bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dhh‐expressing Schwann cell precursors contribute to skin and cochlear melanocytes, but not to vestibular melanocytes
Authors: Bonnamour Grégoire , Soret Rodolphe , Pilon Nicolas
Published: October 2020

For a long time, melanocytes were believed to be exclusively derived from neural crest cells migrating from the neural tube toward the developing skin. This notion was then challenged by studies suggesting that melanocytes could also be made from neural crest‐derived Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) on peripheral nerves. A SCP origin was inferred from lineage tracing studies in mice using a Plp1 promoter‐controlled Cre driver transgene (Plp1‐CreERT2) and a fluorescent Rosa26 locus‐controlled Cre reporter allele (Rosa26FloxSTOP‐YFP). However, doubts were raised in part because another SCP‐directed Cre driver controlled by the Dhh promoter (Dhh‐Cre) was apparently unable to label melanocytes when used with a non‐fluorescent Rosa26 locus‐controlled Cre reporter (Rosa26FloxSTOP‐LacZ). Here, we report that the same Dhh‐Cre driver line can efficiently label melanocytes when used in a pure FVB/N background together with the fluorescent instead of the non‐fluorescent Rosa26 locus‐controlled Cre reporter. Our data further suggest that the vast majority of skin melanocytes are SCP‐derived. Interestingly, we also discovered that SCPs contribute inner ear melanocytes in a region‐specific manner, extensively contributing to the cochlea but not to the vestibule.
Outcomes of pediatric liver transplant are unaffected by the time or day of surgery
Authors: Rogers Michael E. , Egberg Matthew D. , Sylvester Francisco , Lichtman Steven , Lin Feng‐Chang
Published: October 2020

Background

In adults, the time of day for LT does not affect post‐transplant outcomes. Whether this is true or not in children is unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate if weekend and weeknight liver transplants are associated with worse patient and graft survival in children.

Methods

We interrogated the UNOS database for outcomes of pediatric liver transplants that occurred between 1988 and 2018. We excluded liver transplants in patients >17 years as well as all multiple organ transplants. We compared weeknight and weekday, as well as weekend transplant operations. We used Cox proportional hazard ratios to determine patient and graft survival by 7, 30, 90, and 365 days post‐transplant after controlling for confounding factors.

Results

In total, 12,610 pediatric liver transplants were included in the analysis. A total of 4590 transplants occurred during weekdays, 3671 transplants occurred during weeknights, and 4349 occurred during weekends. After controlling for confounding variables, 1‐year patient survival was not associated with worse outcomes if the transplant occurred on the weeknight (HR 0.94, 95%CI 0.74‐1.21) or weekend (HR 0.95, 95%CI 0.75‐1.20) compared to the weekday. One‐year graft survival was also not associated with worse outcomes if the transplant occurred on the weeknight (HR 0.91, 95%CI 0.76‐1.09) or weekend (HR 0.91, 95%CI 0.77‐1.09) compared to the weekday.

Conclusion

Weekday, weeknight, and weekend procedures resulted in similar 1‐year survival rates. Pediatric patient and graft survival outcomes are not affected by the time or day of surgery.
Ecology‐based analysis of a recent association between Spartium junceum and 16SrV phytoplasma
Authors: Rizza Serena , Rossi Marika , Spallino Rosa E. , Tedeschi Rosemarie , Marzachì Cristina , Catara Vittoria , Tessitori Matilde
Published: October 2020

An outbreak of Spartium witches’ broom (SpaWB) in Sicily prompted us to identify and characterize associated phytoplasmas. Over 80 samples of Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) and around 270 individuals of the potential vector Livilla spectabilis were collected and analysed. Single and mixed infections of 16SrV and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma spartii’ were detected in Spanish broom samples and for the first time in L. spectabilis. The 16SrV isolates were further characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to determine their phylogenetic relationship with flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp) and to evaluate the risk of host‐jumping to grapevine. Phylogenetic analysis of most of the analysed genes using the MLST approach grouped S. junceum 16SrV‐C isolates with FDp isolates infecting grapevine and Scaphoideus titanus. Notably, phylogenetic analysis of the vmpA gene clustered the S. junceum isolates with FDp genotypes transmitted by S. titanus. This study extends the knowledge of SpaWB epidemiology, focusing on the possible risk of a 16SrV host jump from Spanish broom to grapevine. Spanish broom was identified as a reservoir and potential inoculum source of phytoplasmas that cause severe disease in cultivated crops. Furthermore, the L. spectabilis psyllid may be involved in the epidemiology of this 16SrV‐C phytoplasma, although in the absence of in vivo transmission trials. The study further confirms the strong ability of phytoplasmas to adapt to new hosts and vectors, thus leading to potential phytosanitary emergencies.
Involvement of boron transporter BOR1 in growth under low boron and high nitrate conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhang Wenna , Xiao Hua , Sotta Naoyuki , Beier Marcel P. , Takano Junpei , Miwa Kyoko , Gao Lihong , Fujiwara Toru
Published: October 2020

BOR1 is an efflux transporter of boron (B), responsible for loading B into the xylem. It has been reported that nitrate (NO3−) concentrations significantly influence B concentrations in leaves and BOR1 mRNA accumulation in roots. Here, to unravel the interactive effects of B and NO3− on plant growth and the function of BOR1 under the combination of B and NO3−, seedling growth was analyzed in Col‐0 and bor1 mutants. The growth of bor1 mutants was negatively affected by high NO3− but neither by potassium chloride (KCl) nor ammonium (NH4+) under low B conditions, suggesting the involvement of BOR1 in growth under high NO3−. Mutants of bor2 and bor4 did not exhibit such growth responses, suggesting that this effect was specific to BOR1 among the BORs tested. Under low B conditions, loss of the BOR1 function led to a more significant decrease in B concentrations in the presence of high NO3− compared to normal NO3−. Additionally, grafting experiments demonstrated that these effects of NO3− occurred when BOR1 is absent in roots. High NO3− treatment elevated BOR1 mRNA accumulation while the BOR1 protein accumulation was downregulated. These apparent opposite responses indicated that the transcriptional and (post‐)translational regulations follow different patterns. Our work provides evidence of a novel regulation of BOR1 and another B transport system by both B and NO3− in an interactive manner.
Functional immune monitoring of BK Virus and donor‐specific T‐cell effector immune responses to guide treatment decision‐making after kidney transplantation; an illustrative case report and literature review
Authors: Lepore Marta , Crespo Elena , Melilli Edoardo , Cruzado Josep M. , Torija Alba , Grinyó Josep M. , Bestard Oriol
Published: October 2020

Differential diagnosis between Polyoma virus associated‐nephropathy (PVAN) and T‐cell mediated rejection (TCMR) might be challenging, as respective treatment approaches are totally opposite. Here we report the illustrative case of a kidney transplant recipient with PVAN who developed a persistent acute TCMR after full abrogation of viral infection through immunosuppression modulation. By simultaneous functional immune monitoring of BKV and donor‐specific T‐cell responses using IFN‐γELISPOT assay, we retrospectively demonstrated the predominant effector mechanisms responsible of allograft injury and thus, potential guidance for treatment decision‐making. Furthermore, the evidence of an efficient T‐cell alloimmunity abrogation accompanied by a sustained anti‐viral response after sirolimus addition, promotes the potential benefit of converting patients to an mTOR‐based immunosuppression in case of PVAN.
Viscoelastic testing in benign hematologic disorders: Clinical perspectives and future implications of point‐of‐care testing to assess hemostatic competence
Authors: Speybroeck Jacob , Marsee Mathew , Shariff Faadil , Zackariya Nuha , Grisoli Anne , Lune Stefani Vande , Larson Emilee E. , Hatch Jordan , McCauley Ross , Shariff Faisal , Aversa John G. , Son Michael , Agostini Vanessa , Campello Elena , Simioni Paolo , Scărlătescu Escaterina , Kwaan Hau , Hartmann Jan , Fries Dietmar , Walsh Mark
Published: October 2020

Viscoelastic tests (VETs) have been used routinely for liver transplantation, cardiac surgery, and trauma, but only recently have found clinical utility in benign hematologic disorders. Therefore, guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of these disorders based on viscoelastic variables have been adapted from the existing transplant, cardiothoracic surgery, and trauma resuscitation literature. As a result, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for benign hematologic disorders utilizing VETs are not uniform. Accordingly, even though there has been a recent increase in the utilization of VET for the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders, the literature is still in its early stages. Analysis of point‐of‐care viscoelastic tracings from benign hematologic disorders has the potential to allow prompt recognition of disease and to guide patient‐specific intervention. Here we present a review describing the application of VETs to benign hematologic disorders.
Viscoelastic testing in oncology patients (including for the diagnosis of fibrinolysis): Review of existing evidence, technology comparison, and clinical utility
Authors: Walsh Mark , Kwaan Hau , McCauley Ross , Marsee Mathew , Speybroeck Jacob , Thomas Scott , Hatch Jordan , Vande Lune Stefani , Grisoli Anne , Wadsworth Sarah , Shariff Faisal , Aversa John G. , Shariff Faadil , Zackariya Nuha , Khan Rashid , Agostini Vanessa , Campello Elena , Simioni Paolo , Scărlătescu Escaterina , Hartmann Jan
Published: October 2020

The quantification of the coagulopathic state associated with oncologic and hematologic diseases is imperfectly assessed by common coagulation tests such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels, and platelet count. These tests provide a static representation of a component of hemostatic integrity, presenting an incomplete picture of coagulation in these patients. Viscoelastic tests (VETs), such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG), as whole blood analyses, provide data related to the cumulative effects of blood components and all stages of the coagulation and fibrinolytic processes. The utility of VETs has been demonstrated since the late 1960s in guiding blood component therapy for patients undergoing liver transplantation. Since then, the scope of viscoelastic testing has expanded to become routinely used for cardiac surgery, obstetrics, and trauma. In the past decade, VETs' expanded usage has been most significant in trauma resuscitation. However, use of VETs for patients with malignancy‐associated coagulopathy (MAC) and hematologic malignancies is increasing. For the purposes of this narrative review, we discuss the similarities between trauma‐induced coagulopathy (TIC) and MAC. These similarities center on the thrombomodulin‐thrombin complex as it switches between the thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor coagulation pathway and activating the protein C anticoagulation pathway. This produces a spectrum of coagulopathy and fibrinolytic alterations ranging from shutdown to hyperfibrinolysis that are common to TIC, MAC, and hematologic malignancies. There is expanding literature regarding the utility of TEG and ROTEM to describe the hemostatic integrity of patients with oncologic and hematologic conditions, which we review here.
Non‐weight bearing ultrasonographic examination allows the diagnosis of longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in equine suspensory ligament branches not visible on weight bearing examination
Authors: Werpy Natasha , Chapman Kristina , Griffith Leah
Published: October 2020

When evaluating suspensory ligament branch splits, there is a discrepancy between high field MRI findings and weight bearing ultrasonographic imaging characteristics. In this descriptive and retrospective case series, ultrasonographic examination was performed on suspensory ligament branches with the limbs in weight bearing and non‐weight bearing positions. Suspensory ligament branch splits were defined as linear regions of decreased echogenicity when imaged with the limb in a weight bearing position that increased in size and became anechoic with the limb in a non‐weight bearing position. This appearance was considered an indication of pathologic change in the branch. A total of 62 suspensory ligament branches were included in the study from 37 horses, with 14 partial splits, 11 intrasubstance splits, and 14 complete splits of which two had extension of fetlock synovial fluid and synovial membrane through the split. Recheck ultrasonographic examinations performed in eight horses up to 14 months following the initial examination demonstrated persistence of the split in two horses, partial resolution in five horses, and complete resolution in one horse. Ultrasonographic examination using the non‐weight bearing approach proved valuable for increasing the lesion conspicuity as compared to the weight bearing images. Certain abnormalities, such as longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in suspensory ligament branches may only be evident when imaged non‐weight bearing. The use of this technique provides a more accurate representation of lesion severity and allows for monitoring over time. A longitudinal study is necessary to determine the clinical relevance of suspensory ligament branch splits.
The Socialisation and Interaction in the Volunteer Experience
Authors: Lin Qing-qing , Wen Julie Jie
Published: October 2020

Volunteering experience is believed to provide the potential for the socialisation and interaction of the participants. By means of observations, focus group and interviews, the research attempts to analyse the volunteering process and attitude shifts in relation to volunteering. Findings of the research confirm that apart from helping the destinations, volunteers develop their personalities and attitudes towards life during their journey of helping children in rural China. A wide range of interactions and socialisation opportunities take place before, during, and after volunteering. Volunteers benefit in the confirmation of self-value, interaction, learning and socialisation. The research concludes that volunteering makes notable contribution to youth development and poverty alleviation.
mHealth as a primary mode of intervention for women at risk of, or diagnosed with, gestational diabetes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Edwards Katie J. , Maslin Kate , Andrade Jackie , Jones Ray B. , Shawe Jill
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To synthesize current knowledge on the use of mHealth as a primary mode of intervention for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its long-term implications among women at risk of, or diagnosed with, gestational diabetes mellitus.

Introduction:

Prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its associated adverse outcomes are of paramount importance to both maternal and infant health. However, women with experience of gestational diabetes mellitus report several barriers to effective disease management and lifestyle change. Supporting women through use of mHealth technology may help overcome these barriers. Recent evidence suggests mobile apps may be useful for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus, however, less is known about the broader application of mHealth from preconception to interconception.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies considered for inclusion are those focused on the use of mHealth as the primary mode of intervention for the prevention and management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its long-term implications among women at risk of, or diagnosed with, gestational diabetes mellitus. Studies will be limited to those published in English, with no date restrictions.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Database (Wiley), Scopus, and TRIP. Unpublished studies and gray literature will be searched using Open Grey, ISRCTN Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials register, and ANZCTR. Two reviewers will independently screen abstracts. Reviewers will assess full texts of selected citations against the inclusion criteria. Any disagreements will be discussed with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted and presented in diagrammatic or tabular form with an accompanying narrative in line with review objectives.
Using DSLR to 'Scan' Colour Slides: learning from the Digitising Jemdet Nasr 1988–1989 Project
Authors: Palmero Fernández Mónica
Published: October 2020

This article presents a cost-effective method for digitising photographic film for archival purposes using a DSLR camera, focussing on the widely used colour reversal Kodachrome film produced by Eastman Kodak between 1935 and 2009. I discuss the digitisation of an archive of 787 Kodachrome slides taken between 1988 and 1989 during the excavation of Jemdet Nasr, an archaeological site located in southern Iraq (Project website). I compare results obtained using a film scanner (Nikon Coolscan IV ED) with two different scanning software solutions (SilverFast and VueScan), a flatbed scanner (HP Scanjet 8300), and two DSLR cameras with macro lens (a Canon EOS KissX3 with 105mm lens and a Canon EOS 80D with 90mm lens). The results demonstrate the cost-effective value of the DSLR method for archives where time and resources are limited, but where digital photography equipment might be readily available, such as an archaeological unit or a university department. The method allows for high quality, fast and economical digitisation of excavation and collection archives that will enhance research. The method also offers superior results in rendering the high dynamic range of photographic film such as Kodachrome.
Comparing Measured Responses of an Offshore Structure With Operational Modal Analysis-Assisted Classical Model Approach
Authors: Nabuco Bruna , Amador Sandro D. , Katsanos Evangelos I. , Tygesen Ulf T. , Christensen Erik D. , Brincker Rune
Published: October 2020

Aiming to ensure the structural integrity of an offshore structure, wave-induced responses have been measured during normal operating conditions. Operational modal analysis is applied to the data obtained from continuously monitoring the structure. Sensors placed only on the topside of an offshore platform are sufficient to provide information to identify the modal properties of the structure, such as natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes. A finite element model is created and updated in line with the identified dynamic properties for applying a modal expansion technique in the interest of accessing information at any point of the structure. Wave radars are also placed at the platform from which the wave forces are calculated based on basic industrial standard models. In this way, the wave kinematics are estimated according to the linear wave theory associated with Wheeler stretching. Since this study is related to offshore structures composed by slender elements, the wave forces are estimated using Morison formulation. By assigning typical values to the drag and inertia coefficients, wave loads are estimated and applied to the updated finite element model. For the diffraction effect, the wave load has also been evaluated according to MacCamy and Fuchs theory. The responses obtained from this procedure are compared with measured responses. In addition to describing the process, this article presents a case study to verify the theory using monitoring data from a tripod jacket. Results indicate realistic response estimation that contributes to the knowledge about the state of the structure.
Design and Modeling of the ANFIS-Based MPPT Controller for a Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: Moyo Ranganai T. , Tabakov Pavel Y. , Moyo Sibusiso
Published: October 2020

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers play an important role in improving the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules. These controllers achieve maximum power transfer from PV modules through impedance matching between the PV modules and the load connected. Several MPPT techniques have been proposed for searching the optimal matching between the PV module and load resistance. These techniques vary in complexity, tracking speed, cost, accuracy, sensor, and hardware requirements. This paper presents the design and modeling of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based MPPT controller. The design consists of a PV module, ANFIS reference model, DC–DC boost converter, and the fuzzy logic (FL) power controller for generating the control signal for the converter. The performance of the proposed ANFIS-based MPPT controller is evaluated through simulations in the matlab/simulink environment. The simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed technique since the controller can extract the maximum available power for both steady-state and varying weather conditions. Moreover, a comparative study between the proposed ANFIS-based MPPT controller and the commonly used, perturbation and observation (P&O) MPPT technique is presented. The simulation results reveal that the proposed ANFIS-based MPPT controller is more efficient than the P&O method since it shows a better dynamic response with few oscillations about the maximum power point (MPP). In addition, the proposed FL power controller for generating the duty cycle of the DC–DC boost converter also gave satisfying results for MPPT.
Sparse direct adaptive equalization based on proportionate recursive least squares algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Qin Zhen , Tao Jun , Han Xiao
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the sparse direct adaptive equalization based on the recently developed proportionate recursive least squares (PRLS) adaptive filtering algorithm is investigated for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) underwater acoustic (UWA) communications. First, performance analysis is made for the PRLS, and simulation results show its gain over a standard recursive least squares algorithm under sparse systems. The fast implementation of the PRLS, named the proportionate stable fast transversal filters (PSFTF), is revisited to implement a direct adaptive decision-feedback equalizer which outperforms the existing PSFTF direct adaptive linear equalizer. The PSFTF direct adaptive equalizers (DAEs) are then compared with the selective zero-attracting stable fast transversal filter DAEs (SZA-SFTF-DAEs) enabled by the SZA-SFTF adaptive filtering algorithm. The SZA-SFTF algorithm is designed with the zero-attracting sparsity-promoting principle, which is in parallel to the proportionate updating principle used to design the PSFTF algorithm. Experimental results of an at-sea MIMO UWA communication trial show that PSFTF-DAEs outperform the SZA-SFTF-DAEs.
Effect of Age and Acute Exercise on Circulating Angioregulatory Factors
Authors: Luttrell Meredith J. , Mardis Benjamin R. , Bock Joshua M. , Iwamoto Erika , Hanada Satoshi , Ueda Kenichi , Feider Andrew J. , Temperly Kenzie , Casey Darren
Published: October 2020

The balance of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiostatic factors, like thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and endostatin, controls striated muscle angiogenic responses to exercise training. The effect of age on circulating levels of these factors following a bout of exercise is unclear. The authors hypothesized that older adults would have lower circulating VEGF but higher TSP-1 and endostatin after exercise compared with young adults. Ten young and nine older participants cycled for 45 min at 60% estimated HRmax. Serum [VEGF], [TSP-1], and [endostatin] obtained before (PREX), immediately after (POSTX0), and 3 hr after (POSTX3) exercise were analyzed. [VEGF] increased in older adults only from PREX to POSTX0 (p < .05). [TSP-1] increased in both age groups (p < .05). There was no effect of age or exercise on [endostatin]. In conclusion, immediately after exercise, both groups had a similar increase in [TSP-1], but [VEGF] increased in older adults only.
Nature journals ink open-access deal
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

German pact has costs of €9500 per published article.
Census needs review, panel says
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

Statisticians call for evaluation of quality of 2020 U.S. count.
Enteroviral 3C protease activates the human NLRP1 inflammasome in airway epithelia
Authors: Robinson Kim S. , Teo Daniel Eng Thiam , Tan Kai Sen , Toh Gee Ann , Ong Hsiao Hui , Lim Chrissie Kaishi , Lay Kenneth , Au Bijin Veonice , Lew Tian Sheng , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Chow Vincent Tak Kwong , Wang De Yun , Zhong Franklin L. , Reversade Bruno
Published: October 2020

A ligand is located, at long last!

Members of the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family act as intracellular sensors of infection. Once they recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns, they assemble into signaling complexes called inflammasomes, which induce proinflammatory cytokines and pyroptotic cell death. Although rodent NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) can recognize bacterial toxins and protozoan pathogens, the ligands for human NLRP1 have remained elusive. Robinson
et al.
found that human NLRP1 senses and is activated by enteroviruses. During human rhinovirus (HRV) infection, the HRV 3C protease cleaves an autoinhibitory N-terminal fragment from NLRP1, which is subsequently degraded. The NLRP1 C-terminal fragment that is released then initiates inflammasome formation. This work offers insights into immune sensing of respiratory viral infections and provides an example of the N-terminal glycine degron pathway in human innate immunity.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay2002
Triple iron isotope constraints on the role of ocean iron sinks in early atmospheric oxygenation
Authors: Heard Andy W. , Dauphas Nicolas , Guilbaud Romain , Rouxel Olivier J. , Butler Ian B. , Nie Nicole X. , Bekker Andrey
Published: October 2020

The iron did it

What factors controlled the accumulation of atmospheric oxygen gas (O
2
) early in the history of Earth? Heard
et al.
used high-precision iron isotopic measurements of Archean-Paleoproterozoic sediments, with ages between 3.8 billion and 2.3 billion years ago, and laboratory data about synthetic pyrites to show that pyrite, or iron sulfide, burial could have resulted in net O
2
export. These reactions therefore may have contributed to early episodes of transient oxygenation before the Great Oxidation Event that began about 2.4 billion years ago.

Science
, this issue p.
446
Lineage analysis reveals an endodermal contribution to the vertebrate pituitary
Authors: Fabian Peter , Tseng Kuo-Chang , Smeeton Joanna , Lancman Joseph J. , Dong P. Duc Si , Cerny Robert , Crump J. Gage
Published: October 2020

Origins of the pituitary gland

Placodes are specializations of the head ectoderm that are considered the source of many vertebrate novelties, including the nose, lens, ear, and hormone-producing portion of the pituitary. However, the presence of a pituitary-like structure in nonvertebrate chordates, derived instead from the endoderm, had suggested that the pituitary may predate placodes. Fabian
et al.
performed lineage tracing, time-lapse imaging, and single-cell messenger RNA sequencing to show that both endodermal and ectodermal cells can generate hormone-producing cells of the zebrafish pituitary. These experiments support that the vertebrate pituitary arises through interactions of an ancestral endodermal protopituitary with newly evolved placodal ectoderm.

Science
, this issue p.
463
Experimental evolution makes microbes more cooperative with their local host genotype
Authors: Batstone Rebecca T. , O’Brien Anna M. , Harrison Tia L. , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: October 2020

Microbial selection drives adaptation

Many legumes have a host-symbiote relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, or rhizobia, that provides a benefit to both the plant and the microbe. Batstone
et al.
experimentally evolved the association between five legume accessions and different bacterial isolates. Rather than observe selection by the host for bacterial associations (host choice), mutations accumulated within a bacterial plasmid and increased the strength of the mutualism. Thus, local and recent associations between bacterial strains and plant genotypes are due to selection for bacterial adaptation.

Science
, this issue p.
476
Deep abiotic weathering of pyrite
Authors: Gu Xin , Heaney Peter J. , Reis Fabio D. A. Aarão , Brantley Susan L.
Published: October 2020

Getting rid of fool's gold

Pyrite, also called fool's gold, is an iron sulfide mineral that is very commonly found in rock but is almost nonexistent in sediments today. Pyrite oxidizes quickly and is a major source of sulfur to the ocean, but it is also a proxy for the oxygen content historically in Earth's atmosphere. Gu
et al.
conducted a set of detailed observations of the pyrite oxidation process in a shale unit. The authors found that erosion tied to fracturing is just as important as the oxygen content for the dissolution process. They developed a model that helps determine the conditions in Earth's past for which pyrite might have been stable and the role of microorganisms in the oxidation process.

Science
, this issue p.
eabb8092
The upside of aging
Authors: Silk Joan
Published: October 2020

Chimpanzees, like humans, place a higher value on positive social relationships as they grow older
COVID-19-Associated Invasive Aspergillosis: Data from the UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Palmer Michael D. , Fraser Mark , Patterson Zoe , Mann Ciara , Oliver Debra , Linton Christopher J. , Gough Martin , Brown Phillipa , Dzietczyk Agnieszka , Hedley Michelle , McLachlan Sue , King Julie , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2020

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was recently reported as a potential infective complication affecting critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, with incidence rates varying from 8 to 33% depending on the study. However, definitive diagnosis of CAPA is challenging. Standardized diagnostic algorithms and definitions are lacking, clinicians are reticent to perform aerosol-generating bronchoalveolar lavages for galactomannan testing and microscopic and cultural examination, and questions surround the diagnostic sensitivity of different serum biomarkers.
Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 1 Delta Inhibits the Nuclear Import of the Nucleoprotein and PA-PB1 Heterodimer of Influenza A Virus
Authors: Gao Qingxia , Yang Cha , Ren Caiyue , Zhang Shishuo , Gao Xiaochen , Jin Meilin , Chen Huanchun , Ma Wenjun , Zhou Hongbo
Published: October 2020

Influenza A virus is the major cause of influenza, a respiratory disease in humans and animals. Different from most other RNA viruses, the transcription and replication of IAV occur in the cell nucleus. Therefore, the vRNPs must be imported into the nucleus for viral transcription and replication, which requires participation of host proteins. However, the mechanisms of the IAV-host interactions involved in nuclear import remain poorly understood. Here, we identified eEF1D as a novel inhibitor for the influenza virus life cycle. Importantly, eEF1D impaired the interaction between NP and importin α5 and the interaction between PB1 and RanBP5, which impeded the nuclear import of vRNP. Our studies not only reveal the molecular mechanisms of the nuclear import of IAV vRNP but also provide potential anti-influenza targets for antiviral development.
Prediction modelling of inpatient neonatal mortality in high-mortality settings
Authors: Aluvaala Jalemba , Collins Gary , Maina Beth , Mutinda Catherine , Waiyego Mary , Berkley James Alexander , English Mike
Published: October 2020

Objective

Prognostic models aid clinical decision making and evaluation of hospital performance. Existing neonatal prognostic models typically use physiological measures that are often not available, such as pulse oximetry values, in routine practice in low-resource settings. We aimed to develop and validate two novel models to predict all cause in-hospital mortality following neonatal unit admission in a low-resource, high-mortality setting.

Study design and setting

We used basic, routine clinical data recorded by duty clinicians at the time of admission to derive (n=5427) and validate (n=1627) two novel models to predict in-hospital mortality. The Neonatal Essential Treatment Score (NETS) included treatments prescribed at the time of admission while the Score for Essential Neonatal Symptoms and Signs (SENSS) used basic clinical signs. Logistic regression was used, and performance was evaluated using discrimination and calibration.

Results

At derivation, c-statistic (discrimination) for NETS was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.93) and that for SENSS was 0.91 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.93). At external (temporal) validation, NETS had a c-statistic of 0.89 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.92) and SENSS 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93). The calibration intercept for NETS was −0.72 (95% CI −0.96 to −0.49) and that for SENSS was −0.33 (95% CI −0.56 to −0.11).

Conclusion

Using routine neonatal data in a low-resource setting, we found that it is possible to predict in-hospital mortality using either treatments or signs and symptoms. Further validation of these models may support their use in treatment decisions and for case-mix adjustment to help understand performance variation across hospitals.
How many human pathogens are there in Laos? An estimate of national human pathogen diversity and analysis of historical trends
Authors: Clarkson Madeleine Claire , Aguas Ricardo , Sweet Kathryn , Roberts Tamalee , Strobel Michel , Newton Paul N
Published: October 2020

Objective

The emergence of infectious diseases pose major global health threats. Estimates of total in-country human pathogen diversity, and insights as to how and when species were described through history, could be used to estimate the probability of new pathogen discoveries. Data from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) were used in this proof-of-concept study to estimate national human pathogen diversity and to examine historical discovery rate drivers.

Methods

A systematic survey of the French and English scientific and grey literature of pathogen description in Laos between 1874 and 2017 was conducted. The first descriptions of each known human pathogen in Laos were coded according to the diagnostic evidence available. Cumulative frequency of discovery across time informed the rate of discovery. Four distinct periods of health systems development in Laos were identified prospectively and juxtaposed to the unmodelled rate of discovery. A model with a time-varying rate of discovery was fitted to these data using a Markov-Chain- Monte-Carlo technique.

Results

From 6456 pathogen descriptions, 245 discoveries of known human pathogens in Laos, including repeat discoveries using different grades of evidence, were identified. The models estimate that the Laos human pathogen species diversity in 2017 is between 169 and 206. During the last decade, there has been a 33-fold increase in the discovery rate coinciding with the strengthening of medical research and microbiology.

Conclusion

Discovery curves can be used to model and estimate country-level human pathogen diversity present in a territory. Combining this with historical assessment improves the understanding of the factors affecting local pathogen discovery.

PROSPERO registration number

A protocol of this work was registered on PROSPERO (ID:CRD42016046728).
Evaluation of an enhanced pathological examination protocol for sentinel lymph nodes from patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: Murray Ciara , Al Shehhi Asmaa , Ó'Riain Ciarán , Dunne Barbara , Maguire Aoife
Published: October 2020

Clinical trials have shown that many patients with breast cancer with limited sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastatic disease can safely avoid axillary lymph node dissection. Ultra-staging of initially negative SLNs may not confer additional clinical benefit. Despite this, protocols of ‘enhanced pathological examination’ (EPE) are still widely used. We evaluated the impact of our EPE protocol. If initial SLN H&Es are negative, we cut three additional H&E levels at 500 µm intervals with two spare sections at each level, to allow for immunohistochemistry if necessary. Occult micrometastases or isolated tumour cells were identified, using this protocol, in 3.4%, resulting in change of N stage in 3%. 1% of patients had further axillary surgery based on these findings. Our SLN-EPE protocol provided additional information in a small number of cases and changed axillary management in a minority. It represented a significant workload for scientists and pathologists, and had time and cost implications. We concluded that emphasising careful gross examination along with judicious use of additional levels and immunohistochemistry may be more beneficial than our current protocol.
Conserved quantities along with Painlevé analysis and optical solitons for the nonlinear dynamics of Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chains model
Authors: Ali I. , Seadawy A. R. , Rizvi S. T. R. , Younis M. , Ali K.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we will investigate a famous model of nonlinear sciences namely [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear spin dynamics of Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chains (HFSC) model for the evaluation of optical travelling waves by implementing unified method (UM). We will extract dark as well as bright solitary waves along with elliptic waves. We will draw conserved quantities of our governing model by utilizing dilation symmetry. At the end, the integrability of nonlinear spin dynamics of HFSC model with the help of Painlevé test will also be studied in this paper.
Using single-cell entropy to describe the dynamics of reprogramming and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Ye Y. , Yang Z. , Zhu M. , Lei J.
Published: October 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a great model to study the process of stem cell reprogramming and differentiation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables us to investigate the reprogramming process at single-cell level. Here, we introduce single-cell entropy (scEntropy) as a macroscopic variable to quantify the cellular transcriptome from scRNA-seq data during reprogramming and differentiation of iPSCs. scEntropy measures the relative order parameter of genomic transcriptions at single cell level during the process of cell fate changes, which show increase tendency during differentiation, and decrease upon reprogramming. Hence, scEntropy provides an intrinsic measurement of the cell state, and can be served as a pseudo-time of the stem cell differentiation process. Moreover, based on the evolutionary dynamics of scEntropy, we construct a phenomenological Fokker-Planck equation model and the corresponding stochastic differential equation for the process of cell state transitions during pluripotent stem cell differentiation. These equations provide further insights to infer the processes of cell fates changes and stem cell differentiation. This study is the first to introduce the novel concept of scEntropy to quantify the biological process of iPSC, and suggests that the scEntropy can provide a suitable macroscopic variable for single cells to describe cell fate transition during differentiation and reprogramming of stem cells.
Effects of core-periphery structure on explosive synchronization
Authors: Yang Bo , Li Xu , Cheng Weizheng , Pei Zhiyong , Huang Tao , Hou Hui , Huang Xuelin
Published: October 2020

We investigate the explosive synchronization in networks with core-periphery structure. The effects of different patterns of core-periphery networks on explosive synchronization are studied by altering network structural parameters. With the variation of two core-periphery structural parameters, the relative connection strength between core and peripheral nodes, and the relative connection strength among peripheral nodes, we find distinct roles played by structural parameters in the path toward explosive synchronization. Our results show that the order parameter of periphery is closer to that of the core in the synchronization phase with the increment of connections between core and peripheral nodes. In addition, we find that sparser the connections among peripheral nodes are, the easier the whole dynamic network is to reach explosive synchronization. We also discover that if the number of connections between core and periphery scales vary sublinearly with the network size, there exists a novel two-jump behavior of the order parameter of the whole network. Moreover, as the level of the sublinearity increases, the order parameter starts to oscillate in a decaying manner, rather than being increasing monotonically and slowly as in the case of normal explosive synchronization when the coupling strength exceeds a critical threshold. Hence in this regime, it becomes increasingly difficult for the network to maintain stable explosive synchronization even though the underlying network topology is connected.
Hexagonal mosaic links generated by saturation
Authors: Bush J. , Commins P. , Gomez T. , McLoud-Mann J.
Published: October 2020

Square mosaic knots have many applications in algebra, such as modeling quantum states. In this paper, we extend mosaic knot theory to a theory of hexagonal mosaic links, which are links embedded in a plane tiling of regular hexagons. We investigate hexagonal mosaic links created from particular patches of hextiles with a high number of crossings, which we describe as saturated diagrams. Considering patches of varying size and shape, we compute the number of link components that are produced in these saturated diagrams and for special families we identify the knot types of the components. Finally, we discuss open questions relating to saturated diagrams.
Equivalence of nonminimally coupled cosmologies by Noether symmetries
Authors: Bajardi Francesco , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: October 2020

We discuss nonminimally coupled cosmologies involving different geometric invariants. Specifically, actions containing a nonminimally coupled scalar field to gravity described, in turn, by curvature, torsion and Gauss–Bonnet scalars are considered. We show that couplings, potentials and kinetic terms are determined by the existence of Noether symmetries which, moreover, allows to reduce and solve dynamics. The main finding of the paper is that different nonminimally coupled theories, presenting the same Noether symmetries, are dynamically equivalent. In other words, Noether symmetries are a selection criterion to compare different theories of gravity.
Voluntary IFRS Adoption by Unlisted European Firms: Impact on Earnings Quality and Cost of Debt
Authors: Cameran Mara , Campa Domenico
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the impact of the voluntary adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by unlisted firms on both their financial reporting quality and cost of debt. Using a large international sample of unlisted EU companies for which the choice of IFRS is voluntary, we find that IFRS adoption has a positive impact on financial reporting quality and results in a decrease in the cost of debt. In addition, unlisted firms adopting IFRS are more likely to be acquired or go public in the years subsequent to the adoption, relative to other unlisted firms. We document a tangible benefit of voluntary IFRS adoption by unlisted firms.
Duality systems of groups and PD(n)-systems of groups
Authors: Gitik Rita
Published: October 2020

We define a system of groups, a duality system of groups and a [Formula: see text]-system of groups, generalizing the corresponding concepts of pairs of groups. We give several characterizations of duality systems of groups and apply these results to derive an important characterization of [Formula: see text]-systems of groups.
BLeak
Authors: Vilk John , Berger Emery D.
Published: October 2020

Memory leaks in web applications are pervasive and difficult to debug. Leaks degrade responsiveness by increasing garbage collection costs and can even lead to browser tab crashes. Previous leak detection approaches designed for conventional applications are ineffective in the browser environment. Tracking down leaks currently requires intensive manual effort by web developers, which is often unsuccessful.

This paper introduces BLEAK (Browser Leak debugger), the first system for automatically debugging memory leaks in web applications. BLEAK'S algorithms leverage the observation that in modern web applications, users often repeatedly return to the same (approximate) visual state (e.g., the inbox view in Gmail). Sustained growth between round trips is a strong indicator of a memory leak. To use BLEAK, a developer writes a short script (17-73 LOC on our benchmarks) to drive a web application in round trips to the same visual state. BLEAK then automatically generates a list of leaks found along with their root causes, ranked by return on investment. Guided by BLEAK, we identify and fix over 50 memory leaks in popular libraries and apps including Airbnb, AngularJS, Google Analytics, Google Maps SDK, and jQuery. BLEAK'S median precision is 100%; fixing the leaks it identifies reduces heap growth by an average of 94%, saving from 0.5MB to 8MB per round trip.
Generative adversarial networks
Authors: Goodfellow Ian , Pouget-Abadie Jean , Mirza Mehdi , Xu Bing , Warde-Farley David , Ozair Sherjil , Courville Aaron , Bengio Yoshua
Published: October 2020

Generative adversarial networks are a kind of artificial intelligence algorithm designed to solve the
generative modeling
problem. The goal of a generative model is to study a collection of training examples and learn the probability distribution that generated them. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are then able to generate more examples from the estimated probability distribution. Generative models based on deep learning are common, but GANs are among the most successful generative models (especially in terms of their ability to generate realistic high-resolution images). GANs have been successfully applied to a wide variety of tasks (mostly in research settings) but continue to present unique challenges and research opportunities because they are based on game theory while most other approaches to generative modeling are based on optimization.
Copyright's online service providers safe harbors under siege
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: October 2020

Reviewing the most significant changes recommended in the recently released U.S. Copyright Office Section 512 Study.
Two weeks of remote ischemic conditioning improves brachial artery flow mediated dilation in chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Hyngstrom Allison S. , Nguyen Jennifer N. , Wright Michael T. , Tarima Sergey S. , Schmit Brian D. , Gutterman David D. , Durand Matthew J.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we report that 2 wk of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) improves brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in chronic stroke survivors. Because poor cardiovascular health puts stroke survivors at a heightened risk for recurrent stroke and other cardiovascular events, an intervention that is simple, cost-effective, and easy to perform like RIC holds promise as a means to improve cardiovascular health in this at-risk population.