bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the feedback loops required for the phenotypic stabilization in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Silveira Daner A. , Mombach José Carlos M.
Published: September 2019

The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex mechanism in which cells undergo a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes (there is also an intermediary hybrid state) in response to microenvironmental alterations and aberrant stimuli triggered by molecules such as TGF‐β. Recent studies in breast cancer progression reported new feedback loops and new participant molecules such as microRNAs 340 and 1199. In this work, we propose a logical model of EMT contemplating the influence of these new published molecules on the regulatory core of EMT. The model results were compared with theoretical and experimental data for the human breast epithelial cell line MCF10A presenting excellent agreement. We propose that the miRNAs 340 and 1199 should be considered phenotypic stability factors of the hybrid state based on the positive feedback loops they form with ZEB1. In addition, the model allows the prediction of phenotype probabilities at the coexistence region. For the tristable dynamics when epithelial, hybrid, and mesenchymal phenotypes coexist, we found that the hybrid state is the most probable, agreeing with experiments. Our results highlight new mechanisms related to the EMT dynamics in response to TGF‐β stimulus in epithelial breast cells and might help the design of therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Practice guideline update summary: Pharmacologic treatment for pediatric migraine prevention
Authors: Oskoui Maryam , Pringsheim Tamara , Billinghurst Lori , Potrebic Sonja , Gersz Elaine M. , Gloss David , Holler‐Managan Yolanda , Leininger Emily , Licking Nicole , Mack Kenneth , Powers Scott W. , Sowell Michael , Cristina Victorio M. , Yonker Marcy , Zanitsch Heather , Hershey Andrew D.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To provide updated evidence‐based recommendations for migraine prevention using pharmacologic treatment with or without cognitive behavioral therapy in the pediatric population.

Methods

The authors systematically reviewed literature from January 2003 to August 2017 and developed practice recommendations using the American Academy of Neurology 2011 process, as amended.

Results

Fifteen class I‐III studies on migraine prevention in children in adolescents met inclusion criteria. There is insufficient evidence to determine if children and adolescents receiving divalproex, onabotulinumtoxinA, amitriptyline, nimodipine and flunarizine are more or less likely than those receiving placebo to have a reduction in headache frequency. Children with migraine receiving propranolol are possibly more likely than those receiving placebo to have an at least 50% reduction in headache frequency. Children and adolescents receiving topiramate and cinnarizine are probably more likely than those receiving placebo to have a decrease in headache frequency. Children with migraine receiving amitriptyline plus cognitive behavioral therapy are more likely than those receiving amitriptyline plus headache education to have a reduction in headache frequency.

Recommendations

The majority of randomized controlled trials studying the efficacy of preventive medications for pediatric migraine fail to demonstrate superiority to placebo. Recommendations for the prevention of migraine in children include counseling on lifestyle and behavioral factors that influence headache frequency, and assessment and management of comorbid disorders associated with headache persistence. Clinicians should engage in shared decision making with patients and caregivers regarding the use of preventive treatments for migraine, including discussion of the limitations in the evidence to support pharmacologic treatments.
Effect of turanose on the rheology and oil uptake of instant fried noodles
Authors: Oh Imkyung , Park Yujin , Lee Suyong
Published: September 2019

Effects of turanose on the functional properties of instant fried noodles were assessed mainly in terms of rheology‐ and oil uptake‐related characteristics. The Mixolab results showed that the water absorption of dough decreased as the turanose level increased, whereas the gel stability and starch retrogradation increased. Also, the use of turanose lowered the storage and loss moduli of the dough, showing a more viscous nature. These viscoelastic characteristics were correlated with the decreased resistance to extension and increased extensibility. NMR spin–spin relaxation analysis showed three distinct water populations in the turanose noodle doughs whose relaxation times were varied depending on the level of turanose. After frying, the noodles with turanose exhibited a continuous and smooth surface as well as a less porous structure. These microstructural characteristics were correlated with the reduced oil uptake by 20.8%, the enhanced oxidative stability and furthermore the improved breaking stress.
Two‐step synthesis process for high‐entropy diboride powders
Authors: Feng Lun , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: September 2019

High‐entropy diboride powders were produced by a two‐step synthesis process consisting of boro/carbothermal reduction followed by solid solution formation. Nominally phase‐pure (Hf,Zr,Ti,Ta,Nb)B2 in a single‐phase hexagonal structure had an average particle size of just over 400 nm and contained 0.3 wt% carbon and 0.3 wt% oxygen. The fine particle size was due to the use of high‐energy ball milling prior to boro/carbothermal reduction, which led to a relatively low synthesis temperature of 1650°C. Oxygen and carbon contents were minimized by completion of the boro/carbothermal reduction reactions under vacuum. This is the first report of synthesis of a nominally phase pure high‐entropy diboride powder from oxides using a two‐step process.
How old is old for implant therapy in terms of early implant losses?
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Ebner Maria , Knibbe Marianne , Pandis Nikolaos , Kuchler Ulrike , Ulm Christian , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess, retrospectively, whether older age has an impact on implant osseointegration when compared with younger age.

Methods

All patients ≥65 years old at implant installation, in an university setting over a time‐period of 11.5 years, with complete anamnestic data and follow‐up until prosthetic restoration were included, and any early implant loss (EIL; i.e. lack of osseointegration prior to or at the time‐point of prosthetic restoration) was recorded. Further, one implant, from each of the elderly patients, was attempted matched to one implant in a younger patient (35 to <55 years old at implant installation) from the same clinic based on (a) gender, (b) implant region, (c) smoking status and (d) bone grafting prior to/simultaneously with implant installation. The potential impact of various local and systemic factors on EIL in the entire elderly population, and in the matched elderly and younger patient group was statistically assessed.

Results

Four hundred forty‐four patients ≥65 years old (range 65.1–91.3; 56.8% female) receiving 1,517 implants were identified; 10 patients had one EIL each (implant/patient level: 0.66/2.25%). Splitting this patient cohort additionally into four age groups [65–69.9 (n = 213), 70–74.9 (n = 111), 75–79.9 (n = 80) and ≥80 (n = 40)], EIL was on the implant level 0.41, 0.83, 0.34 and 2.26%, respectively, (p = .102) and on the patient level 1.41, 2.70, 1.25 and 7.50%, respectively, (p = .104); multilevel analysis showed weak evidence of association of increasing age with higher EIL rate (p = .090). Matching was possible in 347 cases, and 5 (1.44%) and 9 (2.59%) EIL in the elderly and younger patients, respectively, were observed (p = .280). EIL could not be associated with any systemic condition or medication intake.

Conclusions

Elderly patients ≥65 years old presented a similarly low EIL rate as younger patients 35 to <55 years old, while patients ≥80 years old may have a slight tendency for a higher EIL rate. Hence, ageing does not seem to compromise osseointegration, and if at all, then only slightly and at a later stage of life.
Male age and its association with reproductive traits in captive and wild house sparrows
Authors: Girndt Antje , Cockburn Glenn , Sánchez‐Tójar Alfredo , Hertel Moritz , Burke Terry , Schroeder Julia
Published: September 2019

Evolutionary theory predicts that females seek extra‐pair fertilizations from high‐quality males. In socially monogamous bird species, it is often old males that are most successful in extra‐pair fertilizations. Adaptive models of female extra‐pair mate choice suggest that old males may produce offspring of higher genetic quality than young males because they have proven their survivability. However, old males are also more likely to show signs of reproductive senescence, such as reduced sperm quality. To better understand why old males account for a disproportionally large number of extra‐pair offspring and what the consequences of mating with old males are, we compared several sperm traits of both captive and wild house sparrows, Passer domesticus. Sperm morphological traits and cloacal protuberance volume (a proxy for sperm load) of old and young males did not differ substantially. However, old males delivered almost three times more sperm to the female's egg than young males. We discuss the possibility of a post‐copulatory advantage for old over young males and the consequences for females mated with old males.
Development of Anncaliia algerae (Microsporidia) in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sokolova Yuliya Y. , Weidner Earl , DiMario Patrick J.
Published: September 2019

Representatives of the genus Anncaliia are known as natural parasites of dipteran and coleopteran insects, amphipod crustaceans, but also humans, primarily with immunodeficiency. Anncaliia algerae‐caused fatal myositis is considered as an emergent infectious disease in humans. A. (=Nosema, Brachiola) algerae, the best studied species of the genus, demonstrates the broadest among microsporidia range of natural and experimental hosts, but it has never been propagated in Drosophila. We present ultrastructural analysis of development of A. algerae in visceral muscles and adipocytes of Drosophila melanogaster 2 wk after per oral experimental infection. We observed typical to Anncaliia spp. features of ultrastructure and cell pathology including spore morphology, characteristic extensions of the plasma membrane, and presence of “ridges” and appendages of tubular material at proliferative stages. Anncaliia algerae development in D. melanogaster was particularly similar to one of A. algerae and A.(Brachiola) vesicularum in humans with acute myositis. Given D. melanogaster is currently the most established genetic model, with a fully sequenced genome and easily available transgenic forms and genomic markers, a novel host–parasite system might provide new genetic tools to investigate host–pathogen interactions of A. algerae, as well to test antimicrosporidia drugs.
Key sectors in greenhouse gas emissions in Spain: An alternative input–output analysis
Authors: Alcántara Vicent , Padilla Emilio
Published: September 2019

We develop an alternative input–output approach and apply it to the determination of key sectors in emissions. This methodology allows us to assess and classify the different productive sectors according to their greenhouse gas emissions and the role that they play in the productive structure, as well as the participation of their output in the total volume of production. In contrast with previous approaches, we do not focus on the responsibility of final demand, but on the responsibility of the total production of each sector. We apply our methodology to the 2014 input–output table for Spain provided by the World Input–Output Database (2016). The results show that the sectors that induce more emissions from other sectors are manufacture of food products, wholesale and retail trade, and construction. Those that are pulled to emit coincide with those that are relevant for their own final demand, being the most important electricity and gas provision, agriculture, and transportation. The classification obtained allows to orient the design of greenhouse gas emission mitigation policies for the different sectors.
Variations of the CNS Venous System Mimicking Pathology: Spectrum of Imaging Findings
Authors: Freeman Colbey W. , Lazor Jillian W. , Loevner Laurie A. , Nabavizadeh Seyed Ali
Published: September 2019

Variations in the venous drainage of the central nervous system can have imaging and clinical findings that mimic pathology, presenting a challenge for neuroimagers and clinicians. Patients with these variants may undergo unnecessary testing, and patients with pathology may receive delayed diagnoses because of overlap with benign findings. Consequently, the accurate identification of venous variations on cross‐sectional imaging and angiography and their potential causes are critical for differentiating benign imaging variants from potential pathologic processes requiring further evaluation. For example, in the epidural space, benign dilation of the epidural venous plexus may be mistaken for evidence of a fistula, abscess, or metastasis. Hypoplasia of a dural venous sinus or an arachnoid granulation may mimic venous sinus thrombosis. The superior ophthalmic vein may demonstrate benign dilation in intubated patients, mimicking thrombosis, increased intracranial pressure, orbital varix, inflammatory pseudotumor, or other conditions. Furthermore, certain venous variations, such as the occipital sinus or emissary veins, may complicate surgery or herald pathology and should be reported. In addition, some supposedly benign variations, such as the developmental venous anomaly, can be complicated by pathology. The objective of this review article is to provide a descriptive and pictorial review of common anatomic and physiologic variations in the venous drainage system of the brain, spine, and orbits that can mimic pathology. Neuroimaging findings of related pathologies and differences in clinical presentations will also be discussed to assist in the approach to differential diagnosis.
Telomere erosion in Sjögren's syndrome: A multi‐tissue comparative analysis
Authors: Noll Braxton , Bahrani Mougeot Farah , Brennan Michael T. , Mougeot Jean‐Luc C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Acinar progenitor cells within salivary glands have decreased regenerative capacity and exhibit shorter telomeres in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients. We investigated whether DNA of saliva, PBMCs, and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy tissue have shorter telomeres in pSS compared to controls. mRNA expression of genes associated with pSS pathogenesis (ETS1, LEF1, and MMP9), telomere DNA damage response (ATM), senescence (CDKN2A), telomerase inhibition (IFN‐y, TGFβ1), and the shelterin complex (TPP1, POT1) were assessed in LSG tissue by qRT‐PCR to examine potential defects in telomere maintenance.

Methods

Relative telomere length in DNA of saliva, PBMCs, and LSGs from non‐pSS sicca and pSS patients was measured using qPCR. Saliva DNA telomere length was further compared to healthy controls. Expression of genes affecting telomere maintenance was analyzed in LSGs using qRT‐PCR.

Results

Primary Sjögren's syndrome patients have shorter telomeres in saliva DNA (n = 21) than healthy controls (n = 27) (P = .0035). ATM mRNA expression was higher in pSS LSG tissue (n = 16) vs non‐pSS sicca patients (n = 13) (P = .0283) and strongly correlated with LEF1, TPP1, and POT1 (P < .01, r > 0.6).

Conclusions

Patients with pSS exhibited significant telomere erosion in saliva DNA. Overexpression of ATM in LSGs could represent a compensatory response to telomere shortening. The role of LEF1 in telomere erosion remains to be elucidated.
Is Parental Attachment Security Contextual? Exploring Context‐Specific Child–Parent Attachment Patterns and Psychological Well‐Being in Taiwanese Youths
Authors: Lai Ya‐Hsin , Carr Sam
Published: September 2019

Scant research to date has explored the possibility of context‐specific variation in attachment security within a given relationship. In this paper, two cross‐sectional studies were designed (1) to develop and validate context‐specific attachment scales in Traditional‐Chinese and (2) to explore variations in attachment security within a given parental relationship but between the contexts of sport and academics, relating them to global attachment patterns and indicators of psychological well‐being. Results indicated that Taiwanese youth can and do perceive contextual variation within a given parental relationship. However, the relationship between such contextual variation and psychological outcomes was complex. Contextual variation may be a meaningful and useful way to explore and think about within‐parent attachment fluctuation.
Learning skills in Tropidurus lizards are associated with territory harshness
Authors: Rodrigues A. V. , Kohlsdorf T.
Published: September 2019

Learning increases the ability to cope with challenges experienced in natural environments and likely affects animal survival, especially in harsh environments. Most evidence for associations between environmental characteristics and learning ability derives from comparisons among closely related species of mammals or birds, although the contribution of such behavioral trait for variation in habitat usage may be established among individuals at the population level. Here, we used individuals of Tropidurus catalanensis lizards from the same population to test for associations between individual problem‐solving capacity and the type of territory used. Our prediction was that individuals living in harsher territories would exhibit enhanced capability for problem solving than lizards from more permissive (mild) territories. Lizards were tested during eight non‐consecutive days using a customized feeder and visual cues. After confirming that lizards learn to solve the proposed task, we corroborated the hypothesis that environmental parameters affecting territory harshness are associated with individual learning capacity. Specifically, individuals living in harsh territories presented greater enhancement of their performance for problem solving with exposure to the task. We also identified that some of these lizards shifted their behavior along the 2 weeks of trials, adopting an approach that apparently minimized attempts prior to success. Challenges imposed by structurally different territories may be overcome by individuals exhibiting enhanced learning, a skill that may initially allow colonization of harsh territories by a given set of individuals but might also be cryptic in the population and then become expressed in response to specific environmental settings.
Mitochondria, sex and variation in routine metabolic rate
Authors: Healy Timothy M. , Brennan Reid S. , Whitehead Andrew , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: September 2019

Variation in the metabolic costs associated with organismal maintenance may play a key role in determining fitness, and thus these differences among individuals are likely to be subject to natural selection. Although the evolvability of maintenance metabolism depends on its underlying genetic architecture, relatively little is known about the nature of genetic variation that underlies this trait. To address this, we measured variation in routine metabolic rate (ṀO2routine), an index of maintenance metabolism, within and among three populations of Atlantic killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, including a population from a region of genetic admixture between two subspecies. Polygenic association tests among individuals from the admixed population identified 54 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were associated with ṀO2routine, and these SNPs accounted for 43% of interindividual variation in this trait. However, genetic associations with ṀO2routine involved different SNPs if females and males were analysed separately, and there was a sex‐dependent effect of mitochondrial genotype on variation in routine metabolism. These results imply that there are sex‐specific genetic mechanisms, and potential mitonuclear interactions, that underlie variation in ṀO2routine. Additionally, there was evidence for epistatic interactions between 17% of the possible pairs of trait‐associated SNPs, suggesting that epistatic effects on ṀO2routine are common. These data demonstrate not only that phenotypic variation in this ecologically important trait has a polygenic basis with considerable epistasis among loci, but also that these underlying genetic mechanisms, and particularly the role of mitochondrial genotype, may be sex‐specific.
A stripe rust effector Pst18363 targets and stabilises TaNUDX23 that promotes stripe rust disease
Authors: Yang Qian , Huai Baoyu , Lu Yuxi , Cai Kunyan , Guo Jia , Zhu Xiaoguo , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun
Published: September 2019

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), poses a tremendous threat to the production of wheat worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of Pst effectors that regulate wheat immunity are poorly understood.

In this study, we identified an effector Pst18363 from Pst that suppresses plant cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana and in wheat. Knocking down Pst18363 expression by virus‐mediated host‐induced gene silencing significantly decreased the number of rust pustules, indicating that Pst18363 functions as an important pathogenicity factor in Pst.

Pst18363 was proven to interact with wheat Nudix hydrolase 23 TaNUDX23. In wheat, silencing of TaNUDX23 by virus‐induced gene silencing increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation induced by the avirulent Pst race CYR23, whereas overexpression of TaNUDX23 suppressed ROS accumulation induced by flg22 in Arabidopsis. In addition, TaNUDX23 suppressed Pst candidate effector Pst322‐trigged cell death by decreasing ROS accumulation in N. benthamiana. Knocking down of TaNUDX23 expression attenuated Pst infection, indicating that TaNUDX23 is a negative regulator of defence. In N. benthamiana, Pst18363 stabilises TaNUDX23.

Overall, our data suggest that Pst18363 stabilises TaNUDX23, which suppresses ROS accumulation to facilitate Pst infection.
Sex differences in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in patients with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Lee Yeon‐Hee , An Jung‐Sub , Chon Suk
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the sex differences in clinical features, including salivary flow rate, psychological distress and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response and their inter‐relationships in patients with burning mouth syndrome.

Subjects and Methods

Eighteen men and 37 postmenopausal women with burning mouth syndrome underwent a comprehensive questionnaire evaluation, psychological evaluation and salivary flow rate measurement. Laboratory tests were performed to investigate the function and integrity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Results

Both unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates were higher in men than in women (unstimulated: 0.58 ± 0.32 vs. 0.37 ± 0.15 ml/min, p < .01; stimulated: 1.83 ± 0.63 vs. 1.22 ± 0.31, p < .001). Symptom severity scored on a visual analogue scale negatively correlated with anti‐diuretic hormone levels in both sexes. The visual analogue scale scores negatively correlated with unstimulated (r = −.652, p < .01) and stimulated (r = −.376, p < .05) salivary flow rates in men and women, respectively. Unstimulated salivary flow rates positively correlated with anti‐diuretic hormone (r = .453, p < .05) and progesterone (r = .402, p < .05) levels only in women.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that clinicians should consider hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response, as well as sex and salivary flow rates, when identifying the aetiology of patients with burning mouth syndrome, as it may enable more accurate and effective treatment.
Transfusion independence after repeated haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplants in a patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II and hemosiderosis
Authors: Macaraeg Marci , Proytcheva Maria , Katsanis Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Matched related or unrelated donor allogeneic HCT has occasionally been applied in patients with severe CDA type II and proven to be curative. We report on the first patient with CDA to undergo haploidentical bone marrow transplantation with PT‐CY. A 12‐year‐old boy with severe hemosiderosis, and a, consequently, disturbed BM microenvironment, developed recurrent graft failures and required salvage with two additional haploidentical HCTs. He achieved complete donor chimerism and transfusion independence after the third HCT. Our case underscores the risks associated with performing haploidentical HCT in older pediatric patients with CDA and severe chronic iron overload.
The ScRALF3 secreted peptide is involved in sporophyte to gametophyte signalling and affects pollen mitosis I
Authors: Loubert‐Hudon A. , Mazin B. D. , Chevalier É. , Matton D. P.
Published: September 2019

Signalling events through small peptides are essential in multiple aspects of plant reproduction. The ScRALF3 Solanum chacoense Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) peptide was previously shown to regulate multiple aspects of cell–cell communication between the surrounding sporophytic tissue and the female gametophyte during ovule development.

We analysed the global expression pattern of ScRALF3 with GUS reporter gene under control of the ScRALF3 promoter and validated it with in situ hybridisation. To better understand the role of ScRALF3 we used three different RNA interference (RNAi) lines that reduced the expression of ScRALF3 during pollen development.

Both expression methods showed the presence of ScRALF3 in different tissues, including stigma, style, vascular tissues and during stamen development. Down‐regulation of ScRALF3 expression through RNAi showed drastic defects in early stages of pollen development, mainly on the first mitosis.

These results suggest that the ScRALF3 secreted peptide regulates the transition from sporogenesis to gametogenesis in both male and female gametophytes.
Size does matter – susceptibility of apple for grey mould is affected by cell size
Authors: Naets M. , Wang Z. , Verboven P. , Nicolaï B. , Keulemans W. , Geeraerd A.
Published: September 2019

Apple is a seasonal product that is stored for long periods of time, during which fungal‐caused decay can occur. Previous infection experiments of intact Jonagored apple with Botrytis cinerea displayed apparent differences in lesion expansion rate with respect to inoculation position on the fruit (on, above or below the equator). The goal of this study was to investigate whether these differences are consistent or not and if so, to relate them to fruit characteristics. The study involved measuring the hue angle of the intended inoculation spots prior to inoculation, and firmness and total soluble solids content of fruit from the same batch. Results showed that firmness correlated somewhat (−0.55 and −0.72 for shadow and sun side, respectively) with lesion diameter expansion rate. In a subsequent step, X‐ray imaging was carried out for samples from each position. Analysis of 3D reconstructions by microcomputed tomography of these diffraction images showed that cell size was strongly correlated (0.996) to lesion diameter expansion rate. Finally, it was investigated if cell size could also be used to rank different apple cultivars for their susceptibility to B. cinerea. The result shows that there is a clear distinction between Jonagold and Golden Delicious (non‐blushing variety), which have a smaller cell size, and Braeburn and Kanzi, which have a larger cell size (overall correlation of 0.87). This indicates that cell size may also be an important factor in determining susceptibility across cultivars.
Fear, anxiety, and their disorders from the perspective of psychophysiology
Authors: Hamm Alfons O.
Published: September 2019

Psychophysiology is a central hub connecting neurobiological and behavioral domains with clinical science, thus providing ideal tools for increasing the understanding of mental disorders beyond the level of symptom reports. The present article provides an overview of how psychophysiological research can contribute toward efforts directed at an improved understanding of anxiety disorders. Starting with the behavioral domain, it is demonstrated that defensive behaviors are fundamental to anxiety disorders and that these behaviors are dynamically organized depending upon the proximity of a specific threat. The next section reviews neural networks that are activated during the encoding of threat‐relevant information and during the organization of the cascade of defensive responses, including how passive avoidance might be conceptualized within a neurobehavioral framework. The last section addresses the translation of these behavioral and neuronal findings from experimental psychopathology research to clinical populations. Finally, evidence is presented to support how behavioral approaches may be helpful in predicting treatment outcomes.
Offshoring and firm overlap: Welfare effects with non‐sharp selection into offshoring
Authors: Capuano Stella , Egger Harmut , Koch Michael , Schmerer Hans‐Jörg
Published: September 2019

Using German establishment data, we provide evidence for selection of larger, more productive producers into offshoring. However, the selection is not sharp, and offshoring and nonoffshoring producers coexist over a wide range of the revenue distribution. To explain this overlap, we set up a model of offshoring, in which we decouple offshoring status from revenues through heterogeneity in two technology parameters. In an empirical analysis, we employ German establishment data to estimate key parameters of the model and show that disregarding the overlap has large quantitative effects. It lowers the estimated gains from offshoring by almost 50% and, at the same time, exaggerates the role of the extensive margin for explaining the evolution of German offshoring since the 1990s.
Early necrotic skin lesions after a ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation: The threat of Cunninghamella Spp.
Authors: Belliere Julie , Rolland Marion , Tournier Emilie , Cassaing Sophie , Iriart Xavier , Paul Carle , Kamar Nassim
Published: September 2019

A 49‐year‐old man underwent ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation with a living donor. At day 33 post‐transplantation, he presented with undiagnosed epilepsy with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures. At day 44 post‐transplantation, he developed left‐sided pneumonia attributed to Aspergillus fumigatus and treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was initiated. At day 51 post‐transplantation, necrotic skin lesions appeared. DNA sequencing in a fresh cutaneous biopsy finally identified Cunninghamella Spp., a member of the order Mucorales. Unfortunately, the necrotic lesions spread, and the patient died at day 60 post‐transplantation. This case report highlights the infectious risk related to ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation and suggests a requirement for rapid identification of every skin lesion, even in the early phases of immunosuppression.
CG hypomethylation leads to complex changes in DNA methylation and transpositional burst of diverse transposable elements in callus cultures of rice
Authors: Hu Lanjuan , Li Ning , Zhang Zhibin , Meng Xinchao , Dong Qianli , Xu Chunming , Gong Lei , Liu Bao
Published: September 2019

CG methylation (mCG) is essential for preserving genome stability in mammals, but this link remains obscure in plants. OsMET1‐2, a major rice DNA methyltransferase, plays critical roles in maintaining mCG in rice. Null mutation of OsMET1‐2 causes massive CG hypomethylation, rendering the mutant suitable to address the role of mCG in maintaining genome integrity in plants. Here, we analyzed mCG dynamics and genome stability in tissue cultures of OsMET1‐2 homozygous (−/−) and heterozygous (+/−) mutants, and isogenic wild‐type (WT). We found mCG levels in cultures of −/− were substantially lower than in those of WT and +/−, as expected. Unexpectedly, mCG levels in 1‐ and 3‐year cultures of −/− were 77.6% and 48.7% higher, respectively, than in shoot, from which the cultures were initiated, suggesting substantial regain of mCG in −/− cultures, which contrasts to the general trend of mCG loss in all WT plant tissue cultures hitherto studied. Transpositional burst of diverse transposable elements (TEs) occurred only in −/− cultures, although no elevation of genome‐wide mutation rate in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms was detected. Altogether, our results establish an essential role of mCG in retaining TE immobility and hence genome stability in rice and likely in plants in general.
Transposons played a major role in the diversification between the closely related almond and peach genomes: results from the almond genome sequence
Authors: Alioto Tyler , Alexiou Konstantinos G. , Bardil Amélie , Barteri Fabio , Castanera Raúl , Cruz Fernando , Dhingra Amit , Duval Henri , Fernández i Martí Ángel , Frias Leonor , Galán Beatriz , García José L. , Howad Werner , Gómez‐Garrido Jèssica , Gut Marta , Julca Irene , Morata Jordi , Puigdomènech Pere , Ribeca Paolo , Rubio Cabetas María J. , Vlasova Anna , Wirthensohn Michelle , Garcia‐Mas Jordi , Gabaldón Toni , Casacuberta Josep M. , Arús Pere
Published: September 2019

We sequenced the genome of the highly heterozygous almond Prunus dulcis cv. Texas combining short‐ and long‐read sequencing. We obtained a genome assembly totaling 227.6 Mb of the estimated almond genome size of 238 Mb, of which 91% is anchored to eight pseudomolecules corresponding to its haploid chromosome complement, and annotated 27 969 protein‐coding genes and 6747 non‐coding transcripts. By phylogenomic comparison with the genomes of 16 additional close and distant species we estimated that almond and peach (Prunus persica) diverged around 5.88 million years ago. These two genomes are highly syntenic and show a high degree of sequence conservation (20 nucleotide substitutions per kb). However, they also exhibit a high number of presence/absence variants, many attributable to the movement of transposable elements (TEs). Transposable elements have generated an important number of presence/absence variants between almond and peach, and we show that the recent history of TE movement seems markedly different between them. Transposable elements may also be at the origin of important phenotypic differences between both species, and in particular for the sweet kernel phenotype, a key agronomic and domestication character for almond. Here we show that in sweet almond cultivars, highly methylated TE insertions surround a gene involved in the biosynthesis of amygdalin, whose reduced expression has been correlated with the sweet almond phenotype. Altogether, our results suggest a key role of TEs in the recent history and diversification of almond and its close relative peach.
Control of cystic echinococcosis: Background and prospects
Authors: Larrieu Edmundo , Gavidia Cesar M. , Lightowlers Marshall W.
Published: September 2019

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a chronic and debilitating zoonotic larval cestode infection in humans, which is principally transmitted between dogs and domestic livestock, particularly sheep. Human CE occurs in almost all pastoral communities and rangeland areas of the underdeveloped and developed world. Control programmes against CE have been implemented in several endemic countries to reduce or eliminate the disease. New Zealand and Tasmania are examples of some of the first programmes to be undertaken (in insular territories) and which were very successful in the elimination of CE. The advent and proven effectiveness of praziquantel, plus the experience of insular models, produced high expectations for rapid advances in a second generation of control programmes undertaken in continental areas (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile). Nevertheless, only moderate gains in CE control have been made and the impact on prevalence among humans has been slight. A major impediment to the adoption of procedures that were successful in New Zealand and Tasmania has been the requirement to administer praziquantel to dogs in rural areas eight times per year over numerous years. In addition, there have been clear technological improvements made in the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis for surveillance, the genetic characterization of parasite strains and in vaccination against CE infection in livestock. In order to establish new paradigms and appropriate combinations of control strategies, we have carried out a review and discussion of the available control tools and control models. Control strategies must be suitable and sustainable to benefit the Echinococcosis–endemic areas primarily, which at the same time are the poorest regions of the world.
Early sinusoidal heart rate patterns and heart rate variability to assess hypoxia–ischaemia in near‐term fetal sheep
Authors: Kasai Michi , Lear Christopher A. , Davidson Joanne O. , Beacom Michael J. , Drury Paul P. , Maeda Yoshiki , Miyagi Etsuko , Ikeda Tomoaki , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: September 2019

Key points

Therapeutic hypothermia needs to be started as early as possible in the first 6 h after acute injury caused by hypoxia–ischaemia (HI), but the severity and timing of HI are often unclear. In this study we evaluated whether measures of heart rate variability (HRV) might provide early biomarkers of HI.

The duration but not magnitude of suppression of HRV power and conversely increased sample entropy of the heart rate were associated with severity of HI, such that changes in the first 3 h did not discriminate between groups.

Relative changes in HRV power bands showed different patterns between groups and therefore may have the potential to evaluate the severity of HI.

Aberrant fetal heart rate patterns and increased arginine vasopressin levels in the first hour after moderate and severe HI were correlated with loss of EEG power after 3 days’ recovery, suggesting potential utility as early biomarkers of outcome.

Therapeutic hypothermia is partially neuroprotective after acute injury caused by hypoxia–ischaemia (HI), likely because the timing and severity of HI are often unclear, making timely recruitment for treatment challenging. We evaluated the utility of changes in heart rate variability (HRV) after HI as biomarkers of the timing and severity of acute HI. Chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 gestational age were exposed to different durations of umbilical cord occlusion to produce mild (n = 6), moderate (n = 8) or severe HI (n = 8) or to sham occlusion (n = 5). Heart rate (HR) and HRV indices were assessed until 72 h after HI. All HI groups showed suppressed very low frequency HRV power and elevated sample entropy for the first 3 h; more prolonged changes were associated with greater severity of HI. Analysis of relative changes in spectral power showed that the moderate and severe groups showed a shift towards higher HRV frequencies, which was most marked after severe HI. This shift was associated with abnormal rhythmic HR patterns including sinusoidal patterns in the first hour after HI, and with elevated plasma levels of arginine vasopressin, which were correlated with subsequent loss of EEG power by day 3. In conclusion, absolute changes in HRV power in the first 3 h after acute HI were not significantly related to the severity of HI. The intriguing relative shift in spectral power towards higher frequencies likely reflects greater autonomic dysfunction after severe HI. However, sinusoidal HR patterns and elevated vasopressin levels may have utility as biomarkers of severe HI.
Visualization of Droplet Nucleation on Patterned Hybrid Surfaces
Authors: Hoque Muhammad Jahidul , Keum Hohyun , Kim Seok , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: September 2019

Hydrophobic-hydrophilic hybrid surfaces have the potential to enhance and optimize condensation heat transfer. The optimum design of hybrid surfaces has been shown to greatly improve heat transfer performance when compared to that of pure hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces. However, challenges remain related to the manufacture of hybrid patterns on large area samples. Here, we develop and visualize a simple stamping method to pattern surfaces for well-defined hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The reversible control of adhesion of patterned Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps was utilized to form arrays of hydrophilic regions on HTMS (Heptadecafluoro-(tetrahydrodecyl) Trimethoxysilane). To visualize the nucleation behavior, we utilized optical microscopy. Water condensation on the hybrid surfaces resulted in nucleation of droplets that initiated on the hydrophilic patterns. The visualizations shown here not only demonstrate the spatial control of heterogeneous nucleation of water, but present design guidelines for the development of scalable hybrid surfaces for the study of controlled droplet nucleation phenomena and to enable the control of droplet distribution and density during dropwise condensation.
Coming out of the cold
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: September 2019

A glutamate receptor acts as a cold sensor through a channel-independent, G protein–dependent mechanism.
Formation and evolution of a subduction-related mélange: The example of the Rocca Canavese Thrust Sheets (Western Alps)
Authors: Roda Manuel , Zucali Michele , Regorda Alessandro , Spalla Maria Iole
Published: September 2019

In the Sesia-Lanzo Zone, Western Alps, the Rocca Canavese Thrust Sheets (RCT) subunit is characterized by a mixture of mantle- and crust-derived lithologies, such as metapelites, metagranitoids, metabasics, and serpentinized mantle slices with sizes ranging from meters to hundreds of meters. Structural and metamorphic history suggests that the RCT rocks experienced a complex evolution. In particular, two different peak conditions were obtained for the metabasics, representing different tectono-metamorphic units (TMUs), namely, D1a under eclogite facies conditions and D1b under lawsonite-blueschist-facies conditions. The two TMUs were coupled during the syn-D2 exhumation stage under epidote-blueschist-facies conditions. The different rocks and metamorphic evolutions and the abundance of serpentinites in the tectonic mixture suggest a possible subduction-related mélange origin for the RCT. To verify whether a subduction-related mélange can record tectono-metamorphic histories similar to that inferred for the RCT, we compare the pressure-temperature evolutions with the results of a 2-D numerical model of ocean-continent subduction with mantle wedge serpentinization. The predictions of the numerical model fully reproduce the two peak conditions (D1a and D1b) and the successive exhumation history of the two TMUs within the subduction wedge. The degree of mixing estimated from field data is consistent with that predicted by the numerical simulation. Finally, the present-day location of the RCT, which marks the boundary between the orogenic wedge (Penninic and Austroalpine domains) and the southern hinterland (Southalpine domain) of the Alpine chain, is reproduced by the model at the end of the exhumation in the subduction wedge. Therefore, the comparison between natural data and the model results confirms the interpretation of the RCT as a subduction-related mélange that occurred during exhumation within a serpentinized mantle wedge.
Petrogenesis of Late Triassic high-Mg diorites and associated granitoids with implications for Paleo-Tethys evolution in the northeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tan Jun , Wei Jun-Hao , Zhao Shao-Qing , Li Yan-Jun , Liu Yan , Liu Xiao-Yang , Zhang Fei , Gan Jin-Rong , Wang Zhi-Hua
Published: September 2019

Recent research on Paleo-Tethys tectonics has identified a huge late Paleozoic to Mesozoic igneous belt that extends more than 2500 km in the northeast Tibetan Plateau. However, the magma genesis and evolution in this belt remains a subject of considerable debate. This paper presents a combination of zircon U-Pb ages, mineral compositions, major and trace element concentrations, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data for the plutons across the Zhiduo arc belt that marks the site connecting different tectonic-magmatic units. The studied rocks from one quartz diorite, two granodiorite plutons, and their mafic enclaves define a continuous compositional evolution varying from high- to medium-K calc-alkaline gabbroic diorite to granodiorite. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy U-Pb analyses of zircons from these three plutonic suites and one mafic enclave yield Late Triassic ages of 222–217 Ma, establishing that the mafic and felsic magmas were nearly coeval. All these rocks are featured by zoned hornblende and plagioclase with Mg- and Ca-rich mantles or oscillatory change in compositions. They exhibit high and variable MgO (up to 4.88–5.66 wt%), Cr, and Ni contents except that one granitoid pluton (Dangjiangrong) possesses high Co (up to 145.0 ppm). They are characterized by subduction-type trace element patterns, with prominent positive Rb, Th, Pb, and K anomalies and negative Ba, Nb, P, and Ti. Together with continuous and heterogeneous Sr-, Nd-, and zircon Hf-isotopic compositions, it suggests that these Late Triassic high-Mg diorites and associated granitoids were generated through magma mixing and fractional crystallization accompanied by chemical exchange. Taking into account the magmatic record from nearby regions, we suggest that double-sided subduction and rollback of the subducting Paleo-Tethys oceanic slab is the main mechanism to generate geochemically-varied magmatism in the northeast Tibetan Plateau, and eventually close the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during much of the Late Triassic.
Primary osteosarcoma of the skull in teenager
Authors: Vasquez Liliana , Tejada Victor , Maza Ivan , Mendoza Ronald
Published: September 2019

Osteosarcoma of the skull is a rare primary malignant bone tumour in children, representing 1–2% of all cranial tumours. We describe a case of a 17-year-old adolescent with chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the parietal-occipital bone and no distant metastases at presentation treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and, later, concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The patient suffered progressive disease and died 15 months after diagnosis. There are at least 15 paediatric cases of osteosarcoma of the skull described in the literature. Due to its rarity, there are no broad prospective studies on this entity, which has distinctive features when compared to other craniofacial tumours, carrying a worse prognosis. Complete surgical resection is needed for long-term survival, whereas chemotherapy and radiotherapy have still questionable indications.
Incidental endobronchial hamartoma in a patient with enchondroma
Authors: Kadamkulam Syriac Arun , Bhaskarla Amrit Ved , Elrifai Mohamed , Alraiyes Abdul H
Published: September 2019

Hamartomas are the most common type of benign tumours of the lung, constituting a small portion of all lung neoplasms. Hamartomas are rare benign tumours composed of multiple mesenchymal cell lines. Two clinical types have been defined according to the location: intraparenchymal and endobronchial, more frequently the former. We present a case of endobronchial hamartoma causing significant blockage of the right middle lobe. The finding was incidental on a CT scan of the chest done for staging purposes for a large mixed lytic and sclerotic lesion that was found within the proximal-mid portion of the tibial diaphysis. The endobronchial lesion was removed by hot electrocautery snare during bronchoscopy and identified as a hamartoma. Argon plasma coagulation was applied to the lesion’s base afterwards and the patient was to follow-up in 3 months for a repeat CT scan.