient survival were assessed. The pro‐tumorigenic roles of WDR5 in HNSCC were further delineated in vitro by loss‐of‐function assay.

Results

Our bioinformatics analyses revealed that WDR5 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in 3 HNSCC cohorts. WDR5 protein was markedly upregulated in HNSCC samples as compared to normal counterparts and its overexpression significantly associated with large tumor size, advanced clinical stage (chi‐square test, P = .048, .006) and reduced overall and disease‐free survival (Kaplan‐Mier analyses, Log‐rank test, P = .0137, .0154). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses further revealed WDR5 protein abundance as an independent prognostic factor for patients’ overall survival. Moreover, WDR5 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in HNSCC cells.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that WDR5 is aberrantly overexpressed in HNSCC and associates with aggressiveness and unfavorable prognosis, thus representing a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HNSCC.
Improved prediction of fungal effector proteins from secretomes with EffectorP 2.0
Authors: Sperschneider Jana , Dodds Peter N. , Gardiner Donald M. , Singh Karam B. , Taylor Jennifer M.
Published: March 2018

Plant‐pathogenic fungi secrete effector proteins to facilitate infection. We describe extensive improvements to EffectorP, the first machine learning classifier for fungal effector prediction. EffectorP 2.0 is now trained on a larger set of effectors and utilizes a different approach based on an ensemble of classifiers trained on different subsets of negative data, offering different views on classification. EffectorP 2.0 achieves an accuracy of 89%, compared with 82% for EffectorP 1.0 and 59.8% for a small size classifier. Important features for effector prediction appear to be protein size, protein net charge as well as the amino acids serine and cysteine. EffectorP 2.0 decreases the number of predicted effectors in secretomes of fungal plant symbionts and saprophytes by 40% when compared with EffectorP 1.0. However, EffectorP 1.0 retains value, and combining EffectorP 1.0 and 2.0 results in a stringent classifier with a low false positive rate of 9%. EffectorP 2.0 predicts significant enrichments of effectors in 12 of 13 sets of infection‐induced proteins from diverse fungal pathogens, whereas a small cysteine‐rich classifier detects enrichment in only seven of 13. EffectorP 2.0 will fast track the prioritization of high‐confidence effector candidates for functional validation and aid in improving our understanding of effector biology. EffectorP 2.0 is available at http://effectorp.csiro.au.
Post‐influenzal triazole‐resistant aspergillosis following allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Talento Alida Fe , Dunne Katie , Murphy Niamh , O'Connell Brian , Chan Grace , Joyce Eimear Ann , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Fahy Ruairi , Bacon Larry , Vandenberge Elisabeth , Rogers Thomas R.
Published: March 2018

Influenza virus infection is now recognised as a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Delays in diagnosis contribute to delayed commencement of antifungal therapy. In addition, the emergence of resistance to first‐line triazole antifungal agents puts emphasis on early detection to prevent adverse outcomes. We present 2 allogeneic stem cell transplant patients who developed IPA due to triazole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus following influenza infection. We underline the challenges faced in the management of these cases, the importance of early diagnosis and need for surveillance given the emergence of triazole resistance.
The Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability, Psychological Flexibility, and Pain in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Allen Taryn M. , Struemph Kari L. , Toledo‐Tamula Mary Anne , Wolters Pamela L. , Baldwin Andrea , Widemann Brigitte , Martin Staci
Published: March 2018

Individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) can experience chronic pain. Previous research has examined the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and persistent pain. HRV is an index of autonomic nervous system functioning, and reflects the variability in time elapsed between heartbeats. Patients with chronic pain tend to exhibit lower HRV, which has been associated with poor adaptability, or psychological flexibility, to stress. The aim of the current study was to examine relationships between HRV, psychological flexibility, and pain in a sample of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with NF1 and PNs. AYA participants (n = 40) 16 to 34 years of age with NF1 completed baseline measures of pain and psychological functioning, and underwent a 5‐minute electrocardiogram (ECG). A subset of 20 participants completed follow‐up questionnaires and a second ECG 8 weeks later. Spectral analyses of ECGs yielded a measure of high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV). Baseline correlations revealed that lower HF‐HRV is related to greater inflexibility and more pain interference, but not pain intensity. Moreover, psychological inflexibility significantly mediated the relationship between HF‐HRV and pain interference. Finally, regression models indicated that baseline psychological inflexibility is a significant predictor of HF‐HRV at follow‐up and, separately, that baseline HF‐HRV significantly predicted pain intensity at follow‐up. These findings suggest complex mind–body processes in the experience of pain in NF1, which have not been studied previously. Implications for pain‐related interventions and future research are discussed.
Uveal melanoma driver mutations in GNAQ/11 yield numerous changes in melanocyte biology
Authors: Perez Dahlia E. , Henle Andrea M. , Amsterdam Adam , Hagen Hannah R. , Lees Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2018

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer and has a high incidence of metastasis, which lacks any effective treatment. Here, we present zebrafish models of UM, which are driven by melanocyte‐specific expression of activating GNAQ or GNA11 alleles, GNAQ/11Q209L, the predominant initiating mutations for human UM. When combined with mutant tp53, GNAQ/11Q209L transgenics develop various melanocytic tumors, including UM, with near complete penetrance. These tumors display nuclear YAP localization and thus phenocopy human UM. We show that GNAQ/11Q209L expression induces profound melanocyte defects independent of tp53 mutation, which are apparent within 3 days of development. First, increases in melanocyte number, melanin content, and subcellular melanin distribution result in hyperpigmentation. Additionally, altered melanocyte migration, survival properties, and evasion of normal boundary cues lead to aberrant melanocyte localization and stripe patterning. Collectively, these data show that GNAQ/11Q209L is sufficient to induce numerous protumorigenic changes within melanocytes.
A pediatric case of squamous cell cancer in situ in the setting of sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease and voriconazole treatment
Authors: Li Alvin W. , Lalor Leah E. , Bellodi Schmidt Fernanda , Luu Minnelly
Published: March 2018

Sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease is a subtype of cutaneous chronic graft‐versus‐host disease that is characterized by sclerosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, resulting in debilitating contractures, among other life‐threatening complications. Children with sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease are at high risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer because of several risk factors, including young age at transplantation, prolonged immunosuppression, and exposure to photosensitizing antimicrobial prophylaxis such as voriconazole. The immunosuppression required to treat sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease makes effectively treating nonmelanoma skin cancer and sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease in the same patient challenging. We describe a challenging case of a 6‐year‐old boy with a history of sclerodermatous graft‐versus‐host disease and voriconazole exposure presenting with squamous cell carcinoma in situ on the left temple and actinic keratoses on the scalp treated with topical chemotherapy agents.
Anisakis pegreffii impacts differentiation and function of human dendritic cells
Authors: Napoletano C. , Mattiucci S. , Colantoni A. , Battisti F. , Zizzari I. G. , Rahimi H. , Nuti M. , Rughetti A.
Published: March 2018

Human dendritic cells (DCs) show remarkable phenotypic changes when matured in the presence of helminth‐derived products. These modifications frequently elicited a polarization towards Th2 cells and regulatory T cells thus contributing to immunological tolerance against these pathogens. In this study, the interaction between DCs and larvae of the zoonotic anisakid nematode Anisakis pegreffii was investigated. A. pegreffii larvae were collected from fish hosts, and monocyte‐derived DCs were cocultured in the presence of the live larvae (L) or its crude extracts (CE). In both experimental conditions, A. pegreffii impacted DC viability, hampered DC maturation by reducing the expression of molecules involved in antigen presentation and migration (ie HLA‐DR, CD86, CD83 and CCR7), increased the phagosomal radical oxygen species (ROS) levels and modulated the phosphorylation of ERK1,2 pathway. These biological changes were accompanied by the impairment of DCs to activate a T‐cell‐mediated IFNγ. Interestingly, live larvae appeared to differently modulate DC secretion of cytokines and chemokines as compared to CE. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the immunomodulatory role of A. pegreffii on DCs biology and functions. In addition, they suggest a dynamic contribution of DCs to the induction and maintenance of the inflammatory response against A. pegreffii.
The impact of global warming on germination and seedling emergence in Alliaria petiolata, a woodland species with dormancy loss dependent on low temperature
Authors: Footitt S. , Huang Z. , Ölcer‐Footitt H. , Clay H. , Finch‐Savage W. E.
Published: March 2018

The impact of global warming on seed dormancy loss and germination was investigated in Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), a common woodland/hedgerow plant in Eurasia, considered invasive in North America. Increased temperature may have serious implications, since seeds of this species germinate and emerge at low temperatures early in spring to establish and grow before canopy development of competing species.

Dormancy was evaluated in seeds buried in field soils. Seedling emergence was also investigated in the field, and in a thermogradient tunnel under global warming scenarios representing predicted UK air temperatures through to 2080.

Dormancy was simple, and its relief required the accumulation of low temperature chilling time. Under a global warming scenario, dormancy relief and seedling emergence declined and seed mortality increased as soil temperature increased along a thermal gradient. Seedling emergence advanced with soil temperature, peaking 8 days earlier under 2080 conditions.

The results indicate that as mean temperature increases due to global warming, the chilling requirement for dormancy relief may not be fully satisfied, but seedling emergence will continue from low dormancy seeds in the population. Adaptation resulting from selection of this low dormancy proportion is likely to reduce the overall population chilling requirement. Seedling emergence is also likely to keep pace with the advancement of biological spring, enabling A. petiolata to maintain its strategy of establishment before the woodland canopy closes. However, this potential for adaptation may be countered by increased seed mortality in the seed bank as soils warm.
Electric Vehicle Virtual Power Plant Dilemma: Grid Balancing Versus Customer Mobility
Authors: Kahlen Micha T. , Ketter Wolfgang , van Dalen Jan
Published: March 2018

Virtual power plants (VPP) play a crucial role in balancing the electricity smart grid. VPPs aggregate energy from decentralized sources, for example, biogas, solar panels, or hydropower, to generate and consume electricity on demand. We study the management of electric vehicle (EV) fleets organized in VPPs as a way to address the challenges posed by the inflexible energy supply of renewable sources. In particular, we analyze the potential of parked EVs to absorb electricity from the grid, and provide electricity back to the grid when needed. A fleet owner can either charge, discharge for renting, discharge to the grid, or keep an EV idle. A unique property of our mixed rental‐trading strategy is that decisions are made between making an EV available for rental, where the location within the city matters (drivers want a car to be close to their place of departure or arrival) and for discharging it to the grid, where location does not matter (vehicles can discharge to the grid from any capable charging point). We study the feasibility of VPPs for a fleet of 1500 real EVs on the “Nord Pool Spot,” a North European electricity spot market. A Fourier series approach captures the demand patterns of carsharing vehicles accurately, especially when our weighted objective function with asymmetric payoffs is applied. We show that the VPP can be profitable to fleet owners, ecologically advantageous through reductions in wind power curtailment, and beneficial to consumers by reducing energy expenses.
Modelling the spatiotemporal dynamics of Phytophthora infestans at a regional scale
Authors: Firester B. , Shtienberg D. , Blank L.
Published: March 2018

Potato late blight caused the Irish Potato Famine and still causes billions of dollars of annual crop damage. Tracking and predicting its spread remains problematic. Growers overspray potato fields with fungicide as a precaution, irrespective of the prevalence or actual risk of the disease. This study created a new weather‐based mathematical model for the spread of late blight at a regional scale using empirical data, and validated it using a novel approach for presence‐only data. The model was tested using a contrapositive ‘proof’ by comparing predicted to actual weather patterns to examine its accuracy. The model was then used to create risk maps showing the likelihood of future outbreaks in the region. Such risk maps can help growers optimize late blight suppression and fungicide use by alerting them to the most probable day at which they are at the most risk, using real‐time weather data from the previous few days. These risk maps would be updated daily to account for conditions needed for sporulation. Overall, this work offers a methodology to understand and model a disease's spread in time and space.
Transferring the freshwater dinoflagellate Peridinium wisconsinense (Dinophyceae) to the family Thoracosphaeraceae, with the description of Fusiperidinium gen. nov.
Authors: McCarthy Francine M.G. , Gu Haifeng , Mertens Kenneth N. , Carbonell‐Moore Consuelo , Krueger Andrea M. , Takano Yoshihito , Matsuoka Kazumi
Published: March 2018

Distinctive spindle‐shaped thecae first described by Samuel Eddy in 1930 and assigned to the genus Peridinium Ehrenberg are commonly reported from freshwater environments in eastern North America. We demonstrate that thecae incubated from cysts of Peridinium wisconsinense Eddy have six cingular plates and a protuberant apical pore complex characteristic of the family Thoracosphaeraceae Schiller 1930 emend. Tangen in Tangen et al. 1982. Small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences confirm the close genetic similarity with Chimonodinium lomnickii (Wołoszyńska) Craveiro, Calado, Daugbjerg, Gert Hansen & Moestrup and with species recently reassigned to the genus Apocalathium Craveiro, Daugbjerg, Moestrup & Calado that was inferred from previously published LSU rDNA analysis of cysts of P. wisconsinense. Despite sharing identical tabulation with the thoracosphaeracean genera Chimonodinium Craveiro, Calado, Daugbjerg, Gert Hansen & Moestrup and Apocalathium, substantial morphological differences in the morphology of both the thecate and cyst stages of P. wisconsinense led us to reassign this species to the genus Fusiperidinium gen. nov. The phylogenetic position of Fusiperidinium wisconsinense comb. nov., inferred from concatenated data of SSU and LSU sequences, suggests that it evolved from the brackish Scrippsiella lineage, independently of the transition that produced the family Peridiniaceae. Cysts described as Geiselodinium tyonekensis Engelhardt from nonmarine strata from Alaska are apparently identical to the resistant cysts produced by F. wisconsinense. The palynologically‐constrained late Middle Miocene age for the Tyonek Formation provides a minimum age of 11.6 Ma for the evolution of this lineage, coinciding with a rapid glacioeustatic decline in sea level. Our findings also call into question the inclusion of the family Thoracosphaeraceae within the order Peridiniales Haeckel.
Emotional intelligence and attentional bias for threat‐related emotion under stress
Authors: Davis Sarah K.
Published: March 2018

Emotional intelligence (EI) can buffer potentially harmful effects of situational and chronic stressors to safeguard psychological wellbeing (e.g., Mikolajczak, Petrides, Coumans & Luminet,), yet understanding how and whenEIoperates to promote adaptation remains a research priority. We explored whetherEI(both trait and ability) modulated early attentional processing of threat‐related emotion under conditions of stress. Using a dot probe paradigm, eye movement (fixation to emotive facial stimuli, relative to neutral) and manual reaction time data were collected from 161 adults aged 18–57 years (mean age = 25.24;SD= 8.81) exposed to either a stressful (failure task) or non‐stressful (control) situation. Whilst emotion management ability and trait wellbeing corresponded toavoidanceof negative emotion (angry and sad respectively), high trait sociability and emotionality related to a biasfornegative emotions. With most effects not restricted to stressful conditions, it is unclear whetherEIunderscores ‘adaptive’ processing, which carries implications for school‐based social and emotional learning programs.
Analysis of the functions of TaGW2 homoeologs in wheat grain weight and protein content traits
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Da , Zhang Dingbo , Zhao Xiaoge , Cao Xuemin , Dong Lingli , Liu Jinxing , Chen Kunling , Zhang Huawei , Gao Caixia , Wang Daowen
Published: March 2018

GW2 is emerging as a key genetic determinant of grain weight in cereal crops; it has three homoeologs (TaGW2‐A1, ‐B1 and ‐D1) in hexaploid common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here, by analyzing the gene editing mutants that lack one (B1 or D1), two (B1 and D1) or all three (A1, B1 and D1) homoeologs of TaGW2, several insights are gained into the functions of TaGW2‐B1 and ‐D1 in common wheat grain traits. First, both TaGW2‐B1 and ‐D1 affect thousand‐grain weight (TGW) by influencing grain width and length, but the effect conferred by TaGW2‐B1 is stronger than that of TaGW2‐D1. Second, there exists functional interaction between TaGW2 homoeologs because the TGW increase shown by a double mutant (lacking B1 and D1) was substantially larger than that of their single mutants. Third, both TaGW2‐B1 and ‐D1 modulate cell number and length in the outer pericarp of developing grains, with TaGW2‐B1 being more potent. Finally, TaGW2 homoeologs also affect grain protein content as this parameter was generally increased in the mutants, especially in the lines lacking two or three homoeologs. Consistent with this finding, two wheat end‐use quality‐related parameters, flour protein content and gluten strength, were considerably elevated in the mutants. Collectively, our data shed light on functional difference between and additive interaction of TaGW2 homoeologs in the genetic control of grain weight and protein content traits in common wheat, which may accelerate further research on this important gene and its application in wheat improvement.
Genetic diversity and evolution of reduced sulfur storage during domestication of maize
Authors: Li Xinxin , Han Yang , Yan Yan , Messing Joachim , Xu Jian‐Hong
Published: March 2018

The domestication of maize has spanned a period of over 9000 years, during which time its wild relative teosinte underwent natural and artificial selection. We hypothesize that environmental conditions could have played a major role in this process. One factor of environmental variation is soil composition, which includes sulfur availability. Sulfur is reduced during photosynthesis and is used to synthesize cysteine and methionine, which drive the accumulation of δ10 (Zm00001d045937), δ18 (Zm00001d037436), β15 (Zm00001d035760), γ16 (Zm00001d005793), γ27 (Zm00001d020592), and γ50 (Zm00001d020591) zeins, representing the zein2 fraction (z2) of storage proteins in maize seeds. In this study, polymorphisms and haplotypes were detected based on six z2 genes in 60 maize and teosintes lines. Haplotypes were unevenly distributed, and abundant genetic diversity was found in teosintes. Polymorphism was highest in z2δ18, whereas for z2β15 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density and insertion/deletion (indel) abundance were the lowest, indicating differential roles in seed evolution. Indels showed a clustered distribution, and most of these derived from teosintes. The indels not only led to tandem repeat polymorphisms, but also to frameshift mutations, which could also be used as null variants. In addition, neutral evolutionary tests, phylogenetic analyses, and population structures indicated that z2δ10 and z2γ50 had undergone natural selection. Indeed, a natural selection imprint could also be found with z2γ27 and z2γ16, whereas z2δ18 and z2β15 tended to be under neutral evolution. These results suggested that genetic diversity and evolution of a subset of sulfur‐rich zeins could be under environmental adaptation during maize domestication.
Host‐ and stage‐dependent secretome of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Zeng Tian , Holmer Rens , Hontelez Jan , te Lintel‐Hekkert Bas , Marufu Lucky , de Zeeuw Thijs , Wu Fangyuan , Schijlen Elio , Bisseling Ton , Limpens Erik
Published: March 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form the most wide‐spread endosymbiosis with plants. There is very little host specificity in this interaction, however host preferences as well as varying symbiotic efficiencies have been observed. We hypothesize that secreted proteins (SPs) may act as fungal effectors to control symbiotic efficiency in a host‐dependent manner. Therefore, we studied whether arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi adjust their secretome in a host‐ and stage‐dependent manner to contribute to their extremely wide host range. We investigated the expression of SP‐encoding genes of Rhizophagus irregularis in three evolutionary distantly related plant species, Medicago truncatula, Nicotiana benthamiana and Allium schoenoprasum. In addition we used laser microdissection in combination with RNA‐seq to study SP expression at different stages of the interaction in Medicago. Our data indicate that most expressed SPs show roughly equal expression levels in the interaction with all three host plants. In addition, a subset shows significant differential expression depending on the host plant. Furthermore, SP expression is controlled locally in the hyphal network in response to host‐dependent cues. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the R. irregularis secretome, which now offers a solid basis to direct functional studies on the role of fungal SPs in AM symbiosis.
Maternal components of RNA‐directed DNA methylation are required for seed development in Brassica rapa
Authors: Grover Jeffrey W. , Kendall Timmy , Baten Abdul , Burgess Diane , Freeling Michael , King Graham J. , Mosher Rebecca A.
Published: March 2018

Small RNAs trigger repressive DNA methylation at thousands of transposable elements in a process called RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM). The molecular mechanism of RdDM is well characterized in Arabidopsis, yet the biological function remains unclear, as loss of RdDM in Arabidopsis causes no overt defects, even after generations of inbreeding. It is known that 24 nucleotide Pol IV‐dependent siRNAs, the hallmark of RdDM, are abundant in flowers and developing seeds, indicating that RdDM might be important during reproduction. Here we show that, unlike Arabidopsis, mutations in the Pol IV‐dependent small RNA pathway cause severe and specific reproductive defects in Brassica rapa. High rates of abortion occur when seeds have RdDM mutant mothers, but not when they have mutant fathers. Although abortion occurs after fertilization, RdDM function is required in maternal somatic tissue, not in the female gametophyte or the developing zygote, suggesting that siRNAs from the maternal soma might function in filial tissues. We propose that recently outbreeding species such as B. rapa are key to understanding the role of RdDM during plant reproduction.
Monitoring of pH and temperature of neuropathic diabetic and nondiabetic foot ulcers for 12 weeks: An observational study
Authors: Gethin Georgina , O'Connor Gerard M. , Abedin Jaynal , Newell John , Flynn Louisa , Watterson David , O'Loughlin Aorghus
Published: March 2018

Wound bed assessment is largely reliant on subjective interpretation without recourse to objective tools or biomarkers. The identification of a point of care, reliable biomarker would enhance assessment and ultimately clinical decision making. Two potentially emerging wound biomarkers exist: surface pH and surface temperature. To date, knowledge of their use has been predominantly in wound prevention, in vitro studies and single time measurements. Our objective was to determine surface pH, size, and surface temperature in noninfected, neuropathic foot ulcers at baseline and at 12 weeks. 50 patients (68% [n = 34] had diabetes) participated. Mean baseline pH of wounds was 6.95 (SD 1.01); temperature 30.91 °C (SD 3.00); and size 0.82 cm2 (SD 0.61). After 12 weeks, 26% (n = 13) were lost to follow‐up, 50% (n = 25) had healed. Of the remaining patients, mean pH was 6.72 (SD 0.54); temperature 30.88 °C (SD 2.97), and size 0.13 cm2 (SD 0.13). We have provided baseline values for pH and temperature of noninfected, neuropathic diabetic, and nondiabetic foot ulceration. Further studies in a larger cohort are warranted to determine if temperature and or pH are indicative of a healing or nonhealing state.
A Model Heart
Authors: Brown Alan S.
Published: March 2018

This article discusses the advantages of using a realistic simulation model of the heart. A model might help cardiologists predict how a heart condition would progress. It could provide new ways to design and approve cardiovascular devices, which rarely undergo large-scale human testing before commercialization. Surgeons could use the model to test new procedures or plan the best intervention for patients. Researchers could use it to develop better ways to image constantly beating hearts. For example, Dassault's Living Heart model is a larger-than-life three-dimensional representation that enables surgeons, researchers, and engineers to look at the human heart in different ways. The finite element mesh of the first Living Heart model contains 200,000 tetrahedral Elements connected at 50,000 finite element nodes. The Living Heart model is already suitable for testing pacemaker leads, since it needs to model only mechanical stress during motion. Projecting the progression of heart disease will require a more sophisticated model that incorporates the behavior of the underlying heart tissue.
Right-Sizing the Grid
Authors: Newman David
Published: March 2018

This article presents a study of various categories of risks associated with the size of power grid and probable solutions to mitigate the risks timely. The researchers believe that engineers must stop looking at the electrical grid solely as an aggregation of components. Instead, they must also view the grid as an entity whose very size and complexity make it behave differently from other types of systems. A systems perspective can help us explain why large blackouts are inevitable and why they occur more frequently than we might expect. It also enables us to consider new ways to reduce risk by restructuring the grid . An analysis shows that a grid with 500 to 700 nodes might be the sweet spot for a grid. It is large enough to let us suppress many small and medium-size outages, yet small enough to avoid the increased probability of massive blackouts. Dividing the grid into independent modules would produce more small and medium-size blackouts. While these events are quickly remedied, they would occur frequently enough to notice and draw complaints from utility customers. It would also make the grid less efficient for operators.
Every Snowflake is Not Unique
Authors: Bejan Adrian
Published: March 2018

This article discusses various aspects of snowflake architectures. It is certain that every snowflake conforms to only one architecture: a flat star with six fishbones connected at the center. The latent heat of solidification, which is released by the water vapor that becomes solid at the bead surface. There comes a critical time when the spherical bead is no longer an efficient architecture for dissipating heat. The principle calls for design change, toward faster heat release and solidification. The growth of ice morphs abruptly into a ball continued in one plane by needles. Because of the configuration of the water molecule, the needles grow in six directions. The flat star transfers heat to the surroundings more easily than a spherical bead with the same diameter. In order to give credit to the view that every snowflake is unique, the actual configuration depends on many secondary effects, which are of random origin.
From Torque-Controlled to Intrinsically Compliant Humanoid Robots
Authors: Ott Christian , Dietrich Alexander , Leidner Daniel , Werner Alexander , Englsberger Johannes , Henze Bernd , Wolf Sebastian , Chalon Maxime , Friedl Werner , Beyer Alexander , Eiberger Oliver , Albu-Schäffer Alin
Published: March 2018

This paper gives an overview of the advancements in humanoid robotics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) over the last 10 years. The development started with focus on dexterous, bimanual manipulation with the wheel-based humanoid Rollin’ Justin and continued with legged locomotion on TORO. With Rollin’ Justin, the team aims to create a cognitive robotic system that can reason about compliant manipulation tasks, based on intelligent decisions according to the actual state of the environment. These humanoids are expected to can perform a multitude of complex tasks and hereby contributing to human welfare. Possible fields of use include service robotics, industrial co-workers, search and rescue, space applications, medical robotics, etc. The experts suggest that teleoperated scenarios are feasible in short term, developing in long term towards shared or even full autonomy. Still, advancements must be made in almost all areas, starting from mechatronic robustness, reliability and energy efficiency, over multimodal perception and control up to autonomous planning and Artificial Intelligence-based reasoning. Development of interaction interfaces and communication modalities to humans will play an increasingly key role in the future.
Compliant Locomotion
Authors: Hopkins Michael , Griffin Robert , Leonessa Alexander
Published: March 2018

This article describes benefits of model-based approach in developing humanoids and presents experimental results as well. Regardless of the chosen actuation strategy, the design of humanoid locomotion controllers is greatly complicated by the underactuated and nonlinear nature of the associated multibody dynamics. Drawing inspiration from biology, researchers have begun to incorporate passive mechanical compliance into the design of legged robots, often by adding spring elements in series with the robot’s actuators. First introduced by the MIT Leg Laboratory, series elastic actuators (SEAs) have been shown to improve the fidelity and stability of closed-loop force controllers while simultaneously increasing shock tolerance. The chapter shows an example SEA utilized in the design of THOR, a compliant humanoid robot developed at Virginia Tech. Despite new advancements, several challenges remain before humanoids can be fielded in real-world applications that require a high degree of mobility. Model-based control approaches could greatly benefit from techniques found in the robust and adaptive control literature. The field is also interested in moving towards more efficient, human-like locomotion using biologically-inspired control strategies.
Our Founder—IGTI's R. Tom Sawyer
Authors: Langston Lee S.
Published: March 2018

This article presents thoughts and experiences of R. Tom Sawyer, founder of International Gas Turbine Institute’s (IGTI) Turbo Expo. Sawyer founded gas turbine technical institute, and set its course for its first four decades, during which time the gas turbine itself, became one of the world’s most useful energy converters. Sawyer joined the American Locomotive Company where he was involved with both diesel and gas turbine projects from 1930 to 1956. R. He served as first chairman of the ASME Gas Turbine Power Division or Gas Turbine Division (GTD). Sawyer was a key organizer, helping to make the exhibit a successful revenue-producing part of the conference. R. Tom Sawyer was involved with IGTI to the end of his life in 1986.
Intelligent Surgical Robots with Situational Awareness
Authors: Simaan Nabil , Taylor Rusell H. , Choset Howie
Published: March 2018

This article discusses various challenges and puts forth the concepts of intelligent surgical robots and complementary situational awareness (CSA) as a means for achieving new surgical systems with unprecedented capabilities in terms of safety, ease of operation, and exact execution of pre-operative surgical plans. Situational awareness is defined in accordance with by the three stages of sensory acquisition, sensory comprehension, and projection. A robotic system with CSA assists the user not only in manipulation, but also in forming the situational awareness regarding the task at hand by using perception resources beyond the capabilities of the user. In the future, it is expected that CSA systems will increasingly be embedded within a larger framework of Computer-Integrated Interventional Medicine, in which patient-specific information such as images, lab results, and genomics are combined with general knowledge to model and diagnose the patients’ condition and to develop an optimized treatment plan.
Engineering And Validating A World Record Gas Turbine
Authors: Vandervort Christian , Wetzel Todd , Leach David
Published: March 2018

This article presents an overview of GE’s HA gas turbines that represent the most reliable and efficient machines in the world for converting natural gas into electricity. In a combined cycle arrangement, these turbines provide cost-effective and clean generation that offers reliable electricity to an expanding, global population. The 7/9HA turbine is based upon the original H-class 4-stage gas turbine with exception of simplification by eliminating steam cooling. Metals chosen for the 7/9HA are proven alloys with over 50 million hours of operation on F- and H-class gas turbines. The first 9HA.01 entered commercial operation on June 17, 2016 at the Électricité de France Bouchain plant, located in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region of France. GE followed the Guinness Book of World Records’ definition for a consistent and traceable operating condition for establishing efficiency in world records. Under the oversight of Guinness World Records staff, GE set the record for the world’s most efficient combined-cycle power plant with an efficiency of 62.22% while producing more than 605 MW of electricity.
Detecting Pipeline Leaks
Authors: Niesen Vicki , Gould Melissa
Published: March 2018

This article explores technological advancements for detecting pipeline leaks. An ideal leak detection system should not only quickly detect both small and large leaks, but also do so reliably and not trigger false alarms. Operations in gas pipelines can differ quite a bit from those for liquids, so the experience gained in one type of line may not be entirely applicable when changing jobs. Fortunately, computer simulators are increasingly sophisticated, enabling operators to become comfortable handling a variety of situations. In December 2015, the American Petroleum Institute released a set of guidelines (RP 1175), written by a representative group of hazardous liquid pipeline operators, that established a framework for leak detection management. The focus of the guidelines is getting pipeline operators to use a risk-based approach in their leak detection program, with the goal of uncovering leaks quickly and with certainty. The best-case scenario is for leaks to not occur at all, and the industry is making great strides to keep them from happening. The combination of improved technology and risk-based management should enable operators to keep leaks small and contained, and reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible.