bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites, Novel Targets for Treating and Preventing Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ni Yinhua , Ni Liyang , Zhuge Fen , Fu Zhengwei
Published: August 2020

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide, along with obesity and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD involves a series of liver abnormalities from simple hepatic steatosis to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The gut–liver axis plays an important role in the development of NAFLD, which depends mainly on regulation of the gut microbiota and its bacterial products. These intestinal bacterial species and their metabolites, including bile acids, tryptophan catabolites, and branched‐chain amino acids, regulate adipose tissue and intestinal homeostasis and contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. In this review, the current evidence regarding the key role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the pathogenesis and development of NAFLD is highlighted, and the advances in the progression and applied prospects of gut microbiota‐targeted dietary and exercise therapies is also discussed.
Probing in vivo cortical myeloarchitecture in humans via line‐scan diffusion acquisitions at 7 T with 250‐500 micron radial resolution
Authors: Balasubramanian Mukund , Mulkern Robert V. , Neil Jeffrey J. , Maier Stephan E. , Polimeni Jonathan R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to measure diffusion signals within the cerebral cortex using the line‐scan technique to achieve extremely high resolution in the radial direction (ie, perpendicular to the cortical surface) and to demonstrate the utility of these measurements for investigating laminar architecture in the living human brain.

Methods

Line‐scan diffusion data with 250‐500 micron radial resolution were acquired at 7 T on 8 healthy volunteers, with each line prescribed perpendicularly to primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and primary motor cortex (M1). Apparent diffusion coefficients, fractional anisotropy values, and radiality indices were measured as a function of cortical depth.

Results

In the deep layers of S1, we found evidence for high anisotropy and predominantly tangential diffusion, with low anisotropy observed in superficial S1. In M1, moderate anisotropy and predominantly radial diffusion was seen at almost all cortical depths. These patterns were consistent across subjects and were conspicuous without averaging data across different locations on the cortical sheet.

Conclusion

Our results are in accord with the myeloarchitecture of S1 and M1, known from prior histology studies: in S1, dense bands of tangential myelinated fibers run through the deep layers but not the superficial ones, and in M1, radial myelinated fibers are prominent at most cortical depths. This work therefore provides support for the idea that high‐resolution diffusion signals, measured with the line‐scan technique and receiving a boost in SNR at 7 T, may serve as a sensitive probe of in vivo laminar architecture.
55Mn‐based fiducial markers for rapid and automated RF coil localization for hyperpolarized 13C MRI
Authors: Ohliger Michael A. , Gordon Jeremy W. , Carvajal Lucas , Larson Peder E. Z. , Ou Jao J. , Agarwal Shubhangi , Zhu Zihan , Vigneron Daniel B. , von Morze Cornelius
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To use fiducial markers containing manganese 55 to rapidly localize carbon 13 (13C) RF coils for correcting images for B1 variation.

Methods

Hollow high‐density polyethylene spheres were filled with 3M sodium permanganate and affixed to a rectangular 13C‐tuned RF coil. The relative positions of the markers and coil conductors were mapped using CT. Marker positions were measured by MRI using a series of 1D projections and automated peak detection. Once the coil location was determined, coil sensitivity was estimated using a quasi‐static calculation. Simulations were performed to determine the minimum number of projections required for robust localization. Phantom experiments were used to confirm the accuracy of marker localization as well as the calculated coil sensitivity. Finally, in vivo validation was performed using hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate in a rat model.

Results

In simulations, our algorithm was accurate in determining marker positions when at least 6 projections were used (RMSE 1.4 ± 0.9 mm). These estimates were verified in phantom experiments, where markers locations were determined with an RMS accuracy of 1.3 mm. A minimum SNR of 4 was required for automated detection to perform accurately. Computed coil sensitivity had a median error of 17% when taken over the entire measured area and 5.7% over a central region. In a rat, correction for nonuniform reception and flip angle was able to normalize the signals arising from asymmetrically positioned kidneys.

Conclusion

Manganese 55 fiducial markers are an inexpensive and reliable method for rapidly localizing 13C RF coils and correcting 13C images for B1 variation without user intervention.
Comparison of parameter optimization methods for quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Milovic Carlos , Prieto Claudia , Bilgic Berkin , Uribe Sergio , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Irarrazaval Pablo , Tejos Cristian
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) is usually performed by minimizing a functional with data fidelity and regularization terms. A weighting parameter controls the balance between these terms. There is a need for techniques to find the proper balance that avoids artifact propagation and loss of details. Finding the point of maximum curvature in the L‐curve is a popular choice, although it is slow, often unreliable when using variational penalties, and has a tendency to yield overregularized results.

Methods

We propose 2 alternative approaches to control the balance between the data fidelity and regularization terms: 1) searching for an inflection point in the log‐log domain of the L‐curve, and 2) comparing frequency components of QSM reconstructions. We compare these methods against the conventional L‐curve and U‐curve approaches.

Results

Our methods achieve predicted parameters that are better correlated with RMS error, high‐frequency error norm, and structural similarity metric‐based parameter optimizations than those obtained with traditional methods. The inflection point yields less overregularization and lower errors than traditional alternatives. The frequency analysis yields more visually appealing results, although with larger RMS error.

Conclusion

Our methods provide a robust parameter optimization framework for variational penalties in QSM reconstruction. The L‐curve–based zero‐curvature search produced almost optimal results for typical QSM acquisition settings. The frequency analysis method may use a 1.5 to 2.0 correction factor to apply it as a stand‐alone method for a wider range of signal‐to‐noise‐ratio settings. This approach may also benefit from fast search algorithms such as the binary search to speed up the process.
Free‐breathing liver fat and quantification using motion‐corrected averaging based on a nonlocal means algorithm
Authors: Luo Huiwen , Zhu Ante , Wiens Curtis N. , Starekova Jitka , Shimakawa Ann , Reeder Scott B. , Johnson Kevin M. , Hernando Diego
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To propose a motion‐robust chemical shift‐encoded (CSE) method with high signal‐to‐noise (SNR) for accurate quantification of liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and

.

Methods

A free‐breathing multi‐repetition 2D CSE acquisition with motion‐corrected averaging using nonlocal means (NLM) was proposed. PDFF and

quantified with 2D CSE‐NLM were compared to two alternative 2D techniques: direct averaging and single acquisition (2D 1ave) in a digital phantom. Further, 2D NLM was compared in patients to 3D techniques (standard breath‐hold, free‐breathing and navigated), and the alternative 2D techniques. A reader study and quantitative analysis (Bland‐Altman, correlation analysis, paired Student’s t‐test) were performed to evaluate the image quality and assess PDFF and

measurements in regions of interest.

Results

In simulations, 2D NLM resulted in lower standard deviations (STDs) of PDFF (2.7%) and

(8.2 

) compared to direct averaging (PDFF: 3.1%,

: 13.6 

) and 2D 1ave (PDFF: 8.7%,

: 33.2 

). In patients, 2D NLM resulted in fewer motion artifacts than 3D free‐breathing and 3D navigated, less signal loss than 2D direct averaging, and higher SNR than 2D 1ave. Quantitatively, the STDs of PDFF and

of 2D NLM were comparable to those of 2D direct averaging (p>0.05). 2D NLM reduced bias, particularly in

(−5.73 to −0.36 

) that arises in direct averaging (−3.96 to 11.22 

) in the presence of motion.

Conclusions

2D CSE‐NLM enables accurate mapping of PDFF and

in the liver during free‐breathing.
Clinical trial readiness study of distal myopathy and dysphagia in nephropathic cystinosis
Authors: Sadjadi Reza , Sullivan Stacey , Grant Natalie , Thomas Susan E. , Doyle Maya , Hammond Colleen , Corre Camille , Mello Nicholas , David William S. , Eichler Florian
Published: August 2020

Background

Nephropathic cystinosis is a lysosomal storage disorder with late‐onset systemic complications, such as myopathy and dysphagia. Currently employed outcome measures lack sensitivity and responsiveness for dysphagia and myopathy, a limitation to clinical trial readiness.

Methods

We evaluated 20 patients with nephropathic cystinosis in two visits over the course of a year to identify outcomes sensitive to detect changes over time. Patients also underwent an expiratory muscle strength training program to assess any effects on aspiration and dysphagia.

Results

There were significant differences in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Timed 25‐Foot Walk (25‐FW) between baseline and 1‐y follow‐up (P< .05). Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and peak cough flow (PCF) significantly improved following respiratory training (P< .05).

Conclusions

Improved respiratory outcomes may enhance patients ability to expel aspirated material from the airway, stave off pulmonary sequelae associated with chronic aspiration, and yield an overall improvement in physical health and well‐being.
Intention to response, emergency preparedness and intention to leave among nurses during COVID‐19
Authors: Li Jiaying , Li Pingdong , Chen Jieya , Ruan Liang , Zeng Qiuxuan , Gong Yucui
Published: August 2020

Aim

To comprehensively assess the current level and identify associated factors of intention to response and emergency preparedness of clinical nurses during COVID‐19 outbreak.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was designed.

Methods

Demographic and characteristic questionnaire, intention to response scale, emergency preparedness scale and a self‐designed questionnaire related to effects of events and intention to leave were used in this study.

Results

The mean scores of intention to response and emergency preparedness were 82.00 (SD = 18.17) and 64.99 (SD = 12.94), respectively. Moral consideration, engaged in COVID‐19 protection training, had working experience in SARS, and the other eight factors were explained 34.6% of the total model variance in intention to response model (F = 80.05, p < .001). While, the level of IR, whether the pace of work was affected and above three same factors were explained 21.5% of the total model variance (F = 91.05, p < .001). Pathway analysis revealed that moral consideration, intention to leave and impacts on work and life mediate the relationship between EP and IR.
Bronchioalveolar stem cells in lung repair, regeneration and disease
Authors: Jones‐Freeman Bernadette , Starkey Malcolm R
Published: August 2020

Bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) are a lung resident stem cell population located at bronchioalveolar duct junctions that contribute to the maintenance of bronchiolar club cells and alveolar epithelial cells of the distal lung. Their transformed counterparts are considered to be likely progenitors of lung adenocarcinomas, which has been a major area of research in relation to BASCs. A critical limitation in addressing the function of BASCs in vivo has been the lack of a unique BASC marker, which has prevented specific targeting of BASCs in animal models of respiratory conditions. Recently, there have been several studies describing genetically modified mice that allow in vivo quantification, tracing, and functional analysis of BASCs to address this long‐standing issue. These cutting‐edge experimental tools will likely have significant implications for future experimental studies involving BASCs and the elucidation of their role in various lung diseases. To date, this has been largely explored in models of lung injury including naphthalene‐induced airway injury, bleomycin‐induced alveolar injury, hyperoxia‐induced models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and influenza virus infection. These novel experimental mouse tools will facilitate the assessment of the impact of BASC loss on additional respiratory conditions including infection‐induced severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as respiratory bacterial infections, both in early life and adulthood. These future studies may shed light on the potential broad applicability of targeting BASCs for a diverse range of respiratory conditions during lung development and in promoting effective regeneration and repair of the lung in respiratory diseases. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood liver tumors in Argentina: Incidence trend and survival by treatment center. A report from the national pediatric cancer registry, ROHA network 2000‐2015
Authors: Moreno Florencia , Rose Adriana , Chaplin M. Agustina , Cipolla M. Cristina , García Lombardi Mercedes , Nana Mariana , Cervio Guillermo , Halac Esteban , Viso Marianela , Ayarzabal Victor , Bosaleh Andrea , Liberto Daniel , Sarabia Elena , Rizzi Ana , Morici Mercedes , Streitenberger Patricia , de Dávila María Teresa G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Information on the epidemiology of pediatric liver tumors in Latin America is limited.

Purpose

To describe the incidence of liver tumors in a pediatric registry in Argentina according to geographic region, national trends over 16 years, and survival related to stage, age, sex, and care center.

Methods

Newly diagnosed liver tumors cases are registered in the Argentine Pediatric Oncology Hospital Registry (ROHA) with an estimated coverage of 91% of national cases. Age‐standardized incidence rate per millon (ASR) was calculated based on the National Vital Statistics Reports. Five‐year overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The log‐rank test was used to compare subgroup survival.

Results

Two hundred seven cases of hepatoblastoma (HB) and 73 of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were identified. ASR of liver tumors was 1.8/million (95% confidence Interval [CI], 1.6‐2.0) per year. ASR was 1.4 (1.2‐1.6) for HB and 0.4 (0.3‐0.5) for HCC. For HB, the highest incidence was found in the northwest region including the Altiplano. OS was 60.4% (53.4‐66.8) for HB and 36.1% (25.2‐47.2) for HCC. Five‐year survival rate of children with metastatic HB treated at liver transplant hospitals (LTH) was 54.2% (30.3‐73.0) compared to 13.3% (2.2‐34.6) for those seen at other hospitals (OH) (P = .02), while for HCC this rate was 46.3% (30.7‐60.6) at LTH compared to 17.5% (3.1‐41.9) at OH (P = .01).

Conclusions

The incidence rate of pediatric liver tumors was stable over the 16‐year study period. Patients may benefit if at treatment initiation they are evaluated jointly with LTH specialists to define treatment strategies.
Early‐stage sugar beet taproot development is characterized by three distinct physiological phases
Authors: Jammer Alexandra , Albacete Alfonso , Schulz Britta , Koch Wolfgang , Weltmeier Fridtjof , van der Graaff Eric , Pfeifhofer Hartwig W. , Roitsch Thomas G.
Published: August 2020

Despite the agronomic importance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), the early‐stage development of its taproot has only been poorly investigated. Thus, the mechanisms that determine growth and sugar accumulation in sugar beet are largely unknown. In the presented study, a physiological characterization of early‐stage sugar beet taproot development was conducted. Activities were analyzed for fourteen key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in developing taproots over the first 80 days after sowing. In addition, we performed in situ localizations of selected carbohydrate‐metabolic enzyme activities, anatomical investigations, and quantifications of soluble carbohydrates, hexose phosphates, and phytohormones. Based on the accumulation dynamics of biomass and sucrose, as well as on anatomical parameters, the early phase of taproot development could be subdivided into three stages—prestorage, transition, secondary growth and sucrose accumulation stage—each of which was characterized by distinct metabolic and phytohormonal signatures. The enzyme activity signatures corresponding to these stages were also shown to be robustly reproducible in experiments conducted in two additional locations. The results from this physiological phenotyping approach contribute to the identification of the key regulators of sugar beet taproot development and open up new perspectives for sugar beet crop improvement concerning both physiological marker‐based breeding and biotechnological approaches.
Structure and gas transport characteristics of triethylene oxide‐grafted polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐polystyrene
Authors: Tian Ding , Alebrahim Taliehsadat , Kline Gregory K. , Chen Liwen , Lin Haiqing , Bae Chulsung
Published: August 2020

Polymeric membrane‐based gas separation technology has significant advantages compared with traditional amine‐based CO2 separation method. In this work, SEBS block copolymer is used as a polymer matrix to incorporate triethylene oxide (TEO) functionality. The short ethylene oxide segment is chosen to avoid crystallization, which is confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering characterizations. The gas permeability results reveal that CO2/N2 selectivity increased with increasing content of TEO functional group. The highest CO2 permeability (281 Barrer) and CO2/N2 selectivity (31) were obtained for the membrane with the highest TEO incorporation (57 mol%). Increasing the TEO content in these copolymers results in an increase in CO2 solubility and a decrease in C2H6 solubility. For example, as the grafted TEO content increased from 0 to 57 mol%, the CO2 solubility and CO2/C2H6 solubility selectivity increased from 0.72 to 1.3 cm3(STP)/cm3 atm and 0.47 to 1.3 at 35°C, respectively. The polar ether linkage in TEO‐grafted SEBS copolymers exhibits favorable interaction with CO2 and unfavorable interaction with nonpolar C2H6, thus enhancing CO2/C2H6 solubility selectivity.
Poly(2‐[dimethylamino]ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate)/DNA polyplexes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Sentoukas Theodore , Pispas Stergios
Published: August 2020

This study involves the investigation of the complexation ability of poly(2‐[dimethylamino]ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA‐b‐PHPMA) amphiphilic pH and thermoresponsive block copolymers, and their quaternized counterparts QPDMAEMA‐b‐PHPMA, toward short DNA in aqueous solutions. The PDMAEMA‐b‐PHPMA amphiphilic block copolymers present various self‐assembly characteristics when inserted into aqueous media, depending on the composition, the solubilization protocol, the acidity and the temperature of the aqueous media. Copolymer aggregates‐DNA interactions and nanostructure formation after complexation are investigated by dynamic light scattering and intensity measurements in aqueous solutions in a fixed temperature range, utilizing two different solubilization protocols for the copolymers. Ethidium bromide assays by fluorescence spectroscopy and ζ‐potential measurements were also utilized to investigate the structure and properties of the DNA/copolymer polyplexes. The interpretation of such physicochemical characterization provides extra comprehension of the novel (Q)PDMAEMA‐b‐PHPMA copolymers self‐assembly characteristics and assesses their ability for DNA complexation, stabilization, and delivery.
Automated aerosol puffers effectively deliver 1‐OCTEN‐3‐OL, an oviposition antagonist useful against spotted‐wing drosophila
Authors: Stockton Dara G , Wallingford Anna K , Cha Dong H , Loeb Gregory M
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Automated aerosol puffers releasing behaviorally active volatile organic compounds can deter insect pests in crops. During 2016, we tested the efficacy of aerosol puffer arrays emitting 1‐octen‐3‐ol at reducing Drosophila suzukii oviposition in fall‐bearing raspberries in Western New York State. During 2017, we compared the performance of aerosol puffers with a passive diffusion release method (vial dispensers), as well as puffer timing and placement within the field.

RESULTS

During 2016, we found that octenol application in the field via aerosol puffer systems resulted in a 20% decrease in D. suzukii oviposition compared to control plots. During 2017, we found that aerosol puffers releasing octenol were 42–55% more effective than vial dispensers at deterring oviposition. We also found that a discontinuous application of octenol during dawn and dusk was sufficient to deter D. suzukii oviposition equivalent to continuous applications throughout the day. Although we observed no differences in infestation depending on puffer placement, low fly populations at the time of the trial may have affected the data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that automated aerosol puffer systems may reduce D. suzukii infestation to a greater extent than vial dispensers. If adopted, a discontinuous puffer release schedule may protect both economic and ecological interests by reducing the amount of material required to achieve efficacy. Further research on puffer placement is needed to determine whether perimeter applications are effective in larger scale field research and in combination with attractants as part of a push‐pull management system.
Multi‐level movement response of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to removal
Authors: Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Schlichting Peter E , Keiter David A , Smith Joshua B , Kilgo John C , Wittemyer George , Vercauteren Kurt C , Beasley James C , Pepin Kim M
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Lethal removal of invasive species, such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa), is often the most efficient approach for reducing their negative impacts. Wild pigs are one of the most widespread and destructive invasive mammals in the USA. Lethal management techniques are a key approach for wild pigs and can alter wild pig spatial behavior, but it is unclear how wild pigs respond to the most common removal technique, trapping. We investigated the spatial behavior of wild pigs following intensive removal of conspecifics via trapping at three sites within the Savannah River Site, SC, USA. We evaluated changes in wild pig densities, estimated temporal shifts in home‐range properties, and evaluated fine‐scale movement responses of wild pigs to removal.

RESULTS

We observed a significant reduction in the density of wild pigs in one site following removal via trapping while a qualitative reduction was observed in another site. We found little evidence of shifts in pig home‐ranging behavior following removal. However, we did observe a nuanced response in movement behavior of wild pigs to the removal at the scale of the GPS locations (4 h), including increased movement speed and reduced selection for vegetation rich areas.

CONCLUSION

Our work provides a better understanding of the impact of removal via trapping on wild pig movement and its implications for management. The lack of shift in home‐range characteristics observed illustrates how targeted trapping could be used to provide temporary relief for species sensitive to wild pig consumption such as ground nesting birds or agricultural crops.
Evaluating a targeted multiple reaction monitoring approach to global untargeted lipidomic analyses of human plasma
Authors: Khan Mostafa J. , Codreanu Simona G. , Goyal Sandeep , Wages Phillip A. , Gorti Santosh K.K. , Pearson Mackenzie J. , Uribe Isabel , Sherrod Stacy D. , McLean John A. , Porter Ned A. , Robinson Renã A.S.
Published: August 2020

Rationale

The Lipidyzer platform was recently updated on a SCIEX QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer and offers a targeted lipidomics assay including 1150 different lipids. We evaluated this targeted approach using human plasma samples and compared the results against a global untargeted lipidomics method using a high‐resolution Q Exactive HF Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Methods

Lipids from human plasma samples (N = 5) were extracted using a modified Bligh–Dyer approach. A global untargeted analysis was performed using a Thermo Orbitrap Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer, followed by data analysis using Progenesis QI software. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)‐based targeted analysis was performed using a QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer, followed by data analysis using SCIEX OS software. The samples were injected on three separate days to assess reproducibility for both approaches.

Results

Overall, 465 lipids were identified from 11 lipid classes in both approaches, of which 159 were similar between the methods, 168 lipids were unique to the MRM approach, and 138 lipids were unique to the untargeted approach. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine species were the most commonly identified using the untargeted approach, while triacylglycerol species were the most commonly identified using the targeted MRM approach. The targeted MRM approach had more consistent relative abundances across the three days than the untargeted approach. Overall, the coefficient of variation for inter‐day comparisons across all lipid classes was ∼ 23% for the untargeted approach and ∼ 9% for the targeted MRM approach.

Conclusions

The targeted MRM approach identified similar numbers of lipids to a conventional untargeted approach, but had better representation of 11 lipid classes commonly identified by both approaches. Based on the separation methods employed, the conventional untargeted approach could better detect phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin lipid classes. The targeted MRM approach had lower inter‐day variability than the untargeted approach when tested using a small group of plasma samples. These studies highlight the advantages in using targeted MRM approaches for human plasma lipidomics analysis.
Comprehensive Study of CaO–SiO2‐Based MgO/Li2O‐Modified Mold Flux System for the Casting of Peritectic Steels
Authors: Zhai Bingyu , Zhang Lei , Wang Wanlin
Published: August 2020

It is a challenge to produce peritectic steels through compact strip production (CSP) technology, due to the large volume shrinkage during the initial solidification of peritectic steels and dramatic thermodynamics variation caused by the significant improvement of casting speed. Herein, two mold fluxes are developed to meet the demands for producing peritectic steels by CSP technology. The results show that the developed mold flux MF‐2 achieves the balance between the heat transfer control and mold lubrication, by increasing the CaO/SiO2 ratio to a particular point at 1.25 and the addition of Li2O content. The oxides of CaO and Li2O act as network breakers that will provide more O2− ions to depolymerize the original silicate structure, which in turn promote the mold flux crystallization capability and an effective heat transfer control. Meanwhile, the system viscosity of MF‐2 is lowered; also a good flow fluidity and break temperature are achieved to guarantee an appropriate mold lubrication behavior. In addition, the further addition of Li2O could lower the melting temperature to ensure a certain thickness of liquid layer as well. Therefore, MF‐2 shows the best overall performance and could be applied to industrial operations.
Molecular and biological functions of TRIM‐NHL RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Connacher Robert P. , Goldstrohm Aaron C.
Published: August 2020

The TRIM‐NHL family of proteins shares a conserved domain architecture and play crucial roles in stem cell biology, fertility, and development. This review synthesizes new insights that have revolutionized our understanding of the molecular and biological functions of TRIM‐NHL proteins. Multiple TRIM‐NHLs have been shown to bind specific RNA sequences and structures. X‐ray crystal structures of TRIM‐NHL proteins in complex with RNA ligands reveal versatile modes of RNA recognition by the NHL domain. Functional and genetic analyses show that TRIM‐NHL RNA‐binding proteins negatively regulate the protein expression from the target mRNAs that they bind. This repressive activity plays a crucial role in controlling stem cell fate in the developing brain and differentiating germline. To highlight these paradigms, we focus on several of the most‐extensively studied TRIM‐NHL proteins, specifically Drosophila and vertebrate TRIM71, among others. Brat is essential for development and regulates key target mRNAs to control differentiation of germline and neural stem cells. TRIM71 is also required for development and promotes stem cell proliferation while antagonizing differentiation. Moreover, TRIM71 can be utilized to help reprogram fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells. Recently discovered mutations in TRIM71 cause the neurodevelopmental disease congenital hydrocephalus and emphasize the importance of its RNA‐binding function in brain development. Further relevance of TRIM71 to disease pathogenesis comes from evidence linking it to several types of cancer, including liver and testicular cancer. Collectively, these advances demonstrate a primary role for TRIM‐NHL proteins in the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression in crucial biological processes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Predicted yeast interactome and network‐based interpretation of transcriptionally changed genes
Authors: Jin Jie , Tao Yu‐Tian , Ding Xiao‐Bao , Guo Wen‐Ping , Ruan Li , Yang Qiao‐lei , Chen Peng‐Cheng , Yao Heng , Zhang Hai‐bo , Chen Xin
Published: August 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, budding yeast, is a widely used model organism and research tool in genetics studies. Many efforts have been directed at constructing a high‐quality comprehensive molecular interaction network to elucidate the design logic of the gene circuitries in this classic model organism. In this work, we present the yeast interactome resource (YIR), which includes 22,238 putative functional gene interactions inferred from functional gene association data integrated from 10 databases focusing on diverse functional perspectives. These putative functional gene interactions are expected to cover 18.84% of yeast protein interactions, and 38.49% may represent protein interactions. Based on the YIR, a gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) web tool was developed to annotate the potential functional impacts of a set of transcriptionally changed genes. In a case study, we show that the YIR/GSLA system produced more extensive and concise annotations compared with widely used gene set annotation tools, including PANTHER and DAVID. Both YIR and GSLA are accessible through the website http://yeast.biomedtzc.cn.
On the reduction of negative weights in MC@NLO-type matching procedures
Authors: Frederix R. , Frixione S. , Prestel S. , Torrielli P.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We show how a careful analysis of the behaviour of a parton shower Monte Carlo in the vicinity of the soft and collinear regions allows one to formulate a modified MC@NLO-matching prescription that reduces the number of negative-weight events with respect to that stemming from the standard MC@NLO procedure. As a first practical application of such a prescription, that we dub MC@NLO-∆, we have implemented it in the MadGraph5_aMC@NLO framework, by employing the Pythia8 Monte Carlo. We present selected MC@NLO-∆ results at the 13 TeV LHC, and compare them with MC@NLO ones. We find that the former predictions are consistent with the latter ones within the typical matching systematics, and that the reduction of negative-weight events is significant.
On the phase space in Double Field Theory
Authors: Lescano Eric , Mirón-Granese Nahuel
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We present a model of (double) kinetic theory which paves the way to describe matter in a Double Field Theory background. Generalized diffeomorphisms acting on double phase space tensors are introduced. The generalized covariant derivative is replaced by a generalized Liouville operator as it happens in relativistic kinetic theory. The section condition is consistently extended and the closure of the generalized transformations is still given by the C-bracket. In this context we propose a generalized Boltzmann equation and compute the moments of the latter, obtaining an expression for the generalized energy-momentum tensor and its conservation law.
A cornucopia of AdS5 vacua
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Fischbacher Thomas , Gautason Fridrik Freyr , Pilch Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We report on a systematic search for AdS5 vacua corresponding to critical points of the potential in the five-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 SO(6) gauged supergravity. By employing Google’s TensorFlow Machine Learning library, we find the total of 32 critical points including 5 previously known ones. All 27 new critical points are non-supersymmetric. We compute the mass spectra of scalar fluctuatons for all points and find that the non- supersymmetric AdS5 vacua are perturbatively unstable. Many of the new critical points can be found analytically within consistent truncations of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity with respect to discrete subgroups of the S(O(6) × GL(2, ℝ)) symmetry of the potential. In par- ticular, we discuss in detail a $$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{Z}}}_2^3 $$

ℤ
2
3

-invariant truncation with 10 scalar fields and 15 critical points. We also compute explicitly the scalar potential in a $$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{Z}}}_2^2 $$

ℤ
2
2

-invariant extension of that truncation to 18 scalar fields and reproduce 17 of the 32 critical points from the numerical search. Finally, we show that the full potential as a function of 42 scalar fields can be studied analytically using the so-called solvable parametrization. In particular, we find that all critical points lie in a ℤ2-invariant subspace spanned by 22 scalar fields.
Janus on the brane
Authors: Gutperle Michael , Uhlemann Christoph F.
Published: August 2020

We present a non-supersymmetric deformation of probe branes describing conformal defects of codimension two in AdS/CFT. The worldvolume of the probe branes is deformed from AdSp× S1 embedded in an AdSp+2× ℳD − p − 2 background to an embedding of Janus form, which uses an AdSp−1 slicing of AdSp and in which the brane bends along the slicing coordinate. In field theory terms this realizes conformal interfaces on codimension- two defects. We discuss these “Janus on the brane” solutions for AdS3× S1 D3-branes in the AdS5× S5 solution of Type IIB, realizing interfaces on surface defects in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM, and show that similar solutions exist for probe branes in AdSp+2× S9−p vacua of M-theory and in the AdS6× S4 solution of massive Type IIA.
Superbalance of holographic entropy inequalities
Authors: He Temple , Hubeny Veronika E. , Rangamani Mukund
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The domain of allowed von Neumann entropies of a holographic field theory carves out a polyhedral cone — the holographic entropy cone — in entropy space. Such polyhedral cones are characterized by their extreme rays. For an arbitrary number of parties, it is known that the so-called perfect tensors are extreme rays. In this work, we constrain the form of the remaining extreme rays by showing that they correspond to geometries with vanishing mutual information between any two parties, ensuring the absence of Bell pair type entanglement between them. This is tantamount to proving that besides subadditivity, all non-redundant holographic entropy inequalities are superbalanced, i.e. not only do UV divergences cancel in the inequality itself (assuming smooth entangling surfaces), but also in the purification thereof.
Composition and Shape of Hadrianic Domes
Authors: Cipriani Luca , Fantini Filippo , Bertacchi Silvia
Published: August 2020

In-depth studies on the design of the domes of the Octagonal Hall of the Small Baths and the Vestibule of the Golden Court at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli have been conducted starting from 3D surveys carried out with active and passive sensors. Through the comparison of the ichnographia and orthographia of these emblematic examples of architectural experimentation, common elements and features have emerged which, thanks to the integrated use of new measurement technologies, have allowed us to hypothesise dimensioning systems of the vertical structures together with possible criteria for defining the intrados–extrados relationship. Hadrian’s architects’ use of precise grid-based designs to facilitate the achievement of target quantities (required areas and volumes) as well as modules aimed at defining alignments of horizontal and vertical structures emerge clearly, providing useful elements for an integrated reading of the individual buildings to support the archaeological investigation.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has higher revisions than total knee arthroplasty at long term follow-up: a registry study on 6453 prostheses
Authors: Di Martino A. , Bordini B. , Barile F. , Ancarani C. , Digennaro V. , Faldini C.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse long-term unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) focusing on survivorship, causes of failure and revision strategy.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of data from a regional arthroplasty registry for cases performed between 2000 and 2017. A total of 6453 UKAs were identified and the following information was analysed: demographic data, diagnosis leading to primary implant, survivorship, complication rate, causes of failure, revision strategies. UKA registry data were compared with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) registry data of 54,012 prostheses, which were implanted in the same time period.

Results

6453 UKAs were included in the study: the vast majority of them (84.4%) were implanted due to primary osteoarthritis followed by deformity (7.1%) and necrosis of the condyle (5.1%). When compared to TKA, UKA showed lower perioperative complication rate (0.3% compared to 0.6%) but higher revision rate (18.2% at 15 years, compared to 6.2% for TKA). No correlation was found between diagnosis leading to primary implant and prosthesis survival. The most frequent cause of failure was total aseptic loosening (37.4%), followed by pain without loosening (19.8%). Of the 620 UKAs requiring revision, 485 were revised with a TKA and 61 of them required a re-revision; on the other hand, of the 35 cases where another UKA was implanted, 16 required a re-revision.

Conclusion

UKA is associated with fewer perioperative complications but higher revision rates when compared to TKA. Its survivorship is not affected by the diagnosis leading to primary implant. Revision surgery of a failed UKA should be performed implanting a TKA, which is associated with a lower re-revision rate when compared to another UKA.

Level of evidence

Level 3, therapeutic study.
A domain mapping approach for elliptic equations posed on random bulk and surface domains
Authors: Church Lewis , Djurdjevac Ana , Elliott Charles M.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we analyse the domain mapping method approach to approximate statistical moments of solutions to linear elliptic partial differential equations posed over random geometries including smooth surfaces and bulk-surface systems. In particular, we present the necessary geometric analysis required by the domain mapping method to reformulate elliptic equations on random surfaces onto a fixed deterministic surface using a prescribed stochastic parametrisation of the random domain. An abstract analysis of a finite element discretisation coupled with a Monte-Carlo sampling is presented for the resulting elliptic equations with random coefficients posed over the fixed curved reference domain and optimal error estimates are derived. The results from the abstract framework are applied to a model elliptic problem on a random surface and a coupled elliptic bulk-surface system and the theoretical convergence rates are confirmed by numerical experiments.
Osteoporosis is a Predictive Factor for Nephrolithiasis in an Adult Free-Living Caucasian Population From Southern Italy: A Longitudinal Retrospective Study Based on a General Practice Database
Authors: Rendina Domenico , D’Elia Lanfranco , Evangelista Marco , De Filippo Gianpaolo , Giaquinto Alfonso , Barone Biagio , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Prezioso Domenico , Strazzullo Pasquale
Published: August 2020

Osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis are common multifactorial disorders with high incidence and prevalence in the adult population worldwide. Both are associated with high morbidity and mortality if not correctly diagnosed and accurately treated. Nephrolithiasis is considered a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density. Aim of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate if osteoporosis is a predictive factor for the nephrolithiasis occurrence. Free-living subjects referring to “COMEGEN” general practitioners cooperative operating in Naples, Southern Italy. Twelve thousand seven hundred ninety-four Caucasian subjects (12,165 female) who performed bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and have a negative personal history for nephrolithiasis. Subjects aged less than 40 years or with signs or symptoms suggestive of secondary osteoporosis were excluded from the study. In a mean lapse of time of 19.5 months, 516 subjects had an incident episode of nephrolithiasis. Subjects with osteoporosis had an increased risk of nephrolithiasis than subjects without osteoporosis (Hazard Ratio = 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval 1.01–1.74, p = 0.04). Free-living adult subjects over the age of 40 with idiopathic osteoporosis have an increased risk of incident nephrolithiasis, suggesting the advisability of appropriate investigation and treatment of the metabolic alterations predisposing to nephrolithiasis in patients with osteoporosis. The study protocol was approved by the ASL Napoli 1 Ethical Committee, protocol number 0018508/2018
Differences in incubation behaviour and niche separation of two competing flycatcher species
Authors: Koski Tuuli-Marjaana , Sirkiä Päivi M. , McFarlane S. Eryn , Ålund Murielle , Qvarnström Anna
Published: August 2020

Food availability sets the stage for incubation behaviour of a female bird and thereby indirectly determines the nest temperature, which in turn affects development and metabolism of avian embryos. Changes in development and metabolism in turn are known to influence offspring’s ability to adjust to environmental changes later in life. However, few studies have investigated the role of interspecific differences in incubation behaviour in relation to niche separation between competing sibling species. We studied the effects of habitat quality (in terms of caterpillar availability) on incubation behaviour of two ecologically similar and closely related species, collared and pied flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis and F. hypoleuca), in their hybrid zone on the island of Öland, Sweden. Even though both species prefer caterpillar-rich deciduous forests as nesting sites, collared flycatchers, whose nestlings have higher energetic demands, are able to nest only in deciduous forests, whereas pied flycatchers have more flexible habitat requirements. Overall, higher food availability was associated with increased nest attendance, higher incubation temperature and a lower number of foraging trips across species. In addition, collared flycatchers had more frequent and shorter foraging trips across habitat types, allocated more heat to eggs and therefore maintained higher nest temperatures compared to pied flycatchers. We argue that the higher heat allocation or the need to maintain a higher nest temperature for embryo development may constrain collared flycatchers to focus on relatively more profitable prey. Our results highlight the importance of considering incubation behaviour in the context of understanding species differences in niche use.

Significance statement

Niche separation plays an important role in mitigating effects of competition between closely related species. Whether species differences in incubation behaviour relate to differences in niche use remains unknown. We compared incubation behaviour of two sympatric flycatcher species that differ in sensitivity to food availability. The competitively more dominant and larger species, the collared flycatcher, whose nestlings are more sensitive to food shortages, made more frequent foraging trips but allocated more heat to eggs, leading to higher nest temperature despite lower nest attendance, compared to pied flycatchers. These interspecific differences may be a result of differences in embryo sensitivity or female physiology and contribute to the niche separation between the species, which in turn can facilitate coexistence.
Short-distance distribution patterns of testate amoebae in an Arctic ice-wedge polygon mire (Berelekh-Indigirka lowlands, NE Siberia)
Authors: de Klerk Pim , Bobrov Anatoly , Theuerkauf Martin , Joosten Hans
Published: August 2020

The Arctic is experiencing substantial warming with possibly large consequences for global climate when its large soil carbon stocks are mobilized. Yet the functioning of permafrost peatlands, which contain considerable amounts of carbon, is still not fully understood. Palaeoecological studies may contribute to unravelling this functioning but require actuo-ecological calibration of the environmental proxies used. Testate amoebae may be valuable proxies for palaeoecological reconstruction, but indeed still large gaps exist regarding their present-day distribution in Arctic peatlands. This study presents the distribution of testate amoebae taxa with high (1 m) spatial resolution along a transect crossing an Arctic ice-wedge polygon mire. Whereas the polygon ridges are characterised by taxa that are known to be typical of dry environments or hydrologically indifferent, the low-lying wet settings show a mixture of wet- and dry-living taxa, indicating seasonally rapidly changing conditions. High testate amoebae concentrations were only found on the dry polygon ridges. Archerella flavum occurs in various moss species in drier polygon settings, in contrast to temperate regions where the species is exclusively known from wet sites with Sphagnum, which probably relates to the special moisture conditions associated with permafrost. To compare the results of full testate amoebae analysis with those of palynology, each surface sample was split into two parts and prepared and analysed following standard testate amoebae analysis and palynological methods, respectively. Clear differences in qualitative content were found and can be attributed to the different preparation methods and to possible small (a few cm) differences in sample location. Nevertheless, the indicative value of testate amoebae found in pollen samples adds importantly to the ecological inference of palynological studies. Overall testate amoebae research is very valuable for the recognition of past ecological settings and the accurate reconstruction of past hydrological regimes in Arctic mires. Considerably more research is, however, necessary to cover the total (ecological) diversity of testate amoebae populations in NE Siberia.