bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of muscles activations and joints range of motions during oil palm fresh fruit bunch harvesting and loose fruit collection
Authors: Teo Yu Xuan , Chan Yon Sin , Gouwanda Darwin , Gopalai Alpha Agape , Nurzaman Surya Girinatha , Thannirmalai Subbiah
Published: July 2021

Although global demand for palm oil has been increasing, most activities in the oil palm plantations still rely heavily on manual labour, which includes fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting and loose fruit (LF) collection. As a result, harvesters and/or collectors face ergonomic risks resulting in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) due to awkward, extreme and repetitive posture during their daily work routines. Traditionally, indirect approaches were adopted to assess these risks using a survey or manual visual observations. In this study, a direct measurement approach was performed using Inertial Measurement Units, and surface Electromyography sensors. The instruments were attached to different body parts of the plantation workers to quantify their muscle activities and assess the ergonomics risks during FFB harvesting and LF collection. The results revealed that the workers generally displayed poor and discomfort posture in both activities. Biceps, multifidus and longissimus muscles were found to be heavily used during FFB harvesting. Longissimus, iliocostalis, and multifidus muscles were the most used muscles during LF collection. These findings can be beneficial in the design of various assistive tools which could improve workers' posture, reduce the risk of injury and MSD, and potentially improve their overall productivity and quality of life.
Substituted 1,2,3-triazoles: a new class of nitrification inhibitors
Authors: Taggert Bethany I. , Walker Charlie , Chen Deli , Wille Uta
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen (N) fertilisers amended with nitrification inhibitors can increase nitrogen use efficiencies in agricultural systems but the effectiveness of existing commercial inhibitor products, including 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), is strongly influenced by climatic and edaphic factors. With increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale agriculture it is important to develop new nitrogen-stabilising products that can give reliable and consistent results, particularly for warmer climatic conditions. We synthesised a library of 17 compounds featuring a substituted 1,2,3-triazole motif and performed laboratory incubations in two south-eastern Australian soils. In the neutral (pH 7.3) soil, the compounds N002, N013, N016 and N017, which possess short non-polar alkyl or alkynyl substituents at the triazole ring, retained NH4+-N concentrations at 35 °C soil temperature to a better extent (P < 0.001) than DMPP. In the alkaline soil (pH 8.8) N013 performed better with regards to NH4+-N retention (P = 0.004) than DMPP at 35 °C soil temperature. Overall, our data suggest that substituted 1,2,3-triazoles, which can be synthesized with good yields and excellent atom economy through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition from readily available starting materials, are promising nitrification inhibitors performing similar to, or better than DMPP, particularly at elevated soil temperatures.
Plant uptake of nitrogen adsorbed to biochars made from dairy manure
Authors: Krounbi Leilah , Enders Akio , Gaunt John , Ball Margaret , Lehmann Johannes
Published: July 2021

The conversion of dairy waste with high moisture contents to dry fertilizers may reduce environmental degradation while lowering crop production costs. We converted the solid portion of screw-pressed dairy manure into a sorbent for volatile ammonia (NH3) in the liquid fraction using pyrolysis and pre-treatment with carbon dioxide (CO2). The extractable N in manure biochar exposed to NH3 following CO2 pre-treatment reached 3.36 g N kg−1, 1260-fold greater extractable N than in untreated manure biochar. Ammonia exposure was 142-times more effective in increasing extractable N than immersing manure biochar in the liquid fraction containing dissolved ammonium. Radish and tomato grown in horticultural media with manure biochar treated with CO2 + NH3 promoted up to 35% greater plant growth (dry weight) and 36–83% greater N uptake compared to manure biochar alone. Uptake of N was similar between plants grown with wood biochar exposed to CO2 + NH3, compared to N-equivalent treatments. The available N in dairy waste in New York (NY) state, if pyrolyzed and treated with NH3 + CO2, is equivalent to 11,732–42,232 Mg N year−1, valued at 6–21.5 million USD year−1. Separated dairy manure treated with CO2 + NH3 can offset 23–82% of N fertilizer needs of NY State, while stabilizing both the solid and liquid fraction of manure for reduced environmental pollution.
Reduced readiness potential and post-movement beta synchronization reflect self-disorders in early course schizophrenia
Authors: Donati Francesco Luciano , Fecchio Matteo , Maestri Davide , Cornali Mattia , Derchi Chiara Camilla , Casetta Cecilia , Zalaffi Maristella , Sinigaglia Corrado , Sarasso Simone , D’Agostino Armando
Published: July 2021

Disturbances of conscious awareness, or self-disorders, are a defining feature of schizophrenia. These include symptoms such as delusions of control, i.e. the belief that one’s actions are controlled by an external agent. Models of self-disorders point at altered neural mechanisms of source monitoring, i.e. the ability of the brain to discriminate self-generated stimuli from those driven by the environment. However, evidence supporting this putative relationship is currently lacking. We performed electroencephalography (EEG) during self-paced, brisk right fist closures in ten (M = 9; F = 1) patients with Early-Course Schizophrenia (ECSCZ) and age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. We measured the Readiness Potential (RP), i.e. an EEG feature preceding self-generated movements, and movement-related EEG spectral changes. Self-disorders in ECSCZ were assessed with the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE). Patients showed a markedly reduced RP and altered post-movement Event-Related Synchronization (ERS) in the beta frequency band (14–24 Hz) compared to healthy controls. Importantly, smaller RP and weaker ERS were associated with higher EASE scores in ECSCZ. Our data suggest that disturbances of neural correlates preceding and following self-initiated movements may reflect the severity of self-disorders in patients suffering from ECSCZ. These findings point towards deficits in basic mechanisms of sensorimotor integration as a substrate for self-disorders.
Quasi-1D XY antiferromagnet Sr2Ni(SeO3)2Cl2 at Sakai-Takahashi phase diagram
Authors: Kozlyakova E. S. , Moskin A. V. , Berdonosov P. S. , Gapontsev V. V. , Streltsov S. V. , Uhlarz M. , Spachmann S. , ElGhandour A. , Klingeler R. , Vasiliev A. N.
Published: July 2021

Uniform quasi-one-dimensional integer spin compounds are of interest as a potential realization of the Haldane conjecture of a gapped spin liquid. This phase, however, has to compete with magnetic anisotropy and long-range ordered phases, the implementation of which depends on the ratio of interchain J′ and intrachain J exchange interactions and both uniaxial D and rhombic E single-ion anisotropies. Strontium nickel selenite chloride, Sr2Ni(SeO3)2Cl2, is a spin-1 chain system which passes through a correlations regime at Tmax ~ 12 K to long-range order at TN = 6 K. Under external magnetic field it experiences the sequence of spin-flop at Bc1 = 9.0 T and spin-flip transitions Bc2 = 23.7 T prior to full saturation at Bsat = 31.0 T. Density functional theory provides values of the main exchange interactions and uniaxial anisotropy which corroborate the experimental findings. The values of J′/J = 0.083 and D/J = 0.357 place this compound into a hitherto unoccupied sector of the Sakai-Takahashi phase diagram.
Quantitative description of the interactions among kinase cascades underlying long-term plasticity of Aplysia sensory neurons
Authors: Zhang Yili , Smolen Paul D. , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H.
Published: July 2021

Kinases play critical roles in synaptic and neuronal changes involved in the formation of memory. However, significant gaps exist in the understanding of how interactions among kinase pathways contribute to the mechanistically distinct temporal domains of memory ranging from short-term memory to long-term memory (LTM). Activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)—ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) pathways are critical for long-term enhancement of neuronal excitability (LTEE) and long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF), essential processes in memory formation. This study provides new insights into how these pathways contribute to the temporal domains of memory, using empirical and computational approaches. Empirical studies of Aplysia sensory neurons identified a positive feedforward loop in which the PKA and ERK pathways converge to regulate RSK, and a negative feedback loop in which p38 MAPK inhibits the activation of ERK and RSK. A computational model incorporated these findings to simulate the dynamics of kinase activity produced by different stimulus protocols and predict the critical roles of kinase interactions in the dynamics of these pathways. These findings may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying aberrant synaptic plasticity observed in genetic disorders such as RASopathies and Coffin-Lowry syndrome.
High repetition rate green-pumped supercontinuum generation in calcium fluoride
Authors: Marčiulionytė Vaida , Jukna Vytautas , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Dubietis Audrius
Published: July 2021

We compare supercontinuum generation in $$\hbox {CaF}_2$$

CaF
2

crystal under tight and loose focusing of 150 fs, 515 nm second harmonic pulses from an amplified Yb:KGW laser at a repetition rate of 10 kHz. It is demonstrated that supercontinuum generation geometry applying loose focusing ($$\hbox {NA}=0.004$$

NA
=
0.004

) of the pump beam into a long (25 mm) $$\hbox {CaF}_2$$

CaF
2

sample is advantageous in terms of supercontinuum spectral extent and durability of damage-free operation of the nonlinear material as compared to a commonly used supercontinuum generation setup which employs tight focusing ($$\hbox {NA}=0.012$$

NA
=
0.012

) into a short (5 mm) sample and to setup which uses tight focusing into a long (25 mm) sample. More specifically, loose focusing into a long sample showed remarkably longer (20 min) damage-free operation of the nonlinear material, which was not translated with respect of the pump beam, while in tight focusing condition the sample is damaged just within 2 min of operation, leading to a complete extinction of the supercontinuum spectrum. The evolution of optical degradation of the nonlinear material in time and its impact to supercontinuum spectrum is studied in terms of filament-induced luminescence due to self-trapped exciton emission and light scattering at the pump wavelength indicating the onset of optical damage. Our findings are supported by the numerical simulations which compare relevant parameters related to filament propagation in tight and loose focusing conditions.
Pulsation of anastomotic vortex veins in pachychoroid spectrum diseases
Authors: Matsumoto Hidetaka , Hoshino Junki , Mukai Ryo , Nakamura Kosuke , Kishi Shoji , Akiyama Hideo
Published: July 2021

Accumulating evidence points to pachychoroid possibly being caused by vortex vein congestion which results in remodeling of choroidal drainage routes via intervortex vein anastomosis. This hypothesis prompted us to investigate vortex vein hemodynamics by studying videos of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in a retrospective case series of 295 eyes with pachychoroid spectrum diseases. In the early phase of the video-ICGA, pulsatile vortex venous flow was observed in 76 eyes (25.8%) at the vortex veins connected with anastomosis between superior and inferior vortex veins. The patients with pulsatile vortex venous flow were significantly older than those without pulsatile vortex venous flow (67.8 ± 13.2 vs. 63.9 ± 14.5 years, P < 0.05). Pulsatile vortex venous flow was 1.84 times more common in the inferior quadrants than in the superior quadrants. Interestingly, 14 of 76 eyes (18.4%) with pulsatile vortex venous flow showed retrograde pulsatile blood flow in the vortex veins. This retrograde pulsatile blood flow was 2.50 times more common in the inferior than in the superior quadrants. These findings indicate altered vortex vein hemodynamics due to vortex vein congestion in pachychoroid spectrum diseases.
Periodontitis induces endothelial dysfunction in mice
Authors: Parvaneh Maria , Witting Paul K. , Ku Jaqueline , Moradi Tala , Eroglu Elif , Freedman Ben , Sutherland Greg T. , McCorkindale Andrew , Guennewig Boris , Choowong Phannaphat , Bell-Anderson Kim , Cooney Gregory , Thomas Shane R. , Eberhard Joerg
Published: July 2021

The treatment of periodontitis has numerous positive effects on established chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, ethical considerations do limit the establishment of human trials to investigate whether periodontitis promotes the early stages of chronic conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether periodontitis induces endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E gene-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. Forty-five 8-week-old ApoE-/- mice were challenged by oral lavage with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii for 4 weeks. A subgroup of animals (n = 15–17/group) was placed in a metabolic chamber immediately before euthanasia at 4 weeks to measure VO2/CO2 concentrations and voluntary locomotion. In infected and control animals alveolar bone levels were measured by x-ray imaging and endothelial function was determined by measuring endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings. The mRNA expression levels of serum amyloid A and tumor necrosis factor were determined in liver tissues by qRT PCR and protein concentrations in serum by ELISA. Caecal contents were analysed by sequencing to determine changes to the gut microbiota to investigate linkages between microbiome and systemic changes. The results showed that oral lavage of P. gingivalis and S. gordonii for 4 weeks, initiated periodontitis in ApoE-/- mice, similar to the human situation. The oral inflammation was accompanied by a significant increase in mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators serum amyloid A1 and tumor necrosis factor in the liver. Mice with periodontitis also exhibited impaired endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation responses to acetylcholine. This systemic response was connected to increased energy expenditure, locomotion and respiratory quotient. No differences were detected in caecal microbiota between the infected and control animals. Overall, this is the first report that provide evidence that periodontitis induces endothelial dysfunction in mice. Other systemic responses observed in response to the local reaction need further investigation. The study suggests that early prevention of periodontitis may help limit the early stages of endothelial dysfunction that is linked to atherogenesis in humans.
Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal immunoglobulin gamma bands and long-term disability progression in multiple sclerosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Karrenbauer Virginija Danylaité , Bedri Sahl Khalid , Hillert Jan , Manouchehrinia Ali
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) oligoclonal bands (OCB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have different genetic backgrounds and brain MRI features compared to those without. In this study, we aimed to determine whether CSF-OCB status is associated with long-term disability outcomes. We used Swedish MS register data on clinically definite MS patients with known OCB status. Date of birth, age at MS onset, and time to sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) milestones 3, 4, and 6; time to conversion to secondary progressive (SP) MS, sex, and immunomodulatory treatment (IMTs) duration were collected. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between OCB status and risk of reaching each milestone. The OCB-positive group reached disability milestones at an earlier time and younger age. OCB-positivity significantly increased the risk of reaching EDSS 3.0 (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.48, P < 0.001) and 4.0 (HR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.63, P < 0.001). The OCB-positive group had a 20% higher risk of conversion to SPMS. CSF-OCB presence is associated with higher risk of reaching EDSS milestones and conversion to SPMS. Our findings suggest higher disease modifying effect of OCB presence in the early inflammatory stages of MS.
Surface plasmon resonance unveils important pitfalls of enzyme-linked immunoassay for the detection of anti-infliximab antibodies in patients’ sera
Authors: Beeg Marten , Burti Cesare , Allocati Eleonora , Ciafardini Clorinda , Banzi Rita , Nobili Alessandro , Caprioli Flavio , Garattini Silvio , Gobbi Marco
Published: July 2021

Measurements of serum concentrations of therapeutic antibodies and anti-drug antibodies (ADA) can support clinical decisions for the management of non-responders, optimizing the therapy. In the present study we compared the results obtained by classical ELISA and a recently proposed surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based immunoassay, in 76 patients receiving infliximab for inflammatory bowel diseases. The two methods indicated very similar serum concentrations of the drug, but there were striking differences as regards ADA. All the sera showing ADA by ELISA (14) also showed ADA by SPR, but the absolute amounts were different, being 7–490 times higher with SPR, with no correlation. Eight patients showed ADA only with SPR, and these ADA had significantly faster dissociation rate constants than those detectable by both SPR and ELISA. The underestimation, or the lack of detection, of ADA by ELISA is likely to reflect the long incubation steps which favor dissociation of the patient’s low-affinity ADA, while the commercial, high-affinity anti-infliximab antibodies used for the calibration curve do not dissociate. This problem is less important with SPR, which monitors binding in real time. The possibility offered by SPR to detect ADA in patients otherwise considered ADA-negative by ELISA could have important implications for clinicians.
Mental health and loneliness in the German general population during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a representative pre-pandemic assessment
Authors: Beutel Manfred E. , Hettich Nora , Ernst Mareike , Schmutzer Gabriele , Tibubos Ana N. , Braehler Elmar
Published: July 2021

During the pandemic, the extent of subsequent mental health strains is an important issue. A representative face-to-face survey was conducted to assess mental health consequences in the general population and to identify mental health risk factors. In a representative German sample (N = 2,503), we assessed depression and anxiety symptoms by the PHQ-4 and loneliness by a validated item. An earlier survey (2018) which used the same methods and had comparable response rates served as comparison. Scores of depression and anxiety symptoms increased from an average of 0.89 (SD = 1.21) and 0.77 (SD = 1.17) in 2018 to 1.14 (SD = 1.23) and 1.05 (SD = 1.31) in 2020. Loneliness did not increase (M = 1.35, SD = 0.68 in 2018; M = 1.38, SD = 0.78 in 2020), affecting about one in four participants to some degree. Younger participants and women were most likely to report depression, anxiety, and loneliness. As in the previous survey, social inequality factors contributed to distress and loneliness. The small overall increase of distress was consistent with recent German panel studies. In future studies and mental health interventions female sex, younger age, and socioeconomic disparities need to be considered as vulnerability factors for distress.
Comparative analysis of the bronchoalveolar microbiome in Portuguese patients with different chronic lung disorders
Authors: Seixas Susana , Kolbe Allison R. , Gomes Sílvia , Sucena Maria , Sousa Catarina , Vaz Rodrigues Luís , Teixeira Gilberto , Pinto Paula , Tavares de Abreu Tiago , Bárbara Cristina , Semedo Júlio , Mota Leonor , Carvalho Ana Sofia , Matthiesen Rune , Marques Patrícia Isabel , Pérez-Losada Marcos
Published: July 2021

The lung is inhabited by a diverse microbiome that originates from the oropharynx by a mechanism of micro-aspiration. Its bacterial biomass is usually low; however, this condition shifts in lung cancer (LC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). These chronic lung disorders (CLD) may coexist in the same patient as comorbidities and share common risk factors, among which the microbiome is included. We characterized the microbiome of 106 bronchoalveolar lavages. Samples were initially subdivided into cancer and non-cancer and high-throughput sequenced for the 16S rRNA gene. Additionally, we used a cohort of 25 CLD patients where crossed comorbidities were excluded. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the most prevalent phyla independently of the analyzed group. Streptococcus and Prevotella were associated with LC and Haemophilus was enhanced in COPD versus ILD. Although no significant discrepancies in microbial diversity were observed between cancer and non-cancer samples, statistical tests suggested a gradient across CLD where COPD and ILD displayed the highest and lowest alpha diversities, respectively. Moreover, COPD and ILD were separated in two clusters by the unweighted UniFrac distance (P value = 0.0068). Our results support the association of Streptoccocus and Prevotella with LC and of Haemophilus with COPD, and advocate for specific CLD signatures.
Association between off-hour admission of critically ill children to intensive care units and mortality in a Japanese registry
Authors: Kido Takahiro , Iwagami Masao , Abe Toshikazu , Enomoto Yuki , Takada Hidetoshi , Tamiya Nanako
Published: July 2021

Limited information exists regarding the effect of off-hour admission among critically ill children. To evaluate whether children admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in off-hour have worse outcomes, we conducted a cohort study in 2013–2018 in a multicenter registry in Japan. Pediatric (age < 16 years) unplanned ICU admissions were divided into regular-hour (daytime on business days) or off-hour (others). Mortality and changes in the functional score at discharge from the unit were compared between the two groups. We established multivariate logistic regression models to examine the independent association between off-hour admission and outcomes. Due to the small number of outcomes, two different models were used. There were 2512 admissions, including 757 for regular-hour and 1745 for off-hour. Mortality rates were 2.4% (18/757) and 1.9% (34/1745) in regular-hour and off-hour admissions, respectively. There was no significant association between off-hour admission and mortality both in model 1 adjusting for age, sex, and Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46–1.72) and in model 2 adjusting for propensity score predicting off-hour admission (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.57–1.91). In addition, off-hour admission did not show an independent association with deterioration of functional score.
Attribution of changes in the trend and temporal non-uniformity of extreme precipitation events in Central Asia
Authors: Zou Shan , Abuduwaili Jilili , Duan Weili , Ding Jianli , De Maeyer Philippe , Van De Voorde Tim , Ma Long
Published: July 2021

Extreme precipitation events exhibit an increasing trend for both the frequency and magnitude on global and regional scales and it has already proven the impact of man-made global warming on the extreme precipitation amplification. Based on the observed datasets and global climate model (GCM) output, this study has evaluated the impact from anthropogenic forcing on the trend and temporal non-uniformity (i.e. increase in unevenness or disparity) of the precipitation amounts (PRCPTOT), extremes (R95p and RX5day) and intensity (SDII) in Central Asia (CA) from 1961 to 2005. Results indicate that radiative forcing changes, mainly driven by human activities, have significantly augmented the extreme precipitation indices in CA. The median trend with the influence of anthropogenic activities for the PRCPTOT, SDII, R95p and RX5day amounted to 2.19 mm/decade, 0.019 mm/decade, 1.39 mm/decade and 0.21 mm/decade during the study period, respectively. A statistically insignificant decrease in non-uniformity was noticed for the PRCPTOT, SDII and RX5day in Central CA (CCA) and Western CA (WCA), while Eastern CA (ECA) was the only region with a statistically significant increase in non-uniformity of the PRCPTOT, SDII, R95p and RX5day by 4.22%, 3.98%, 3.73% and 3.97%, respectively from 1961 to 2005 due to anthropogenic forcing. These results reflect the difference in various regions regarding the impact of anthropogenic forcing on the non-uniformity of extreme precipitation events in CA, which might help to fully understand the role of anthropogenic forcing in the changes of the precipitation extremes in CA and contribute to the development of water resource management strategies.
A data-driven performance dashboard for surgical dissection
Authors: Baghdadi Amir , Lama Sanju , Singh Rahul , Hoshyarmanesh Hamidreza , Razmi Mohammadsaleh , Sutherland Garnette R.
Published: July 2021

Surgical error and resulting complication have significant patient and economic consequences. Inappropriate exertion of tool-tissue force is a common variable for such error, that can be objectively monitored by sensorized tools. The rich digital output establishes a powerful skill assessment and sharing platform for surgical performance and training. Here we present SmartForceps data app incorporating an Expert Room environment for tracking and analysing the objective performance and surgical finesse through multiple interfaces specific for surgeons and data scientists. The app is enriched by incoming geospatial information, data distribution for engineered features, performance dashboard compared to expert surgeon, and interactive skill prediction and task recognition tools to develop artificial intelligence models. The study launches the concept of democratizing surgical data through a connectivity interface between surgeons with a broad and deep capability of geographic reach through mobile devices with highly interactive infographics and tools for performance monitoring, comparison, and improvement.
Caste development and sex ratio of the Ryukyu drywood termite Neotermes sugioi and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Miyaguni Y. , Agarie A. , Sugio K. , Tsuji K. , Kobayashi K.
Published: July 2021

Sex allocation is one of the most studied traits in evolutionary biology because its theoretical predictions match the empirical data. Here, using the Ryukyu dry-wood termiteNeotermes sugioi, we investigated several factors that could bias the sex allocation in three populations (Okinawa, Ishigaki/Iriomote, and Yonaguni). Our survey showed that there were more queen-only colonies than king-only colonies in these populations, suggesting a longer lifespan of the queens than that of the kings. In this condition, sex-asymmetric reproductive value (SRV) theory predicts female bias, because even after the short-lived kings die, the long-lived queens can continue reproduction with their sons. However, sex allocation in this species seemed to be biased toward males. Furthermore, we examined the possibility of intrasexual competition among siblings (ICS). If ICS is the cause of the bias, the allocation is expected to change depending on the total investment in sexual offspring. However, the biomass of both male and female alates increased linearly with the increase in the total biomass of the alates in these populations. Thus, neither the SRV nor the ICS theory could explain the male-biased sex ratio ofN. sugioi. On the basis of these results, we discuss the remaining possibilities in this species.
Inflammation-based assessment for the risk stratification of mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Itagaki Tadashi , Motoki Hirohiko , Otagiri Kyuhachi , Machida Keisuke , Takeuchi Takahiro , Kanai Masafumi , Kimura Kazuhiro , Higuchi Satoko , Minamisawa Masatoshi , Kitabayashi Hiroshi , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: July 2021

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) has been established as a useful resource to evaluate inflammation and malnutrition and predict prognosis in several cancers. However, its prognostic significance in patients with heart failure (HF) is not well established. To investigate the association between the GPS and mortality in patients with HF, we assessed 870 patients who were 20 years old and more and had been admitted for acute decompensated HF. The GPS ranged from 0 to 2 points as previously reported. Over the 18-month follow-up (follow-up rate, 83.9%), 143 patients died. Increasing GPS was associated with higher HF severity assessed by New York Heart Association functional class and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant associations for mortality and increased GPS. In multivariate analysis, compared to the GPS 0 group, the GPS 2 group was associated with high mortality (hazard ratio 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.77–4.81, p < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, HF history, HF severity, hemoglobin, renal function, sodium, BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction, and anti-HF medications. In conclusion, high GPS was significantly associated with worse prognosis in patients with HF. Inflammation-based assessment by the GPS may enable simple evaluation of HF severity and prognosis.
The value of GATA6 immunohistochemistry and computer-assisted diagnosis to predict clinical outcome in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Duan Kai , Jang Gun-Ho , Grant Robert C. , Wilson Julie M. , Notta Faiyaz , O’Kane Grainne M. , Knox Jennifer J. , Gallinger Steven , Fischer Sandra
Published: July 2021

Combination chemotherapy, either modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) or gemcitabine–nabpaclitaxel, are used in the treatment of most patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet robust biomarkers of outcome are currently lacking to guide regimen selection. Here, we tested GATA6 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a putative biomarker in advanced PDAC. GATA6 is a transcription factor in normal pancreas development. Two pathologists, blinded to clinical and molecular data, independently assessed GATA6 IHC in biopsy specimens of 130 patients with advanced PDAC, in 2 distinct phases (without and with computer assistance using the open source software QuPath). Low GATA6 IHC expression was associated with shorter overall survival [median OS 6.2 months for patients with GATA6 low tumors vs. 11.5 months for patients with GATA6 high tumors, HR 1.66 (95% CI 1.15–2.40), P = 0.007]. Progression appears to be higher in GATA6-low tumors compared to GATA6-high tumors in patients treated with mFFX (P = 0.024) but not in patients treated with gemcitabine regimens. GATA6 IHC expression was significantly associated with molecular subtypes (P = 0.0003). Digital assistance markedly improved interrater concordance (Cohen’s kappa scores of 0.32 vs. 0.95). Our results provide strong evidence that GATA6 IHC can be used as a single biomarker in the clinic to predict clinical outcome in advanced PDAC, warranting further investigation in prospective clinical trials. These results provide the basis for an improved classification of PDAC and future biomarker design using digital pathology workflow.
Dissecting the chromosome-level genome of the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)
Authors: Zhang Tongqing , Yin Jiawen , Tang Shengkai , Li Daming , Gu Xiankun , Zhang Shengyu , Suo Weiguo , Liu Xiaowei , Liu Yanshan , Jiang Qicheng , Zhao Muzi , Yin Yue , Pan Jianlin
Published: July 2021

The Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a valuable commercial and medicinal bivalve, which is widely distributed in East and Southeast Asia. As a natural nutrient source, the clam is rich in protein, amino acids, and microelements. The genome of C. fluminea has not yet been characterized; therefore, genome-assisted breeding and improvements cannot yet be implemented. In this work, we present a de novo chromosome-scale genome assembly of C. fluminea using PacBio and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The assembled genome comprised 4728 contigs, with a contig N50 of 521.06 Kb, and 1,215 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 70.62 Mb. More than 1.51 Gb (99.17%) of genomic sequences were anchored to 18 chromosomes, of which 1.40 Gb (92.81%) of genomic sequences were ordered and oriented. The genome contains 38,841 coding genes, 32,591 (83.91%) of which were annotated in at least one functional database. Compared with related species, C. fluminea had 851 expanded gene families and 191 contracted gene families. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. fluminea diverged from Ruditapes philippinarum, ~ 228.89 million years ago (Mya), and the genomes of C. fluminea and R. philippinarum shared 244 syntenic blocks. Additionally, we identified 2 MITF members and 99 NLRP members in C. fluminea genome. The high-quality and chromosomal Asian Clam genome will be a valuable resource for a range of development and breeding studies of C. fluminea in future research.
Enhanced brightness of bacterial luciferase by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Kaku Tomomi , Sugiura Kazunori , Entani Tetsuyuki , Osabe Kenji , Nagai Takeharu
Published: July 2021

Using the lux operon (luxCDABE) of bacterial bioluminescence system as an autonomous luminous reporter has been demonstrated in bacteria, plant and mammalian cells. However, applications of bacterial bioluminescence-based imaging have been limited because of its low brightness. Here, we engineered the bacterial luciferase (heterodimer of luxA and luxB) by fusion with Venus, a bright variant of yellow fluorescent protein, to induce bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). By using decanal as an externally added substrate, color change and ten-times enhancement of brightness was achieved in Escherichia coli when circularly permuted Venus was fused to the C-terminus of luxB. Expression of the Venus-fused luciferase in human embryonic kidney cell lines (HEK293T) or in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves together with the substrate biosynthesis-related genes (luxC, luxD and luxE) enhanced the autonomous bioluminescence. We believe the improved luciferase will forge the way towards the potential development of autobioluminescent reporter system allowing spatiotemporal imaging in live cells.
Quantification of tumor microenvironment acidity in glioblastoma using principal component analysis of dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced MR imaging
Authors: Akbari Hamed , Kazerooni Anahita Fathi , Ware Jeffrey B. , Mamourian Elizabeth , Anderson Hannah , Guiry Samantha , Sako Chiharu , Raymond Catalina , Yao Jingwen , Brem Steven , O’Rourke Donald M. , Desai Arati S. , Bagley Stephen J. , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Davatzikos Christos , Nabavizadeh Ali
Published: July 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) has high metabolic demands, which can lead to acidification of the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesize that a machine learning model built on temporal principal component analysis (PCA) of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSC) perfusion MRI can be used to estimate tumor acidity in GBM, as estimated by pH-sensitive amine chemical exchange saturation transfer echo-planar imaging (CEST-EPI). We analyzed 78 MRI scans in 32 treatment naïve and post-treatment GBM patients. All patients were imaged with DSC-MRI, and pH-weighting that was quantified from CEST-EPI estimation of the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) at 3 ppm. Enhancing tumor (ET), non-enhancing core (NC), and peritumoral T2 hyperintensity (namely, edema, ED) were used to extract principal components (PCs) and to build support vector machines regression (SVR) models to predict MTRasym values using PCs. Our predicted map correlated with MTRasym values with Spearman’s r equal to 0.66, 0.47, 0.67, 0.71, in NC, ET, ED, and overall, respectively (p < 0.006). The results of this study demonstrates that PCA analysis of DSC imaging data can provide information about tumor pH in GBM patients, with the strongest association within the peritumoral regions.
Bimanual coupling effect during a proprioceptive stimulation
Authors: Biggio M. , Bisio A. , Garbarini F. , Bove Marco
Published: July 2021

Circle-line drawing paradigm is used to study bimanual coupling. In the standard paradigm, subjects are asked to draw circles with one hand and lines with the other hand; the influence of the concomitant tasks results in two “elliptical” figures. Here we tested whether proprioceptive information evoked by muscle vibration inducing a proprioceptive illusion (PI) of movement at central level, was able to affect the contralateral hand drawing circles or lines. A multisite 80 Hz-muscle vibration paradigm was used to induce the illusion of circle- and line-drawing on the right hand of 15 healthy participants. During muscle vibration, subjects had to draw a congruent or an incongruent figure with the left hand. The ovalization induced by PI was compared with Real and Motor Imagery conditions, which already have proved to induce bimanual coupling. We showed that the ovalization of a perceived circle over a line drawing during PI was comparable to that observed in Real and Motor Imagery condition. This finding indicates that PI can induce bimanual coupling, and proprioceptive information can influence the motor programs of the contralateral hand.
pH-controlled synthesis of sustainable lauric acid/SiO2 phase change material for scalable thermal energy storage
Authors: Ishak Shafiq , Mandal Soumen , Lee Han-Seung , Singh Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2021

Lauric acid (LA) has been recommended as economic, eco-friendly, and commercially viable materials to be used as phase change materials (PCMs). Nevertheless, there is lack of optimized parameters to produce microencapsulated PCMs with good performance. In this study, different amounts of LA have been chosen as core materials while tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the precursor solution to form silicon dioxide (SiO2) shell. The pH of precursor solution was kept at 2.5 for all composition of microencapsulated LA. The synthesized microencapsulated LA/SiO2 has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM and TEM confirm the microencapsulation of LA with SiO2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed better thermal stability of microencapsulated LA/SiO2 compared to pure LA. PCM with 50% LA i.e. LAPC-6 exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (96.50%) and encapsulation ratio (96.15%) through Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as good thermal reliability even after 30th cycle of heating and cooling process.
Comparison of ocular surface assessment and adherence between preserved and preservative-free latanoprost in glaucoma: a parallel-grouped randomized trial
Authors: Kim Dai Woo , Shin Jonghoon , Lee Chang Kyu , Kim Myungjin , Lee Sohyeon , Rho Seungsoo
Published: July 2021

Given that nonadherence is related to subject characteristics and drug tolerance and preserved eye drops tend to be more intolerable than preservative-free ones, we conducted a phase 4, parallel-grouped, investigator-blind, active-control, randomized, multicenter study. A total of 51 patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 15 mmHg diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to the preserved latanoprost group (n = 26) and the preservative-free latanoprost group (n = 25). The efficacy variables were corneal/conjunctival staining grade, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), adherence at 12 weeks after the first administration; corneal/conjunctival staining grade at 4 weeks; and IOP, tear break-up time (TBUT), and hyperemia score at 4 and 12 weeks. The safety variables included visual acuity and drug tolerance questionnaire results. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal/conjunctival staining grade, OSDI, or TBUT between the groups at 4 and 12 weeks. However, the adherence rate was higher and the hyperemia score was lower in the preservative-free group than in the preserved group. The severity and duration of stinging/burning sensation were lower in the preservative-free group than in the preserved group. Overall, preservative-free latanoprost showed better ocular tolerance assessed by hyperemia scores and stinging/burning symptoms following higher adherence than preserved latanoprost.
Strong near band-edge excited second-harmonic generation from multilayer 2H Tin diselenide
Authors: Biswas Rabindra , Dandu Medha , Prosad Asish , Das Sarthak , Menon Sruti , Deka Jayanta , Majumdar Kausik , Raghunathan Varun
Published: July 2021

We report strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) from 2H polytype of multilayer Tin diselenide (SnSe2) for fundamental excitation close to the indirect band-edge in the absence of excitonic resonances. Comparison of SHG and Raman spectra from exfoliated SnSe2 flakes of different polytypes shows strong (negligible) SHG and Raman Eg mode at 109 cm−1 (119 cm−1), consistent with 2H (1T) polytypes. The difference between the A1g–Eg Raman peak positions is found to exhibit significant thickness dependent for the 1T form, which is found to be absent for the 2H form. The observed thickness dependence of SHG with rapid oscillations in signal strength for small changes in flake thickness are in good agreement with a nonlinear wave propagation model considering nonlinear polarization with alternating sign from each monolayer. The nonlinear optical susceptibility extracted from SHG signal comparison with standard quartz samples for 1040 nm excitation is found to be more than 4-times higher than that at 1550 nm. This enhanced nonlinear response at 1040 nm is attributed to the enhanced nonlinear optical response for fundamental excitation close to the indirect band-edge. We also study SHG from heterostructures of monolayer MoS2/multilayer SnSe2 which allows us to unambiguously compare the nonlinear optical response of SnSe2 with MoS2. We find the SHG signal and any interference effect in the overlap region to be dominated by the SnSe2 layer for the excitation wavelengths considered. The comparison of SHG from SnSe2 and MoS2 underscores that the choice of the 2D material for a particular nonlinear optical application is contextual on the wavelength range of interest and its optical properties at those wavelengths. The present works further highlights the usefulness of near band-edge enhancement of nonlinear processes in emerging 2D materials towards realizing useful nanophotonic devices.
Transcriptome-level assessment of the impact of deformed wing virus on honey bee larvae
Authors: Chang Zih-Ting , Huang Yu-Feng , Chen Yue-Wen , Yen Ming-Ren , Hsu Po-Ya , Chen Tzu-Han , Li Yi-Hsuan , Chiu Kuo-Ping , Nai Yu-Shin
Published: July 2021

Deformed wing virus (DWV) prevalence is high in honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations. The virus infects honey bees through vertical and horizontal transmission, leading to behavioural changes, wing deformity, and early mortality. To better understand the impacts of viral infection in the larval stage of honey bees, artificially reared honey bee larvae were infected with DWV (1.55 × 1010 copies/per larva). No significant mortality occurred in infected honey bee larvae, while the survival rates decreased significantly at the pupal stage. Examination of DWV replication revealed that viral replication began at 2 days post inoculation (d.p.i.), increased dramatically to 4 d.p.i., and then continuously increased in the pupal stage. To better understand the impact of DWV on the larval stage, DWV-infected and control groups were subjected to transcriptomic analysis at 4 d.p.i. Two hundred fifty-five differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2) were identified. Of these DEGs, 168 genes were downregulated, and 87 genes were upregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that 141 DEGs (55.3%) were categorized into molecular functions, cellular components and biological processes. One hundred eleven genes (38 upregulated and 73 downregulated) were annotated by KO (KEGG Orthology) pathway mapping and involved metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathways. Validation of DEGs was performed, and the related gene expression levels showed a similar tendency to the DEG predictions at 4 d.p.i.; cell wall integrity and stress response component 1 (wsc1), cuticular protein and myo-inositol 2-dehydrogenase (iolG) were significantly upregulated, and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein (SK) was significantly downregulated at 4 d.p.i. Related gene expression levels at different d.p.i. revealed that these DEGs were significantly regulated from the larval stage to the pupal stage, indicating the potential impacts of gene expression levels from the larval to the pupal stages. Taken together, DWV infection in the honey bee larval stage potentially influences the gene expression levels from larvae to pupae and reduces the survival rate of the pupal stage. This information emphasizes the consequences of DWV prevalence in honey bee larvae for apiculture.
RNA-Seq reveals divergent gene expression between larvae with contrasting trophic modes in the poecilogonous polychaete Boccardia wellingtonensis
Authors: Figueroa Álvaro , Brante Antonio , Cárdenas Leyla
Published: July 2021

The polychaete Boccardia wellingtonensis is a poecilogonous species that produces different larval types. Females may lay Type I capsules, in which only planktotrophic larvae are present, or Type III capsules that contain planktotrophic and adelphophagic larvae as well as nurse eggs. While planktotrophic larvae do not feed during encapsulation, adelphophagic larvae develop by feeding on nurse eggs and on other larvae inside the capsules and hatch at the juvenile stage. Previous works have not found differences in the morphology between the two larval types; thus, the factors explaining contrasting feeding abilities in larvae of this species are still unknown. In this paper, we use a transcriptomic approach to study the cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying the different larval trophic modes of B. wellingtonensis. By using approximately 624 million high-quality reads, we assemble the de novo transcriptome with 133,314 contigs, coding 32,390 putative proteins. We identify 5221 genes that are up-regulated in larval stages compared to their expression in adult individuals. The genetic expression profile differed between larval trophic modes, with genes involved in lipid metabolism and chaetogenesis over expressed in planktotrophic larvae. In contrast, up-regulated genes in adelphophagic larvae were associated with DNA replication and mRNA synthesis.