bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Information Flow in Formulating Discharge Forecast Models: A Case Study From an Arid Snow‐Dominated Catchment
Authors: Tennant Christopher , Larsen Laurel , Bellugi Dino , Moges Edom , Zhang Liang , Ma Hongxu
Published: April 2020

Streamflow forecasts often perform poorly because of improper representation of hydrologic response timescales in underlying models. Here, we use transfer entropy (TE), which measures information flow between variables, to identify dominant drivers of discharge and their timescales using sensor data from the Dry Creek Experimental Watershed, ID, USA. Consistent with previous mechanistic studies, TE revealed that snowpack accumulation and partitioning into melt, recharge, and evaporative loss dominated discharge patterns and that snow‐sourced baseflow reduced the greatest amount of uncertainty in discharge. We hypothesized that machine learning models (MLMs) specified in accordance with the dominant lag timescales, identified via TE, would outperform timescale‐agnostic models. However, while lagged‐variable random forest regressions captured the dominant process—seasonal snowmelt—they ultimately did not perform as well as the unlagged models, provided those models were specified with input data aggregated over a range of timescales. Unlagged models, not constrained by timescales of the dominant processes, more effectively represented variable interactions (e.g., rain‐on‐snow events) playing a critical role in translating precipitation into streamflow over long, intermediate, and short timescales. Meanwhile, long short‐term memory (LSTM) models were effective in internally identifying the key lag and aggregation scales for predicting discharge. Parsimonious specification of LSTM models, using only daily unlagged precipitation and temperature data, produced the highest performing predictions. Our findings suggest that TE can identify dominant streamflow controls and the relative importance of different mechanisms of streamflow generation, useful for establishing process baselines and fingerprinting watersheds. However, restricting MLMs based on dominant timescales undercuts their skill at learning these timescales internally.
Data Assimilative Optimization of WSA Source Surface and Interface Radii using Particle Filtering
Authors: Meadors Grant David , Jones Shaela I. , Hickmann Kyle S. , Arge Charles N. , Godinez‐Vasquez Humberto C. , Henney Carl J.
Published: April 2020

The Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge (WSA) model estimates solar wind speed and interplanetary magnetic field polarity in the inner heliosphere using global photospheric magnetic field maps. WSA employs the Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) and Schatten Current Sheet (SCS) models to determine the Sun's global coronal magnetic field. The PFSS and SCS models are connected through two radial parameters, the source surface and interface radii, which specify the overlap region between the inner SCS and outer PFSS models. Though both radii values are adjustable, they have typically been fixed to 2.5 solar radii. Our work highlights how solar wind predictions improve when the radii are allowed to vary over time. Data assimilation using particle filtering (sequential Monte Carlo) is used to infer optimal values over a fixed time window. Solar wind model predictions and satellite observations are compared with a newly developed quality‐of‐agreement prediction metric. The agreement metric between the model and observations is assumed to correspond to the probability of the two key WSA model parameters, the source surface and interface radii, where the highest metric value implies the optimal radii. We find that the optimal particle filter values of solar radii can perform twice as well as standard values for an exploratory period during Carrington Rotation 1901, with these values also reducing nonphysical kinking effects seen in solar magnetic field lines. Data assimilation choices of input realization and time frame have implications for variation in the solar wind over time. We present this work's theoretical context and practical applications for prediction accuracy.
Upregulation of CD38 expression on multiple myeloma cells by novel HDAC6 inhibitors is a class effect and augments the efficacy of daratumumab
Authors: García-Guerrero Estefanía , Götz Ralph , Doose Sören , Sauer Markus , Rodríguez-Gil Alfonso , Nerreter Thomas , Kortüm K. Martin , Pérez-Simón José A. , Einsele Hermann , Hudecek Michael , Danhof Sophia
Published: April 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is incurable, so there is a significant unmet need for effective therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. This situation has not changed despite the recent approval of the anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab, one of the most potent agents in MM treatment. The efficiency of daratumumab might be improved by combining it with synergistic anti-MM agents. We therefore investigated the potential of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor ricolinostat to up-regulate CD38 on MM cells, thereby enhancing the performance of CD38-specific therapies. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, we observed that ricolinostat significantly increases CD38 RNA levels and CD38 surface expression on MM cells. Super-resolution microscopy imaging of MM cells by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy confirmed this rise with molecular resolution and revealed homogeneous distribution of CD38 molecules on the cell membrane. Particularly important is that combining ricolinostat with daratumumab induced enhanced lysis of MM cells. We also evaluated next-generation HDAC6 inhibitors (ACY-241, WT-161) and observed similar increase of CD38 levels suggesting that the upregulation of CD38 expression on MM cells by HDAC6 inhibitors is a class effect. This proof-of-concept illustrates the potential benefit of combining HDAC6 inhibitors and CD38-directed immunotherapy for MM treatment.
Correction: Lymphopenia predicts disease severity of COVID-19: a descriptive and predictive study
Authors: Tan Li , Wang Qi , Zhang Duanyang , Ding Jinya , Huang Qianchuan , Tang Yi-Quan , Wang Qiongshu , Miao Hongming
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Childhood vaccines and antibiotic use in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Lewnard Joseph A. , Lo Nathan C. , Arinaminpathy Nimalan , Frost Isabel , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: April 2020

Vaccines may reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance, in part by preventing infections for which treatment often includes the use of antibiotics1–4. However, the effects of vaccination on antibiotic consumption remain poorly understood—especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burden of antimicrobial resistance is greatest5. Here we show that vaccines that have recently been implemented in the World Health Organization’s Expanded Programme on Immunization reduce antibiotic consumption substantially among children under five years of age in LMICs. By analysing data from large-scale studies of households, we estimate that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and live attenuated rotavirus vaccines confer 19.7% (95% confidence interval, 3.4–43.4%) and 11.4% (4.0–18.6%) protection against antibiotic-treated episodes of acute respiratory infection and diarrhoea, respectively, in age groups that experience the greatest disease burden attributable to the vaccine-targeted pathogens6,7. Under current coverage levels, pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines prevent 23.8 million and 13.6 million episodes of antibiotic-treated illness, respectively, among children under five years of age in LMICs each year. Direct protection resulting from the achievement of universal coverage targets for these vaccines could prevent an additional 40.0 million episodes of antibiotic-treated illness. This evidence supports the prioritization of vaccines within the global strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance8.
Harmonised global datasets of wind and solar farm locations and power
Authors: Dunnett Sebastian , Sorichetta Alessandro , Taylor Gail , Eigenbrod Felix
Published: April 2020

Energy systems need decarbonisation in order to limit global warming to within safe limits. While global land planners are promising more of the planet’s limited space to wind and solar photovoltaic, there is little information on where current infrastructure is located. The majority of recent studies use land suitability for wind and solar, coupled with technical and socioeconomic constraints, as a proxy for actual location data. Here, we address this shortcoming. Using readily accessible OpenStreetMap data we present, to our knowledge, the first global, open-access, harmonised spatial datasets of wind and solar installations. We also include user friendly code to enable users to easily create newer versions of the dataset. Finally, we include first order estimates of power capacities of installations. We anticipate these data will be of widespread interest within global studies of the future potential and trade-offs associated with the global decarbonisation of energy systems.
Publisher Correction: Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Derived from Coal for Bioimaging: Facile and Green Approach
Authors: Kang Sukhyun , Kim Kang Min , Jung kyunghwan , Son Yong , Mhin Sungwook , Ryu Jeong Ho , Shim Kwang Bo , Lee Byoungsoo , Han HyukSu , Song Taeseup
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Incompatible Coulomb hamiltonian extensions
Authors: Abramovici G.
Published: April 2020

We revisit the resolution of the one-dimensional Schrödinger hamiltonian with a Coulomb λ/|x| potential. We examine among its self-adjoint extensions those which are compatible with physical conservation laws. In the one-dimensional semi-infinite case, we show that they are classified on a U(1) circle in the attractive case and on $${\boldsymbol{(}}{\mathbb{R}},{\boldsymbol{+}}{\boldsymbol{\infty }}{\boldsymbol{)}}$$(R,+∞) in the repulsive one. In the one-dimensional infinite case, we find a specific and original classification by studying the continuity of eigenfunctions. In all cases, different extensions are incompatible one with the other. For an actual experiment with an attractive potential, the bound spectrum can be used to discriminate which extension is the correct one.
4-Hydroxyestrone, an Endogenous Estrogen Metabolite, Can Strongly Protect Neuronal Cells Against Oxidative Damage
Authors: Choi Hye Joung , Lee Anthony J. , Kang Ki Sung , Song Ji Hoon , Zhu Bao Ting
Published: April 2020

Earlier studies showed that endogenous estrogens have neuroprotective effect against oxidative damage. The present study seeks to investigate the protective effect of various endogenous estrogen metabolites against oxidative neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Using immortalized mouse hippocampal neuronal cells as an in vitro model, 4-hydroxyestrone, an estrone metabolite with little estrogenic activity, is found to have the strongest neuroprotective effect against oxidative neurotoxicity among 25 endogenous estrogen metabolites tested, and its protective effect is stronger than 17β-estradiol. Similarly, 4-Hydroxyestrone also exerts a stronger protective effect than 17β-estradiol against kanic acid-induced hippocampal oxidative damage in rats. Neuroprotection by 4-hydroxyestrone involves increased cytoplasmic translocation of p53 resulting from SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of p53. Analysis of brain microsomal enzymes shows that estrogen 4-hydroxylation is the main metabolic pathway in the central nervous system. Together, these results show that 4-hydroxyestrone is an endogenous neuroestrogen that can strongly protect against oxidative neuronal damage.
Drivers of concentrated predation in an Antarctic marginal-ice-zone food web
Authors: Saenz Benjamin T. , Ainley David G. , Daly Kendra L. , Ballard Grant , Conlisk Erin , Elrod Megan L. , Kim Stacy L.
Published: April 2020

Predators impact preyscapes (3-D distribution of forage species) by consuming prey according to their abilities or by altering prey behavior as they avoid being consumed. We elucidate prey (Antarctic silverfish[Pleuragramma antarctica] and crystal krill[Euphausia chrystallorophias]) responses to predation associated with the marginal ice zone (MIZ) of the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, polynya. Prey abundance and habitat was sampled across a 30 × 15 km area by remotely-operated vehicle, and included locations that were accessible (ice edge) or inaccessible (solid fast ice) to air-breathing predators. Prey and habitat sampling coincided with bio-logging of Adélie penguins and observations of other air-breathing predators (penguins, seals, and whales), all of which were competing for the same prey. Adélie penguins dived deeper, and more frequently, near the ice edge. Lowered abundance of krill at the ice edge indicated they were depleted or were responding to increased predation and/or higher light levels along the ice edge. Penguin diet shifted increasingly to silverfish from krill during sampling, and was correlated with the arrival of krill-eating whales. Behaviorally-mediated, high trophic transfer characterizes the McMurdo Sound MIZ, and likely other MIZs, warranting more specific consideration in food web models and conservation efforts.
Impact of groundwater depth and soil salinity on riparian plant diversity and distribution in an arid area of China
Authors: Zeng Yong , Zhao Chengyi , Shi Fengzhi , Schneider Michael , Lv Guanghui , Li Yan
Published: April 2020

Riparian plant diversity in arid regions is sensitive to changes in groundwater. Although it is well known that groundwater has a significant influence on plant diversity, there have been few studies on how groundwater and soil salinity impact plant community in desert riparian ecosystems. Therefore, we surveyed 77 quadrats (100 m × 100 m) to examine the relationship between groundwater depth, groundwater salinity, soil salinity and plant community in the upper reaches of the Tarim River. Data were analyzed with two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), detrended canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicated thatPopulus euphratica,Tamarix ramosissima, andPhragmites australiswere the dominant plants among trees, shrubs and herbs, respectively. Five plant community types were classified. There were significant differences in species diversity, soil moisture, soil salinity, groundwater depth and groundwater salinity across the community types. The composition and distribution of plant community are significantly influenced by groundwater depth, groundwater salinity, soil moisture, distances from the river to the quadrats, soil pH, electrical conductivity, total salt, CO32−, Cl−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+and K+. Shallow groundwater depth, low groundwater salinity, and high soil moisture and soil salinity were associated with higher plant diversity.
Highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus subtype clade 2.3.4.4 indigenous in South Korea
Authors: Shin Juyoun , Kang Shinseok , Byeon Hyeonseop , Cho Sung-Min , Kim Seon-Yeong , Chung Yeun-Jun , Jung Seung-Hyun
Published: April 2020

The outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018, caused by novel reassortant clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 viruses, resulted in the loss of one billion birds in South Korea. Here, we characterized the H5N6 viruses isolated from wild birds in South Korea from December 2017 to August 2019 by next-generation sequencing. The results indicated that clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 viruses isolated in 2017 and 2019 shared almost identical nucleotide sequences with the HPAI H5N6 viruses from 2016 in South Korea. This repeated detection of evolutionarily identical H5N6 viruses in same region for more than three years may suggest indigenization of the HPAI H5N6 virus in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 viruses isolated in 2017 and 2019 were evolutionarily distinct from those isolated in 2018. Molecular analysis revealed that the H5N6 viruses isolated in 2017 and 2019 had features associated with an increased risk of human infection (e.g. a deletion at position 133 of HA and glutamic acid residue at position 92 of NS1). Overall, these genomic features of HPAI H5N6 viruses highlight the need for continuous monitoring of avian influenza viruses in wild migratory birds as well as in domestic birds.
Waist to Height Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome as lung dysfunction predictors
Authors: Molina-Luque Rafael , Romero-Saldaña Manuel , Álvarez-Fernández Carlos , Rodríguez-Guerrero Enrique , Hernández-Reyes Alberto , Molina-Recio Guillermo
Published: April 2020

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has been related to pulmonary diseases but its relationship with lung age has not been sufficiently studied. In addition, anthropometric variables have been associated with pulmonary dysfunction, highlighting the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The aim was to evaluate the relationship between MetS and: lung age, anthropometric variables and the alteration of lung function. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1901 workers, evaluating lung function through lung age (Morris & Temple equation) and spirometric values. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the harmonized criteria. We measured anthropometric variables (WHtR, waist circumference, body mass index, waist to hip ratio), blood pressure and biochemical variables (glucose, cholesterol total, HDL, triglycerides). Workers suffering from MetS showed an accelerated lung aging (59.4 ± 18.7 years vs 49 ± 18.4 years). The WHtR ≥ 0.55 was significantly related to an increase in lung age (β = 6.393, p < 0.001). In addition, a significant linear trend was found between clinical categories of WHtR and lung dysfunction, restrictive and mixed pattern. MetS caused an accelerated lung aging and favored the presence of restrictive lung impairment. In addition, WHtR ≥ 0.55 has been shown as the best predictor for pulmonary health.
$${\mathcal{P}}{\mathcal{T}}$$-Symmetric Effective Model for Nonequilibrium Phase Transitions in a Dissipative Fermionic Mott Insulator Chain
Authors: Tripathi V. , Vinokur V. M.
Published: April 2020

Nonequilibrium phase transitions in open dissipative systems can be described as instabilities in the spectra and wavefunctions of effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonians invariant under simultaneous parity ($$\boldsymbol{\mathcal{P}}$$P) and time-reversal ($$\boldsymbol{\mathcal{T}}$$T) transformations. The degree of non-Hermiticity reflects the strength of the external drive and dissipation, and the transition is described as a loss of the $$\boldsymbol{\mathcal{P}}\boldsymbol{\mathcal{T}}$$PT symmetry of the solutions corresponding to stationary low-drive dynamics. This approach has been successfully applied to spin, superconducting, and Mott insulator systems. However, the microscopic foundations for the employed phenomenological models are currently lacking. Here we propose a microscopic mechanism leading to the $$\boldsymbol{\mathcal{P}}\boldsymbol{\mathcal{T}}$$PT-symmetric effective model in the context of the nonequilibrium Mott transition in a dissipative Hubbard chain. Our model comprises a half-filled fermionic Hubbard chain subject to a constant electric field. The dissipation is introduced via the electron-phonon coupling. We obtain the explicit expressions for the non-Hermitian parameter in terms of the electron-phonon coupling strength and driving field. Analyzing the implications of microscopic model, we find a re-entrant Mott insulator with the increasing electric field for phonon density of states that increases slower than the square of the energy (such as in one or two dimensions), or varies non-monotonously with energy.
Long-term fertilization alters soil properties and fungal community composition in fluvo-aquic soil of the North China Plain
Authors: Wen Yan-Chen , Li Hai-Yan , Lin Zhi-An , Zhao Bing-Qiang , Sun Zhan-Bin , Yuan Liang , Xu Jiu-Kai , Li Yan-Qing
Published: April 2020

Different fertilization regimes can substantially influence soil fungal community composition, yet fewer studies try to control for the effects of nitrogen input. Here, we investigated the impact of fertilization with equal nitrogen upon soil properties and soil fungal diversity and community composition in the North China Plain in a long-term field experiment. Long-term (32 years) fertilization regimes were applied with equal amounts of nitrogen: no chemical fertilizer or organic manure; chemical fertilization only; organic manure fertilization only, and; combination of 1/2 chemical fertilizer and 1/2 organic manure. Then we investigated the influence of these four fertilization regimes to soil properties, fungal diversity and community composition. The results showed that applying organic manure significantly influenced soil properties. Illumina MiSeq sequencing and its analysis revealed that organic manure fertilization significantly changed soil fungal alpha diversity, but chemical fertilization did not. Although soil fungal community composition did not differ significantly among all the fertilization regimes at the phylum and class levels, they did show differences in the abundance of dominant fungi. Yet at the genus level, soil fungal community composition, abundance, and beta diversity was affected by all fertilization regimes. Application of organic manure also reduced the abundance of soil-born fungal pathogens such as Fusarium. Our results suggest that long-term application of organic manure could markedly improve soil properties, altering soil fungal community composition and its diversity. Moreover, organic manure fertilization could limit soil-born fungal diseases, to further contribute to soil ecosystem sustainability.
Direct and indirect effects of plant diversity and phenoxy herbicide application on the development and reproduction of a polyphagous herbivore
Authors: Gutiérrez Yeisson , Ott David , Scherber Christoph
Published: April 2020

Widespread application of synthetic pesticides and loss of plant diversity are regarded as significant drivers of current global change. The effects of such phenomena on insect performance have been extensively studied separately, yet the interactions of these two drivers have been poorly explored. Here, we subjected the polyphagous grasshopperPseudochorthippus parallelus(Zetterstedt, 1821) to a full-lifecycle field experiment with 50 cages containing experimental plant communities differing in grass species richness (2 vs. 8 grass species), half of them treated with a phenoxy herbicide commonly employed to control broadleaf plants in grasslands. We measured plant elemental content as a proxy for plant physiology, and a wide range of insect traits in both female and male grasshoppers. In females, grass diversity increased herbivory, insect nitrogen content and egg load, while herbicide reduced herbivory but increased the number of offspring, likely mediated by altered plant community composition. In males, grass diversity also increased herbivory, had positive effects on fat body, muscle volume and lifespan, and negative effects on body mass. Herbicide negatively affected herbivory in both females and males. Overall, plant diversity and herbicides may shift resource allocation in generalist terrestrial insect herbivores, indicating complex and unexpected effects of human-induced environmental change.
An information theory approach to biocultural complexity
Authors: Reyes-Valdés M. Humberto , Kantartzi Stella K.
Published: April 2020

The study of biocultural diversity requires the use of appropriate concepts and analytical tools. Particularly, there is a need of indices capable to show the degree of stratification in the set of interactions among cultures and groups of plants and animals in a given region. Here, we present a mathematical approach based on the mutual Shannon information theory to study the relationships among cultural and biological groups. Biocultural complexity was described in terms of effective biocultural units, a new concept defined in this work. From the mathematical formulation of biocultural complexity, formulas were derived to measure the specificity of biological groups and the specialization of cultures, based on the association of human societies with plant or animal groups. To exemplify the concepts and tools, two data sets were analyzed; 1) a set that included artificial data in order to demonstrate the use of the formulas and calculate the indices, and 2) a set that included published data on the use of 18 mushroom species by people in five villages of eastern India. Analysis of the first data set revealed a clear case of biocultural complexity, whereas that of the second set showed that the villages and the use of biological resources composed a single biocultural unit. Overall, hypothesis testing of the association among cultures and biological species was consistent with the information that was provided by the new indices.
Cyclic tensile strain facilitates ossification of the cervical posterior longitudinal ligament via increased Indian hedgehog signaling
Authors: Sugita Daisuke , Nakajima Hideaki , Kokubo Yasuo , Takeura Naoto , Yayama Takafumi , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: April 2020

The pathomechanisms of initiation and progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are unclear. Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and related signaling molecules are key factors in normal enchondral ossification. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of mechanical strain to OPLL and the relationship of Ihh with OPLL. Sections of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) were obtained from 49 patients with OPLL and from 7 patients without OPLL. Cultured PLL cells were subjected to 24 hours of cyclic tensile strain. To identify differentially expressed genes associated with cyclic tensile strain, microarray analysis was performed. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified upregulation of various genes, particularly of the Hedgehog signaling pathway; Ihh and related genes had increased expression compared with controls after 24-hour cyclic tensile strain. In immunoblotting analysis, Ihh, Runx2, Sox9, Gli2, Gli3, and smoothened (SMO) had significantly increased expression after 6- or 12-hour cyclic tensile strain. OPLL samples were strongly immunopositive for Ihh, Sox9, Runx2, Gli2, Gli3, and SMO in the ossification front of OPLL. These results suggest that cyclic tensile strain induces abnormal activation of Ihh and related signaling molecules, and this might be important in the ossification process in OPLL.
Increased insulin receptor binding and increased IGF-1 receptor binding are linked with increased growth of L6hIR cell xenografts in vivo
Authors: Hvid Henning , Glendorf Tine , Brandt Jakob , Slaaby Rita , Lützen Anne , Kristensen Kim , Hansen Bo F.
Published: April 2020

Insulin analogue X10 has a higher mitogenic potency than native human insulin in vitro and supra-pharmacological doses of insulin X10 increased the incidence of mammary tumours in rats. Compared to native human insulin, insulin X10 has increased binding affinity to the insulin receptor and the IGF-1 receptor, but it is not known whether either or both characteristics are important for stimulation of cell proliferation in vivo. The aim of this study was to explore how increased binding affinity to the insulin receptor or the IGF-1 receptor contributes to stimulation of cell proliferation in vivo. A mouse xenograft model was established with rat L6 myoblast cells transfected with the human insulin receptor (L6hIR cells) and effects of supra-pharmacological doses of native human insulin, insulin X10 or novel insulin analogues with increased binding affinity to either the insulin receptor or the IGF-1 receptor were examined. Treatment with insulin X10 and insulin analogues with increased binding affinity to either the insulin receptor or the IGF-1 receptor increased growth of L6hIR cell xenografts significantly compared to native human insulin. Thus, increased binding affinity to the insulin receptor and the IGF-1 receptor are each independently linked to increased growth of L6hIR cell xenografts in vivo.
Polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites involved in metabolic diseases in mice and humans
Authors: Gottmann Pascal , Ouni Meriem , Zellner Lisa , Jähnert Markus , Rittig Kilian , Walther Dirk , Schürmann Annette
Published: April 2020

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are well-studied metabolic diseases, which are based on genetic and epigenetic alterations in combination with an obesogenic lifestyle. The aim of this study was to test whether SNPs in miRNA-mRNA binding sites that potentially disrupt binding, elevate the expression of miRNA targets, which participate in the development of metabolic diseases. A computational approach was developed that integrates transcriptomics, linkage analysis, miRNA-target prediction data, and sequence information of a mouse model of obesity and diabetes. A statistical analysis demonstrated a significant enrichment of 566 genes for a location in obesity- and diabetes-related QTL. They are expressed at higher levels in metabolically relevant tissues presumably due to altered miRNA-mRNA binding sites. Of these, 51 genes harbor conserved and impaired miRNA-mRNA-interactions in human. Among these, 38 genes have been associated to metabolic diseases according to the phenotypes of corresponding knockout mice or other results described in the literature. The remaining 13 genes (e.g.Jrk,Megf9,Slfn8andTmem132e) could be interesting candidates and will be investigated in the future.
Minimally Invasive Cell-Free Human Embryo Aneuploidy Testing (miPGT-A) Utilizing Combined Spent Embryo Culture Medium and Blastocoel Fluid –Towards Development of a Clinical Assay
Authors: Kuznyetsov Valeriy , Madjunkova Svetlana , Abramov Rina , Antes Ran , Ibarrientos Zenon , Motamedi Gelareh , Zaman Afsaneh , Kuznyetsova Iryna , Librach Clifford L.
Published: April 2020

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) using trophectoderm (TE) biopsy samples is labour intensive, invasive, and subject to sampling bias. In this study, we report on the efficacy and factors affecting accuracy of a technique we pioneered for minimally invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (miPGT-A). Our technique uses cell-free embryonic DNA (cfeDNA) in spent embryo culture medium (SEM) combined with blastocoel fluid (BF) to increase the amount of assayable cfeDNA. We compared miPGT-A results (n = 145 embryos) with standard PGT-A analysis of the corresponding trophectoderm biopsy. We found that accuracy of miPGT was not related to blastocyst morphological grade. The overall concordance rate per sample for euploidy/aneuploidy status between miPGT-A and TE biopsy samples was 88/90 (97.8%), and was not different between good 47/48 (97.9%) and moderate/low quality blastocysts 41/42 (97.9%) (p > 0.05). Importantly, we also discovered that for cfeDNA analysis, the SurePlex whole genome amplification (WGA) kit can be utilized without an additional cell lysis/extraction DNA step; this efficiency likely reduces the risk of maternal contamination. Regarding origin of embryonic cfeDNA, the average amount of miPGT-A WGA-DNA we obtained from blastocysts with different morphological grades, as well as the size miPGT-A WGA-DNA fragments, suggest that it is unlikely that apoptosis and necrosis are only mechanisms of DNA release from the inner cell mass (ICM) and TE into BF and SEM.
Author Correction: A broad genomic panel of microsatellite loci from Brycon orbignyanus (Characiformes: Bryconidae) an endangered migratory Neotropical fish
Authors: Yazbeck Gabriel M. , Oliveira Rafael Sachetto , Ribeiro José Mauro , Graciano Raíssa D. , Santos Rosiane P. , Carmo Fausto M. S. , Lavenier Dominique
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Effect of temperature and moisture contents on dielectric properties at 2.45 GHz of fruit and vegetable processing by-products
Authors: Solyom Katalin , Lopez Pilar Rosales , Esquivel Patricia , Lucia Ana , Vásquez-Caicedo
Published: April 2020

If processing alters the food-waste composition, dielectric properties are affected and need to be determined for efficient microwave processes.
Co-gel strategy for preparing hierarchically porous silica/polyimide nanocomposite aerogel with thermal insulation and flame retardancy
Authors: Zhang Xinhai , Ni Xingxing , Li Chenxi , You Bo , Sun Gang
Published: April 2020

Co-gel strategy for preparing hierarchically porous silica/polyimide aerogel with low density, high specific modulus, hydrophobicity, flame retardancy, and thermal insulation.
Rapid mechanochemical synthesis of metal–organic frameworks using exogenous organic base
Authors: Wang Zihao , Li Zongzhe , Ng Marcus , Milner Phillip J.
Published: April 2020

We describe the mechanochemical, solvent-free synthesis of metal–organic frameworks using liquid organic base for the first time.
Simultaneous ozonation of 90 organic micropollutants including illicit drugs and their metabolites in different water matrices
Authors: Zoumpouli Garyfalia A. , Siqueira Souza Fernanda , Petrie Bruce , Féris Liliana Amaral , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara , Wenk Jannis
Published: April 2020

The ozonation of 90 chemically diverse organic micropollutants (OMPs) including four classes of illicit drugs and their metabolites was studied in pure buffered water, tap water and wastewater effluent at three specific ozone doses and three pH levels.
Transition metal-catalyzed coupling of heterocyclic alkenesviaC–H functionalization: recent trends and applications
Authors: Vivek Kumar Sundaravel , Banerjee Sonbidya , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: April 2020

Heterocyclic alkenes and their derivatives are an important class of reactive feedstock and valuable synthons. This review highlights the transition-metal-catalyzed coupling of heterocyclic alkenesviaa C–H functionalization strategy.
N-Fluorobenzenesulfonimide: a useful and versatile reagent for the direct fluorination and amination of (hetero)aromatic C–H bonds
Authors: Gu Qiang , Vessally Esmail
Published: April 2020

This review updates recent advances and developments in the direct fluorination and amination of (hetero)aromatic C–H bonds utilizingN-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, classified according to the type of catalyst.
Effect of film thickness and evaporation rate on co-evaporated SnSe thin films for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Li Zeng , Guo Yixin , Zhao Fei , Nie Chengqi , Li Hongkai , Shi Jingyu , Liu Xiaohui , Jiang Jinchun , Zuo Shaohua
Published: April 2020

SnSe thin films were deposited by a co-evaporation method with different film thicknesses and evaporation rates.
Catalytic methane technology for carbon nanotubes and graphene
Authors: Dong Zhuoya , Li Bofan , Cui Chaojie , Qian Weizhong , Jin Yong , Wei Fei
Published: April 2020

The catalytic methane technology for the production of carbon nanotubes and graphene is summarized in this review.
Highly dispersed Pt studded on CoOx nanoclusters for CO preferential oxidation in H2
Authors: Cai Jiaming , Liu Zhang , Cao Kun , Lang Yun , Chu Shengqi , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: April 2020

Highly dispersed Pt studded on CoOx catalysts are designed and fabricated by selective atomic layer deposition method for enhanced CO preferential oxidation performance.
Wide band gap pyromellitic diimides for photo stable n-channel thin film transistors
Authors: Wang Jianing , Yu Huinan , Fu Tianchen , Zhao Changbin , Yu Hongtao , Liu Zhijun , He Qiang , Zhang Dongwei , Meng Hong , Huang Wei
Published: April 2020

Wide energy gaps of PyDI derivatives lead to excellent photostability in OFETs at illumination conditions and transparency on transparent substrates.
Improvements in the synaptic operations of ferroelectric field-effect transistors using Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films controlled by oxygen partial pressures during the sputtering deposition process
Authors: Min Dae-Hong , Ryu Tae-Hyun , Yoon So-Jung , Moon Seung-Eon , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: April 2020

Synaptic operations of metal–ferroelectric–metal–insulator–semiconductor (MFMIS) field-effect transistors using HfxZr1−xO2 thin films were successfully demonstrated and optimized by controlling oxygen partial pressure during sputtering deposition.
Anti-oxidative passivation and electrochemical activation of black phosphorus via covalent functionalization and its nonvolatile memory application
Authors: Chen Weilin , Gao Shuang , Xie Zhuolin , Lu Ying , Gong Guodong , Liu Gang , Shang Jie , Yao Chuang , Li Run-Wei
Published: April 2020

Covalent modification of BP nanosheets with triphenylamine molecules results in better air stability and electrochemical activity, thus enabling its potential use for nonvolatile resistive switching memory.
“Tell Me About Your Child”: A Grounded Theory Study of Mothers' Understanding of Language Disorder
Authors: Ash Andrea C. , Christopulos Tyler T. , Redmond Sean M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to generate a theory grounded in data explaining caregivers' understanding of their child's language disorder and the perceived role of speech-language pathologists in facilitating this knowledge.

Method

This study employed grounded theory as a conceptual framework. Qualitative data were generated based on semistructured interviews conducted with 12 mothers of children who had received speech-language pathology services.

Results

The following themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) Many mothers reported receiving confusing or irrelevant diagnostic terms for language disorder, (b) mothers of children with language disorders were distressed about their children's language problems, (c) mothers did not always trust or understand their children's speech-language pathologist, and (d) mothers were satisfied with the interventions their child had been receiving. Mothers described their children's language disorder using a total of 23 labels, most of which were not useful for accessing meaningful information about the nature of their child's communication problem. Generally, mothers reported they did not receive language-related diagnostic labels from speech-language pathologists for their child's language disorder.

Conclusions

Two theories were generated from the results: (a) Lack of information provided to mothers about their child's language disorder causes mothers psychological harm that appears to be long lasting. (b) Difficulties in successfully relaying information about language disorders to parents result in negative perceptions of speech-language pathology. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12177390
THz spectroscopy for fundamental science and applications
Authors: Lampin J.F. , Mouret G. , Dhillon S. , Mangeney J.
Published: April 2020

Many elementary process in matter, such as the interaction of electrons, spins and phonons as well as rotational modes of molecules possess resonances frequencies in the THz spectral range (1 THz = 1012 Hz) and dynamics on (sub)-picosecond time scales. Therefore, THz spectroscopy has become an exciting technique for probing and characterizing a variety of low-energy physical phenomena [1], which makes it very attractive for a wide range of disciplines including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and medicine.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Indonesia “Evidence from Co-Integration and Error Correction Modeling”
Authors: Gabrielle Wijaya Alessandro , Astuti Dewi , Jiwa Husada Tarigan Zeplin , Edyanto Natasya
Published: April 2020

This study aims to examine the influence of macroeconomic indicators and infrastructure spending on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the period 1981 to 2018. This study uses a quantitative approach. The sample in this study is macroeconomic variables, which include gross domestic product, inflation, debt to GDP ratio, interest rates, exchange rates, and infrastructure spending in the 1981 to 2018 period. The analysis technique used is cointegration and error correction modeling. The analysis shows that gross domestic product, inflation, debt to GDP ratio, interest rates, exchange rates, and infrastructure spending have a long-term and short-term relationship to FDI.
The Correlation between Community Engagement and Capability Building Through Outbound Activities of Karang Taruna Members at Bencireng Kebontunggul, Mojokerto, Indonesia
Authors: Destiani Andilas Devi , Jiwa Husada Tarigan Zeplin , Br Sitepu Rismawati , Raza Ali
Published: April 2020

Capability building for a group of society is necessary to build the rural community in order to grow the economic potent. One of the communal organization is Karang Taruna (Youth organization), which is expected to empower its youth members so that each member improves competencies for community and self. Capacity building can be accomplished through training programs, and one program often used for capacity building is outbound training. A specific outbound training can be designed for youth so they can comprehend their role in society through outbound implementation. This research is going to measure the correlation between the community engagement and capability building of the Karang Taruna members through implementing outbound activities. The data are collected through questionnaires distributed to all Karang Taruna members who join the outbound activities, and the questionnaires are constructed with the Likert scale from strongly disagree to agree strongly. The number of outbound participants is 16, and each participant is given treatment by outbound instructors about capability building so that each can implement the ability during the outbound. The data analysis is using cross tabulation, and the results show that the outbound training material can improve the skills of the participant during the outbound sessions, can increase the community engagement and motivate the Karang Taruna members, and can enable self-development through continuous learning processes about the outbound. The instructors’ ability to explain the training material can accelerate new experiences for outbound participants, can bring new insights to face problems, and can continuously improve the selfdevelopment of each participant.
The Role of Social Networking on Adaptability and Competitive Advantage: An Empirical Evidence from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Restaurant Industry, Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Wijaya Kartika Endo , Stefanus Kaihatu Thomas
Published: April 2020

Business competition that occurs in every industry in the world these days is totally inevitable, especially in Indonesia as one of the new emergent market in the world. Every companies are expected to be able to cope and compete well to achieve the best result for the shake of the companies’ future. However, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) often encounter so many problems during their competition which could impacted on the decreasing company performance and to some extend the worse result which is bankruptcy. This research is conducted to investigate on the existence of gap that occur due to the lack of empirical evidence that focus on social networking, adaptability and competitive advantage on SMEs in Indonesia. Thus, this research focuses on the leader’s social networking and organizational adaptability to support the creation of competitive advantage. This is an associative causal research using 30 restaurant owners in Surabaya city as the respondent which has a maximum number of employees of 20 peoples. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is used to answer the research questions. It is found out that social networking affects significantly on adaptability, while adaptability affects on competitive advantage insignificantly.
The Effect of its Application on Supply Chain Performance Through Green Supply Chain Management in Food and Beverage Industry in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Siagian Hotlan , William Gomel Engelbertus , Josowanto Oei Selvie
Published: April 2020

This study examines the effect of IT application on the supply chain performance through green supply chain management in the Food and Beverage Industry in Surabaya. Data collection is conducted using questionnaires designed with a five-point Likert scale. From 70 questionnaires distributed, 64 were considered valid for further analysis. Data analysis uses the SEM-PLS technique with SmartPLS software version 3.0. This study assesses the extent to which the corporate apply IT and adopt the green supply chain management in improving the supply chain performance. The results of this study indicate that the use of IT applications influences supply chain performance. The IT application affects the green supply chain management. Green supply chain management affects the supply chain management. One of the interesting findings is that the IT application indirectly affects supply chain performance through green supply chain management. The findings of this study provide an insight for the manager on how to improve supply chain management. This research also contributes to the on-going research in the field of supply chain management.
Challenges in Quality Assurance: A Ten-Year Journey
Authors: Mochtar Jenny , San Gan Shu
Published: April 2020

Academic quality is defined as the equivalent to academic standards related to student learning outcomes, which consist of specific levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities achieved by students participating in a program. The achievement of academic standards is accommodated by implementing both internal and external quality assurance practices. Internal quality assurance refers to policies and practices used by the higher education institutions to monitor and improve the quality of their education, while external quality assurance refers to policies and practices set up by external parties to assure the quality of higher education institutions and programs. Petra Christian University has built and implemented its internal quality assurance since 2009 based on its unique quality culture. After its ten-year journey and the achievements that Petra Christian University has reached in 2019, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0 are challenges ahead that Petra Christian University has to face.
Difficulties in Translating Items Description from Tugu Pahlawan Museum Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Liuray Kathleen
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on the difficulties that are found while translating items description that are displayed in one of the museums in Surabaya, Indonesia which is the Tugu Pahlawan Museum. There are three difficulties that will be discussed in the end of the paper, which is having knowledge of the subject that is going to be translated, the tendency to copy the original translated texts, and abbreviations or terms that cannot be found in the Internet. There will be five tables to show the progress and the differences between the original translated texts and the revised texts.
Determinant Factors in Purchasing Korean Skin Care Products
Authors: Yohana Tanu Christine Keshia , Kempa Sesilya , Vincēviča-Gaile Zane
Published: April 2020

The demand and business opportunities in the skin and facial beauty sector have increased in the last 10 yr. The beauty and personal care industry in Indonesia grows on average of 12 %, with a market value of 33 × 109. This research emphasizes the presence of the influence of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the purchase intention of skincare products that are moderated by the country of origin. The data collection is conducted by distributing questionnaires to a total of 130 respondents. Data obtained through a questionnaire are then processed with Smart Partial Least Square (PLS). The results in this study prove that the attitude and perceived behavioral control significantly influence the purchase intention while the Subjective norm does not significantly influence the purchase intention. On the other hand, the country of origin is not able to strengthen the influence between attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the purchase intention of skincare products.