bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Therapy in India- Current Status
Authors: Thakur Neha , Batra Prerna , Singh Kuldeep , Gupta Piyush
Published: May 2020

Gene therapy is being considered as a promising modality for more than two decades now. It has been used for a number of difficult-to-treat conditions and has shown good results in some of the conditions, but not that effective in some others. Overcoming the initially faced hindrances, the research in the field of gene therapy resurged. India is one the major Asian countries where gene therapy-related research and centers have shown remarkable growth, despite certain constraints faced by the researchers. Current article discusses the different types of gene therapy along with its clinical implications and its current status in Indian context.
Relevance of Traditional Indian Medical Concepts in Psychosomatic Medicine
Authors: Sood Mamta , Singh Saurabh K , Chadda Rakesh K
Published: May 2020

Traditional medicine comprises of health related knowledge, skill and practices indigenous to different cultures. India has a rich heritage of traditional system of medicine that emphasizes the close link between mind and body like the psychosomatic medicine. The government of India has set up a department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). The importance of life style, dietary and environmental factors in the development of various psychosomatic disorders has been emphasized in all the Indian traditional systems of medicine. Although studies have shown acceptability and beneficial role of traditional medicinal practices, efforts should be made to tease out and conduct research on the practices, which can help physicians in improving well-being of the patients. More rigorous research is required in the direction to generate evidence base for these practices so that their full potential can be realized.
Association of Vitamin D and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Parveen Rizwana , Mishra Pinki , Singh Reema , Kapur Prem , Agarwal Nidhi B.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To assess the association of vitamin D (VD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method:

Literature search was conducted for studies assessing the association of VD and DR. Total 9 studies have a sum total of 1741 patients were included for final analysis.

Results:

The concentration of VD in controls ranged from 17.5±3.6 to 31.9±12.9 ng/ml, while for T2DM patients without retinopathy it ranged from 11.94±4.21 to 23.10±6.12 ng/ml. T2DM patients with retinopathy had the lowest concentration, ranging from 10.02±5.61 to 19.25±7.86 ng/ml. A higher percentage of T2DM patients without (50.7% to 68.80%) and with (31.2% to 79.63%) retinopathy had VD deficiency (VDD).

Discussion:

An inverse association between VD levels and DR was observed. The concentration of VD decreases as the stage of DR advances. VD seems to be an easily modifiable risk factor for DR. Thus, VD supplementation should be encouraged in population at higher risk for diabetic complications.
Introducing the Team Based Learning as an Approach to Reviving Interest in Biochemistry amongst Undergraduate Medical Students-An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lal Vanita , Bhandari Bharti , Gupta Garima , Singh Kuldeep , Sharma Praveen
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Much emphasis has been given to different approaches to active learning. Our primary objective was to elicit interest amongst students in the areas of neglected, difficult topics in Biochemistry. Encouraging team building and developing team spirit by roping in all students in the exercise was the secondary objective of our study.

Methods:

It was a single blind controlled interventional study. A Team Based Learning (TBL) Module was developed for First Professional MBBS students of 2015 batch. The topics selected were of high difficulty level. Ten groups were formed by random allocation. Study materials and reference sources were displayed and distributed two weeks prior to the initiation of TBL sessions. Each TBL session consisted of pre-test preparation (through didactic lectures and self-study), MCQ-based pre-test, application of concepts, Problem Based Questions (PBQs), reviewing and post-test. This was followed by administration of feedback questionnaire. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results:

When the pre-test and post-test marks were compared, significant improvement in the students' performance was observed (p<0.05). According to students' feedback, the learning exercise was innovative, beneficial, helped in better comprehension of difficult topics, increased in-depth knowledge on the topic, fun-filled and relaxing, eventually leading to better learning. Students were able to analyse and give rational and logical responses to complex PBQs. There was an increase in interest towards reading and referring in detail about the topics allotted to them. Library usage and issue of reference books as seen in the logbook increased rapidly. They were more confident in Biochemistry after conducting a series of TBL sessions. While comparing the performance marks after the TBL sessions with that after classroom didactic lecture method, students were of the view that TBL was better than lectures. The difference in scores obtained by two groups (2016 vs. 2015) was significant. The groups who were exposed to TBL had far better scores than those exposed to lectures in the same topic.

Conclusion:

The focus these days is on self-directed learning for medical students to become selfregulated, independent learners, which is essential for acquiring competencies and TBL appears to be one such modality.
Role of Adipokines in Development of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Gupta Vani
Published: May 2020

Visceral adipose tissue releases a variety of adipokines which together determine a comprehensive cardiometabolic risk profile. Estrogen deficiency leads to central fat deposition in postmenopausal women. However, premenopausal women are also running high risk of central obesity owing to unhealthy lifestyles, making them prone to development of metabolic syndrome which leads to infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Premenopausal women with (n=30) and without (n=30) central obesity were studied. Metabolic risk factors and circulatory adipokines were measured. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Adipokines' gene polymorphisms were studied by polymerase chain reaction and mRNA expression of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), acylation stimulating protein (ASP) receptor gene (C5L2) were done by real time-polymerase chain reaction in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues was also obtained.

Significant high circulating leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, resistin and their VAT mRNA expression and significant low circulating adiponectin and VAT mRNA expression were found in women with metabolic syndrome, irrespective of their menopausal status. Carriers of mutant genotype of TNF-α 308 AA, IL-6 174 CC, resistin 420 GG, leptin 2549 AA, adiponectin 276 TT and C5L2 698 CT had significant association with metabolic syndrome. Conclusively changes in fat distribution modulate the secretion profile of adipokines, therefore elevated circulating leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, ASP, resistin, and low adiponectin may serve as surrogate markers for metabolic syndrome and related morbidities in women with central obesity.
Anthropometric Study of Proximal Femur Geometry and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Siwach Ramchander
Published: May 2020

The implants for fixation of proximal femur fractures and joint replacements have been designed taking into consideration of the anthropometry of the western population which vary from other ethnic groups. The present study aimed to study the morphology of the upper end of femur in relation to its various diameters and angles and compare the external and internal geometry of proximal femur as obtained from radiographs, with actual measurements on cadaveric specimens in Indian population. Seventy five pairs (150 bones) of cadaveric femora were studied morphologically and radiologically using standardized techniques to obtain various anthropometrics measurements. These values were compared with those reported in the literature for Hong Kong Chinese, Caucasian, Chinese and Western populations. Data were found to be quite different from them. It is proposed that implants designed for Western populations should be used judiciously and future implants be designed to match the morphology of the Indian bones.
Molecular and Functional Basis of Cystic Fibrosis in Indian Patients: Genetic, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Prasad Rajendra
Published: May 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF, MIM#219700) is a common autosomal recessive disorder among Caucasians, which was considered as rare disease for Indian population. CF is caused due to presence of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. In this study, we established a spectrum of mutations from both classical CF as well as from infertile male patients with congenital absence of vas deferens (CAVD). In Indian classical CF patients, we reported 14 previously known and eight novel mutations, viz. 3986-3987 delC, 876-6 del4, 1792 InsA, L69H, S158N, Q493L, 1530L and E1329Q. The frequency of delta 508 was found to be 27%. Absolute linkage between delta 508 and KM19-GATT TUB9-M470V-T854T haplotype predicts a relatively recent appearance of delta 508 mutations in Indian population. The CFTR gene analysis in CAVD infertile males documented 13 different CFTR gene mutations and 1 intronic variant that led to aberrant splicing. P.Phe 508 del (n= 16) and p.Arg 117 His (n=4) were among the common severe forms of CFTR mutations identified. The IVS-8-T5 allele (mild form of mutations) was formed with an allele frequency of 28.3%. Eight novel mutations were also found in the CFTR gene from our patient cohort. We also investigated whether genetic modifiers, viz. transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and endothelial receptor type A (EDNRA) of CF lung disease also predispose to CAVD in association with CFTR mutations, which were associated with the CAVD phenotype.

Functional characterization of identified 11 novel CFTR gene mutations disclosed that a significant reduction in channel activity for L69H and S549N mutants in CFTR expressing cells was observed whereas impaired CFTR protein maturation was noticed only in L69H substitute CFTR. CFTR correctors (VX809) rescued the defect due to L69H mutation, which is evidenced from detection of C band in L69H mutant expressing cells pre-treated with VX809. The chloride channel activity in S549N and L69H mutant CFTR was also restored in presence of CFTR potentiators VX770.

Above findings confirms heterogeneity of CFTR mutations in Indian classical and non-classical CF patients. They may help in developing a strategy to develop counseling and therapeutic approach for CF patients in India.
Current Concepts of Pathophysiology of Vasovagal Syncope and its Evaluation and Management: A Review
Authors: Dikshit Mohan B , Jaju Deepali S
Published: May 2020

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) with a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness (LoC) is a common phenomenon in the young and the elderly. Though generally described as innocuous, it may lead to serious consequences in special category of people (pilots), or in the elderly in whom LoC may lead to a fall and serious injury. The topic has been copiously researched upon and discussed in medical literature over the last few decades, but the exact mechanisms which lead to the disability have yet to be fully agreed upon. Changes in cardiovascular baroreceptor sensitivity, aberrations in the complex interaction amongst the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and the nuclei around it, inability of the peripheral circulation to respond to autonomic vasoconstrictors, or excess production of vasodilators such as nitric oxide produced locally have been considered in its pathophysiology. Various extraneous situations like dehydration, exposure to heat stress, medications, psychological factors may adversely stress regulatory physiological responses and promote occasional episodes of VVS. More complex dysautonomia could be a reason for the recurrent VVS. Differences between brain structure of VVS sufferers and normal subjects have been proposed. Head-up tilt table (HUT) test is the most widely applied investigation for evaluating VVS episodes. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has also been used. Enhancement of the orthostatic stress may be done by simultaneous use of both, or with peripheral vasodilators. As to whether such an enhancement is necessary is debatable. Management with increased salt and fluid intake, corticosteroids, beta adrenergic receptor blockers, alpha adrenergic receptor stimulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors have been tried with variable success.
Oxidative Stress is Independent Factor for End-stage Renal Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Balyan Kirti , Sharma Pragya , Kailash Chandra , Sarita Agarwal , S.K. Jain
Published: May 2020

An imbalance between oxidant and antioxidants is thought to precede the development of renal lesions. The aim of present study is to determine the relationship between oxidative markers and severity of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 100 T2DM patients (50 males and 50 females) participated in this study. They were screened for microalbuminuria along with oxidative status in patients. Microalbuminuria was detected by measuring the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine samples. Patients were divided into two groups; normoalbuminuria (n=36) and microalbuminuria (n=64) as per the ACR levels. No difference in the groups was observed in terms of age, sex, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure. The level of oxidative stress was significantly higher in microalbuminuria group of T2DM patients. A significant correlation was observed between ACR and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels. We conclude that oxidative stress is one of the important mediators of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Carbamazepine, Sodium Valproate and Levetiracetam Modulate Wnt Inhibitors in Indian Women with Epilepsy
Authors: Parveen Bushra , Tripathi Manjari , Divya Vohora
Published: May 2020

Background:

Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy has been claimed to deteriorate bone health. Majority of the research was inclined towards vitamin-D deficiency as the patho-mechanism. However, after the role of Wnt in bone metabolism was discovered, it has paved way for investigating the role of Wnt inhibitors in mediating effects on bone accrual. Recently, we have reported the modulation of two Wnt inhibitors, sclerostin and dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), following AED therapy in Indian women with epilepsy, however, the subgroup analysis for individual drug is elucidated in this report.

Methods:

Individual analysis for our earlier cross-sectional study on three AEDs, carbamazepine (CBZ), sodium valproate (SVP) and levetiracetam (LTM), on sclerostin and dickkopf-1, and their correlation with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) was assessed in Indian women with epilepsy.

Results:

We observed enhanced sclerostin and 25OHD levels with all three AEDs while serum RANKL was higher with SVP and LTM only. Further, serum DKK-1 levels were lowered with CBZ and LTM. Sclerostin showed a positive correlation with RANKL in CBZ group, while DKK-1 presented no such relationship.

Conclusion:

As sclerostin is more specific than DKK-1, we may conclude that these drugs may compromise bone health through disturbance in Wnt signaling mechanisms.
Reverse ’Hot Cross Bun’ Sign in Primary Progressive Aphasia - An Atypical MRI Feature
Authors: Jain Rajendra Singh , Kumar Kamlesh , Ashwini Hiremath
Published: May 2020

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is thought to be a disorder of focal cortical degeneration which occurs as a result of lobar atrophy of dominant frontal and temporal lobe. We report a case of a 78 year old male patient presenting with progressive language affection predominantly and clinically diagnosed as PPA but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showed an unusual finding of reverse 'hot cross bun' sign in pons in T2 weighted (T2W) / diffusion weighted image (DWI)/ T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) axial views. This is the first case report of reverse 'hot cross bun' sign in a case of PPA to the best of our knowledge.
Duplication of the Gallbladder: A Rare Congenital Anomaly
Authors: KS Madhusudhan , Srivastava Saumya , Srivastava Deep N
Published: May 2020

Biliary tract shows a large number of anatomic variations and duplication of the gallbladder (GB) is a rare congenital anomaly. Although it is very often detected incidentally, it may present with complications due to gall stone disease. Careful identification of this anomaly on imaging is important to prevent any serious surgical complications. We here report a case of duplicated GB in a 26-year-old male, who presented with right hypochondriac pain and detected to have two GB on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Metal-ion subplantation: A game changer for controlling nanostructure and phase formation during film growth by physical vapor deposition
Authors: Greczynski G. , Mráz S. , Schneider J. M. , Hultman L.
Published: May 2020

Up until recently, thin film growth by magnetron sputtering relied on enhancing adatom mobility in the surface region by gas-ion irradiation to obtain dense layers at low deposition temperatures. However, an inherently low degree of ionization in the sputtered material flux during direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS), owing to relatively low plasma densities involved, prevented systematic exploration of the effects of metal-ion irradiation on the film nanostructure, phase content, and physical properties. Employing only gas-ion bombardment results in an inefficient energy and momentum transfer to the growing film surface. Also, for enhanced substrate biasing, the higher concentration of implanted noble gas atoms at interstitial lattice positions causes elevated compressive stress levels. High-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), however, provides controllable metal-ion ionization and, more importantly, enables the minimization of adverse gas-ion irradiation effects. The latter can be realized by the use of pulsed substrate bias applied synchronously with the metal-ion-rich portion of each HiPIMS pulse (metal-ion-synchronized HiPIMS), based on the results of time-resolved ion mass spectrometry analyses performed at the substrate position. In this way, both the metal-ion energy and the momentum can be precisely controlled for one to exploit the benefits of irradiation by metal-ions, which are also the film-forming species. Systematic studies performed in recent years using binary and ternary transition metal-based nitrides as model systems revealed new phenomena with accompanying unique and attractive film growth pathways. This Perspective paper focuses on the effects of low-mass metal-ion irradiation and their role for the nanostructure and phase control. We review basic findings and present original results from ion mass spectrometry studies and materials characterization for the effect of metal-ion subplantation. Key correlations are highlighted, which, if properly engaged, enable unprecedented control over film nanostructure and phase formation and, hence, the resulting properties. We show generalization from the findings to present a new concept for thin film growth in a hybrid HiPIMS/DCMS configuration with metal-ion-synchronized bias. Based on the results obtained for TM-based nitrides, there are no evident physical limitations preventing the extension of this deposition process concept for other materials systems or other metal–ion-based thin film growth techniques. Further exciting findings could, thus, be anticipated for the future.
SAPT codes for calculations of intermolecular interaction energies
Authors: Garcia Javier , Podeszwa Rafał , Szalewicz Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) is a method for calculations of intermolecular (noncovalent) interaction energies. The set of SAPT codes that is described here, the current version named SAPT2020, includes virtually all variants of SAPT developed so far, among them two-body SAPT based on perturbative, coupled cluster, and density functional theory descriptions of monomers, three-body SAPT, and two-body SAPT for some classes of open-shell monomers. The properties of systems governed by noncovalent interactions can be predicted only if potential energy surfaces (force fields) are available. SAPT is the preferred approach for generating such surfaces since it is seamlessly connected to the asymptotic expansion of interaction energy. SAPT2020 includes codes for automatic development of such surfaces, enabling generation of complete dimer surfaces with a rigid monomer approximation for dimers containing about one hundred atoms. These codes can also be used to obtain surfaces including internal degrees of freedom of monomers.
Sedimentation of large particles in a suspension of colloidal rods
Authors: Barabé B. , Abakumov S. , Gunes D. Z. , Lettinga M. P.
Published: May 2020

The sedimentation at low Reynolds numbers of large, non-interacting spherical inclusions in networks of model monodisperse, slender colloidal rods is investigated. The influence of rod concentration, rod length, and inclusion stress on the inclusion’s creeping motion is investigated. The decrease in sedimentation speeds as a function of rod concentration is compared to the Stokes law, using the zero-shear viscosity from the Doi–Edwards theory for semi-dilute colloidal rod solutions. The experimental speeds display the same concentration dependence as the zero-shear viscosity and are, thus, strongly dependent on the rod length. The speed is, however, a fraction of 2 and 4 lower than expected for rods of 0.88 μm and 2.1 μm, respectively. The results for both rod lengths superimpose when plotted against the overlap concentration, hinting at an extra dependence on the entanglement.
Multi-length-scale x-ray spectroscopies for determination of surface reactivity at high voltages of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 vs Li4Ti5O12
Authors: Mirolo Marta , Vaz Carlos A. F. , Novák Petr , El Kazzi Mario
Published: May 2020

The surface evolution of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrodes cycled in a carbonate-based electrolyte was systematically investigated using the high lateral resolution and surface sensitivity of x-ray photoemission electron microscopy combined with x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. On the cathode, we attest that the surface of the pristine particles is composed of adventitious Li2CO3 together with reduced Ni and Co in a +2 oxidation state, which is directly responsible for the overpotential observed during the first de-lithiation. This layer decomposes at 3.8 V vs Li+/Li, leaving behind a fresh surface with Ni and Co in a +3 oxidation state. The charge compensation upon Li+ extraction takes place above 4.0 V and is assigned to the oxidation of both Ni and oxygen, while Co remains in a +3 oxidation state during the whole redox process. We also identified the formation of an inactive surface layer already at 4.3 V, rich in reduced Ni and depleted in oxygen. However, at 4.9 V, NiO-like species are detected accompanied with reduced Co. Despite the highly oxidative potential, the surface of the cathode after long cycling is free of oxidized solvent byproducts but contains traces of LiPF6 byproducts (LiF and POxFy). On the LTO counter electrode, transition metals are detected only after long cycling vs NCA to 4.9 V as well as PVdF and LiPF6 byproducts originating from the cathode. Finally, harvested cycled electrodes prove that the influence of the crosstalk on the electrochemical performance of LTO is limited.
A novel gripper for multiaxial mechanical testing of microtubes at elevated temperatures
Authors: Li Lin , Chan Yu-Chin , Ngaile Gracious , Hassan Tasnim
Published: May 2020

The success of a microtube hydroforming (μTHF) process heavily depends on the material properties of microtubes, which can reveal the material response under multiaxial stress and influence the formability of hydroformed products. However, these material properties are not well understood because of the limited availability of material testing apparatus that would permit control of axial force and internal pressure simultaneously to mimic realistic μTHF loading. The main purpose of this study is to develop a set of grippers that can transfer required testing loads under fully coupled combinations of axial force and internal pressure. The grippers are designed so that they may be kept at the safe working temperature even when tests are carried out at higher temperatures. The grippers are also designed to fit in a load frame that is integrated in a scanning electron microscope for in situ material testing. The capabilities of the grippers are demonstrated by performing uniaxial and multiaxial material tests on SS304 microtubes with 1 mm outside diameter and 0.15 mm nominal tube wall thickness. The finite element simulations and experimental results show that the designed grippers can firmly hold the specimen and thus enable tensile, compression, torsion, and microtube bulge material tests to be accurately performed.
Dried whole cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) nuts as an alternative energy feedstuff for beef cattle grazing tropical pasture
Authors: Meneses D. M. , Moraes E. H. B. K. , Batista E. D. , Oliveira A. S. , Silva S. R. , Stinguel H. , Rocha P. R. , Ortelam J. C. , Santos K. R. , Socreppa L. M. , Moraes K. A. K.
Published: May 2020

Context
Cupuassu is frequently cultivated in Brazil as well as in the warm lowlands of other tropical American countries. Cupuassu nut contains high levels of theobromine and ether extra ct, which could negatively affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients, when included in livestock diets.

Aims
The present study was undertaken to evaluate how replacing maize with cupuassu nut affects feed intake, efficiency of microbial synthesis and nitrogen (N) balance in Nellore bulls at pasture.

Methods
Five Nellore bulls with an initial bodyweight of 336.7 ± 12.8 kg (mean ± s.d.) were kept in individual paddocks of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. Concentrate supplements containing equal amounts of N and different concentrations of dried whole cupuassu nut (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% replacement of maize) were fed to bulls in a 5 × 5 latin square design, with each animal allocated to each diet for a period of 20 days, including a 14-day period of adaptation.

Key results
Intake of all dietary components and total digestible nutrients, except ether extract, theobromine and neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein, decreased linearly with the addition of cupuassu. Theobromine intake varied from 13.86 (25% cupuassu nut) to 36.67 (100% cupuassu nut) mg/kg bodyweight. The inclusion of cupuassu in the supplement led to a linear decrease in ruminal ammonia-N concentration, N balance, and efficiency of microbial synthesis.

Conclusion
Replacing maize with dried whole cupuassu nut in concentrate supplements reduces the intake of DM from both supplement and pasture, the efficiency of microbial synthesis, and the N balance in grazing beef cattle.

Implications
The replacement of maize by dried whole nut of cupuassu in concentrate supplements for grazing cattle is not recommended because it reduces supplement intake and nitrogen retention, and it is likely to decrease liveweight gain.
Decomposing loss aversion from gaze allocation and pupil dilation
Authors: Sheng Feng , Ramakrishnan Arjun , Seok Darsol , Zhao Wenjia Joyce , Thelaus Samuel , Cen Puti , Platt Michael Louis
Published: May 2020

Loss-averse decisions, in which one avoids losses at the expense of gains, are highly prevalent. However, the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. The prevailing account highlights a valuation bias that overweighs losses relative to gains, but an alternative view stresses a response bias to avoid choices involving potential losses. Here we couple a computational process model with eye-tracking and pupillometry to develop a physiologically grounded framework for the decision process leading to accepting or rejecting gambles with equal odds of winning and losing money. Overall, loss-averse decisions were accompanied by preferential gaze toward losses and increased pupil dilation for accepting gambles. Using our model, we found gaze allocation selectively indexed valuation bias, and pupil dilation selectively indexed response bias. Finally, we demonstrate that our computational model and physiological biomarkers can identify distinct types of loss-averse decision makers who would otherwise be indistinguishable using conventional approaches. Our study provides an integrative framework for the cognitive processes that drive loss-averse decisions and highlights the biological heterogeneity of loss aversion across individuals.
Common and dissociable effects of oxytocin and lorazepam on the neurocircuitry of fear
Authors: Kreuder Ann-Kathrin , Scheele Dirk , Schultz Johannes , Hennig Juergen , Marsh Nina , Dellert Torge , Ettinger Ulrich , Philipsen Alexandra , Babasiz Mari , Herscheid Angela , Remmersmann Laura , Stirnberg Ruediger , Stöcker Tony , Hurlemann René
Published: May 2020

Significance

A potential new target for anxiolytic drug development is the oxytocin (OXT) neuropeptide system. An emerging question is whether OXT has similar effects on the neural microcircuitry of fear compared with clinically established compounds such as benzodiazepines. The present functional MRI study showed that both OXT and its benzodiazepine comparator lorazepam (LZP) reduced centromedial amygdala responses to fear signals. OXT, but not LZP, increased extra-amygdalar connectivity between the centromedial amygdala and frontoparietal regions. Thus, while both compounds inhibited the centromedial amygdala, OXT, but not LZP, elicited large-scale connectivity changes of potential therapeutic relevance.
Improvement in municipal wastewater treatment alters lake nitrogen to phosphorus ratios in populated regions
Authors: Tong Yindong , Wang Mengzhu , Peñuelas Josep , Liu Xueyan , Paerl Hans W. , Elser James J. , Sardans Jordi , Couture Raoul-Marie , Larssen Thorjørn , Hu Hongying , Dong Xin , He Wei , Zhang Wei , Wang Xuejun , Zhang Yang , Liu Yi , Zeng Siyu , Kong Xiangzhen , Janssen Annette B. G. , Lin Yan
Published: May 2020

Significance

Due to different rates of change in total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in lakes, increases in TN/TP mass ratios were observed in many China’s freshwater lakes during 2008 to 2017. This growing imbalance has important implications for aquatic ecology that remain poorly considered and understood. Here, we show that changes in municipal wastewater treatment are a major driver for increases in lake TN/TP mass ratios, as phosphorus is more effectively removed than nitrogen from wastewater. Our findings highlight the need for more efficient nitrogen reduction in addition to phosphorus reduction in wastewater treatment to reduce risk for phytoplankton blooms and toxin production and to maintain ecosystem biodiversity in downstream waterbodies.
Dynamics in a simple evolutionary-epidemiological model for the evolution of an initial asymptomatic infection stage
Authors: Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Wingreen Ned S. , Levin Simon A. , Grenfell Bryan T.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Numerous factors affect early transmission by a newly infected host. A less symptomatic initial infection can persist longer due to reduced immune response, but at the cost of reduced transmission. Assuming simple trade-offs for progression and transmission rates in the initial infectious stage, we couple epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics. We find that fully asymptomatic, less symptomatic, or fully symptomatic first stages are possible evolutionary outcomes, with possible surprising bistability between zero and maximal asymptomatic behavior. This bistability implies that small changes in parameter values followed by reversion to their original values could lead to an alternative stable state with a qualitative difference in degree of first-stage symptoms. Therefore, disease control strategies can have dramatic evolutionary outcomes, cascading to epidemiological consequences.
RNA-binding motifs of hnRNP K are critical for induction of antibody diversification by activation-induced cytidine deaminase
Authors: Yin Ziwei , Kobayashi Maki , Hu Wenjun , Higashi Koichi , Begum Nasim A. , Kurokawa Ken , Honjo Tasuku
Published: May 2020

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is the key enzyme for class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) to generate antibody memory. Previously, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) was shown to be required for AID-dependent DNA breaks. Here, we defined the function of major RNA-binding motifs of hnRNP K, GXXGs and RGGs in the K-homology (KH) and the K-protein-interaction (KI) domains, respectively. Mutation of GXXG, RGG, or both impaired CSR, SHM, and
cMyc/IgH
translocation equally, showing that these motifs were necessary for AID-dependent DNA breaks. AID–hnRNP K interaction is dependent on RNA; hence, mutation of these RNA-binding motifs abolished the interaction with AID, as expected. Some of the polypyrimidine sequence-carrying prototypical hnRNP K-binding RNAs, which participate in DNA breaks or repair bound to hnRNP K in a GXXG and RGG motif-dependent manner. Mutation of the GXXG and RGG motifs decreased nuclear retention of hnRNP K. Together with the previous finding that nuclear localization of AID is necessary for its function, lower nuclear retention of these mutants may worsen their functional deficiency, which is also caused by their decreased RNA-binding capacity. In summary, hnRNP K contributed to AID-dependent DNA breaks with all of its major RNA-binding motifs.
Human decisions about when to act originate within a basal forebrain–nigral circuit
Authors: Khalighinejad Nima , Priestley Luke , Jbabdi Saad , Rushworth Matthew F. S.
Published: May 2020

Decisions about when to act are critical for survival in humans as in animals, but how a desire is translated into the decision that an action is worth taking at any particular point in time is incompletely understood. Here we show that a simple model developed to explain when animals decide it is worth taking an action also explains a significant portion of the variance in timing observed when humans take voluntary actions. The model focuses on the current environment’s potential for reward, the timing of the individual’s own recent actions, and the outcomes of those actions. We show, by using ultrahigh-field MRI scanning, that in addition to anterior cingulate cortex within medial frontal cortex, a group of subcortical structures including striatum, substantia nigra, basal forebrain (BF), pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), and habenula (HB) encode trial-by-trial variation in action time. Further analysis of the activity patterns found in each area together with psychophysiological interaction analysis and structural equation modeling suggested a model in which BF integrates contextual information that will influence the decision about when to act and communicates this information, in parallel with PPN and HB influences, to nigrostriatal circuits. It is then in the nigrostriatal circuit that action initiation per se begins.
Statistical reprogramming of macroscopic self-assembly with dynamic boundaries
Authors: Culha Utku , Davidson Zoey S. , Mastrangeli Massimo , Sitti Metin
Published: May 2020

Significance

Programmable self-assembly provides valuable insights into fundamental physics and enables the design of functional materials. However, relying only on computational solutions to understand the aspects of self-assembly may overlook critical phenomena accessible through physical observation. Our work presents a control mechanism utilizing dynamic boundaries to experimentally (re)program self-assembly. We show the correlation between confinement dynamics and resulting self-assembled structures and also demonstrate the tuning of their mechanical and magnetic properties. Our approach should be scalable to different particle counts, types, and sizes. In future studies, an enlarged confinement mechanism could be used as a control method on mobile robot swarms and as a test bed to experiment with many more particles for the self-assembly processes of crystalline and amorphous materials.
Spatiotemporal regulation of PEDF signaling by type I collagen remodeling
Authors: Kawahara Kazuki , Yoshida Takuya , Maruno Takahiro , Oki Hiroya , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Koide Takaki , Kobayashi Yuji
Published: May 2020

Dynamic remodeling of the extracellular matrix affects many cellular processes, either directly or indirectly, through the regulation of soluble ligands; however, the mechanistic details of this process remain largely unknown. Here we propose that type I collagen remodeling regulates the receptor-binding activity of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a widely expressed secreted glycoprotein that has multiple important biological functions in tissue and organ homeostasis. We determined the crystal structure of PEDF in complex with a disulfide cross-linked heterotrimeric collagen peptide, in which the α(I) chain segments—each containing the respective PEDF-binding region (residues 930 to 938)—are assembled with an α2α1α1 staggered configuration. The complex structure revealed that PEDF specifically interacts with a unique amphiphilic sequence, KGHRGFSGL, of the type I collagen α1 chain, with its proposed receptor-binding sites buried extensively. Molecular docking demonstrated that the PEDF-binding surface of type I collagen contains the cross-link–susceptible Lys930 residue of the α1 chain and provides a good foothold for stable docking with the α1(I) N-telopeptide of an adjacent triple helix in the fibril. Therefore, the binding surface is completely inaccessible if intermolecular crosslinking between two crosslink-susceptible lysyl residues, Lys9 in the N-telopeptide and Lys930, is present. These structural analyses demonstrate that PEDF molecules, once sequestered around newly synthesized pericellular collagen fibrils, are gradually liberated as collagen crosslinking increases, making them accessible for interaction with their target cell surface receptors in a spatiotemporally regulated manner.
Social meanings of linguistic variation in BISINDO (Indonesian Sign Language)
Authors: Palfreyman Nick
Published: May 2020

Abstract (International Sign)

In contrast to sociolinguistic research on spoken languages, little attention has been paid to how signers employ variation as a resource to fashion social meaning. This study focuses on an extremely understudied social practice, that of sign language usage in Indonesia, and asks where one might look to find socially meaningful variables. Using spontaneous data from a corpus of BISINDO (Indonesian Sign Language), it blends methodologies from Labovian variationism and analytic practices from the ‘third wave’ with a discursive approach to investigate how four variable linguistic features are used to express social identities. These features occur at different levels of linguistic organisation, from the phonological to the lexical and the morphosyntactic, and point to identities along regional and ethnic lines, as well as hearing status. In applying third wave practices to sign languages, constructed action and mouthings in particular emerge as potent resources for signers to make social meaning.
The effect of sociolinguistic factors on variation in the Kata Kolok lexicon
Authors: Mudd Katie , Lutzenberger Hannah , de Vos Connie , Fikkert Paula , Crasborn Onno , de Boer Bart
Published: May 2020

Abstract (International Sign)

Sign languages can be categorized as shared sign languages or deaf community sign languages, depending on the context in
which they emerge. It has been suggested that shared sign languages exhibit more variation in the expression of everyday concepts than deaf
community sign languages (Meir, Israel, Sandler, Padden, & Aronoff, 2012). For deaf community
sign languages, it has been shown that various sociolinguistic factors condition this variation. This study presents one of the first
in-depth investigations of how sociolinguistic factors (deaf status, age, clan, gender and having a deaf family member) affect lexical
variation in a shared sign language, using a picture description task in Kata Kolok. To study lexical variation in Kata Kolok, two
methodologies are devised: the identification of signs by underlying iconic motivation and mapping, and a way to compare
individual repertoires of signs by calculating the lexical distances between participants. Alongside presenting novel methodologies to study
this type of sign language, we present preliminary evidence of sociolinguistic factors that may influence variation in the Kata Kolok
lexicon.
“Switching caps”
Authors: Reed Lauren W.
Published: May 2020

Abstract (Australian Sign Language)

Most bilingualism and translanguaging studies focus on spoken language; less is known about how people use two or more ways of signing. Here, I take steps towards redressing this imbalance, presenting a case study of signed language in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The study’s methodology is participant observation and analysis of conversational recordings between deaf signers. The Port Moresby deaf community uses two ways of signing:sign languageandculture.sign languageis around 30 years old, and its lexicon is drawn largely from Australasian Signed English. In contrast,culture – which is as old as each individual user – is characterised by signs of local origin, abundant depiction, and considerable individual variation. Despitesign language’s young age, its users have innovated a metalinguistic sign (switch-caps) to describe switching between ways of communicating. To conclude, I discuss how the Port Moresby situation challenges both the bilingualism and translanguaging approaches.
Tripartite interaction between
Striga
spp., cereals, and plant root-associated microorganisms: a review
Authors: Lenard G. Mounde , Williams O. Anteyi , Rasche Frank
Published: May 2020

Striga
spp. is a major threat to cereal and legume production, putting the food security and economy of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa at severe risk. This is manifested in the fact that
Striga
spp. infestation can result in up to 90% loss of both cereal and legume production. A consensus exists that there is yet no single measure to efficiently control
Striga
spp. This is mainly because of the limited fundamental knowledge of the genetics and ecology of
Striga
spp. and its interaction with its hosts and host root-associated microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Since
Striga
spp. is a root parasite, it is speculated that PGPR play a key role in controlling the emergence and development of
Striga
spp. At the same time, PGPR may exhibit beneficial effects on growth promotion of the host to strengthen its tolerance against
Striga
spp. attacks, while on the other hand, it may also induce, similar to biocontrol agents, direct suicidal effects on
Striga
spp. Such hypothesized associations between
Striga
spp., crops (e.g., cereals such as sorghum and maize), and PGPR remain largely unknown, and the central question remains if PGPR play an important role in the
Striga
-crop pathosystem. This knowledge gap is the central impetus of this review. It will elaborate the complex and fascinating tripartite ecological system of cereals,
Striga
spp. and root-associated microorgamisms. In a first step, the review will provide a comprehensive summary of the pairwise interactions between
Striga
spp. and cereals, cereals and PGPR, as well as
Striga
spp. and PGPR. This summary will then merge into the discussion about the yet limited knowledge of the tripartite interaction between cereals,
Striga
spp., and PGPR. This specifically includes the exploration of recent discoveries related to population genetics and the life cycle of
Striga
spp, host (cereal) defense responses to and mechanisms of
Striga
spp. infestation, as well as the inhibitory and stimulatory role of PGPR on
Striga
spp. seed germination. In a concluding section, remaining research gaps are identified and necessary research perspectives are provided to direct prospective research toward further understanding the relationship between the three biological components paving the avenue to develop biological and environmentally friendly measures to fight off the everlasting threat of
Striga
spp.
Occurrence of ESBL-producing
Escherichia coli
in healthy, living food-producing animals in Europe: a systematic review
Authors: Kuhnke Dagmar , Werner Nicole , Kreienbrock Lothar
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this paper is to review the recent scientific literature that focuses on the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
Escherichia coli
(ESBL-E) in healthy, living farm animals, namely chickens, pigs, and cattle, in European countries.

Results

The literature search retrieved 1,479 records, of which 157 articles were revised in full text. Finally, 17 of these satisfied the inclusion criteria.

A great variety of methods to detect and quantify ESBL-E were described. Only a few studies have used the EUCAST guidelines. Major differences in study design and presenting results do not allow to report overall prevalence in the respective animal species, so “occurrence” is used when summarizing results.

In broiler chicken, the occurrence of ESBL-E ranged between 80% and 96%. In pigs, the range was much wider, starting from 2.6% up to 84% in different sample and production types. In cattle, studies revealed an ESBL-E occurrence between 1% and 54%.

Conclusion

Although we found a high degree of heterogeneity in study designs and reports, it can be concluded that the occurrence of ESBL-E in food-producing animals in Europe is moderate to high, depending on the animal species. This review illustrates the extent of the problem and shows that appropriate measures need to be taken.
Microstructural evolution during extrusion of equal channel angular-pressed AA1070 alloy in micro/mesoscale
Authors: Abdel-Aziem Walaa , Hamada Atef , Makino Takehiko , Hassan M.
Published: May 2020

Commercially AA1070 aluminium was processed by micro/mesoscale equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) up to four passes, via route [Formula: see text], to achieve fine grain structure and thereby enhancing the mechanical properties. Subsequently, the samples subjected to ECAP processing underwent an extrusion deformation in micro/mesoscale. The microstructural evolution of the deformed structures was followed using electron backscatter diffraction. The findings confirm that a remarkable refinement in the grain structure was observed as a result of the gradual transformation of the low angle grain boundaries into high angle grain boundaries through the grain subdivision mechanism. Consequently, a substantial improvement of the mechanical properties of the extruded material is promoted compared to the samples subjected to ECAP processing.