bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SEMANTIC FOUNDATIONS OF PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: ELGIN SAMUEL Z.
Published: February 2021

I provide an analysis of sentences of the form ‘To beFis to beG’ in terms of exact truth-maker semantics—an approach that identifies the meanings of sentences with the states of the world directly responsible for their truth-values. Roughly, I argue that these sentences hold just in case that which makes somethingFalso makes itG. This approach is hyperintensional and possesses desirable logical and modal features. In particular, these sentences are reflexive, transitive, and symmetric, and if they are true, then they are necessarily true, and it is necessary that all and onlyFs areGs. I motivate my account over Correia and Skiles’ [11] prominent alternative and close by defining an irreflexive and asymmetric notion of analysis in terms of the symmetric and reflexive notion.
PRIORITY MERGE AND INTERSECTION MODALITIES
Authors: CHRISTOFF ZOÉ , GRATZL NORBERT , ROY OLIVIER
Published: February 2021

We study the logic of so-called lexicographic or priority merge for multi-agent plausibility models. We start with a systematic comparison between the logical behavior of priority merge and the more standard notion of pooling through intersection, used to define, for instance, distributed knowledge. We then provide a sound and complete axiomatization of the logic of priority merge, as well as a proof theory in labeled sequents that admits cut. We finally study Moorean phenomena and define a dynamic resolution operator for priority merge for which we also provide a complete set of reduction axioms.
What Predicts Life Satisfaction in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? A Study from Parent and Child/Adolescent Perspectives
Authors: García Trinidad , Fernández Estrella , Villalba Miriam , Areces Débora , Rodríguez Celestino
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze life satisfaction in a sample of 70 children and adolescents (M= 12.21,SD= 2.85) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to parents’ and children’s/adolescents’ reports. In addition, we examined the influence of a series of child/adolescent variables (ADHD presentation, and Conduct Disorder (CD) symptoms, age, gender, and pharmacological support status) on their levels of life satisfaction. Results indicated moderate correlations between children’s/adolescents’ and parents’ perceptions of life satisfaction (r= .40; p < .01), with school being the area with the lowest levels of satisfaction. Also, 44.3% of the sample of parents reported that ADHD drastically interferes negatively in this context. Examining the effects of child/adolescent variables, only the variables age and CD symptoms generated statistically significant differences, showing that as children/adolescents grow up and/or present associate symptoms of CD, perceptions of life satisfaction tend to be more negative. These variables explained 34.5% of the variance of a composite score of life satisfaction, demonstrating a negative effect over the dependent variable. These results might have important implications for diagnosis and intervention in ADHD, as they highlight the relevance of considering life satisfaction as an important aspect to consider in both processes. Further studies must look more deeply into the mechanisms that explain these findings.
How Digital Technologies Modify The Work Characteristics: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Fréour Léa , Pohl Sabine , Battistelli Adalgisa
Published: February 2021

New technologies with unprecedented agentic capabilities (i.e., action selection, protocol development) are now introduced in organizations such as Big Data, 3D printing or artificial intelligence. Because they are endowed with novel capabilities that might compete with human agency, they might disrupt the way employees work. Based on the work design model, this study aims to examine their introduction in the daily work activities and the consequent perceptions of the work characteristics. Building on Murray’s et al. (2020) proposal, we offer a classification of the digital technologies to conceptualize their relationship with the work characteristics. To explore the changes induced by two digital technologies (i.e., drones, robotic automation process), we interviewed 3 types of employees (i.e., experts, managers, users) from an organization which has started a digitalization process and we conducted a thematic analysis. Our analysis revealed three main themes that are discussed: A technological theme (arresting, assisting), a work characteristic theme and a theme about the human-technology relationship (agentic, non-agentic). Results showed that employee autonomy has not been reduced when digital technologies executed repetitive and unmotivated tasks and that jobs in the digital work context may be marked by a high level of knowledge characteristics. Moreover, technologies with agentic capabilities may be perceived as a non-human agent. Theoretical contributions for the work design model are then examined.
Target-site basis for fomesafen resistance in redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) from China
Authors: Du Long , Li Xiao , Jiang Xiaojing , Ju Qian , Guo Wenlei , Li Lingxu , Qu Chunjuan , Qu Mingjing
Published: February 2021

Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is a dominant weed in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields in Heilongjiang Province, China. High selective pressure caused by the extensive application of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide fomesafen has caused A. retroflexus to evolve resistance to this herbicide. Two susceptible and two resistant populations (S1, S2, R1, and R2) were selected in this study to illustrate the target-site resistance mechanism in resistant A. retroflexus. Whole-plant bioassays indicated that R1 and R2 had evolved high-level resistance to fomesafen, with resistance factors of 27.0 to 27.9. Sequence alignment of the PPO gene showed an Arg-128-Gly substitution in PPX2. The basal expression differences of PPX1 and PPX2 between the S1 and R1 plants were essentially nonsignificant, whereas the basal expression of PPX2 in R2 plants was slightly lower than in S1 plants. Compared with the PPX1 gene, the PPX2 gene maintained higher expression in the resistant plants after treatment with fomesafen. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed a similar basal PPO content between the susceptible and resistant plants without treatment. After fomesafen treatment, the PPO content decreased sharply in the susceptible plants compared with the resistant plants. Furthermore, after 24 h of treatment, the resistant plants showed increased PPO content, whereas the susceptible plants had died. The PPO2 mutation resulted in high extractable PPO activity and low sensitivity to fomesafen along with changes in PPO enzyme kinetics. Although the mutant PPO2 exhibited increased Km values in the resistant plants, the Vmax values in these plants were also increased. Changes in the properties of the PPO enzyme due to an Arg-128-Gly substitution in PPX2, including changes in enzyme sensitivity and enzyme kinetics, are the target-site mechanism of resistance in A. retroflexus.
A nondestructive leaf-disk assay for rapid diagnosis of weed resistance to multiple herbicides
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Varanasi Vijaya , Perez-Jones Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Weed resistance surveys that monitor the spread of resistant weeds have mainly been conducted through time-consuming, labor-intensive, and destructive greenhouse herbicide screens. As an alternative, we introduce here a nondestructive leaf-disk assay based on chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm values that measure photosynthetic efficiency) that allows the detection of resistance to both systemic and contact herbicides within ∼48 h. The current study validated the assay for detecting resistance to fomesafen, glyphosate, and dicamba in Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson), waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer], kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott], and goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.]. Negative correlation between Fv/Fm values and spray injury levels was observed in all herbicide–weed combinations at the discriminating doses, except for glyphosate in Amaranthus. The correlation coefficients were −0.41 for fomesafen (10 µM, P < 0.0001) in Amaranthus, −0.92 for glyphosate in E. indica (250 µM, P < 0.0001), and −0.44 for dicamba in B. scoparia (800 µM, P = 0.0023). At the population level, the assay clearly separated susceptible from highly resistant populations. However, the assay showed lower sensitivity in distinguishing populations of different resistance levels or separating populations with low resistance from susceptible populations. At the individual plant level, results from the leaf-disk assay and whole-plant spray tests were concordant in 85.5%, 92.3%, and 71.7% of the plants tested for fomesafen–Amaranthus, glyphosate–Eleusine, and dicamba–Bassia, respectively. The assay yielded 1% to 15% false-positive and 6% to 13% false-negative results across herbicides. The current study demonstrated that the leaf-disk assay is a useful tool to identify weed resistance. Optimization is needed to improve its sensitivities and expand its usage to more diverse herbicide–weed species combinations.
Früherkennung oder Screening von Demenzerkrankungen in der hausärztlichen Praxis
Authors: Bally Klaus , Giezendanner Stéphanie , Monsch Andreas U.
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hausärzten kommt in der Früherkennung von Demenzerkrankungen eine Schlüsselrolle zu. Aktuell wird in Anbetracht der fehlenden therapeutischen Optionen ein generelles Screening von älteren Menschen zur Erfassung von präsymptomatischen Stadien einer Demenz nicht empfohlen. Entscheidend für die zeitgerechte Diagnose ist das hausärztliche Erkennen von Warnzeichen, den sogenannten «red flags». Wenn den Patienten selbst, ihren Angehörigen, Amtsstellen oder auch dem Hausarzt auch nur diskrete Anzeichen einer möglichen Demenzerkrankung auffallen, soll eine entsprechende Abklärung in die Wege geleitet werden. Eigen- und Fremdanamnese, eine somatische Untersuchung, ergänzt durch eine hausärztliche psychiatrische Evaluation und idealerweise die Durchführung eines MoCA-Tests bilden die Grundlage der Vorabklärungen in der hausärztlichen Praxis. Bei Verdacht auf Vorliegen einer Demenzerkrankung kann diese Abklärung durch eine eingehende Laboruntersuchung und evtl. eine demenzspezifische Bildgebung ergänzt werden, bevor der Patient je nach erhobenen Befunden an eine Memory Clinic zur ätiologischen Diagnosesicherung und Erhalt von medikamentösen und nicht-medikamentösen Therapieempfehlungen weitergewiesen wird.
Effects of inulin on calcium metabolism and bone health
Authors: Bakirhan Hande , Karabudak Efsun
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Inulin, a dietary fibre found in the roots of many plants, has positive effects on health. It is particularly noteworthy due to its positive impact on calcium metabolism. Inulin has significant functions, such as improving calcium absorption through passive diffusion, bolstering calcium absorption via ion exchange and expanding the absorption surface of the colon by stimulating cell growth. In addition, inulin boosts calcium absorption by increasing calcium solubility, stimulating levels of calcium-binding protein expression and increasing useful microorganisms. It increases calbindin levels and stimulates transcellular active calcium transport. An inulin intake of least 8–10 g/day supports calcium absorption and total body bone mineral content/density in adolescents through its known mechanisms of action. It also significantly enhances calcium absorption and improves bone health in postmenopausal women and adult men. Sustained and sufficient inulin supplementation in adults has a positive effect on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density.
Three‐Dimensional Morphometry of Ooids in Oolites: A New Tool for More Accurate and Precise Paleoenvironmental Interpretation
Authors: Howes Bolton , Mehra Akshay , Maloof Adam
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of ooids in the stratigraphic record, and their association with shallow‐water carbonate environments, make ooids an important paleoenvironmental indicator. Recent advances in the theoretical understanding of ooid morphology, along with empirical studies from Turks and Caicos, Great Salt Lake, and The Bahamas, have demonstrated that the morphology of ooids is indicative of depositional environment and hydraulic conditions. To apply this knowledge from modern environments to the stratigraphic record of Earth’s history, researchers measure the size and shape of lithified ooids on two‐dimensional surfaces (i.e., thin sections), often assuming that random 2D slices intersect the nuclei and that the orientation of the ooids is known. Here, we demonstrate that these assumptions rarely are true, resulting in errors of up to 35% for metrics like major axis length. We present a method for making 3D reconstructions by serial grinding and imaging, which enables accurate measurement of the morphology of individual ooids within an oolite, as well as the sorting and porosity of a sample. We also provide three case studies that use the morphology of ooids in oolites to extract environmental information. Each case study demonstrates that 2D measurements can be useful if the environmental signal is large relative to the error from 2D measurements. However, 3D measurements substantially improve the accuracy and precision of environmental interpretations. This study focuses on oolites, but errors from 2D measurements are not unique to oolites; this method can be used to extract accurate grain and porosity measurements from any coherent, granular sample.
Dietary intake and household exposures as predictors of urinary concentrations of high molecular weight phthalates and bisphenol A in a cohort of adolescents
Authors: Smith Anna R. , Kogut Katherine R. , Parra Kimberly , Bradman Asa , Holland Nina , Harley Kim G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are endocrine disrupting chemicals used in consumer products, building materials, and food processing and packaging materials. They are associated with adverse health outcomes, especially when exposure occurs during heightened windows of susceptibility.

Objective

We evaluated the relationship between housing and dietary characteristics and the concentration of several high-molecular-weight (HMW) phthalate metabolites and BPA in a cohort of Latina adolescents.

Methods

We collected information on recent food consumption and housing characteristics and quantified the concentration of HMW phthalate and BPA metabolites in urine collected at two different time points. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess predictors of each metabolite.

Results

No significant associations were observed between housing and dietary characteristics and metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or BPA. In contrast, higher urinary monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentration was associated with living in a home with vinyl or linoleum flooring (66.7% change, p-value <0.01), while higher urinary mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) concentration was associated with recent consumption of coffee (47.2% change, p-value <0.01), and fast food (30.3% change, p-value <0.05).

Significance

These findings may be useful in targeting interventions that reduce phthalate uptake in young adults.
Subwavelength hybrid plasmonic structures for nonlinear nanophotonics
Authors: Michel Ann-Katrin U.
Published: February 2021

Plasmonic structures made of a semiconductor-insulator-metal hybrid provide efficient routes for second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation in sub-micrometer structures, which ultimately may boost on-chip integrated plasmonic circuits.
A double-edged sword of immuno-microenvironment in cardiac homeostasis and injury repair
Authors: Sun Kang , Li Yi-yuan , Jin Jin
Published: February 2021

The response of immune cells in cardiac injury is divided into three continuous phases: inflammation, proliferation and maturation. The kinetics of the inflammatory and proliferation phases directly influence the tissue repair. In cardiac homeostasis, cardiac tissue resident macrophages (cTMs) phagocytose bacteria and apoptotic cells. Meanwhile, NK cells prevent the maturation and transport of inflammatory cells. After cardiac injury, cTMs phagocytose the dead cardiomyocytes (CMs), regulate the proliferation and angiogenesis of cardiac progenitor cells. NK cells prevent the cardiac fibrosis, and promote vascularization and angiogenesis. Type 1 macrophages trigger the cardioprotective responses and promote tissue fibrosis in the early stage. Reversely, type 2 macrophages promote cardiac remodeling and angiogenesis in the late stage. Circulating macrophages and neutrophils firstly lead to chronic inflammation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines, and then release anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which regulate cardiac remodeling. In this process, dendritic cells (DCs) mediate the regulation of monocyte and macrophage recruitment. Recruited eosinophils and Mast cells (MCs) release some mediators which contribute to coronary vasoconstriction, leukocyte recruitment, formation of new blood vessels, scar formation. In adaptive immunity, effector T cells, especially Th17 cells, lead to the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis, including the distal fibrosis and scar formation. CMs protectors, Treg cells, inhibit reduce the inflammatory response, then directly trigger the regeneration of local progenitor cell via IL-10. B cells reduce myocardial injury by preserving cardiac function during the resolution of inflammation.
Acute myeloid leukemia: current progress and future directions
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop , Kadia Tapan , DiNardo Courtney , Daver Naval , Borthakur Gautam , Jabbour Elias , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Konopleva Marina , Ravandi Farhad
Published: February 2021

Progress in the understanding of the biology and therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is occurring rapidly. Since 2017, nine agents have been approved for various indications in AML. These included several targeted therapies like venetoclax, FLT3 inhibitors, IDH inhibitors, and others. The management of AML is complicated, highlighting the need for expertise in order to deliver optimal therapy and achieve optimal outcomes. The multiple subentities in AML require very different therapies. In this review, we summarize the important pathophysiologies driving AML, review current therapies in standard practice, and address present and future research directions.
Use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of CNS cell type genes to profile transduction of AAV by neonatal intracerebroventricular delivery in mice
Authors: Torregrosa Tess , Lehman Sydney , Hana Sam , Marsh Galina , Xu Shanqin , Koszka Kathryn , Mastrangelo Nicole , McCampbell Alexander , Henderson Christopher E. , Lo Shih-Ching
Published: February 2021

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction efficiency and tropism are conventionally determined by high expression of a fluorescent reporter gene. Emerging data has suggested that such conventional methods may underestimate AAV transduction for cells in which reporter expression from AAV vectors is undetectable. To explore an alternative method that captures AAV transduction in cells in which low expression of a cargo is sufficient for the intended activity, we sought after CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene disruption. In this study, we use AAV to deliver CRISPR/guide RNA designed to abolish the genes NeuN, GFAP, or MOG expressed specifically in neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes respectively in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. Abrogated expression of these cell-type-specific genes can be measured biochemically in CNS subregions and provides quantitative assessment of AAV transduction in these CNS cell types. By using this method, we compared CNS transduction of AAV9, AAV-PHP.B, and AAV-PHP.eB delivered via intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) in neonatal mice. We found both AAV-PHP.B and AAV-PHP.eB resulted in marked disruption of the NeuN gene by CRISPR/Cas9, significantly greater than AAV9 in several brain regions and spinal cord. In contrast, only modest disruption of the GFAP gene and the MOG gene was observed by all three AAV variants. Since the procedure of ICV circumvents the blood–brain barrier, our data suggests that, independent of their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, AAV-PHP.B variants also exhibit remarkably improved neuronal transduction in the CNS. We anticipate this approach will facilitate profiling of AAV cellular tropism in murine CNS.
Uniform genomic data analysis in the NCI Genomic Data Commons
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Hernandez Kyle , Savage Jeremiah , Li Shenglai , Miller Dan , Agrawal Stuti , Ortuno Francisco , Staudt Louis M. , Heath Allison , Grossman Robert L.
Published: February 2021

The goal of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) Genomic Data Commons (GDC) is to provide the cancer research community with a data repository of uniformly processed genomic and associated clinical data that enables data sharing and collaborative analysis in the support of precision medicine. The initial GDC dataset include genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, clinical and other data from the NCI TCGA and TARGET programs. Data production for the GDC started in June, 2015 using an OpenStack-based private cloud. By June of 2016, the GDC had analyzed more than 50,000 raw sequencing data inputs, as well as multiple other data types. Using the latest human genome reference build GRCh38, the GDC generated a variety of data types from aligned reads to somatic mutations, gene expression, miRNA expression, DNA methylation status, and copy number variation. In this paper, we describe the pipelines and workflows used to process and harmonize the data in the GDC. The generated data, as well as the original input files from TCGA and TARGET, are available for download and exploratory analysis at the GDC Data Portal and Legacy Archive (https://gdc.cancer.gov/).
Computation and data driven discovery of topological phononic materials
Authors: Li Jiangxu , Liu Jiaxi , Baronett Stanley A. , Liu Mingfeng , Wang Lei , Li Ronghan , Chen Yun , Li Dianzhong , Zhu Qiang , Chen Xing-Qiu
Published: February 2021

The discovery of topological quantum states marks a new chapter in both condensed matter physics and materials sciences. By analogy to spin electronic system, topological concepts have been extended into phonons, boosting the birth of topological phononics (TPs). Here, we present a high-throughput screening and data-driven approach to compute and evaluate TPs among over 10,000 real materials. We have discovered 5014 TP materials and grouped them into two main classes of Weyl and nodal-line (ring) TPs. We have clarified the physical mechanism for the occurrence of single Weyl, high degenerate Weyl, individual nodal-line (ring), nodal-link, nodal-chain, and nodal-net TPs in various materials and their mutual correlations. Among the phononic systems, we have predicted the hourglass nodal net TPs in TeO3, as well as the clean and single type-I Weyl TPs between the acoustic and optical branches in half-Heusler LiCaAs. In addition, we found that different types of TPs can coexist in many materials (such as ScZn). Their potential applications and experimental detections have been discussed. This work substantially increases the amount of TP materials, which enables an in-depth investigation of their structure-property relations and opens new avenues for future device design related to TPs.
Coupled nitrification and N2 gas production as a cryptic process in oxic riverbeds
Authors: Ouyang Liao , Thamdrup Bo , Trimmer Mark
Published: February 2021

The coupling between nitrification and N2 gas production to recycle ammonia back to the atmosphere is a key step in the nitrogen cycle that has been researched widely. An assumption for such research is that the products of nitrification (nitrite or nitrate) mix freely in the environment before reduction to N2 gas. Here we show, in oxic riverbeds, that the pattern of N2 gas production from ammonia deviates by ~3- to 16-fold from that predicted for denitrification or anammox involving nitrite or nitrate as free porewater intermediates. Rather, the patterns match that for a coupling through a cryptic pool, isolated from the porewater. A cryptic pool challenges our understanding of a key step in the nitrogen cycle and masks our ability to distinguish between sources of N2 gas that 20 years’ research has sought to identify. Our reasoning suggests a new pathway or a new type of coupling between known pathways in the nitrogen cycle.
Chromosomally unstable tumor cells specifically require KIF18A for proliferation
Authors: Marquis Carolyn , Fonseca Cindy L. , Queen Katelyn A. , Wood Lisa , Vandal Sarah E. , Malaby Heidi L. H. , Clayton Joseph E. , Stumpff Jason
Published: February 2021

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of tumor cells caused by changes in the dynamics and control of microtubules that compromise the mitotic spindle. Thus, CIN cells may respond differently than diploid cells to treatments that target mitotic spindle regulation. Here, we test this idea by inhibiting a subset of kinesin motor proteins involved in mitotic spindle control. KIF18A is required for proliferation of CIN cells derived from triple negative breast cancer or colorectal cancer tumors but is not required in near-diploid cells. Following KIF18A inhibition, CIN tumor cells exhibit mitotic delays, multipolar spindles, and increased cell death. Sensitivity to KIF18A knockdown is strongly correlated with centrosome fragmentation, which requires dynamic microtubules but does not depend on bipolar spindle formation or mitotic arrest. Our results indicate the altered spindle microtubule dynamics characteristic of CIN tumor cells can be exploited to reduce the proliferative capacity of CIN cells.
Unravelling the structural complexity of glycolipids with cryogenic infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kirschbaum Carla , Greis Kim , Mucha Eike , Kain Lisa , Deng Shenglou , Zappe Andreas , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , von Helden Gert , Meijer Gerard , Savage Paul B. , Marianski Mateusz , Teyton Luc , Pagel Kevin
Published: February 2021

Glycolipids are complex glycoconjugates composed of a glycan headgroup and a lipid moiety. Their modular biosynthesis creates a vast amount of diverse and often isomeric structures, which fulfill highly specific biological functions. To date, no gold-standard analytical technique can provide a comprehensive structural elucidation of complex glycolipids, and insufficient tools for isomer distinction can lead to wrong assignments. Herein we use cryogenic gas-phase infrared spectroscopy to systematically investigate different kinds of isomerism in immunologically relevant glycolipids. We show that all structural features, including isomeric glycan headgroups, anomeric configurations and different lipid moieties, can be unambiguously resolved by diagnostic spectroscopic fingerprints in a narrow spectral range. The results allow for the characterization of isomeric glycolipid mixtures and biological applications.
Data linkage to evaluate the long-term risk of HIV infection in individuals seeking post-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Hovaguimian Frédérique , Günthard Huldrych F. , Hauser Christoph , Conen Anna , Bernasconi Enos , Calmy Alexandra , Cavassini Matthias , Seneghini Marco , Marzel Alex , Heinrich Henriette , Scherrer Alexandra , Riou Julien , Spoerri Adrian , Schmidlin Kurt , Balakrishna Suraj , Braun Dominique L. , Rampini Silvana K. , Fehr Jan S. , Kouyos Roger D. ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Aebi-Popp K. , Anagnostopoulos A. , Battegay M. , Bernasconi E. , Böni J. , Braun D. L. , Bucher H. C. , Calmy A. , Cavassini M. , Ciuffi A. , Dollenmaier G. , Egger M. , Elzi L. , Fehr J. , Fellay J. , Furrer H. , Fux C. A. , Günthard H. F. , Haerry D. , Hasse B. , Hirsch H. H. , Hoffmann M. , Hösli I. , Huber M. , Kahlert C. R. , Kaiser L. , Keiser O. , Klimkait T. , Kouyos R. D. , Kovari H. , Ledergerber B. , Martinetti G. , Martinez de Tejada B. , Marzolini C. , Metzner K. J. , Müller N. , Nicca D. , Paioni P. , Pantaleo G. , Perreau M. , Rauch A. , Rudin C. , Scherrer A. U. , Schmid P. , Speck R. , Stöckle M. , Tarr P. , Trkola A. , Vernazza P. , Wandeler G. , Weber R. , Yerly S.
Published: February 2021

Evidence on the long-term risk of HIV infection in individuals taking HIV post-exposure prophylaxis remains limited. In this retrospective data linkage study, we evaluate the occurrence of HIV infection in 975 individuals who sought post-exposure prophylaxis in a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2013. Using privacy preserving probabilistic linkage, we link these 975 records with two observational databases providing data on HIV events (Zurich Primary HIV Infection study and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study). This enables us to identify 22 HIV infections and to obtain long-term follow-up data, which reveal a median of 4.1 years between consultation for post-exposure prophylaxis and HIV diagnosis. Even though men who have sex with men constitute only 35.8% of those seeking post-exposure prophylaxis, all 22 events occur in this subgroup. These findings should strongly encourage early consideration of pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men after a first episode of post-exposure prophylaxis.
Longitudinal and multi-tissue molecular diagnostics track somatic BRCA2 reversion mutations that correct the open reading frame of germline alteration upon clinical relapse
Authors: Sorrells Shelly , McKinnon Kelly E. , McBratney Ashleigh , Sumey Christopher
Published: February 2021

BRCA-mutant cancers often develop therapeutic resistance through several mechanisms. Here, we report a case of pathogenic germline BRCA2-driven breast cancer monitored for disease progression and acquired resistance using longitudinal multi-tissue genomic testing. Briefly, genomic testing was performed throughout the course of disease on tumor tissue from multiple sites, circulating tumor DNA from blood plasma, and matched normal tissue. Genomic analyses identified actionable variants for targeted therapies, as well as emerging resistance mutations over time. Two unique BRCA2 somatic alterations (p.N255fs and p.D252fs) were identified upon resistance to PARP inhibitor and platinum treatment, respectively. Both alterations restored the open reading frame of the original germline alteration, likely accounting for acquired resistance. This case exemplifies the evolution of multiple subclonal BRCA reversion alterations over time and demonstrates the value of longitudinal multi-tissue genomic testing for monitoring disease progression, predicting measures of response, and evaluating treatment outcomes in oncology patients.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines strategies: a comprehensive review of phase 3 candidates
Authors: Kyriakidis Nikolaos C. , López-Cortés Andrés , González Eduardo Vásconez , Grimaldos Alejandra Barreto , Prado Esteban Ortiz
Published: February 2021

The new SARS-CoV-2 virus is an RNA virus that belongs to the Coronaviridae family and causes COVID-19 disease. The newly sequenced virus appears to originate in China and rapidly spread throughout the world, becoming a pandemic that, until January 5th, 2021, has caused more than 1,866,000 deaths. Hence, laboratories worldwide are developing an effective vaccine against this disease, which will be essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, there more than 64 vaccine candidates, most of them aiming to induce neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein (S). These antibodies will prevent uptake through the human ACE-2 receptor, thereby limiting viral entrance. Different vaccine platforms are being used for vaccine development, each one presenting several advantages and disadvantages. Thus far, thirteen vaccine candidates are being tested in Phase 3 clinical trials; therefore, it is closer to receiving approval or authorization for large-scale immunizations.
A prognostic model for colorectal cancer based on CEA and a 48-multiplex serum biomarker panel
Authors: Björkman Kajsa , Jalkanen Sirpa , Salmi Marko , Mustonen Harri , Kaprio Tuomas , Kekki Henna , Pettersson Kim , Böckelman Camilla , Haglund Caj
Published: February 2021

Mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains high, resulting in 860,000 deaths annually. Carcinoembryonic antigen is widely used in clinics for CRC patient follow-up, despite carrying a limited prognostic value. Thus, an obvious need exists for multivariate prognostic models. We analyzed 48 biomarkers using a multiplex immunoassay panel in preoperative serum samples from 328 CRC patients who underwent surgery at Helsinki University Hospital between 1998 and 2003. We performed a multivariate prognostic forward-stepping background model based on basic clinicopathological data, and a multivariate machine-learned prognostic model based on clinicopathological data and biomarker variables, calculating the disease-free survival using the value of importance score. From the 48 analyzed biomarkers, only IL-8 emerged as a significant prognostic factor for CRC patients in univariate analysis (HR 4.88; 95% CI 2.00–11.92;p = 0.024) after correcting for multiple comparisons. We also developed a multivariate model based on all 48 biomarkers using a random survival forest analysis. Variable selection based on a minimal depth and the value of importance yielded two tentative candidate CRC prognostic markers: IL-2Ra and IL-8. A multivariate prognostic model using machine-learning technologies improves the prognostic assessment of survival among surgically treated CRC patients.
Evaluation of Antarctic Ozone Profiles derived from OMPS-LP by using Balloon-borne Ozonesondes
Authors: Sepúlveda Edgardo , Cordero Raul R. , Damiani Alessandro , Feron Sarah , Pizarro Jaime , Zamorano Felix , Kivi Rigel , Sánchez Ricardo , Yela Margarita , Jumelet Julien , Godoy Alejandro , Carrasco Jorge , Crespo Juan S. , Seckmeyer Gunther , Jorquera Jose A. , Carrera Juan M. , Valdevenito Braulio , Cabrera Sergio , Redondas Alberto , Rowe Penny M.
Published: February 2021

Predicting radiative forcing due to Antarctic stratospheric ozone recovery requires detecting changes in the ozone vertical distribution. In this endeavor, the Limb Profiler of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS-LP), aboard the Suomi NPP satellite, has played a key role providing ozone profiles over Antarctica since 2011. Here, we compare ozone profiles derived from OMPS-LP data (version 2.5 algorithm) with balloon-borne ozonesondes launched from 8 Antarctic stations over the period 2012–2020. Comparisons focus on the layer from 12.5 to 27.5 km and include ozone profiles retrieved during the Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event registered in Spring 2019. We found that, over the period December-January–February-March, the root mean square error (RMSE) tends to be larger (about 20%) in the lower stratosphere (12.5–17.5 km) and smaller (about 10%) within higher layers (17.5–27.5 km). During the ozone hole season (September–October–November), RMSE values rise up to 40% within the layer from 12.5 to 22 km. Nevertheless, relative to balloon-borne measurements, the mean bias error of OMPS-derived Antarctic ozone profiles is generally lower than 0.3 ppmv, regardless of the season.
Changes in surface characteristics and adsorption properties of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol following Fenton-like aging of biochar
Authors: Cui Liqiang , Fan Qinya , Sun Jianxiong , Quan Guixiang , Yan Jinlong , Hina Kiran , Wang Hui , Zhang Zhiqiang , Hussain Qaiser
Published: February 2021

Fenton-like system formed in a natural soil environment deemed to be significant in the aging process of biochar. Aged biochars have distinct physico-chemical and surface properties compared to non-aged biochar. The aged biochar proved to be useful soil amendment due to its improved elements contents and surface properties. The biochar aging process resulted in increased surface area and pore volume, as well as carbon and oxygen-containing functional groups (such as C=O, –COOH, O–C=O etc.) on its surface, which were also associated with the adsorption behavior of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). The biochar aging increased the adsorption capacity of 2,4,6-TCP, which was maximum at pH 3.0. The 2,4,6-TCP adsorption capacity of aged-bush biochar (ABB) and aged-peanut shell biochar (APB) was increased by 1.0–11.0% and 7.4–38.8%, respectively compared with bush biochar (BB) and peanut shell biochar (PB) at the same initial concentration of 2,4,6-TCP. All biochars had similar 2,4,6-TCP desorption rates ranging from 33.2 to 73.3% at different sorption temperatures and times. The desorbed components were mainly 2,4,6-TCP and other degraded components, which were low in concentration with small molecule substance. The results indicated that the aged-biochar could be effective for the long-term remediation of naturally organic polluted soils.
Human brain activity reflecting facial attractiveness from skin reflection
Authors: Sakano Yuichi , Wada Atsushi , Ikeda Hanako , Saheki Yuriko , Tagai Keiko , Ando Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Facial attraction has a great influence on our daily social interactions. Previous studies have mainly focused on the attraction from facial shape and expression. We recently found that faces with radiant skin appear to be more attractive than those with oily-shiny or matte skin. In the present study, we conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and psychological experiments to determine the human brain activity that reflects facial attractiveness modulated by these skin reflection types. In the fMRI experiment, female subjects were shown successive images of unfamiliar female faces with matte, oily-shiny, or radiant skin. The subjects compared each face with the immediately preceding face in terms of attractiveness, age, and skin reflection, all based on the skin. The medial part of the orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) was significantly more active when comparing attractiveness than when comparing skin reflection, suggesting that the mOFC is involved in processing facial attractiveness from skin reflection. In the psychological experiment, attractiveness rating was highest for radiant skin, followed by oily-shiny, and then matte skin. Comparison of the results of these experiments showed that mOFC activation level increased with attractiveness rating. These results suggest that the activation level of the mOFC reflects facial attractiveness from skin reflection.
Audiovisual structural connectivity in musicians and non-musicians: a cortical thickness and diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Møller Cecilie , Garza-Villarreal Eduardo A. , Hansen Niels Chr. , Højlund Andreas , Bærentsen Klaus B. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Vuust Peter
Published: February 2021

Our sensory systems provide complementary information about the multimodal objects and events that are the target of perception in everyday life. Professional musicians’ specialization in the auditory domain is reflected in the morphology of their brains, which has distinctive characteristics, particularly in areas related to auditory and audio-motor activity. Here, we combineddiffusion tensor imaging(DTI) with a behavioral measure of visually induced gain in pitch discrimination, and we used measures ofcortical thickness(CT) correlations to assess how auditory specialization and musical expertise are reflected in the structural architecture of white and grey matter relevant to audiovisual processing. Across all participants (n = 45), we found a correlation (p < 0.001) between reliance on visual cues in pitch discrimination and thefractional anisotropy(FA) in the leftinferior fronto-occipital fasciculus(IFOF), a structure connecting visual and auditory brain areas. Group analyses also revealed greater cortical thickness correlation between visual and auditory areas in non-musicians (n = 28) compared to musicians (n = 17), possibly reflecting musicians’ auditory specialization (FDR < 10%). Our results corroborate and expand current knowledge of functional specialization with a specific focus on audition, and highlight the fact that perception is essentially multimodal while uni-sensory processing is a specialized task.
Fluctuation induced conductivity and pseudogap state studies of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor added with ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Aftabi Ali , Mozaffari Morteza
Published: February 2021

The major limitations of the Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor are weak flux pinning capability and weak inter-grains coupling that lead to a low critical current density and low critical magnetic field which impedes the suppleness of this material towards practical applications. The addition of nanoscales impurities can create artificial pining centers that may improve flux pinning capability and intergranular coupling. In this work, the influences of ZnO nanoparticles on the superconducting parameters and pseudogap properties of the Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor are investigated using fluctuation induced conductivity analyses. Results demonstrate that the ZnO nanoparticles addition improves the formation of the Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ phase significantly. Various superconducting parameters include coherence length along c-axis (ξc(0)), penetration depth (λpd(0)), Fermi velocity (vF), Fermi energy (EF), lower and upper critical magnetic fields (Bc1(0) and Bc2(0) respectively) and critical current density (Jc(0)), are estimated for samples with different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles. It is found that the values of the Bc1(0), Bc2(0), and Jc(0) are improved significantly in the 0.2 wt% ZnO added sample in comparison to the ZnO-free sample. The magnitude and temperature dependence of the pseudogap Δ*(T) is calculated using the local pairs model. The obtained values of Tpair, the temperature at which local pairs are transformed from strongly coupled bosons into the fluctuating Cooper pairs, increases as the added ZnO nanoparticles concentration enhances up to 0.2 wt%. Also, the estimated values for the superconducting gap at T = 0 K (Δ(0)) are decreased from about 26 meV in ZnO-free sample to about 22 meV in 0.2 wt% ZnO added sample and then increases for higher values of additive.
Life-long brain compensatory responses to galactic cosmic radiation exposure
Authors: Miry Omid , Zhang Xiao-lei , Vose Linnea R. , Gopaul Katisha R. , Subah Galadu , Moncaster Juliet A. , Wojnarowicz Mark W. , Fisher Andrew M. , Tagge Chad A. , Goldstein Lee E. , Stanton Patric K.
Published: February 2021

Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) composed of high-energy, heavy particles (HZE) poses potentially serious hazards to long-duration crewed missions in deep space beyond earth’s magnetosphere, including planned missions to Mars. Chronic effects of GCR exposure on brain structure and cognitive function are poorly understood, thereby limiting risk reduction and mitigation strategies to protect against sequelae from exposure during and after deep-space travel. Given the selective vulnerability of the hippocampus to neurotoxic insult and the importance of this brain region to learning and memory, we hypothesized that GCR-relevant HZE exposure may induce long-term alterations in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. To test this hypothesis, we irradiated 3-month-old male and female mice with a single, whole-body dose of 10, 50, or 100 cGy 56Fe ions (600 MeV, 181 keV/μm) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Our data reveal complex, dynamic, time-dependent effects of HZE exposure on the hippocampus. Two months post exposure, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and learning were impaired compared to sham-irradiated, age-matched controls. By six months post-exposure, deficits in spatial learning were absent in irradiated mice, and synaptic potentiation was enhanced. Enhanced performance in spatial learning and facilitation of synaptic plasticity in irradiated mice persisted 12 months post-exposure, concomitant with a dramatic rebound in adult-born neurons. Synaptic plasticity and spatial learning remained enhanced 20 months post-exposure, indicating a life-long influence on plasticity and cognition from a single exposure to HZE in young adulthood. These findings suggest that GCR-exposure can persistently alter brain health and cognitive function during and after long-duration travel in deep space.
Amylose starch with no detectable branching developed through DNA-free CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis of two starch branching enzymes in potato
Authors: Zhao Xue , Jayarathna Shishanthi , Turesson Helle , Fält Ann-Sofie , Nestor Gustav , González Matías N. , Olsson Niklas , Beganovic Mirela , Hofvander Per , Andersson Roger , Andersson Mariette
Published: February 2021

DNA-free genome editing was used to induce mutations in one or two branching enzyme genes (Sbe) in tetraploid potato to develop starch with an increased amylose ratio and elongated amylopectin chains. By using ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transfection of potato protoplasts, a mutation frequency up to 72% was achieved. The large variation of mutations was grouped as follows: Group 1 lines with all alleles of Sbe1 mutated, Group 2 lines with all alleles of Sbe1 as well as two to three alleles of Sbe2 mutated and Group 3 lines having all alleles of both genes mutated. Starch from lines in Group 3 was found to be essentially free of amylopectin with no detectable branching and a chain length (CL) distribution where not only the major amylopectin fraction but also the shortest amylose chains were lost. Surprisingly, the starch still formed granules in a low-ordered crystalline structure. Starch from lines of Group 2 had an increased CL with a higher proportion of intermediate-sized chains, an altered granule phenotype but a crystalline structure in the granules similar to wild-type starch. Minor changes in CL could also be detected for the Group 1 starches when studied at a higher resolution.
Geochemical alkalinity and acidity as preferential site-specific for three lineages liverwort of Aneura pinguis cryptic species A
Authors: Bączkiewicz Alina , Diatta Jean , Drapikowska Maria , Rodkiewicz Patrycja , Sawicki Jakub , Szczecińska Monika , Buczkowska Katarzyna
Published: February 2021

The study focused on the verification of the preferential site-specific concept hypothesizing, that mineral elements could be playing an initiating role in the biological speciation withinAneura pinguiscryptic species.A. pinguisspecies A and soil materials were collected from three ecological sites of Poland. They underwent genetic (Aneura pinguis) and chemical analyses (soil materials) for pH, total and water soluble (active) forms of Ca, Mg, K, Na fractions. Data revealed trends in the site preference of three genetic lineages (A1, A2 and A3) ofA. pinguiscryptic species A. Lineage adaptability index Ca/(Mg + K + Na) reflecting the dynamic character of site pH implied, that lineages A1 and A2 were both calciphilous. The A3 lineages were intrinsically acidophilous and this characteristics was also observed at some A1 lineages. Site concentrations of Ca and in some cases Mg too were crucial in shaping pH, but this process could have been controlled by each mineral element, individually. Calciphilous or acidophilousA. pinguisspecies may be “remotely” attracted by high or low Ca (or Mg) concentrations, for alkalinity or acidity emergence, respectively. Mineral richness at investigated ecological sites has possibly initiated opportunistic and specific site colonisation byA. pinguislineages.