bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental assessments of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles’ toxicity
Authors: Privalova L I , Sutunkova M P , Minigaliyeva I A , Klinova S V , Ryabova Iu V , Solovyova S N , Bushueva T V , Fröhlich E , Shur V Ya , Zubarev I V , Makeyev O H , Valamina I E , Panov V G , Shishkina E V , Gurvich V B , Katsnelson B A
Published: December 2019

Nanoparticles of metals and their oxides (Me-NPs) are of special interest in the light of health risks assessment and management, because, along with engineered Me-NPs, there exists usually a substantial fraction of nanoscale (“ultrafine”) particles of the same substances within the particle size distribution of condensation aerosols generated by arc-welding, metallurgical, and some chemical technologies. The nonspecific responses of the organism to the impact of Me-NP included: changes in the cytological and some biochemical characteristics of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid caused by the deposition of particles in the lower airways, various manifestations of systemic toxicity including significant damage to the liver and kidneys, moderate neurological disturbances associated with possible penetration of Me-NP into the brain from the blood as well as from the nasal mucous membrane along the olfactory pathway, a paradoxically low manifestation of pulmonary pathology due to low chronic retention of nanoparticles in the lungs, and a genotoxic effect on the organism level. The toxicity and even genotoxicity of Me-NPs can be significantly attenuated by adequately composed combinations of some bioactive agents in innocuous doses.
Novel technology for fabrication of probe tips for SPM using focused ion beam-induced deposition method
Authors: Shandyba N A , Kolomiytsev A S , Panchenko I V , Lisitsyn S A
Published: December 2019

The results of an experimental study of the fabrication of high aspect probe tips for atomic force microscopy (AFM) and critical dimension AFM (CD AFM) using the focused ion beam (FIB) milling and ion beam induced deposition of carbon are presented. It is shown that the probes formed by the FIB method have a higher resolution of surface scanning and allow studying nanoscale structures without distortion. In this work, a technique for the formation of AFM probes based on the use of a combination of ion-beam milling and ion-induced carbon deposition was developed. Based on the developed technique, high aspect probe with about 8 μm high, with a tip radius of about 40 nm and an aspect ratio of 30:1, were fabricated. A probe for CD AFM was also formed using FIB-induced deposition of carbon with about 320 nm of flare. The results obtained in the study can be used in the development of technological processes for the manufacturing and modification of special probes for AFM, including probes CD-AFM. The paper shows the possibility of forming the tip of the probes for specialized tasks of nanodiagnostics and nanometrology. The proposed technology allows reducing the artefacts of scanning probe microscopy and improving the adequacy of the results of AFM studies.
Features of Raman spectra in barium titanate pressed powder
Authors: Zaytseva I V , Pugachev A M , Surovtsev N V , Krylov A S
Published: December 2019

Raman spectra in barium titanate powder under non-hydrostatic pressures are presented. The relationship between the pressure (up to 11 GPa) and the shift and the width of E(TO)-phonon line has been established. It has been found that under the action of uniaxial pressure a new Raman peak arises in the vicinity of 100 cm−1. It is shown that the Raman shift and width of both peaks increase depending on the applied pressure. These Raman lines broadening may be associated with an increase of the concentration of defect states in the volume of the sample.
Modelling uranyl-ions sorption by nanostructured composite anatase-based materials
Authors: Sokolnitskaya T A , Zheleznov V V , Golikov A P , Plakhutina A E
Published: December 2019

Influence of complex formation in solution on U sorption has been studied for mesoporous nanostructured anatase-based composites. Uranium sorption degree has been shown to correlate with the stability of the complexes in solution. A model for uranium sorption by titania materials has been suggested presuming two-stage sorption mechanism. It is assumed that initial binding of neutral and positively charged uranyl complexes to negatively charged hydroxyl groups occurs on the first stage, while decomposition of complex ion proceeds on the second stage with the UO2 being fixed on sorption sites. Prevailing uranium species in solution and kinetics of their ratios have been determined. Calculated rates of evolution of uranyl ion species distribution (therefore, rate and efficiency of the sorption) correlate well with complex stability in solution.
Simulation of femtosecond pulse in a Kerr-lens mode locked Ti: sapphire laser
Authors: Nomin-Erdene E , Unurbileg D , Munkhbaatar P , Baatarchuluun Ts , Khos-Ochir Ts , Munkhbayar G , Tuvjargal N , Erdene-Ochir G , Davaasambuu J
Published: December 2019

The Kerr-lens mode-locking (KLM) is known as a suitable method for generation of femtosecond pulses and mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser is now widely used sources of stable, energetic femtosecond pulses. We will present the simulation of KLM in Ti:sapphire laser cavities with a folded-cavity four-mirror by applying the ABCD ray-tracing technique for a Gaussian beam. Simulations will be performed for an asymmetric resonator design. Based on the numerical analysis, we will find the optimum design parameters (slit position, gain cavity spacing, gain medium position) for KLM.
Nanostructured composite materials based on titanium dioxide doped by Mn: template zol-gel synthesis, structure, properties
Authors: Zheleznov V V , Ustinov A Yu , Tkachenko I A , Kvach A A , Kaidalova T A , Podgorbunsky A B
Published: December 2019

Nanostructured composites based on TiO2 doped with Mn were obtained by sol-gel template method. The morphology and structure of the composites were studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity and magnetic properties are investigated. It is shown that the doping of TiO2 samples with manganese improves conductivity by two orders of magnitude in comparison with a non-doped sample. Changing the annealing conditions of the nanostructured composite increases the conductive properties four times. It is established that the studied samples have ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature, and the saturation magnetization value and the slope angle of the curve M(H) depend on the annealing conditions, the presence of a magnetic transition in the region of 45 K corresponding to the transition Mn3O4 to the ferrimagnetic state is determined.
Synthesis of highly dispersed precursor nanopowders for YAG:Yb ceramics by the use of hexamethylenetetramine
Authors: Chikulina I S , Kravtcov A A , Nikova M S , Malyavin F F , Lapin V A , Kuleshov D S
Published: December 2019

The effect of hexamethylenetetramine on the morphology, dispersion composition and chemical homogeneity of the YAG:Yb ceramic nanopowders, obtained by the method of heterophase co-precipitation, followed by calcination (1100 °C) was studied. It was shown that the use of an aqueous hexamethylenetetramine solution allows obtaining YAG:Yb nanopowders with the particles size of 40-70 nm with a degree of agglomeration of 2.54, which is significantly less than that in comparison with the powders, obtained by precipitation in ammonia.
Acoustic Method of Division of Ultradispersible Powders
Authors: Darmaev T G , Kalashnikov S V , Nomoev A V
Published: December 2019

It is known that nanodispersible powders are the condensed medium which at the same time have properties of liquid and solid bodies. And properties of such an environment strongly depend on particle size. In this work, the acoustic method of division of ultradispersible powders on the fluctuating plate is considered. The experimental data by the efficiency of the division of nanoparticles of dioxide of silicon are obtained. Based on a method of successive approximations of the Navier-Stokes equations for vorticity the equations and boundary conditions for the fluctuating plates taking into account amplitude to the second- order are received. Using the Mathematica system, analytical decisions are received and plots of vectors fields of speeds for a plate of the infinite length are constructed.
Composite nanoparticles: applications, creation mechanism, properties
Authors: Nomoev A V , Syzrantsev V V , Yumozhapova N V , Khartaeva E Ch , Torkhov N A , Zobov K V
Published: December 2019

Annotation This article presents data on the use of Janus-like and core-shell composite nanoparticles consisting of two substances—metal and semiconductor—in nanophotonics and spectroscopy. Investigations were carried out of the mechanism of formation of composite nanoparticles, based on the principle of minimum surface energy of the system and the results of molecular dynamics modelling. Integral representation was employed to analyse size distribution function of nanoparticles, and it was concluded that coagulation predominates during particle formation.
Research of silicon and silver nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation in liquid
Authors: Gyrylov E I
Published: December 2019

Laser ablations of silicon and silver in ethanol were made and the nanoparticles obtained were studied. It was shown the silver nanoparticles had both monocrystal and polycrystalline structures and cubic and hexagonal structures. It was cleared the amorphous silicon nanoparticles included a little quantity of the monocrystalline silicon nanoparticles.
Effects of Acculturation on the Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB) in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Population in Denmark
Authors: Al-Jawahiri Fatima , Nielsen T Rune
Published: December 2019

Objective

Assessment of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds is a major challenge in current clinical neuropsychology as most neuropsychological tests are biased by linguistic, educational, and cultural differences. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acculturation on the newly developed European Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery.

Method

The study was a cross-sectional study carried out in Copenhagen, Denmark. Neuropsychological test performances of a Danish sample were compared to a culturally and linguistically diverse sample, and the effects of a number of acculturation variables were assessed using group comparisons, correlation analyses, and regression analyses.

Results

A total of 152 participants were included in the study: 26 were native-born monolingual Danes and 126 had culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: 66 were immigrants from Turkey, 41 from Poland, and 19 from former Yugoslavia. In direct comparison, the only significant difference between the Danish and culturally and linguistically diverse samples was found on Animal Fluency. However, within the culturally and linguistically diverse sample, higher and lower acculturated groups significantly differed on several measures. The main associations between neuropsychological test performance and acculturation variables were found on measures loading on processing speed and executive function.

Conclusions

Overall, only limited effects of acculturation were found on the European Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery. However, administering cross-cultural measures in the preferred language may not be sufficient to resolve challenges in cross-cultural assessment of processing speed and executive function as concept of speed and speeded performance is highly culture dependent.
scTIM: seeking cell-type-indicative marker from single cell RNA-seq data by consensus optimization
Authors: Feng Zhanying , Ren Xianwen , Fang Yuan , Yin Yining , Huang Chutian , Zhao Yimin , Wang Yong
Published: December 2019

Motivation

Single cell RNA-seq data offers us new resource and resolution to study cell type identity and its conversion. However, data analyses are challenging in dealing with noise, sparsity and poor annotation at single cell resolution. Detecting cell-type-indicative markers is promising to help denoising, clustering and cell type annotation.

Results

We developed a new method, scTIM, to reveal cell-type-indicative markers. scTIM is based on a multi-objective optimization framework to simultaneously maximize gene specificity by considering gene-cell relationship, maximize gene’s ability to reconstruct cell–cell relationship and minimize gene redundancy by considering gene–gene relationship. Furthermore, consensus optimization is introduced for robust solution. Experimental results on three diverse single cell RNA-seq datasets show scTIM’s advantages in identifying cell types (clustering), annotating cell types and reconstructing cell development trajectory. Applying scTIM to the large-scale mouse cell atlas data identifies critical markers for 15 tissues as ‘mouse cell marker atlas’, which allows us to investigate identities of different tissues and subtle cell types within a tissue. scTIM will serve as a useful method for single cell RNA-seq data mining.

Availability and implementation

scTIM is freely available at https://github.com/Frank-Orwell/scTIM.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Island rule and bone metabolism in fossil murines from Timor
Authors: Miszkiewicz Justyna J , Louys Julien , Beck Robin M D , Mahoney Patrick , Aplin Ken , O’Connor Sue
Published: December 2019

Skeletal growth rates reconstructed from bone histology in extinct insular hippopotamids, elephants, bovids and sauropods have been used to infer dwarfism as a response to island conditions. Limited published records of osteocyte lacunae densities (Ot.Dn), a proxy for living osteocyte proliferation, have suggested a slower rate of bone metabolism in giant mammals. Here, we test whether insularity might have affected bone metabolism in a series of small to giant murine rodents from Timor. Ten adult femora were selected from a fossil assemblage dated to the Late Quaternary (~5000–18 000 years old). Femur morphometric data were used in computing phylogenetically informed body mass regressions, although the phylogenetic signal was very low (Pagel’s λ = 0.03). Estimates of body weight calculated from these femora ranged from 75 to 1188 g. Osteocyte lacunae densities from histological sections of the midshaft femur were evaluated against bone size and estimated body weight. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) and strongly negative relationships between Ot.Dn, femur size and estimated weight were found. Larger specimens were characterized by lower Ot.Dn, indicating that giant murines from Timor might have had a relatively slow pace of bone metabolic activity, consistent with predictions made by the island rule.
WormQTL2: an interactive platform for systems genetics in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Snoek Basten L , Sterken Mark G , Hartanto Margi , van Zuilichem Albert-Jan , Kammenga Jan E , de Ridder Dick , Nijveen Harm
Published: December 2019

Quantitative genetics provides the tools for linking polymorphic loci to trait variation. Linkage analysis of gene expression is an established and widely applied method, leading to the identification of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). (e)QTL detection facilitates the identification and understanding of the underlying molecular components and pathways, yet (e)QTL data access and mining often is a bottleneck. Here, we present WormQTL2, a database and platform for comparative investigations and meta-analyses of published (e)QTL data sets in the model nematode worm C. elegans. WormQTL2 integrates six eQTL studies spanning 11 conditions as well as over 1000 traits from 32 studies and allows experimental results to be compared, reused and extended upon to guide further experiments and conduct systems-genetic analyses. For example, one can easily screen a locus for specific cis-eQTLs that could be linked to variation in other traits, detect gene-by-environment interactions by comparing eQTLs under different conditions, or find correlations between QTL profiles of classical traits and gene expression. WormQTL2 makes data on natural variation in C. elegans and the identified QTLs interactively accessible, allowing studies beyond the original publications.

Database URL: www.bioinformatics.nl/WormQTL2/
The Impact of Prescribed Burning on Native Bee Communities (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in Longleaf Pine Savannas in the North Carolina Sandhills
Authors: Moylett Heather , Youngsteadt Elsa , Sorenson Clyde
Published: December 2019

Prescribed burning is a common silvicultural practice used in the management of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill., Pinales: Pinaceae) savannas to reduce hardwood encroachment and ground cover and to maintain biodiversity. We investigated the response of the native bee community (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in the Sandhills of North Carolina to prescribed burning on a 3-yr rotation over two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). We deployed bee bowl traps in sites that had been burned the year of sampling, 1 yr before, 2 yr before, and in unburned controls. In total, 2,276 bees of 109 species were captured. Bee abundance declined with time since fire, with 2.3 times more bees captured in the most recently burned sites than in unburned controls. Bee diversity also declined with time since fire, with 2.1 times more species captured in the most recently burned sites than in controls. Bee community composition also responded to fire; we present evidence that this response was mediated in part by the effect of fire on the amount of bare ground and canopy cover. Bees nesting aboveground were unaffected by fire, contrary to our expectation that fire would destroy the wood and stems in which these species nest. Our results indicate that prescribed burning is a silvicultural practice consistent with pollinator conservation in longleaf pine ecosystems of the North Carolina sandhills.
Plant Selection by Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Montane Riparian Habitat of California
Authors: Cole Jerry S , Siegel Rodney B , Loffland Helen L , Elsey Erin A , Tingley Morgan W , Johnson Matthew
Published: December 2019

Many bumble bee species (Bombus Latreille) have declined dramatically across North America and the globe, highlighting the need for a greater understanding of the habitat required to sustain or recover populations. Determining bumble bee species’ plant selection is important for retaining and promoting high-quality plant resources that will help populations persist. We used nonlethal methods to sample 413 plots within riparian corridors and meadows in the Sierra Nevada of California for bumble bees during two summers following extremely low and normal precipitation years, respectively. We assessed the five most abundant bumble bee species’ plant selection by comparing their floral use to availability. Additionally, we described the shift in plant selection between years for the most abundant species, Bombus vosnesenskii Radoszkowski. Bumble bee species richness was constant between years (13 species) but abundance nearly tripled from 2015 to 2016 (from 1243 to 3612 captures), driven largely by a dramatic increase in B. vosnesenskii. We captured bumble bees on 104 plant species or complexes, but only 14 were significantly selected by at least one bumble bee species. Each of the five most frequently captured bumble bee species selected at least one unique plant species. Plant blooming phenology, relative availability of flowers of individual plant species, and plant selection by B. vosnesenkii remained fairly constant between the two study years, suggesting that maintaining, seeding, or planting with these ‘bumble bee plants’ may benefit these five bumble bee species.
Root microbiomes as indicators of seagrass health
Authors: Martin Belinda C , Alarcon Marta Sanchez , Gleeson Deirdre , Middleton Jen A , Fraser Matthew W , Ryan Megan H , Holmer Marianne , Kendrick Gary A , Kilminster Kieryn
Published: December 2019

The development of early warning indicators that identify ecosystem stress is a priority for improving ecosystem management. As microbial communities respond rapidly to environmental disturbance, monitoring their composition could prove one such early indicator of environmental stress. We combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the seagrass root microbiome of Halophila ovalis with seagrass health metrics (biomass, productivity and Fsulphide) to develop microbial indicators for seagrass condition across the Swan-Canning Estuary and the Leschenault Estuary (south-west Western Australia); the former had experienced an unseasonal rainfall event leading to declines in seagrass health. Microbial indicators detected sites of potential stress that other seagrass health metrics failed to detect. Genera that were more abundant in ‘healthy’ seagrasses included putative methylotrophic bacteria (e.g. Methylotenera and Methylophaga), iron cycling bacteria (e.g. Deferrisoma and Geothermobacter) and N2 fixing bacteria (e.g. Rhizobium). Conversely, genera that were more abundant in ‘stressed’ seagrasses were dominated by putative sulphur-cycling bacteria, both sulphide-oxidising (e.g. Candidatus Thiodiazotropha and Candidatus Electrothrix) and sulphate-reducing (e.g. SEEP-SRB1, Desulfomonile and Desulfonema). The sensitivity of the microbial indicators developed here highlights their potential to be further developed for use in adaptive seagrass management, and emphasises their capacity to be effective early warning indicators of stress.
Newly designed high-coverage degenerate primers for nitrogen removal mechanism analysis in a partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) process
Authors: Wang Qingkun , He Jianzhong
Published: December 2019

Reliable tools for quantification of different functional populations are required to achieve stable, effective nutrients removal in partial nitrification and anammox (PN/A) processes. Here we report the design and validation of degenerate PCR primer pairs targeting anammox bacteria, aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AeAOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) with high coverage but without sacrificing specificity. The new primer pairs are able to cover a broader range of the targeted populations (58.4 vs 21.7%, 49.5 vs 47.6%, 80.7 vs 57.2% and 70.5 vs 42.3% of anammox bacteria, AeAOB, Nitrobacter and Nitrospina, respectively) than previously published primers. Particularly, the Amx719F/875R primer can retrieve a larger number of 16S rRNA genes from different types of samples with amplicons covering all known anammox bacteria genera (100% coverage) including the recently found novel genus, Asahi BRW. These newly desinged primers will provide a more reliable molecular tool to investigate the mechanisms of nitrogen removal in PN/A processes, which can provide clearer links between reactor performance, the metabolic activities and abundances of functional populations, shedding light on conditions that are favorable to the establishment of stable PN/A.
Long-term climate ocean oscillations inform seabird bycatch from pelagic longline fishery
Authors: Bi Rujia , Jiao Yan , Bakka Haakon , Browder Joan A
Published: December 2019

Seabirds are facing increasing threats in both marine and terrestrial habitats, and many populations have experienced dramatic declines over past decades. Fisheries bycatch is the most pervasive at-sea threat and is of increasing concern in fisheries management and marine conservation. We predicted spatial and temporal heterogeneities of seabird bycatch probability in the US Atlantic pelagic longline fishery (PLL) through an interactive Barrier model based on observer data from the National Marine Fisheries Service Pelagic Observer Program. The Barrier model prevents bias caused by physical barriers such as coastlines by defining the spatial correlation function as a collection of paths between points and eliminating any paths across physical barriers. The integrated nested Laplace approximations methodology and stochastic partial differential equations approach were applied to fit the model, greatly reducing execution time. Seabird bycatch had a hotspot of high bycatch probability in the mid-Atlantic bight in most years, and the hotspot varied in presence and location yearly. The inter-annual variations in bycatch hotspot are correlated with Gulf Stream meanders. Special area and time fishing restrictions predicted by relationships with Gulf Stream positions might enable the US Atlantic PLL to avoid peak areas and periods of seabird bycatch and thereby support seabird conservation.
Chrysolampine Wasps (Chalcidoidea: Perilampidae sensu lato) From Baltic Amber
Authors: Burks Roger A , Krogmann Lars , Heraty John M
Published: December 2019

Chrysolampine wasps belong to a unique lineage of Chalcidoidea characterized by mobile first instar larvae and known as the planidial clade. The fossil history of this biologically highly derived group of parasitoids is still little known due to the scarcity of preserved fossils. Here, we report the discovery of four specimens of Chrysolampinae from Eocene Baltic amber, representing the first fossil record for the subfamily. All specimens can be assigned to the extant genus Brachyelatus Hoffer & Novicky and are described as Brachyelatus marthae sp. nov. Brachyelatus is characterized by a number of putative plesiomorphies, such as a short petiole and a smoothly sloping pronotum. Synapomorphies with other Chrysolampinae include pores in sloping depressions on the male scape, shape of the clypeus, and features of the fore wing venation. The fossils differ from all examined extant members of Chrysolampinae by the arrangement of the uncal sensilla on the fore wing stigma in a straight line.
Fertile Ground for Conflict
Authors: Berman Nicolas , Couttenier Mathieu , Soubeyran Raphael
Published: December 2019

We investigate how variations in soil productivity affect civil conflicts. We first present a model with heterogeneous land in which variations in input prices (fertilizers) affect appropriable rents and the opportunity costs of fighting. The theory predicts that spikes in input prices increase the likelihood of conflicts through their effect on income and inequality, and that this effect is magnified when soil fertility is naturally more heterogeneous. We test these predictions using data on conflict events covering all Sub-Saharan African countries at a spatial resolution of 0.5 $\times$ 0.5 degree latitude and longitude over the 1997–2013 period. We combine information on soil characteristics and worldwide variations in fertilizer prices to identify local exogenous changes in input costs. As predicted, variations in soil productivity triggered by variations in fertilizer prices are positively associated with conflicts, especially in cells where land endowments are more heterogeneous. In addition, we find that the distribution of land fertility both within and across ethnic groups affects violence, and that the effect of between-group heterogeneity in soil quality is magnified in densely populated areas. Overall, our findings imply that inequality in access to fertile areas—an issue largely neglected in the literature dealing with the roots of Sub-Saharan African civil wars—constitutes a serious threat to peace at the local level.
Colorectal Cancer Care Among Young Adult Patients After the Dependent Coverage Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Nogueira Leticia , Chawla Neetu , Han Xuesong , Jemal Ahmedin , Yabroff K Robin
Published: December 2019

The effect of the Dependent Coverage Expansion (DCE) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on receipt of colorectal cancer treatment has yet to be determined. We identified newly diagnosed DCE–eligible (aged 19–25 years, n = 1924) and DCE–ineligible (aged 27–34 years, n = 8313) colorectal cancer patients from the National Cancer Database from 2007 to 2013. All statistical tests were two-sided. Post-ACA, there was a statistically significant increase in early-stage diagnosis among DCE–eligible (15 percentage point increase, confidence interval = 9.8, 20.2; P < .001), but not DCE–ineligible (P = .09), patients. DCE–eligible patients resected for IIB–IIIC colorectal cancer were more likely to receive timely adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.05 to 1.71; 7.0 days’ decrease in restricted mean time from surgery to chemotherapy, P = .01), with no differences in DCE–ineligible patients (hazard ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.98 to 1.24; 2.1 days’ decrease, P = .41) post-ACA. Our findings highlight the role of the ACA in improving access to potentially lifesaving cancer care, including a shift to early-stage diagnosis and more timely receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Arabidopsis MAPKKK δ-1 is required for full immunity against bacterial and fungal infection
Authors: Asano Tomoya , Nguyen Thi Hang-Ni , Yasuda Michiko , Sidiq Yasir , Nishimura Kohji , Nakashita Hideo , Nishiuchi Takumi
Published: December 2019

The genome of Arabidopsis encodes more than 60 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) kinases (MAPKKKs); however, the functions of most MAPKKKs and their downstream MAPKKs are largely unknown. Here, MAPKKK δ-1 (MKD1), a novel Raf-like MAPKKK, was isolated from Arabidopsis as a subunit of a complex including the transcription factor AtNFXL1, which is involved in the trichothecene phytotoxin response and in disease resistance against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PstDC3000). A MKD1-dependent cascade positively regulates disease resistance against PstDC3000 and the trichothecene mycotoxin-producing fungal pathogen Fusarium sporotrichioides. MKD1 expression was induced by trichothecenes derived from Fusarium species. MKD1 directly interacted with MKK1 and MKK5 in vivo, and phosphorylated MKK1 and MKK5 in vitro. Correspondingly, mkk1 mutants and MKK5RNAi transgenic plants showed enhanced susceptibility to F. sporotrichioides. MKD1 was required for full activation of two MAPKs (MPK3 and MPK6) by the T-2 toxin and flg22. Finally, quantitative phosphoproteomics suggested that an MKD1-dependent cascade controlled phosphorylation of a disease resistance protein, SUMO, and a mycotoxin-detoxifying enzyme. Our findings suggest that the MKD1–MKK1/MKK5–MPK3/MPK6-dependent signaling cascade is involved in the full immune responses against both bacterial and fungal infection.
A transdisciplinary protocol for digital scholarship
Authors: Jacobs Brendan
Published: December 2019

While the field of digital humanities continues to evolve and expand, the affordances of the digital medium are becoming increasingly applicable to research in the field of education. This article provides an overview of some of the issues involved with publishing educational research as a digital web-based thesis. It also introduces the term multimodal theses and dissertations (MTDs) and reports on a Ph.D. research project which is an early example of an MTD in the field of education. The purpose of this article is three-fold: (1) to stand on the shoulders of those in the digital humanities to expand the growing field of digital scholarship to include education; (2) to report on a range of unanticipated affordances arising from the MTD format in addition to the obvious benefits of ease of use, embedded media, and functionality; (3) to propose a transdisciplinary protocol for digital scholarship to assist researchers, librarians, and graduate school administrators in various disciplines.
Newborn Screening Pulse Oximetry to Detect Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A Follow-Up Survey of Current Practice at Army, Navy and Air Force Hospitals
Authors: Robinson David L , Craig Mark S , Wells Ronald S , Liesemer Kirk N , Studer Matthew A
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the evolution of newborn pulse oximetry screening (+POx) among Army, Air Force, and Naval military hospitals (MH), including prevalence, protocol use, quality assurance processes, access to echocardiography, and use of telemedicine. This is a follow-up from a prior study published in 2011.

Materials and Methods

An Internet-based questionnaire was forwarded to the chief pediatrician at MH worldwide which support newborn deliveries. Descriptive data were reported using percentages. Grouped responses, as applicable, were further compared using the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Seventy-eight percent (36/46) of MH supporting deliveries worldwide responded to the survey (17 Army hospitals, 11 Navy Hospitals, 8 Air Force hospitals). All responding hospitals utilize +POx, of which 94% endorsed protocol compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Nine (25%) hospitals were located outside of the United States. Delivery volumes (infants per month) range between 1–49 (36%), 50–99 (28%), 100–199 (19%), and 200–300 (17%). Eleven hospitals reported regular review of +POx data, with most reviewing them monthly. Four MH share findings with state institutions. Ten hospitals either have a staff pediatric cardiologist or use tele-echocardiography for on-site evaluations. Ten hospitals are located greater than 60 miles from the nearest center with echocardiography capabilities. Of the five hospitals using tele-echocardiography, four confirmed critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) using this practice, and all five reported averting transfer of an infant using this technology. Of the 22 hospitals lacking the ability to obtain on-site echocardiography, 12 (55%) are interested in implementing a tele-echocardiography protocol.

Conclusions

All responding MH use +POx, representing significant increase from the 30% of MH reporting use of +POx seven years ago. The majority of MH follow AAP +POx guidelines, and though most have providers review results prior to discharge, only one-third report periodic chart review for quality assurance. Most MH transfer infants with positive +POx results for evaluation due to a lack of on-site echocardiography. Tele-echocardiography was reported as a potential solution to diagnose or rule out CCHD. Over half of remaining hospitals without cardiologists are interested in using this technology to evaluate stable infants with positive CCHD screening.
Surface superconductivity in the type II Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4
Authors: Xing Ying , Shao Zhibin , Ge Jun , Luo Jiawei , Wang Jinhua , Zhu Zengwei , Liu Jun , Wang Yong , Zhao Zhiying , Yan Jiaqiang , Mandrus David , Yan Binghai , Liu Xiong-Jun , Pan Minghu , Wang Jian
Published: December 2019

The search for unconventional superconductivity in Weyl semimetal materials is currently an exciting pursuit, since such superconducting phases could potentially be topologically non-trivial and host exotic Majorana modes. The layered material TaIrTe4 is a newly predicted time-reversal invariant type II Weyl semimetal with the minimum number of Weyl points. Here, we report the discovery of surface superconductivity in Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4. Our scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) visualizes Fermi arc surface states of TaIrTe4 that are consistent with the previous angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy results. By a systematic study based on STS at ultralow temperature, we observe uniform superconducting gaps on the sample surface. The superconductivity is further confirmed by electrical transport measurements at ultralow temperature, with an onset transition temperature (Tc) up to 1.54 K being observed. The normalized upper critical field h*(T/Tc) behavior and the stability of the superconductivity against the ferromagnet indicate that the discovered superconductivity is unconventional with the p-wave pairing. The systematic STS, and thickness- and angular-dependent transport measurements reveal that the detected superconductivity is quasi-1D and occurs in the surface states. The discovery of the surface superconductivity in TaIrTe4 provides a new novel platform to explore topological superconductivity and Majorana modes.
Why Are Women with Fibromyalgia so Stigmatized?
Authors: Quintner John
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Many female pain sufferers with medically unexplained pain are at risk of being stigmatized in our Western society. Fibromyalgia is offered as the exemplar condition.

Aim

To understand why these women are being stigmatized.

Methods

A review of the recent literature was conducted with a focus on the perceptions of women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia who have been stigmatized.

Results

Three intertwined themes emerged as contributing to their stigmatization: moralizing attitudes, disbelief as to the reality of pain, and pain’s invisibility.

Conclusion

Given how embedded the factors responsible for the stigmatization of women with fibromyalgia in Western society are, the realistic prospects for addressing this issue are poor.
Transition to substance use disorders: impulsivity for reward and learning from reward
Authors: Poulton Antoinette , Hester Robert
Published: December 2019

Substance dependence constitutes a profound societal burden. Although large numbers of individuals use licit or illicit substances, few transition to dependence. The specific factors influencing this transition are not well understood. Substance-dependent individuals tend to be swayed by the immediate rewards of drug taking, but are often insensitive to delayed negative consequences of their behavior. Dependence is consequently associated with impulsivity for reward and atypical learning from feedback. Behavioral impulsivity is indexed using tasks measuring spontaneous decision-making and capacity to control impulses. While evidence indicates drug taking exacerbates behavioral impulsivity for reward, animal and human studies of drug naïve populations demonstrate it might precede any drug-related problems. Research suggests dependent individuals are also more likely to learn from rewarding (relative to punishing) feedback. This may partly explain why substance-dependent individuals fail to modify their behavior in response to negative outcomes. This enhanced learning from reward may constitute a further pre-existing risk factor for substance dependence. Although impulsivity for reward and preferential learning from rewarding feedback are both underpinned by a compromised dopaminergic system, few studies have examined the relationship between these two mechanisms. The interplay of these processes may help enrich understanding of why some individuals transition to substance dependence.
Perioperative blood pressure in the elderly
Authors: Kozarek Katherine , Sanders Robert D. , Head Diane
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

Hemodynamic instability is common in the perioperative period because of obligate physiologic changes that occur with surgery. Despite the frequency of such hemodynamic changes and the potential harm associated with them, particularly in the elderly, guidelines to optimize perioperative blood pressure are lacking. The present review examines recent evidence for perioperative blood pressure management in the elderly.

Recent findings

Hypotension has been associated with poor outcomes, particularly renal injury, myocardial injury, and increased mortality, in the perioperative period. Hypertension, tachycardia, frequency of blood pressure monitoring, and management of chronic antihypertensive medications may also affect patient outcomes. Elderly patients may be especially prone to adverse events associated with perioperative hemodynamic instability.

Precise and intentional management of hemodynamic parameters, medication regimens, and blood pressure monitoring may reduce adverse events in elderly patients undergoing surgery. Further investigation is required to identify the exact hemodynamic parameters that mitigate risk.
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches of the bone marrow microenvironment
Authors: Al-Sabah Jude , Baccin Chiara , Haas Simon
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

The bone marrow is home to hematopoietic stem cells responsible for lifelong blood production, alongside mesenchymal stem cells required for skeletal regeneration. In the bone marrow, a unique combination of signals derived from a multitude of cell types results in the establishment of so-called niches that regulate stem-cell maintenance and differentiation. Recently, single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics technologies have been utilized to characterize the murine bone marrow microenvironment during homeostasis, stress and upon cancer-induced remodeling. In this review, we summarize the major findings of these studies.

Recent findings

Single-cell technologies applied to bone marrow provided the first systematic and label-free identification of bone marrow cell types, enabled their molecular and spatial characterization, and clarified the cellular sources of key prohematopoietic factors. Large transcriptional heterogeneity and novel subpopulations were observed in compartments previously thought to be homogenous. For example, Lepr+ Cxcl12-abundant reticular cells were shown to constitute the major source of prohematopoietic factors, but consist of subpopulations differing in their adipogenic versus osteogenic priming, morphology and localization. These subpopulations were suggested to act as professional cytokine secreting cells, thereby establishing distinct bone marrow niches.

Single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics approaches have clarified the molecular identity and localization of bone marrow-resident cell types, paving the road for a deeper exploration of bone marrow niches in the mouse and humans.
Demographics of Men and Minorities in Cosmetic Clinical Trials of Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Authors: Roman Jorge , Zampella John G.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The demographics of men and minorities in clinical studies of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures have not been well described. There is a growing interest in nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. The patients studied in clinical trials may not be reflective of the real-world demographic of patients seeking nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the demographics of men and minorities in clinical studies of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

METHODS

A systematic review of clinical trials of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for facial rhytides and hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable fillers for soft-tissue augmentation was performed. Data on ethnicity and sex were collected and examined.

RESULTS

Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on BTX-A and 22 RCTs on HA were included for analysis. Men represented 11.8% of all participants. Men were more represented in the BTX-A RCTs (13.9%) compared with the HA RCTs (6.4%). Caucasian patients represented 67.1% of the total patients. Asian, Hispanic, and black patients represented 16.8%, 6.5%, and 5.4% of study participants, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of men in clinical trials of BTX-A and HA reflects the real-world demographics of men undergoing these procedures. Hispanic and black patients were underrepresented in clinical trials.
Variable association of 24-h peripheral and central hemodynamics and stiffness with hypertension-mediated organ damage: the VASOTENS Registry
Authors: Omboni Stefano , Posokhov Igor , Parati Gianfranco , Arystan Ayana , Tan Isabella , Barkan Vitaliy , Bulanova Natalia , Derevyanchenko Maria , Grigoricheva Elena , Minyukhina Irina , Mulè Giuseppe , Orlova Iana , Paini Anna , Peixoto Maldonado João M. , Pereira Telmo , Ramos-Becerra Carlos G. , Tilea Ioan , Waisman Gabriel
Published: December 2019

Objective:

In this analysis of the telehealth-based Vascular health ASsessment Of The hypertENSive patients Registry, we checked how 24-h central and peripheral hemodynamics compare with hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD).

Methods:

In 646 hypertensive patients (mean age 52 ± 16 years, 54% males, 65% treated) we obtained ambulatory brachial and central SBP and pulse pressure (PP), SBP, and PP variability, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index with a validated cuff-based technology. HMOD was defined by an increased left ventricular mass index (cardiac damage, evaluated in 482 patients), an increased intima–media thickness (vascular damage, n = 368), or a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate or increased urine albumin excretion (renal damage, n = 388).

Results:

Ambulatory SBP and PPs were significantly associated with cardiac damage: the largest odds ratio was observed for 24-h central SBP [1.032 (1.012, 1.051), P = 0.001] and PP [1.042 (1.015, 1.069), P = 0.002], the weakest for brachial estimates. The association was less strong for vascular damage with a trend to the superiority of 24-h central [1.036 (0.997, 1.076), P = 0.070] over brachial PP [1.031 (1.000, 1.062), P = 0.052]. No statistically significant association was observed for renal damage. SBP and PP variabilities, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were not associated with any form of HMOD. In the multivariate analysis, age was associated with any type of HMOD, whereas central SBP and PP were predictive of an increased risk of cardiac damage.

Conclusion:

In hypertensive patients a variable association exists between peripheral and central hemodynamics and various types of HMOD, with the most predictive power being observed for central SBP and PP for cardiac damage.
Less invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome—an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Zhao-Lan , Pan Jing-Jing , Shen Xian , Zhou Xiao-Yu , Cheng Rui , Zhou Xiao-Guang , Yang Yang
Published: December 2019

Background:

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) seems to have a good application prospect both in experimental models and patients with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Data regarding the effect of LISA procedure on RDS are conflicting.

Methods:

A search was conducted by two investigators involved in this research in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies in English and in Wanfang, VIP, and Cnki databases for Chinese studies (all last launched on December 18, 2018). Odds ratio and weighted mean difference were calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the data type and heterogeneity of the included studies.

Results:

The comparison of effectiveness on RDS: (1) with respect to mechanical ventilation (<72 hours) and mechanical ventilation (all time periods). Data showed significant differences between LISA/control groups. (2) With respect to days of mechanical ventilation, data showed no significant differences between LISA/control groups. (3) With respect to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the analysis showed that there was significant difference between LISA group and control group. (4) Regarding days of supplementary oxygen therapy and hospital stay, no significant differences were found. The comparison of possible complications of RDS: (1) data for mortality, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage showed no differences in the two groups. (2) Data for retinopathy of preterm comparison showed significant difference between the two groups. (3) Regarding intraventricular hemorrhage/periventricular leukomalacia, significant differences were found between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Based on the above evidences, LISA is an effective and safe treatment for preterm infants with RDS.