bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal covariance structure of multi-spectral phenotypes and their predictive ability for end-of-season traits in maize
Authors: Anche Mahlet T. , Kaczmar Nicholas S. , Morales Nicolas , Clohessy James W. , Ilut Daniel C. , Gore Michael A. , Robbins Kelly R.
Published: July 2020

Key message

Heritable variation in phenotypes extracted from multi-spectral images (MSIs) and strong genetic correlations with end-of-season traits indicates the value of MSIs for crop improvement and modeling of plant growth curve.

Vegetation indices (VIs) derived from multi-spectral imaging (MSI) platforms can be used to study properties of crop canopy, providing non-destructive phenotypes that could be used to better understand growth curves throughout the growing season. To investigate the amount of variation present in several VIs and their relationship with important end-of-season traits, genetic and residual (co)variances for VIs, grain yield and moisture were estimated using data collected from maize hybrid trials. The VIs considered were Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green NDVI, Red Edge NDVI, Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index, Enhanced Vegetation Index and simple Ratio of Near Infrared to Red (Red) reflectance. Genetic correlations of VIs with grain yield and moisture were used to fit multi-trait models for prediction of end-of-season traits and evaluated using within site/year cross-validation. To explore alternatives to fitting multiple phenotypes from MSI, random regression models with linear splines were fit using data collected in 2016 and 2017. Heritability estimates ranging from (0.10 to 0.82) were observed, indicating that there exists considerable amount of genetic variation in these VIs. Furthermore, strong genetic and residual correlations of the VIs, NDVI and NDRE, with grain yield and moisture were found. Considerable increases in prediction accuracy were observed from the multi-trait model when using NDVI and NDRE as a secondary trait. Finally, random regression with a linear spline function shows potential to be used as an alternative to mixed models to fit VIs from multiple time points.
Adverse event management in the TOURMALINE-MM3 study of post-transplant ixazomib maintenance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Beksaç Meral , Gulbrandsen Nina , Schjesvold Fredrik , Hájek Roman , Moreau Philippe , de Arriba de la Fuente Felipe , Mateos María-Victoria , West Sharon , Spencer Andrew , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Suryanarayan Kaveri , Czorniak Michael , Li Cong , Teng Zhaoyang , Labotka Richard , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: July 2020

The phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled TOURMALINE-MM3 study (NCT02181413) demonstrated improved progression-free survival with ixazomib maintenance versus placebo post autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma patients. We report additional safety data from TOURMALINE-MM3 to inform adverse event (AE) management recommendations. Patients were randomized 3:2 to receive ixazomib (n = 395) or placebo (n = 261) on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles for ~ 2 years or until progressive disease/toxicity. The initial 3-mg ixazomib dose was escalated to 4 mg in cycle 5, if tolerated in cycles 1–4. Safety was a secondary endpoint assessed in all treated patients; AEs were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for AEs v4.03. The rate of grade ≥ 3 AEs was higher in the ixazomib arm (19%) than in the placebo arm (5%), but the rate of discontinuation due to AEs was similar (7% vs. 5%). For AEs of clinical interest, rates were higher with ixazomib versus placebo: nausea 39% versus 15%, vomiting 27% versus 11%, diarrhea 35% versus 24%, thrombocytopenia 13% versus 3%, and peripheral neuropathy 19% versus 15%. However, the majority of events were low-grade, manageable with supportive therapy or dose reduction, and reversible, and did not result in discontinuation. There was no evidence of cumulative, long-term, or late-onset toxicity with ixazomib maintenance. Ixazomib is an efficacious and tolerable option for post-ASCT maintenance. AEs associated with ixazomib maintenance can be managed in the context of routine post-ASCT supportive care due to the limited additional toxicity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02181413
Clostridium massiliamazoniense sp. nov., New Bacterial Species Isolated from Stool Sample of a Volunteer Brazilian
Authors: Dione Niokhor , Lo Cheikh Ibrahima , Raoult Didier , Fenollar Florence , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: July 2020

The study of the gut microbiota by the “culturomics concept” permitted us to isolate, from human stool sample, an unknown anaerobic bacterium within the genus Clostridium for which we propose the name Clostridium massiliamazoniense sp. nov. It was isolated from the fecal flora of a healthy 49-year-old Brazilian male. Here, we describe the characteristics of this organism and its complete genome sequencing and annotation. Clostridium massiliamazoniense sp. nov., ND2T (= CSURP1360 = DSMZ 27309) is a Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic member of Firmicutes with a 3,732,600 bp-long genome and a G+C content of 27.6%.
Accuracy of fully guided orthodontic mini-implant placement evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography: a study involving human cadaver heads
Authors: Kniha Kristian , Brandt Maximilian , Bock Anna , Modabber Ali , Prescher Andreas , Hölzle Frank , Danesh Golamreza , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of fully guided orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) placements supported by tooth- (TBGs) or gingiva-borne silicone guides (GBGs) based on virtually superimposed lateral cephalograms on virtual plaster models.

Materials and methods

Lateral cephalograms and corresponding plaster models were virtually superimposed for the planning of OMI positions; fully guided TBGs and GBGs were fabricated (each, n = 10). A total of 40 OMIs were inserted in a paramedian position into the palate of 20 human cadavers. Postoperative cone-beam computer tomographies (CBCTs) were carried out, and an accuracy evaluation was performed by comparing preoperative planning models and postoperative CBCTs. Deviations of the axis, tip, centre of the shoulder and vertical position of each of the implants were evaluated. Furthermore, the transfer accuracy measured by postoperative CBCT scans were compared with the accuracy determined using an intraoral scanner.

Results

A significant deviation between TBGs (2.81° SD 2.69) and GBGs (6.22° SD 4.26) regarding implant angulation was evaluated (p = 0.005). Implant tip and implant shoulder deviations revealed no statistical differences between the guides. Accuracy values of oral scans regarding vertical deviations were significantly more inaccurate when compared with CBCTs (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The accuracy of an OMI position can be significantly increased by using a guide extension over the teeth. Vertical implant positions presented the lowest deviations. Postoperative oral scans and CBCTs represent diverging accuracy measurements when compared with virtual planning.

Clinical relevance

Users must keep in mind that despite virtual planning deviations, inaccuracies of a few millimetres may occur.
From oxbow to mire: Chironomidae and Cladocera as habitat palaeoindicators
Authors: Płóciennik Mateusz , Pawłowski Dominik , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Antczak-Orlewska Olga
Published: July 2020

Chironomidae and Cladocera are useful palaeoindicators to describe long-term dynamics in biodiversity of freshwater aquatic communities. However, palaeoecological studies relying on these aquatic invertebrates have generally focused on post-glacial lakes, with relatively few applications to floodplain water bodies such as palaeo-oxbow lakes. In this study, zone-level (stratigraphic) trends in Chironomidae and Cladocera assemblage composition were analysed from a small palaeo-oxbow lake in a Central European river valley of Poland. Summer air temperature and hydrological conditions were found to be the main drivers of Cladocera and Chironomidae populations, causing a cascade effect in assemblage composition. At the local habitat scale, there were autecological differences in both taxonomic groups reflecting different responses to abiotic and biotic factors. Specifically, Cladocera responded distinctly to plant vegetation and fish predation during the Late Glacial lake phase, whereas Chironomidae were more sensitive to paludification processes and disappeared in the Northgrippian dry phase of the mire. Both groups indicated fluvial activity of the River Grabia, although the response was different. Also, species richness was higher in the more taxonomically diverse Chironomidae compared to Cladocera. As both groups responded to the same factors in a different way, it is recommended that they should be used in parallel in palaeoecological research studies.
Eligibility for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in patients with left ventricular assist device
Authors: Zormpas Christos , Eiringhaus Jörg , Hillmann Henrike A. K. , Hohmann Stephan , Müller-Leisse Johanna , Schmitto Jan D. , Veltmann Christian , Duncker David
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) could be a promising alternative to the conventional transvenous ICD in patients with LVAD due to its reduced risk of infection. However, surface ECG is altered following LVAD implantation and, since S-ICD detection is based on surface ECG, S-ICD could be potentially affected. The aim of the present study was to analyze S-ICD eligibility in patients with LVAD.

Methods

Seventy-five patients implanted with an LVAD were included in this prospective single-center study. The ECG-based screening test and the automated screening test were performed in all patients.

Results

Fifty-five (73.3%) patients had either a positive ECG-based or automated screening test. Out of these, 28 (37.3%) patients were found eligible for S-ICD implantation with both screening tests performed. ECG-based screening test was positive in 50 (66.6%) patients; automated screening test was positive in 33 (44.0%) patients. Three ECG-based screening tests could not be evaluated due to artifacts. With the automated screening test, in 9 (12.0%) patients, the test yielded no result.

Conclusions

Patients implanted with an LVAD showed lower S-ICD eligibility rates compared with patients without LVAD. With an S-ICD eligibility rate of maximal 73.3%, S-ICD therapy may be a feasible option in these patients. Nevertheless, S-ICD implantation should be carefully weighed against potential device-device interference. Prospective studies regarding S-ICD eligibility before and after LVAD implantation are required to further elucidate the role of S-ICD therapy in this population.
Correction to: ReCiPe2016: a harmonised life cycle impact assessment method at midpoint and endpoint level
Authors: Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Steinmann Zoran J. N. , Elshout Pieter M. F. , Stam Gea , Verones Francesca , Vieira Marisa , Zijp Michiel , Hollander Anne , van Zelm Rosalie
Published: July 2020

The article [ReCiPe2016: a harmonised life cycle impact assessment method at midpoint and endpoint level], written by [Mark A. J. Huijbregts · Zoran J. N. Steinmann · Pieter M. F. Elshout · Gea Stam · Francesca Verones · Marisa Vieira · Michiel Zijp · Anne Hollander · Rosalie van Zelm], was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume [22], issue [2], page [138-147] the author decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an Open Access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to The Author(s) [2017] and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.
Impact of unit-specific metrics and prescribing tools on a family medicine ward
Authors: Mercuro Nicholas J. , Lodise Thomas P. , Kenney Rachel M. , Rezik Berta , Vemulapalli Raghavendra C. , Costandi Mariam J. , Davis Susan L.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Prescribing metrics, cost, and surrogate markers are often used to describe the value of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. However, process measures are only indirectly related to clinical outcomes and may not represent the total effect of an intervention. We determined the global impact of a multifaceted AMS initiative for hospitalized adults with common infections.

Design:

Single center, quasi-experimental study.

Methods:

Hospitalized adults with urinary, skin, and respiratory tract infections discharged from family medicine and internal medicine wards before (January 2017–June 2017) and after (January 2018–June 2018) an AMS initiative on a family medicine ward were included. A series of AMS-focused initiatives comprised the development and dissemination of: handheld prescribing tools, AMS positive feedback cases, and academic modules. We compared the effect on an ordinal end point consisting of clinical resolution, adverse drug events, and antimicrobial optimization between the preintervention and postintervention periods.

Results:

In total, 256 subjects were included before and after an AMS intervention. Excessive durations of therapy were reduced from 40.3% to 22% (P < .001). Patients without an optimized antimicrobial course were more likely to experience clinical failure (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.17–4.72). The likelihood of a better global outcome was greater in the family medicine intervention arm (62.0%, 95% CI, 59.6–67.1) than in the preintervention family medicine arm.

Conclusion:

Collaborative, targeted feedback with prescribing metrics, AMS cases, and education improved global outcomes for hospitalized adults on a family medicine ward.
Mobile Professionals and Metropolitan Models: The German Roots of Vocational Education in Latin America
Authors: Schrank Andrew
Published: July 2020

The Latin American model of vocational education has been widely portrayed as a homegrown success story, particularly by scholars and stakeholders who are aware of the region’s skill deficits, wary of alien solutions, and suspicious of institutional transfers more generally. Is the Latin American model really homegrown? I use a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to trace the model’s mores and methods not to the New World but to Central Europe and go on to identify three different transmission paths in the 20th century:imitationby Latin Americans of German origin, descent, and/or training in the run-up to World War II;propagationby West Germanattachésand advisors in an effort to rehabilitate their country’s image in the wake of the war; andadaptationby local employers and policymakers—who received additional support from Germany—at the turn of the last century. The results suggest that institutional importation is less a discreteeventoroutcometo be avoided than an ongoingprocessthat, first, entails translation, adaptation, and at times obfuscation by importers as well as exporters; and, second, is facilitated by immigrants, their descendants, and diplomats in transnational contact zones.
In the Name of the Cross: Christianity and Anti-Semitic Propaganda in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy
Authors: Kertzer David I. , Mokosch Gunnar
Published: July 2020

The role played by Christianity and Christian churches in the demonization of the Jews by the German National Socialist and Italian Fascist regimes remains a subject of intense controversy. The historiography at the base of this debate has been largely rooted in research on either Germany or Italy, yet comparative empirical study is particularly well-suited to allow broader generalizations. Such work is especially valuable given the very different relationships the two regimes maintained with the churches. This article identifies similarities and differences in the Nazi and Italian Fascist uses of Christianity in their efforts to turn their populations against the Jews through examination of two of their most influential popular anti-Semitic propaganda vehicles:La difesa della razzain Italy andDer Stürmerin Germany. Both mixed pseudoscientific racial theories with arguments based on Christian religious authority, and both presented themselves as defenders of Christianity against the Jewish threat. Yet while the Italian publication, reflecting the Fascist regime's close relationship with the Roman Catholic Church, took care to present itself as in harmony with the Church, the German publication adopted a much more critical attitude toward contemporary German churches and churchmen, casting them as having strayed from the true teachings of Jesus.
Transhumants and Rural Change in Northern Greece Throughout the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Öncel Fatma
Published: July 2020

This article examines the sedentarization of transhumants in northern Greece within the context of the political, legal, social, and economic transformation of the region that occurred throughout the nineteenth century. Based on a wide range of primary sources, this research conducts a chronological survey of the local actors, events, and institutions with reference to a broader political and economic context. It emphasizes that, in the first half of the century, a provincial-elite regime and imperial policies did not create substantial change in transhumance. In the 1860s, however, economic transformations at both imperial and global levels did accelerate change in the region's land and labour regimes. In response, regional landholders began to institute sedentarization, adopting various legal and economic means based on strategies including negotiation, persuasion, and compulsion.
Person-centred research practice: the user involvement in research of older adults with first-hand experience of reablement
Authors: Jokstad Kari , Landmark Bjørg Th. , Skovdahl Kirsti
Published: July 2020

User involvement is increasingly common in health-care research, and the ideal is user participation and influence during all research stages. Here we describe and reflect on the processes and outcomes associated with advisory group–researcher collaboration from a person-centred perspective. When planning a study in which older adults’ experiences of reablement were investigated, older adults with previous first-hand experience of reablement participated in an advisory group. We found that the fostering of healthful relationships, in which experiential and research knowledge are considered complimentary and equitable, and all members have the power to exercise their unique roles, seems to be a prerequisite for the co-creation of knowledge. Also, practical arrangements and social relationships constitute important details that are crucial to ensuring contribution from older adults with health-related conditions. While such individuals may be unable to participate during all stages of a research project, their involvement on an advisory level during the initial stages can increase study quality and relevance. Input from the advisory group members contributed to the improvement of the language in the study information sheet, improvement of the study design, development and validation of the interview guide, and insight into how the interviews should be conducted. The personal knowledge and expertise of the advisory group members, which emanated from their immediate sensitivity, contributed to the person-centredness in the study.
The Gender Citation Gap in Undergraduate Student Research: Evidence from the Political Science Classroom
Authors: Liu Li-Yin , Devine Christopher J. , Gauder Heidi
Published: July 2020

Previous studies documented a “gender citation gap” in political science whereby women are less likely to be cited in published research and course syllabi, especially by male scholars. However, no previous study examined citation patterns among students in political science courses to determine if similar patterns are evident in their research. This article analyzes an original database of individual as well as group research assignments from an undergraduate research methods course. Our analysis indicates that male students are significantly less likely than female students to cite research published by women—whether as first authors, any of the authors, or the average percentage of authors per team. However, in a subsequent group research assignment, gender diversity had no discernible effect on group citation patterns. We discuss the implications of these findings for current pedagogical practices and the future state of the discipline.
Distortion mitigation for 100 and 250 MHz discrete supply modulation of a three-stage K-band MMIC PA
Authors: Duffy Maxwell Robert , Lasser Gregor , Popović Zoya
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a high-efficiency linear GaN K-band transmitter for broadband high peak-average power ratio (PAPR) signals. A GaN MMIC 18.5–24 GHz three-stage power amplifier with over 4 W peak output power, 20 dB saturated gain, and 40% peak PAE is supply-modulated with a four-level discrete dynamic supply GaN MMIC. For 100 MHz signals with ${\rm PAPR}\gt 10\, {\rm dB}$, we demonstrate an average efficiency improvement from 14 to 20% with a simultaneous linearity improvement in noise power ratio (NPR) from 23 to 26 dB through a shaping function focused on gain linearization. For 250 MHz signal bandwidth, there is no observed degradation in NPR and the efficiency is improved by 5 percentage points. For discrete supply modulation, the switching transients between levels are experimentally investigated for wideband signals.
Demographic and procedural characteristics in the RECording COurses of vasculaR Diseases (RECCORD) registry – the first 1000 patients
Authors: Malyar Nasser , Stausberg Jürgen , Langhoff Ralf , Tatò Federico , Kalka Christoph , Ito Wulf D. , Böhme Jens , Arjumand Jawed , Stegemann Jens , Lawall Holger , Schellong Sebastian , Lichtenberg Michael , Hoffmann Ulrich
Published: July 2020

Summary: Background: The RECcording COurses of vasculaR Diseases (RECCORD) registry established by the German Society of Angiology – Society for Vascular Medicine aimed to address the lack in contemporary real-world data regarding current practice of medical and interventional care in vascular patients. We herein report the demographic and procedural characteristics of the first 1000 patients undergoing endovascular revascularization (EVR) for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients and methods: RECCORD is an observational, prospective, multicenter, all-comers registry. Only patients undergoing EVR for symptomatic PAD are included and followed up for at least 1 year. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, previous peripheral vascular interventions, medication, clinical stage of lower extremity artery disease (Rutherford category), hemodynamic parameters, and procedural data including complications are recorded via an entirely web-based platform. Results: Of the first 1000 patients (mean age 70 ± 10 years, 35% female) with 1096 EVR at 1477 vascular segments of the lower extremities, 25.0% were at the stage of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and 75.0% at non-CLTI. The femoropopliteal segment was the dominant target lesion site (61.0%), followed by iliac (26.4%) and below-the-knee EVR (10.3%). Only angioplasty was performed in 130 EVR (11.9%), adjunctive drug coated balloons (DCB) in 498 (45.4%), additional stenting in 633 (57.8%). Debulking devices were used in 106 (9.7%) EVR. Clinical (Rutherford categories) and hemodynamic parameters (ankle-brachial-index) as well as secondary preventive medication were significantly improved post EVR. Periprocedural complications occurred in 63 (5.7%) EVR with pseudoaneurysm as the leading complication type in 26 (2.4%) EVR. Conclusions: The baseline data of the first 1000 patients from the RECCORD registry representing the real-world setting illustrate that the majority of EVR are performed in patients with claudication. Adjunctive use of DCB and stenting are the dominant types of EVR, while periprocedural complications are at an acceptable low rate.
Spatial Characteristics on the Occurrence of the Nighttime Midlatitude Medium‐Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance at Topside Ionosphere Revealed by the Swarm Satellite
Authors: Wan Xin , Xiong Chao , Wang Hui , Zhang Kedeng , Yin Fan
Published: July 2020

Using 6 years collecting of electron density (Ne) data from the Swarm A satellite, this study portrays comprehensive maps of the occurrence of medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbance (MSTID) at middle latitudes, which is characterized by the in situ absolute Ne fluctuations above a certain threshold. Two interesting spatial preferences on the occurrence of MSTID as well as their dependence on local time and solar cycle are captured, that is, (1) regional preference near Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA) to its west during December solstice, MSTID in this region appears even at very low latitudes (at least to 10°N in magnetic latitude) and (2) preference at middle latitudes with a wide zonal extension, which is similar to the recently disclosed nighttime midlatitude plasma band‐like enhancement (NMPBE) of the background plasma density (Zhong et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JA026059). The first preference of MSTID occurring near WSA region can be understood as the effects of horizontal neutral wind contribution to the Perkins instability, with the principal requirement of sporadic E occurrence via ionospheric E‐F region coupling. The fundamental mechanism of the second preference of MSTID occurring includes the interhemispheric coupling that the MSTID can also develop in the winter hemisphere where the local growth rate of Perkins instability is low. Besides, the presence of NMPBE during low solar activity years sets up a favorable environment for the appearance of MSTID with considerable fluctuation amplitude.
Energetics and Alfvénic Coupling of a Poleward Boundary Intensification: A Polar Case Study
Authors: Keiling Andreas , Wygant John , Fillingim Matthew , Trattner Karlheinz J.
Published: July 2020

The poleward boundary intensification (PBI) is a common appearance at the poleward boundary of the auroral bulge and auroral oval. The PBI presented here occurred during the expansion phase of a small substorm with an auroral surge power of 6.5 GW. The auroral power of the PBI (1.1 GW) was ~17% of this value. The largest powers above the nominal auroral acceleration region at 5 RE geocentric were carried by Alfvén waves (1.7 GW) and Alfvénic electrons (0.7 GW), sufficient to account for the conjugate PBI auroral power. In contrast, the conjugate quasistatic, field‐aligned current power (<0.3 GW) was not sufficient. Observed correlation between quasiperiodic Alfvénic pulses and auroral modulations strengthens our conclusion that the electromagnetic magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling of the PBI was dominantly Alfvénic, as opposed to electrostatic, thus causing Alfvénic aurora.
Freshening of Antarctic Bottom Water Off Cape Darnley, East Antarctica
Authors: Aoki S. , Katsumata K. , Hamaguchi M. , Noda A. , Kitade Y. , Shimada K. , Hirano D. , Simizu D. , Aoyama Y. , Doi K. , Nogi Y.
Published: July 2020

Recently, a source of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) was identified off Cape Darnley at the eastern end of the Weddell‐Enderby Basin. However, the behavior and long‐term variability of Cape Darnley Bottom Water (CDBW) are not clearly understood. Hydrographic observations from 1974 to 2016 were compared, and a decade‐long bottom temperature record was analyzed to clarify multidecadal changes in the CDBW in this region and its downstream influences. In the Cooperation Sea, CDBW spread northwestward with its deepest part reaching to approximately 4,900 dbar. CDBW freshening of 0.001–0.003 decade−1 was revealed. In the Cosmonaut Sea, long‐term AABW warming of approximately 0.01–0.03°C decade−1 was prominent in the deep basin, while freshening was detected on the upper continental slope. Spatial patterns suggest that an interbasin deep transport of excess freshwater is carried by CDBW and fed into the Weddell Gyre, which might act as an abyssal freshwater buffer.
Photoperiod Explains the Asynchronization Between Vegetation Carbon Phenology and Vegetation Greenness Phenology
Authors: Kong Dongdong , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Dagang , Chen Jianyao , Gu Xihui
Published: July 2020

Vegetation carbon phenology is a key indicator of vegetation actual photosynthesis activity and regulates terrestrial ecosystem carbon balance. A comprehensive understanding of the structural difference of carbon phenology and greenness phenology is still lacking. This study evaluated the structural difference of vegetation greenness phenology and carbon phenology on 95 eddy covariance flux sites (637 site‐years). Vegetation greenness phenology is extracted from remote sensing vegetation indices (i.e., enhanced vegetation index [EVI] and normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellites; carbon phenology is extracted from daily gross primary production estimates at flux sites. We found that there exists remarkable asynchronization between vegetation greenness phenology and carbon phenology on the 95 flux sites. Generally, the asynchronization is more prevalent in the withering season, with the bias about 18.7 ± 13.0 days for EVI and about 29.8 ± 14.4 days for NDVI. In comparison, in the green‐up season, the bias is only about −1.6 ± 12.9 days for EVI and −6.0 ± 13.8 days for NDVI. We found that photoperiod is the dominant factor controlling the asynchronization and the decrease of photosynthetic capacity in the withering season, other than photosynthetically active radiation or temperature. Our study also reveals that EVI × PC and NDVI × PC are good proxies of vegetation carbon phenology, where PC is the photoperiod constraint and is quantified as
. Using PC in the withering season reduces the bias of EVI from 18.7 ± 13.0 days to −2.4 ± 11.2 days and the bias of NDVI from 29.8 ± 14.4 days to −1.1 ± 12.7 days.
The Cenozoic Evolution of Crustal Shortening and Left‐Lateral Shear in the Central East Kunlun Shan: Implications for the Uplift History of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Staisch Lydia M. , Niemi Nathan A. , Clark Marin K. , Chang Hong
Published: July 2020

The timing of crustal shortening and strike‐slip faulting along the East Kunlun Shan provides insight into the history of surface uplift and may constrain the time at which the Tibetan Plateau reached high elevations. We investigate a series of extensional basins and restraining bends along the Xidatan strand of the Kunlun strike‐slip fault, which provide an ideal setting to unravel the tectonic history of the northern plateau margin. We present new apatite (U‐Th)/He, apatite fission track, and zircon (U‐Th)/He ages and QTQt thermal modeling, 40Ar/39Ar fault gouge dating, and structural mapping from the central East Kunlun Shan. Our data suggest that the East Kunlun Shan experienced slow to negligible exhumation until late Cretaceous time, followed by an increase in rate by 65–50 Ma. Along with a ~47 Ma fault gouge age, we posit that the Paleocene–early Eocene was a time of crustal shortening along the northern plateau. Rapid exhumation along transpressional portions of the Xidatan fault initiated by 23–20 Ma, which we interpret as the local onset of strike‐slip faulting. An early Miocene transition from north‐south crustal shortening to left‐lateral shear along the East Kunlun Shan, the onset of normal and strike‐slip faulting in central and southern Tibet by 18 Ma, and lower crustal flow in eastern Tibet by 13 Ma suggest the establishment of orogen‐wide east‐west oriented extension and extrusion by the middle Miocene. The plateau‐wide shift in stress accommodation implies that high gravitational potential energy, and likely high elevation, was attained by the middle Miocene.
Dissociation of functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines during NMDAR and mGluR-dependent long-term synaptic depression in wild-type and fragile X model mice
Authors: Thomazeau Aurore , Bosch Miquel , Essayan-Perez Sofia , Barnes Stephanie A. , De Jesus-Cortes Hector , Bear Mark F.
Published: July 2020

Many neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by impaired functional synaptic plasticity and abnormal dendritic spine morphology, but little is known about how these are related. Previous work in the Fmr1-/y mouse model of fragile X (FX) suggests that increased constitutive dendritic protein synthesis yields exaggerated mGluR5-dependent long-term synaptic depression (LTD) in area CA1 of the hippocampus, but an effect on spine structural plasticity remains to be determined. In the current study, we used simultaneous electrophysiology and time-lapse two photon imaging to examine how spines change their structure during LTD induced by activation of mGluRs or NMDA receptors (NMDARs), and how this plasticity is altered in Fmr1-/y mice. We were surprised to find that mGluR activation causes LTD and AMPA receptor internalization, but no spine shrinkage in either wildtype or Fmr1-/y mice. In contrast, NMDAR activation caused spine shrinkage as well as LTD in both genotypes. Spine shrinkage was initiated by non-ionotropic (metabotropic) signaling through NMDARs, and in wild-type mice this structural plasticity required activation of mTORC1 and new protein synthesis. In striking contrast, NMDA-induced spine plasticity in Fmr1-/y mice was no longer dependent on acute activation of mTORC1 or de novo protein synthesis. These findings reveal that the structural consequences of mGluR and metabotropic NMDAR activation differ, and that a brake on spine structural plasticity, normally provided by mTORC1 regulation of protein synthesis, is absent in FX. Increased constitutive protein synthesis in FX appears to modify functional and structural plasticity induced through different glutamate receptors.
Flexible experimental designs for valid single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments allowing batch effects correction
Authors: Song Fangda , Chan Ga Ming Angus , Wei Yingying
Published: July 2020

Despite their widespread applications, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments are still plagued by batch effects and dropout events. Although the completely randomized experimental design has frequently been advocated to control for batch effects, it is rarely implemented in real applications due to time and budget constraints. Here, we mathematically prove that under two more flexible and realistic experimental designs—the reference panel and the chain-type designs—true biological variability can also be separated from batch effects. We develop Batch effects correction with Unknown Subtypes for scRNA-seq data (BUSseq), which is an interpretable Bayesian hierarchical model that closely follows the data-generating mechanism of scRNA-seq experiments. BUSseq can simultaneously correct batch effects, cluster cell types, impute missing data caused by dropout events, and detect differentially expressed genes without requiring a preliminary normalization step. We demonstrate that BUSseq outperforms existing methods with simulated and real data.
Caspase dependent apoptosis is required for anterior regeneration in Aeolosoma viride and its related gene expressions are regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Fok Sheridan Ke-Wing , Chen Chiao-Ping , Tseng Tzu-Lun , Chiang Yi-Hua , Chen Jiun-Hong
Published: July 2020

Although apoptosis has been widely observed during the regenerative process, the mechanisms by which it is regulated and its roles in regeneration remained unclear. In this study, we introduced Aeolosoma viride, a fresh water annelid with an extraordinary regenerative ability as our model organism to study the functions and regulations of apoptotic caspases. Here we showed that major events of apoptosis were detected near the wounded area and showed spatial correlation with the expression patterns of caspase gene namely Avi-caspase X and two apoptosis regulators namely Avi-Bax and Avi-Bcl-xL. Next, we investigated how Avi-caspase X gene expression and apoptosis influence regeneration following head amputation. RNA interference of Avi-caspase X reduced the amounts of apoptotic cells, as well as the percentage of successful regeneration, suggesting a critical role for apoptosis in anterior regeneration of A. viride. In addition, we also discovered that the expression of apoptotic caspases was regulated by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Together, our study showed that caspase dependent apoptosis was critical to the anterior regeneration of A. viride, and could be regulated by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index predicts postoperative complications and prognosis in elderly patients with colorectal cancer after curative surgery
Authors: Sasaki Masaru , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Fujino Shiki , Ogino Takayuki , Takahashi Hidekazu , Uemura Mamoru , Matsuda Chu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2020

Malnutrition has been considered to be associated with the prognosis of cancer. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), based on serum albumin levels, present body weight, and ideal body weight, is a simple screening tool to predict the risk of nutrition-related morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. We aimed to evaluate whether preoperative GNRI was associated with postoperative complications and prognosis in elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We retrospectively enrolled 313 CRC patients aged ≥65 years after curative surgery and classified them into an all-risk GNRI (≤98) group and a no-risk GNRI (>98) group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed overall survival was significantly worse in the all-risk GNRI group than in the no-risk GNRI group (P = 0.009). Multivariable analyses showed low GNRI (≤98) was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (P = 0.048) and overall survival (P = 0.001) in the patients. Among the complications, the incidence of surgical site infection, in particular, was significantly higher in the all-risk GNRI group (P = 0.008). In conclusion, low preoperative GNRI (≤98) was associated with increased postoperative complications and poor prognosis. Preoperative GNRI can be used as an identifier for potential high-risk group of morbidity and mortality in elderly CRC patients.
Targeted next-generation sequencing of sputum for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB: results of a national survey in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kayomo Michel Kaswa , Mbula Vital Nkake , Aloni Muriel , André Emmanuel , Rigouts Leen , Boutachkourt Fairouz , de Jong Bouke C. , Nkiere Nicolas M. , Dean Anna S.
Published: July 2020

The surveillance of drug resistance among tuberculosis (TB) patients is central to preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a country with a high burden of TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), but there are no nationally representative data on drug resistance. In 2016–2017, a national survey of TB patients was conducted in 108 microscopy centres across all 11 provinces of the country using innovative molecular approaches. Sputum samples were collected from 1,545 new and 163 previously treated patients. These were tested by the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, followed by targeted next-generation sequencing performed directly on sputum. The prevalence of rifampicin resistance was low, at 1.8% (95% CI: 1.0–3.2) among new and 17.3% (95% CI: 11.9–24.4) among previously treated patients. Resistance to pyrazinamide, fluoroquinolones and second-line injectables was also low. The prevalence of resistance to isoniazid among rifampicin-susceptible patients was higher, at 6.6% (95% CI: 4.4–9.8) among new and 8.7% (95% : 3.2–21.2) among previously treated patients. Diagnosing and treating isoniazid-resistant patients remains a challenge, given that many will be missed by the current national diagnostic algorithm that is driven by detecting rifampicin resistance by Xpert MTB/RIF. This is the first nationwide survey incorporating targeted sequencing directly on sputum. It serves as a proof-of-concept for other settings that do yet have rapid specimen transport networks or capacity to conduct culture.
The biological age of the heart is consistently younger than chronological age
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Campisi Manuela , Fabozzo Assunta , Cibin Giorgia , Tarzia Vincenzo , Toscano Giuseppe , Gerosa Gino
Published: July 2020

Chronological age represents the main factor in donor selection criteria for organ transplantation, however aging is very heterogeneous. Defining the biological aging of individual organs may contribute to supporting this process. In this study we examined the biological age of the heart [right (RA)/left atrium (LA)] and peripheral blood leucocytes in the same subject, and compared these to assess whether blood mirrors cardiac biological aging. Biological aging was studied in 35 donors (0.4–72 years) by exploring mitotic and non-mitotic pathways, using telomere length (TL) and age-dependent methylation changes in certain CpG loci (DNAmAge). Heart non-mitotic DNAmAge was strongly younger than that of both blood (− 10 years, p < 0.0001) and chronological age (− 12 years, p < 0.0001). Instead, heart and blood mitotic age (TL) were similar, and there was no difference in DNAmAge and TL between RA and LA. DNAmAge negatively correlated with TL in heart and blood (p ≤ 0.01). Finally, blood and heart TL (p < 0.01) and DNAmAge (p < 0.0001) were correlated. Therefore, blood can be a proxy indicator of heart biological age. While future investigation on post-transplant graft performance in relation to biological aging is still needed, our study could contribute to opening up novel basic and clinical research platforms in the field of organ transplantation.
Human papillomavirus vaccine-associated premature ovarian insufficiency and related adverse events: data mining of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Gong Li , Ji Huan-huan , Tang Xue-wen , Pan Ling-yun , Chen Xiao , Jia Yun-tao
Published: July 2020

We detected disproportionate reports of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and related events, including amenorrhea, menstruation irregular, FSH increased, and premature menopause, following human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine from FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The signal was detected by the methods of Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) and Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS). When both methods detected a positive result, a signal was generated. Besides, time-scan map is drawn based on the IC value and 95%CI of BCPNN, if the IC curve showed a steady upward trend and the 95%CI narrowed, the signal was stable and strong association.The results showed that there were not POI reports of HPV vaccine, but VAERS received a total of 2, 389, 27 POI related events for HPV2, HPV4, HPV9 respectively from the year of marketed to 2018. No signal was detected for HPV2. HPV4-POI ralated events were all detected as signals by two methods. There was only one signal of menstruation irregular for HPV9. Time scan of HPV4-POI ralated events showed those signals were stability and strong association, but not for HPV9. Our results only represent statistical association between HPV vaccine and POI related events, causal relationship needs further investigation.
Diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for acute pyelonephritis in children
Authors: Jung Hyun Joo , Choi Moon Hyung , Pai Ki Soo , Kim Hyun Gi
Published: July 2020

The objective of our study was to evaluate the performance of renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) against the 99m-labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan and computed tomography (CT) in children for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. We included children who underwent both renal CEUS and the DMSA scan or CT. A total of 33 children (21 males and 12 females, mean age 26 ± 36 months) were included. Using the DMSA scan as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS was 86.8%, 71.4%, 80.5%, and 80.0%, respectively. When CT was used as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS was 87.5%, 80.0%, 87.5%, and 80.0%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis was 80.3% and 84.6% compared to the DMSA scan and CT, respectively. Inter-observer (kappa = 0.54) and intra-observer agreement (kappa = 0.59) for renal CEUS was moderate. In conclusion, CEUS had good diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis with moderate inter- and intra-observer agreement. As CEUS does not require radiation or sedation, it could play an important role in the future when diagnosing acute pyelonephritis in children.
Region of interest and directional analysis of subbasal nerves in wide-area corneal nerve plexus mosaics in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Badian Reza A. , Utheim Tor Paaske , Lagali Neil
Published: July 2020

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) imaging of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SBNP) is a clinical imaging modality gaining popularity for the diagnosis and follow-up of corneal neuropathy in various conditions such as diabetes mellitus. There remain, however, major limitations to the method, hindering its widespread clinical use. Finding the same exact area of the central cornea to standardize image acquisition is difficult without a reference point. Alternatively, creating wide-area mosaics of the SBNP is resource-intensive and has not yet been developed for routine clinical use. Here, we investigated whether IVCM analysis of the corneal SBNP in a predetermined, anatomically standardized region of interest (ROI) could be applied as an equivalent substitution for wide-area SBNP mosaic generation and analysis. Furthermore, we investigated nerve patterns outside the central corneal region for a possible relationship to type 2 diabetes mellitus status using a publicly available dataset. We found that corneal nerve fibre length density (CNFL) based on the ROI underestimated the mosaic-based CNFL by an average of 34% in 90% of cases (150 eyes), and did not exhibit a significant reduction with diabetes, as seen in the full SBNP. Outside the central cornea, nerve orientation differed depending on the anatomic region (left, central or right superior plexus, P < 0.001). Moreover, in long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (≥ 10 years, 28 subjects), nerve density in the left superior sector of the SBNP was decreased (P < 0.001) while that in the central superior SBNP increased (P = 0.01) relative to 35 age-matched healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance. These results indicate that subbasal nerve degeneration in type 2 diabetes mellitus can vary according to anatomic location, and regions with potential diagnostic value outside the central SBNP may warrant further investigation.
Metabolic engineering of ketocarotenoids biosynthetic pathway in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC-4102
Authors: Tran Nam Trung , Kaldenhoff Ralf
Published: July 2020

In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, ketocarotenoid biosynthesis is limited to the diploid zygospore stage. In this study, we attempted to engineer the ketocarotenoid pathway into Chlamydomonas haploid vegetative green cells by overexpressing the key enzyme ß-carotene ketolase (CrBKT). We chose strain CC-4102 for the approach; competitive pathways, α-carotene biosynthesis and xanthophyll cycle are silenced in this strain. Driven by the strong constitutive HSP70/RBCS2 promoter CrBKT overexpression resulted in the production of canthaxanthin, the ketolation product from ß-carotene as well as a drastic reduction in the chlorophyll concentration. Intriguingly, these phenotypes could only be detected from lines transformed and grown heterotrophically in the dark. Once exposed to light, these transformants lost the aforementioned phenotypes as well as their antibiotic resistance. This phenomenon is in agreement with the fact that we were unable to recover any canthaxanthin-producing line among light-selected transformants.