bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family history in non‐syndromic orofacial clefts: Is there a pattern?
Authors: Silva Carolina Maia , Pereira Maria Carolina de Moraes , Queiroz Thaís Bernardes de , Neves Lucimara Teixeira das
Published: June 2021

Objective

To survey the frequency and pattern of family history for non‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFC). Initial hypothesis: more complex forms have a higher frequency of positive family history.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was carried with 2,668 subjects with three different types of clefts (CL Group (cleft lip), CLP Group (cleft lip and palate), and CP group (cleft palate)); family history information was collected. The Chi‐square (X2) and Z‐test were used.

Results

A positive family history was found in 31% of the sample. The CLP Group had highest percentage and highest proportion of affected relatives, being these factors statistically significant when compared to the CP Group. Comparisons between the CLP Male and CL Male with CP Male were statistically significant. First‐degree kinship was the most frequently found.

Conclusions

The initial hypothesis was confirmed, subjects with CLP had the highest percentage of positive family history, the highest proportion of affected relatives and had more affected relatives in comparison with CP. It is more common to find affected relatives in the CLP Male and CL Male groups when compared with CP Male. CLP and CP groups present a pattern of occurrence of the type of cleft in the family.
Integrated analysis of transcriptomics to identify hub genes in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Lin Yanjun , Yao Xiu , Yan Mingdong , Zhou Lin , Huang Wenxiu , Xiao Yanjun , Wu Dong , Chen Jiang
Published: June 2021

Objective

The treatment of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome is a clinical challenge. Gene expression profile analysis and comprehensive network methods for complex diseases can provide insight into molecular characteristics in the clinical context.

Materials and Methods

We downloaded gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We screened differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the pSS patients and the controls by the robust rank aggregation (RRA) method. We explored DEGs’ potential function using gene function annotation and PPI network analysis.

Results

GSE23117, GSE40611, GSE80805, and GSE127952 were included, including 38 patients and 30 controls. The RRA integrated analysis determined 294 significant DEGs (241 upregulated and 53 downregulated), and the most significant gene aberrantly expressed in SS was CXCL9 (p = 6.39E‐15), followed by CXCL13 (p = 1.53E‐13). Immune response (GO:0006955; p = 4.29E‐32) was the most significantly enriched biological process in GO (gene ontology) analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction (hsa04060; p = 6.46E‐10) and chemokine signaling pathway (hsa04062; p = 9.54E‐09) were significantly enriched. We defined PTPRC, CD86, and LCP2 as the hub genes based on the PPI results.

Conclusion

Our integrated analysis identified gene signatures and helped understand molecular changes in pSS.
ZNF582 hypermethylation as a prognostic biomarker for malignant transformation of oral lesions
Authors: Juan Yi‐Chen , Su Yee‐Fun , Bai Chyi‐Huey , Fan Yen‐Chun , Kuo Tzu‐Tung , Ko Hui‐Hsin , Peng Hsin‐Hui , Chiang Chun‐Pin , Fwu Chyng‐Wen , Cheng Shih‐Jung
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This hospital‐based cohort study evaluated whether ZNF582 and PAX1 methylation levels at baseline can be used as biomarkers to identify lesions with a high potential for malignant transformation in patients with normal mucosa and oral potentially malignant disorders.

Patients and methods

We recruited 171 adult patients with normal mucosa and oral potentially malignant disorders in 2012–2014. They were followed until 2017. Outcomes, including advanced histopathological findings and oral cancer occurrence, were obtained from medical charts, the Taiwan Cancer Registry, and cause‐of‐death data. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of ZNF582 and PAX1 methylation levels at baseline with subsequent outcome occurrences.

Results

After 260,192 days of follow‐up, 11 cases of oral cancer and 4 cases of advanced histopathological progression occurred. Patients with higher ZNF582 and PAX1 methylation levels at baseline had a higher incidence of disease progression. After adjustment for all studied factors using Cox proportional hazards regression models, ZNF582m level (adjusted hazard ratio, 11.41; 95% CI, 2.05–63.36; p = 0.005) was the only significant and independent predictor of disease progression.

Conclusions

ZNF582 hypermethylation can be an effective and noninvasive biomarker for identifying oral lesions with a high potential for malignant transformation.
Photochemical Valence Isomerization to High Energy Products—Bicyclobutanes and Oxabicyclobutanes†
Authors: Rágyanszki Anita , Fiser Béla , Lee‐Ruff Edward , Liebman Joel F.
Published: June 2021

DFT calculations were used to determine the structures and energies of bicyclobutane and oxabicyclobutane as valence isomers derived from electronic excitation of their corresponding precursors, 1,3‐butadiene and acrolein, respectively. Proton affinities of these strained compounds were determined and compared with their simple ring components, cyclopropane and ethylene oxide. The basicity as determined from proton affinities showed that bicyclobutane is the most basic saturated hydrocarbon, even more basic than oxabicyclobutane. Strain energies of these valence tautomers were computed which showed oxabicyclobutane to be significantly more strained than bicyclobutane. Qualitative reasons are provided to account for the difference in strain energies.
An Organic Capsule as a Matrix to Capture and Store Reactive Molecules at Room Temperature in Aqueous Solution: 7‐cis‐β‐Ionone†
Authors: Sunny Amal Sam , Ramamurthy Vaidhyanathan
Published: June 2021

Low‐temperature m atrix isolation method is the most popular one to generate and store reactive molecules and characterize them byin situIR spectroscopy. Recognizing the need for a simpler method to trap and store such molecules and characterize by NMR spectroscopy at room temperature in solution, we have performed experiments exploring the value of water‐soluble octa acid (OA) capsule as a storage vessel. The molecule we have chosen to illustrate the feasibility is the highly hindered 7‐cis‐β‐ionone, which has been established to exist in equilibrium with its cyclic form with the later favored at room temperature. In this study, we have shown that confined space can be an alternative to temperature to tilt an equilibrium toward higher energy isomer. During the course of the study, we were surprised to note that 7‐trans‐β‐ionone aggregates in water and has distinct1H NMR spectra. Ability to assemble characterizable organic aggregates in water reveals the value of water as a reaction medium that is yet to be fully explored by photochemists. Finally, we have clarified the likely mechanism of secondary photoreaction of α‐pyran to the final photoproduct that involves 1,5‐hydrogen migration.
Emotion elicitation during music listening: Subjective self‐reports, facial expression, and autonomic reactivity
Authors: Fuentes‐Sánchez Nieves , Pastor Raúl , Escrig Miguel A. , Elipe‐Miravet Marcel , Pastor M. Carmen
Published: June 2021

The use of music as emotional stimuli in experimental studies has grown in recent years. However, prior studies have mainly focused on self‐reports and central measures, with a few works exploring the time course of psychophysiological correlates. Moreover, most of the previous research has been carried out either from the dimensional or categorical model but not combining both approaches to emotions. This study aimed to investigate subjective and physiological correlates of emotion elicitation through music, following the three‐dimensional and the discrete emotion model. A sample of 50 healthy volunteers (25 women) took part in this experiment by listening to 42 film music excerpts (14 pleasant, 14 unpleasant, 14 neutral) presented during 8 s, while peripheral measures were continuously recorded. After music offset, affective dimensions (valence, energy arousal, and tension arousal) as well as discrete emotions (happiness, sadness, tenderness, fear, and anger) were collected using a 9‐point scale. Results showed an effect of the music category on subjective and psychophysiological measures. In peripheral physiology, greater electrodermal activity, heart rate acceleration, and zygomatic responses, besides lower corrugator amplitude, were observed for pleasant excerpts in comparison to neutral and unpleasant music, from 2 s after stimulus onset until the end of its duration. Overall, our results add evidence for the efficacy of standardized film music excerpts to evoke powerful emotions in laboratory settings; thus, opening a path to explore interventions based on music in pathologies with underlying emotion deregulatory processes.
Salt marsh climate change adaptation: Using runnels to adapt to accelerating sea level rise within a drowning New England salt marsh
Authors: Perry Danielle C. , Ferguson Wenley , Thornber Carol S.
Published: June 2021

Sea level rise within New England is accelerating at a rate faster than the global average, leaving salt marshes particularly susceptible to degradation. Hydrological alteration is a type of climate change adaptation technique that can be used to combat the effects of sea level rise within salt marshes. Runnels (shallow channels) are a type of climate adaptation strategy used to enhance drainage in drowning marshes. In this study, we investigated the impacts of runnel installations, 3–5 years post‐implementation, on soil properties, vegetation composition, and greenhouse gas fluxes. We studied two runnel treatments (Low Elevation Runnel and High Elevation Runnel) and found that in the Low Elevation Runnel areasSpartina alterniflorastem density significantly increased in the three growing seasons after runnels were installed, and the high marsh plant,Spartina patens, persisted in the High Elevation Runnel areas. There was a significant difference in carbon dioxide uptake rates among treatments, with the unmanipulated (Reference) areas having the highest uptake rates and an increase in CO2uptake over time seen in the Low Elevation Runnel treatment. These findings highlight the potential use of a climate change adaptation strategy to combat sea level rise impacts and provide insights for future adaptation efforts.
Seismic line edge effects on plants, lichens and their environmental conditions in boreal peatlands of Northwest Alberta (Canada)
Authors: Dabros Anna , Higgins Kellina L. , Pinzon Jaime
Published: June 2021

Boreal peatlands of Alberta (Canada) are heavily dissected by a large network of linear disturbances, including seismic lines used for Oil and Gas exploration. Edge effects resulting from these linear disturbances can increase their footprint and affect wildlife habitat, including the quality and quantity of plant and lichen forage. In 2012, seismic line restoration became a priority in Alberta, under the realm of restoration of habitat of threatened boreal woodland caribou. More accurate understanding of biotic and abiotic interactions leading to edge effects can be important in choosing appropriate restoration practices and prompting natural regeneration. We assessed the extent of edge effects of seismic lines on the adjacent boreal peatland near Peace River, northwestern Alberta. We compared plant and lichen community composition and environmental conditions on seismic lines and along 22 transects, which extended perpendicularly 75 m into the peatland from both lines edges. Soil moisture and light were higher on the lines, but frozen ground was less frequent than in the adjacent peatland. Seismic lines were also subsided by approximately 1.2 cm. Lichens were less abundant in the 2–25 m zone from the edge—indicating edge effects. On the lines,Sphagnumconstituted a nearly 100% cover while lichens, trees, herbs, and other bryophytes were less abundant than in the peatland. We demonstrate how knowledge of edge effects on plants and lichens could be applied in assessing caribou habitat quality based on forage availability and predation risk, and how such knowledge could inform restoration practices of seismic lines in peatlands.
Water as the key to sagebrush restoration success in cheatgrass‐invaded ecosystems
Authors: Kainrath Nicholas B. , Dijkstra Paul , Gehring Catherine A. , Updike Christopher , Grady Kevin C.
Published: June 2021

Restoration treatments in Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass)‐invaded sagebrush habitat have often produced poor results. This is perhaps due to multifaceted ecological changes associated with cheatgrass invasion like reduced water availability, altered nutrient availability, and shifts in soil microbial communities. We tested whether suppressing cheatgrass, altering nutrient availability, and inoculating with soil microbes improved restoration success. We conducted field experiments in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona where we transplanted seedlings of Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata (basin big sagebrush) and Elymus elymoides (squirreltail). Growth and survivorship of both species were higher in sites with greater precipitation and lower cheatgrass abundance. Significant nutrient modification effects were seen in Utah, where cheatgrass abundance was highest and soil nutrients were most limiting. In Utah, we observed an increase of 14% in survivorship for squirreltail in response to carbon addition, and 119% increase in growth of sagebrush with phosphorus addition. Inoculating plants with sagebrush rhizosphere soil or a commercial arbuscular mycorrhiza at the time of planting did not significantly affect growth, survivorship, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization, or extraradical mycorrhizal hyphae length for either plant species. The largest effects on seedling growth (+384%) and survivorship (+262%) were observed in response to the suppression of cheatgrass using a weed barrier cloth and associated with increased water availability. Interactions between suppressing cheatgrass, altering nutrient availability, and inoculating with soil microbes were not significant. Direct reduction of cheatgrass was shown to be more effective than targeting soil legacy effects associated with cheatgrass with regards to restoration outplanting success.
The reduction of harmful algae on Caribbean coral reefs through the reintroduction of a keystone herbivore, the long‐spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum
Authors: Williams Stacey M.
Published: June 2021

Herbivores play an essential role in the health and recovery of a coral reef ecosystem. The lack of recovery of the keystone herbivore Diadema antillarum has had long‐lasting effects, evidenced with many reefs persisting in algal dominance. This study restocked 756 lab‐reared D. antillarum to four coral reefs on the east and south coast of Puerto Rico. Sea urchins were placed in experimental plots (“corrals”) for 2 months, and the change in benthic composition was measured. Significant changes in the benthic structure were observed during the first week after the restocking. Significant reductions of fleshy macroalgae (Dictyota spp.) and thick turf algal/sediment mats (TAS), both unsuitable substrates (e.g. coral settlement), contributed to this change. Also, restocked D. antillarum significantly reduced the cover of encrusting red algae, Ramicrusta spp. By the end of the study, the abundance of fleshy macroalgae decreased by a mean of 77% (max of 100%) and Ramicrusta and TAS by 53% (max 71%) and 56% (max 100%), respectively. Clean substrate (“pavement”), crustose coralline algae (CCA), and filamentous turf algae increased between one to two orders of magnitude. The restoration of native sea urchins is a non‐invasive and useful approach to aid in the mitigation of algae, especially potentially dangerous alga like Ramicrusta. The results of this study highlight the importance of herbivores in improving the conditions on coral reefs.
Introduction of giant tortoises as a replacement “ecosystem engineer” to facilitate restoration of Santa Fe Island, Galapagos
Authors: Tapia Washington , Goldspiel Harrison B. , Gibbs James P.
Published: June 2021

Re‐establishment of ecosystem engineers via introduction of replacement species is increasingly being proposed to facilitate ecosystem restoration of island ecosystems around the world, yet attendant challenges and risks remain largely unknown. We evaluate the first phase (2015–2020) of a program to restore a population of giant tortoises, ecosystem engineers of terrestrial ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands, to Santa Fe Island during which a total of 551 juvenile and 31 subadult tortoises of the non‐native Española Island species (Chelonoidis hoodensis) were translocated. After 5 years, most (85%) of tortoises released remain alive, exhibiting robust vital rates comparable to those of conspecifics in their native range, having colonized 10% of the island via gradual dispersal from the point‐of‐release. Populations of an arboreal cactus (Opuntia echios)—a keystone species for many organisms on the island and intended beneficiary of tortoise restoration—and pallid land iguanas (Conolophus pallidus)—an endemic, herbivorous reptile considered potentially at risk from the introduction of tortoises, both increased coincident with the arrival of tortoises. Herbivore exclosure experiments revealed that the island's plant community manifested a response to the arrival of tortoises; however, significant engineering of the island's vegetation will require many decades. These results highlight the first stage of what appears to be a successful conservation intervention that can serve as a “proof of concept” for introduction of ecological replacements to other islands in Galapagos, and potentially for other island ecosystems around the world.
Do butterfly communities benefit from woodland restoration in rural environments? A landscape perspective from south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Ouin Annie , Holland Greg J. , Tessier Marc , Clarke Rohan H. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: June 2021

Restoration of degraded ecosystems is a global issue, particularly in rural regions where excessive loss of natural vegetation has occurred. We investigated, at both landscape and patch scales, the benefits to butterfly communities of restoration by revegetation (planting trees and shrubs), typical of many rural landscapes in south‐eastern Australia. We surveyed eight pairs of landscapes (200 ha each) dominated either by remnant or restored woody vegetation, along a gradient of wooded cover. In total, 1,683 individuals of 11 butterfly species were recorded by transect counts, with the fauna dominated by four generalist species. At the landscape scale, there were similar patterns of occurrence of butterflies in remnant and restored landscapes: species richness was not related to the gradient in wooded cover, but overall abundance of butterflies increased with wooded cover. At the patch scale there was a similar richness of butterflies in revegetation and remnants (greater than in pasture), with abundance greater in remnants. Individual species showed distinctive responses to patch types (i.e. remnants, revegetation, scattered trees, pasture). In all patch types, the ground layer was dominated by exotic plants and most observations (78%) of butterflies taking nectar were from exotics. Revegetation in farmland created new wooded habitat, at least for common butterfly species, despite the study being undertaken during severe drought. Benefits of revegetation will be enhanced by actions at both the landscape scale (extent, connectivity of habitat), and patch scale (habitat quality) through promoting native ground‐layer species favored for adult foraging and as larval host plants.
Alpine restoration: planting and seeding of native species facilitate vegetation recovery
Authors: Vloon Catharina C. , Evju Marianne , Klanderud Kari , Hagen Dagmar
Published: June 2021

Vegetation recovery in severely disturbed alpine ecosystems can be accelerated through active restoration measures. This study evaluated the short‐term effects of two restoration treatments, planting of propagated native Salix (willow) shrubs in three different densities (1, 2.5, and 4 plants/m2) and seeding of the native grass Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), in a disturbed alpine heathland. We evaluated natural vegetation recovery (i.e. vegetation cover, vascular plant species richness, and Salix recruitment) in permanent plots, 5 years after the implementation of restoration measures. The results showed that both treatments had positive but different effects on vegetation recovery; Salix plantings (with densities ≥2.5 plants/m2) increased vascular plant species richness and recruitment of Salix seedlings, whereas seeding of F. ovina increased bottom and field layer cover. Our results also show the importance of soil conditions for vegetation recovery, as moister plots with a higher percentage of fine soil substrate had a higher vegetation cover and vascular plant species richness. This study shows that different restoration treatments can work complementary and also highlights the importance of considering different indicators of vegetation recovery when evaluating the effectiveness of restoration measures.
Restored marginal farmland benefits arthropod diversity at multiple scales
Authors: Dolezal Aleksandra J. , Esch Ellen H. , MacDougall Andrew S.
Published: June 2021

The loss of resource‐rich non‐crop habitat is a hypothesized driver of arthropod decline on farms, implying recovery with restoration. Alternatively, chronic arthropod loss may limit colonization to abundant taxa, especially crop pests. Here, we test the impact of restoring marginal farmland on agriculturally important arthropods on 13 conventional farms across a 10,000 km2 region of central North America with approximately 92% crop cover. We examined local richness by habitat (crops, restored prairie, remnant forest), spatial turnover among habitat and farms, and regional comparisons between farm and non‐farms using iNaturalist data. Sampling approximately 13,000 individuals identified to family or lower, restored prairie had twice the abundance of arthropods compared to crop and forest, with 44% of all families detected, 66% of beneficial families, and 94 unique taxa despite their recent construction (<10 years) and small size (~9.6% of farm area). There was some compositional overlap between crop and prairie, while farm forest had mostly unique taxa. Larger restored areas supported more diverse and taxonomically uniform arthropod assemblages, while crop fields were family‐depauperate with primarily herbivorous taxa. Unexpectedly, the abundance and richness of arthropods between farms with restored habitat and non‐farm areas regionally were similar, although farms possessed more herbivorous species and fewer butterflies and aquatics. The extensive and rapid colonization of restored habitat by beneficial arthropods implies that conventional farms may be habitat limited for many taxa. Our work supports calls for farm redesign that includes habitat reconstruction, which can support arthropods with known benefits to food production.
Multiple mitochondrial haplotypes within individual specimens may interfere with species identification and biodiversity estimation by DNA barcoding and metabarcoding in fig wasps
Authors: Li Tian‐Chu , Wang Yan‐Kun , Sui Zhuo‐Xiao , Wang Tao , Nian Jing‐Zi , Jiang Jin‐Zhuang , Tang Ting , Liu Feng‐Song , Xiao Jin‐Hua , Huang Da‐Wei
Published: June 2021

Accurate assessment of biodiversity is important for scientists, conservationists and policy makers. With the development of DNA barcoding and metabarcoding, many cryptic species have been identified based on the sequence diversity of a ‘barcode’ region in the mitochondrial genome. These molecular identifications have increased the estimated number of species on Earth ten‐fold. Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy, in which multiple mitochondrial haplotypes coexist in a single organism, can interfere with the accuracy of these estimates. However, this phenomenon is still infrequently documented. The main reason is that it is difficult to distinguish heteroplasmic sequences from nuclear mitochondrial segments (Numts). We investigated the prevalence of multiple haplotypes in DNA barcoding sequences in fig wasps (Insect: Hymenoptera) by performing high‐throughput sequencing on individual specimens. DNA metabarcoding was artificially simulated by combining all the haplotype sequences. Using conventional DNA barcoding by Sanger sequencing, the 28 morphological species we studied were divided into 38 taxa, suggesting the existence of ten cryptic species. However, the haplotypes originating from a single specimen clustered into different cryptic species clades, which conflicted with the conventional barcoding results. Furthermore, when we artificially simulated DNA metabarcoding by mixing all haplotype sequences, the number of molecular operational taxonomic units (or putative species) was 3.2× the number of morphological species. These results indicate that the prevalence of multiple haplotypes within individual specimens may have an important impact on DNA barcode‐based species identification and biodiversity assessment more broadly.
Gender, Space, and Precarious Employment in Canada
Authors: Ali Waad K. , Newbold K. Bruce
Published: June 2021

This study aims to examine how gendered precariousness is spatially patterned across Canada's landscape using Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey. We compare gender differences in distinct precarious forms of employment (PFEs) across a range of geographies, including national, provincial, census metropolitan areas, and urban/rural areas. We find that distinct spatial patterns and degree of gendered precariousness were evident within and across geographic spaces. Logit models further confirmed the robustness of gender differences in PFEs across space, revealing that PFEs were associated with gender, immigration status, age, type of economic family, education, income, and occupation. This study has implications for further understanding the causal factors at play in producing these uneven economic geographies. In terms of policy recommendations, this study calls for greater gender equity in social safety net policies, especially in the wake of the labor market shocks brought by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A novel semantic recognition framework of urban functional zones supporting urban land structure analytics based on open‐source data
Authors: Du Zhuotong , Sui Haigang , Wang Jindi
Published: June 2021

To solve problems related to urban land development, protection, and management, urban planners focus on achieving high precision and currency for fine‐grained semantic recognition of urban functional zones (UFZs). The classification of discrete functional zones and qualitative recognition of UFZs have been well studied, but the precise recognition of UFZs with explicit depictions of socioeconomic urban functions has seldom been addressed. Thus, we propose a novel open‐source data‐guided semantic urban function recognition (OSD‐SFR) framework to analyze UFZs and quantitatively link open‐source data (OSD) with the Chinese national urban function classification code. The spatial relationship between the combined semantic database and the segmented urban zones data set was measured, graded, and categorized. Kernel density and statistical methods based on a single data source of points‐of interest were used for comparative experiments. The results indicate that OSD‐SFR yields more fine‐grained delineations between urban functions and achieves more accurate recognition. Critical semantic information from different OSD sources is deeply integrated. This study provides a realistic reference, including detailed descriptions of the spatial distribution and morphological structure of UFZs, to support long‐term city planning.
Connecting Biological Detail With Neural Computation: Application to the Cerebellar Granule–Golgi Microcircuit
Authors: Stöckel Andreas , Stewart Terrence C. , Eliasmith Chris
Published: June 2021

Neurophysiology and neuroanatomy constrain the set of possible computations that can be performed in a brain circuit. While detailed data on brain microcircuits is sometimes available, cognitive modelers are seldom in a position to take these constraints into account. One reason for this is the intrinsic complexity of accounting for biological mechanisms when describing cognitive function. In this paper, we present multiple extensions to the neural engineering framework (NEF), which simplify the integration of low‐level constraints such as Dale's principle and spatially constrained connectivity into high‐level, functional models. We focus on a model of eyeblink conditioning in the cerebellum, and, in particular, on systematically constructing temporal representations in the recurrent granule–Golgi microcircuit. We analyze how biological constraints impact these representations and demonstrate that our overall model is capable of reproducing key properties of eyeblink conditioning. Furthermore, since our techniques facilitate variation of neurophysiological parameters, we gain insights into why certain neurophysiological parameters may be as observed in nature. While eyeblink conditioning is a somewhat primitive form of learning, we argue that the same methods apply for more cognitive models as well. We implemented our extensions to the NEF in an open‐source software library named “NengoBio” and hope that this work inspires similar attempts to bridge low‐level biological detail and high‐level function.
The evidence of a macrophage barrier in the xenotransplantation of human hematopoietic stem cells to severely immunodeficient rats
Authors: Furuya Kinji , Zheng Yun‐Wen , Ge Jian‐Yun , Zhang Ludi , Furuta Tomoaki , Liang Chen , Abe Haruna , Yagi Hiroya , Hamada Hiromi , Isoda Hiroko , Hui Lijian , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro , Oda Tatsuya
Published: June 2021

Background

The human‐to‐rat hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) model is rare, unlike its human‐to‐mouse counterpart. The rat models are desired, especially in areas of physiology, toxicology, and pharmacology. In addition to lymphocytes, macrophages are also considered to be important for xenotransplantation. We generated a rat xenotransplantation model to prove the role of macrophages as a xenotransplantation barrier.

Methods

Immunodeficiency in SRG rats, which are Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats lacking Rag2 and Il2rg, was confirmed by flow cytometry and spleen immunostaining. Human umbilical cord blood was collected after scheduled cesarean section at the University of Tsukuba Hospital. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CB‐MNCs) were transplanted into the SRG rats administered several injections of clodronate liposome (CL), which cause macrophage depletion. Survival of human cells was observed by flow cytometry. Rat macrophage phagocytosis assay was performed to check the species‐specific effects of rat macrophages on injected human/rat blood cells.

Results

SRG rats were deficient in T/B/NK cells. Without CL pretreatment, human CB‐MNCs were removed from SRG rats within 7 hours after transplantation. The rats pretreated with CL could survive after transplantation. Prolonged survival for more than 4 weeks was observed only following a one‐time CL injection. Rat macrophages had a species‐specific potential for the phagocytosis of human blood cells in vivo.

Conclusion

In human‐to‐rat HSCT, the short period of early macrophage control, leading to macrophage immunotolerance, is important for engraftment. The generated model can be useful for the creation of future xenotransplantation models or other clinical research.
Nilpotent superfields for broken abelian symmetries
Authors: Aldabergenov Yermek , Chatrabhuti Auttakit , Isono Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

We find new solutions to real cubic constraints on $$N=1$$

N
=
1

chiral superfields transforming under global abelian symmetries. These solutions describe the low-energy dynamics of a goldstino interacting with an axion (both belonging to the same chiral superfield) with non-linearly realized supersymmetry. We show the relation between our model and the approach of Komargodski and Seiberg for describing goldstino-axion dynamics which uses orthogonal nilpotent superfields.
BIFURCATION ANALYSIS FOR A ONE PREDATOR AND TWO PREY MODEL WITH PREY-TAXIS
Authors: HASKELL EVAN C. , BELL JONATHAN
Published: June 2021

This paper concerns spatio-temporal pattern formation in a model for two competing prey populations with a common predator population whose movement is biased by direct prey-taxis mechanisms. By pattern formation, we mean the existence of stable, positive non-constant equilibrium states, or nontrivial stable time-periodic states. The taxis can be either repulsive or attractive and the population interaction dynamics is fairly general. Both types of pattern formation arise as one-parameter bifurcating solution branches from an unstable constant stationary state. In the absence of our taxis mechanism, the coexistence positive steady state, under suitable conditions, is locally asymptotically stable. In the presence of a sufficiently strong repulsive prey defense, pattern formation will develop. However, in the attractive taxis case, the attraction needs to be sufficiently weak for pattern formation to develop. Our method is an application of the Crandall–Rabinowitz and the Hopf bifurcation theories. We establish the existence of both types of branches and develop expressions for determining their stability.
A new hybrid conjugate gradient method of unconstrained optimization methods
Authors: Nasreddine Chenna , Badreddine Sellami , Mohammed Belloufi
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a new hybrid method to solve a nonlinear unconstrained optimization problem by using conjugate gradient, which is a convex combination of Liu–Storey (LS) conjugate gradient method and Hager–Zhang (HZ) conjugate gradient method. This method possesses the sufficient descent property with Strong Wolfe line search and the global convergence with the strong Wolfe line search. In the end of this paper, we illustrate our method by giving some numerical examples.
Square element graph of square-subtract rings
Authors: Biswas Bijon , Kar S. , Sen M. K.
Published: June 2021

If [Formula: see text] is a ring then the square element graph [Formula: see text] is the simple undirected graph whose vertex set consists of all non-zero elements of [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we provide some necessary and sufficient conditions for the connectedness of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a ring with identity. We mainly characterize some special class of ring [Formula: see text] which we call square-subtract ring for which the graph [Formula: see text] is connected.
Gravitational community detection by predicting diameter
Authors: Pattanayak Himansu Sekhar , Verma Harsh K. , Sangal Amrit Lal
Published: June 2021

Community detection is a pivotal part of network analysis and is classified as an NP-hard problem. In this paper, a novel community detection algorithm is proposed, which probabilistically predicts communities’ diameter using the local information of random seed nodes. The gravitation method is then applied to discover communities surrounding the seed nodes. The individual communities are combined to get the community structure of the whole network. The proposed algorithm, named as Local Gravitational community detection algorithm (LGCDA), can also work with overlapping communities. LGCDA algorithm is evaluated based on quality metrics and ground-truth data by comparing it with some of the widely used community detection algorithms using synthetic and real-world networks.
Bounds and extremal graphs for Harary energy
Authors: Alhevaz A. , Baghipur M. , Ganie H. A. , Das K. C.
Published: June 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected graph of order [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be the reciprocal distance matrix (also called Harary matrix) of the graph [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the eigenvalues of the reciprocal distance matrix [Formula: see text] of the connected graph [Formula: see text] called the reciprocal distance eigenvalues of [Formula: see text]. The Harary energy [Formula: see text] of a connected graph [Formula: see text] is defined as sum of the absolute values of the reciprocal distance eigenvalues of [Formula: see text], that is, [Formula: see text] In this paper, we establish some new lower and upper bounds for [Formula: see text] in terms of different graph parameters associated with the structure of the graph [Formula: see text]. We characterize the extremal graphs attaining these bounds. We also obtain a relation between the Harary energy and the sum of [Formula: see text] largest adjacency eigenvalues of a connected graph.
The Predictive Factors of Displacement of Adult Distal End Radius Fracture Treated with Casting
Authors: Mimura Tetsuhiko , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Hayashi Masanori , Isobe Fumihiro , Kitamura Yo
Published: June 2021

Background: In the conservative management of distal radial fractures (DRFs), the optimal dorsi-volar angulation of the wrist at cast immobilization and proper cast molding to minimize the risk of redisplacement are unclear. This study identified the predictors of fracture redisplacement during cast immobilization for adult DRFs.

Methods: We examined for dorsi-volar angulation, gap index, volar tilt (VT), radial inclination (RI), and radial length (RL) in lateral or posteroanterior radiographs of 90 DRFs. We investigated possible predisposition factors for redisplacement including patient age, sex, extra- or intra-articular fracture, metaphyseal comminution, original displacements, dorsi-volar angulation of the wrist at cast immobilization, restoration of the volar cortex at cast immobilization, and gap index of the cast.

Results: Neither dorsi-volar angulation nor gap index had significant association with an unacceptable alignment nor decrease of VT, RI, and RL. In multivariate analysis, patient age, original displacement, and intra-articular fracture were the significant predictors of an unacceptable alignment or decrease of VT and RI.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate dorsi-volar angulation and cast molding quality have no clinical effect on preventing fracture redisplacement. The predictive factors of the displacement were patient age, original displacement, and intra-articular fracture.
Modified Staged Finkelstein Test for the Identification of Intracompartmental Septum in Patients with De Quervain’s Disease
Authors: Yeom Ji Woong , Koh Kyoung Hwan , Park Min Jong , Choi Soo-Jung , Lee Ki Won , Lee Hyun Il
Published: June 2021

Background: The intracompartmental septum isolating the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) has been reported to affect the patient’s response to nonsurgical treatment in de Quervain’s disease. A simple physical test called the modified staged Finkelstein test was developed to evaluate the septum; the result of this test was compared with those of the pre-existing physical test (EPB entrapment test) and ultrasonographic (US) examination of the septum.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 52 patients who underwent two clinical tests, including the modified staged Finkelstein test and the EPB entrapment test, and US examination for de Quervain’s disease. The correlation between the clinical test results and US findings was evaluated; sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results: The proportion of wrists with a separate septum was 50% (26 patients) in the US examination. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified staged Finkelstein test were 88.5% and 73.1%, respectively; those of EPB entrapment test were 71.4% and 84.2%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the modified staged Finkelstein test were 76.7% and 86.4%, respectively.

Conclusions: The modified staged Finkelstein test showed acceptable diagnostic values for the diagnosis of septum compared with pre-existing physical tests. Knowledge about the existence of septum could be helpful in treating patients and expecting prognosis.
Fixation of Transverse Olecranon Fractures by Suture Bridge Method Using Suture Anchor: Biomechanical Comparison with Tension Band Wiring Technique
Authors: Lee Hyun Il , Cho Jin Ho , Choi Jun Young , Lee Sung Sahn , Cho Sung Tan
Published: June 2021

Background: Olecranon fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, falls, or in direct elbow injury. In cases of transverse olecranon fracture, surgery is frequently required in adults. The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical durability of suture anchor fixation in olecranon fractures to conventional tension band wiring technique in saw bones.

Methods: 12 plastic saw bones were divided into 3 groups: tension band wiring fixation, modified Cha-Batman method, and a modified simple suture method using a suture anchor. After fixation, cyclic load tests were conducted for 1,000 cycles, at 5 Hz with a force of 10 N to 250 N. After cycling loading, the extent of displacement was measured using a non-contact coordinate measuring instrument, and statistical analysis performed.

Results: The average displacement was significantly smaller in the modified Cha-Bateman method (1.4 mm) than in the tension band wiring method (3.8 mm, p = 0.007) and the modified simple suture method using suture anchor (3.3 mm, p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in displacement between tension band wiring fixation and the modified simple suture method (p = 0.564).

Conclusions: This study provides a biomechanical basis for the hypothesis that the suture anchor technique in weak bone model could obtain results comparable to those of conventional tension band wiring. In particular, the modified Cha-Bateman method, showed stronger biomechanical properties than the tension band wiring method and modified simple suture method using a suture anchor. The current study could also provide pilot data that can be used in future experiments.
Identification of Prognostic Factors in Spaghetti Wrist Injuries
Authors: De Moumita , Singhal Maneesh , Naalla Ravikiran , Dave Aniket
Published: June 2021

Background: Spaghetti wrist injuries involve a complete transection of three or more structures at the wrist level (including tendons, nerves, or arteries). Few studies on spaghetti wrist trauma have been reported in the literature, and most of them have focused on functional recovery rather than the prognostic factors which affect the outcome. We attempted to address some of the lacunae in current knowledge.

Methods: Patients who were operated between January 2017 to January 2019 for spaghetti wrist injuries at a level 1 trauma center were included in the study. Several variables such as age, gender, smoking, education level, mechanism of injury, time gap between the injury to surgery, number of damaged structures and pattern of neurovascular structure were selected as potential prognostic factors to be included in the analysis. Motor recovery, sensory recovery & QuickDash score were used for the outcome assessment. A Multivariate analysis was done to identify the prognostic factor(s).

Results: Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age was 30.5 years (range: 7–57 years). Male population was predominantly affected (93.33%). The dominant limb was injured in 73.33%. The most common mechanism of injury was accidental glass cut (n = 19,63.33%), the most frequently affected structure was flexor digitorum superficialis of the middle finger (n = 23, 76.6%). Combined nerve injury was present in 23.33%. Intrinsic muscle recovery was affected significantly by presence of crush injury (e = 7.189, std error = 2.425, p = 0.003), education significantly affected power grip recovery (p < 0.0001), age was associated with pinch grip recovery (e = 0.083, std error = 0.039, p = 0.034).

Conclusions: Increasing age, low education level, and presence of crush injury were identified as negative prognostic factors in the study. These findings may be used for counselling of patients affected by spaghetti wrist injuries.
Antithrombotic Use with Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection to Treat Dupuytren Disease
Authors: Paynter Jessica A. , Tobin Vicky , Hurst Lawrence C. , Badalamente Marie A. , Hunter-Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (collagenase) is an injectable treatment option for Dupuytren disease. The current study was designed to investigate the safety and ensure the effectiveness of collagenase for the treatment of Dupuytren disease, with or without concomitant antithrombotic usage.

Methods: One hundred and forty-eight patients with Dupuytren disease were treated with collagenase during this period; 49 taking antithrombotics and 99 not taking antithrombotics. The primary outcomes were clinical success (a reduction in joint contracture to < 5°) and clinical improvement (a reduction in joint contracture by equal to or more than 50%).

Results: No statistically significant difference in either clinical success or clinical improvement was found between those taking and those not taking antithrombotics. No significant difference was found in the incidence of any adverse effects or skin splits between the two cohorts.

Conclusions: Collagenase can be safely and effectively used to treat patients with Dupuytren disease who take antithrombotics.
Evaluation of Restricted Motion Area of the Median Nerve in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A New Measurement Method Using an Ultrasonographic Video Image
Authors: Hara Yukinori , Tajiri Yasuhito , Kawano Kenichi , Hoshikawa Shinya
Published: June 2021

Background: The precise etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) remains unclear. One of the accepted factors for CTS is the restriction of the median nerve. Previous reports using ultrasound had only observed and measured the movement of parts of the median nerve. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the difference in the movement of the entire median nerve in patients with CTS (before and after surgery) and healthy volunteers using a new measurement method.

Methods: We expressed the amount of movement of the entire nerve by a new method creating the motion area of the median nerve (MAMn) from an ultrasonographic video image on the computer. We compared the MAMn, the real MAMn (RMMn) (the value obtained by subtracting the nerve cross-sectional area from the MAMn), and mobile ratio (MR) (the value obtained from dividing the MAMn by the nerve cross-sectional area) between six wrists of six cases of CTS (before and at an average of 3.5 months after surgery) and six wrists of six healthy volunteers.

Results: During passive wrist flexion, the average MAMn, RMMn, and MR of healthy cases were 23.1 mm2, 16.4 mm2, and 3.52, respectively. The average MAMn, RMMn, and MR of cases of CTS were respectively 11.8 mm2, 5.4 mm2, and 1.86 preoperatively; and 16.2 mm2, 7.3 mm2, and 1.87, postoperatively. The MAMn, RMMn, and MR decreased more significantly in patients with CTS than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). The MAMn and RMMn increased postoperatively (p < 0.05), but the MR remained low.

Conclusions: The new measurement method revealed that the mobility of the entire median nerve was significantly restricted in cases of CTS compared to healthy participants. However, after surgery, nerve restriction was not restored despite improvements in symptoms, suggesting that decreases in nerve mobility contribute to CTS but are not a direct cause of symptoms.