bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MIPP-Seq: ultra-sensitive rapid detection and validation of low-frequency mosaic mutations
Authors: Doan Ryan N. , Miller Michael B. , Kim Sonia N. , Rodin Rachel E. , Ganz Javier , Bizzotto Sara , Morillo Katherine S. , Huang August Yue , Digumarthy Reethika , Zemmel Zachary , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Mosaic mutations contribute to numerous human disorders. As such, the identification and precise quantification of mosaic mutations is essential for a wide range of research applications, clinical diagnoses, and early detection of cancers. Currently, the low-throughput nature of single allele assays (e.g., allele-specific ddPCR) commonly used for genotyping known mutations at very low alternate allelic fractions (AAFs) have limited the integration of low-level mosaic analyses into clinical and research applications. The growing importance of mosaic mutations requires a more rapid, low-cost solution for mutation detection and validation.

Methods

To overcome these limitations, we developed Multiple Independent Primer PCR Sequencing (MIPP-Seq) which combines the power of ultra-deep sequencing and truly independent assays. The accuracy of MIPP-seq to quantifiable detect and measure extremely low allelic fractions was assessed using a combination of SNVs, insertions, and deletions at known allelic fractions in blood and brain derived DNA samples.

Results

The Independent amplicon analyses of MIPP-Seq markedly reduce the impact of allelic dropout, amplification bias, PCR-induced, and sequencing artifacts. Using low DNA inputs of either 25 ng or 50 ng of DNA, MIPP-Seq provides sensitive and quantitative assessments of AAFs as low as 0.025% for SNVs, insertion, and deletions.

Conclusions

MIPP-Seq provides an ultra-sensitive, low-cost approach for detecting and validating known and novel mutations in a highly scalable system with broad utility spanning both research and clinical diagnostic testing applications. The scalability of MIPP-Seq allows for multiplexing mutations and samples, which dramatically reduce costs of variant validation when compared to methods like ddPCR. By leveraging the power of individual analyses of multiple unique and independent reactions, MIPP-Seq can validate and precisely quantitate extremely low AAFs across multiple tissues and mutational categories including both indels and SNVs. Furthermore, using Illumina sequencing technology, MIPP-seq provides a robust method for accurate detection of novel mutations at an extremely low AAF.
COPD patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroid in primary care: time for re-assessment based on exacerbation rate and blood eosinophils?
Authors: Savran Osman , Godtfredsen Nina , Sørensen Torben , Jensen Christian , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli
Published: February 2021

Background and objective

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for COPD should be guided by exacerbations and blood-eosinophils according to the GOLD 2020 strategy document. In the present study, we applied these recent recommendations in a large cohort of COPD patients recruited from general practice.

Methods

The participating general practitioners (n = 144) recruited patients with a diagnosis of COPD currently prescribed ICS and reported data on exacerbation history and blood-eosinophils. Clinical variables were compared using two-sample t-tests.

Results

The study cohort comprised 1,567 COPD patients (44% males and mean age 72 years). In the past 12 months, 849 (54%) of the COPD patients currently prescribed ICS had no exacerbation, whereas 383 (24%) and 328 (21%) patients, respectively, had a history of one exacerbation and two or more exacerbations. Compared to patients with one or no exacerbation, patients with ≥ 2 exacerbations (21%) per year reported more dyspnea (p < 0.001) and had higher degree of airflow obstruction (p < 0.001). Among patients with no and at least one exacerbation within the preceding 12 months, 30% and 26%, respectively, had a blood-eosinophil count ≥ 0.3 × 109/L. In patients with two or more exacerbations within the last 12 months, 77% had a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 × 109/L. Furthermore, 166 patients (11%) had at least one hospital admission due to COPD exacerbation, and a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 × 109/L.

Conclusion

This study of a large cohort of COPD patients currently prescribed inhaled corticosteroids suggests the need for re-evaluating the management strategy to increase benefit and reduce adverse effects of ICS treatment in COPD patients managed in primary care.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA and mRNA based on expression microarray profiling reveals different characteristics of osteoarthritis between Tibetan and Han patients
Authors: Luo Junming , Luo Xiaoqin , Duan Zhili , Bai Wenbin , Che Xiaoming , Shan Zhongshu , Li Xiaona , Peng Jinwu
Published: February 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is thought to be the most prevalent chronic joint disease, especially in Tibet of China. Here, we aimed to explore the integrative lncRNA and mRNA landscape between the OA patients of Tibet and Han.

Methods

The lncRNA and mRNA expression microarray profiling was performed by SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression 8x60K v2 Microarray in articular cartilage samples from OA patients of Han nationality and Tibetans, followed by GO, KEGG, and trans-regulation and cis-regulation analysis of lncRNA and mRNA.

Results

We found a total of 117 lncRNAs and 297 mRNAs differently expressed in the cartilage tissues of Tibetans (n = 5) comparing with those of Chinese Han (n = 3), in which 49 lncRNAs and 158 mRNAs were upregulated, and 68 lncRNAs and 139 mRNAs were downregulated. GO and KEGG analysis showed that several unreported biological processes and signaling pathways were particularly identified. LncRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis revealed a remarkable lncRNA-mRNA relationship, in which OTOA may play a critical role in the different mechanisms of the OA progression between Tibetans and Chinese Han.

Conclusion

This study identified different lncRNA/mRNA expression profiling between OA patients of Tibetans and Han, which were involved in many characteristic biological processes and signaling pathways.
Impact of pediatric hypophosphatasia on behavioral health and quality of life
Authors: Pierpont Elizabeth I. , Simmons Jill H. , Spurlock Katherine J. , Shanley Ryan , Sarafoglou Kyriakie M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is characterized by defective bone mineralization associated with low alkaline phosphatase activity. Clinical features of pediatric HPP are highly variable, and can include premature loss of teeth, musculoskeletal problems, and impaired mobility. The effects of pediatric HPP on sleep, mood, regulation of attention and behavior, and other aspects of behavioral health have not been comprehensively studied.

Methods

Parents of 30 children with HPP (14 females, 16 males) between the ages of 3 and 16 years (mean age = 8.0 years) enrolled in this cross-sectional survey-based study. Molecular genetic and biochemical testing as well as clinical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis of HPP. The cohort included 15 patients with a more clinically severe presentation of HPP who had received treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (asfotase alfa) and 15 children with less severe HPP who were treatment-naïve. Parents provided information regarding psychopathological comorbidity, emotional and behavioral well-being, and quality of life.

Results

Clinically significant behavioral health challenges were evident in 67% of children with HPP. The most common behavioral findings included sleep disturbance and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), each of which were observed ≥ 50% of individuals. Sleep disturbance, pain interference, poor behavioral regulation, and mood/anxiety symptoms were associated with reduced physical and psychosocial quality of life. Behavioral concerns were evident among children with HPP receiving asfotase alfa treatment as well as among children with clinically less severe disease who had not initiated therapy. Although most children in the cohort (77%) had age-typical development of adaptive skills, emotional and behavioral challenges were associated with weaker adaptive function.

Conclusions

Children with HPP are at increased risk for ADHD symptoms and other behavioral health challenges. There is likely an under-recognition of these findings in clinical practice.
Selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia: association with oxidative stress and lipid status biomarkers
Authors: Andrade Itana Gomes Alves , Suano-Souza Fabíola Isabel , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Lago Carolina Sanchez Aranda , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a multi-system disorder that may be associated with endocrine changes, oxidative stress in addition to inflammation. Studies suggest that selenium is a trace element related to protection against damage caused by oxidative stress.

Objective

To describe the plasma levels of selenium and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in A-T patients and to relate them to oxidative stress and lipid status biomarkers.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and controlled study evaluating 22 A-T patients (age median, 12.2 years old) matched by gender and age with 18 healthy controls. We evaluated: nutritional status, food intake, plasma selenium levels, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, lipid status, inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Results

Adequate levels of selenium were observed in 24/36 (66.7%) in this evaluated population. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in selenium levels [47.6 μg/L (43.2–57.0) vs 54.6 (45.2–62.6) μg/dL, p = 0.242]. Nine of A-T patients (41%) had selenium levels below the reference value. The A-T group presented higher levels of LDL-c, non-HDL-c, oxidized LDL, Apo B, Apo-B/Apo-A-I1, LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, malondialdehyde [3.8 µg/L vs 2.8 µg/L, p = 0.029] and lower Apo-A-I1/HDL-c and glutathione peroxidase activity [7300 U/L vs 8686 U/L, p = 0.005]. Selenium levels were influenced, in both groups, independently, by the concentrations of oxidized LDL, malonaldehyde and non-HDL-c. The oxidized LDL (AUC = 0.849) and ALT (AUC = 0.854) were the variables that showed the greatest discriminatory power between groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we observed the presence of selenium below the reference value in nearly 40% and low GPx activity in A-T patients. There was a significant, inverse and independent association between selenium concentrations and oxidative stress biomarkers. Those data reinforce the importance of assessing the nutritional status of selenium in those patients.
Comparative study of the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and oral administration of branched-chain amino acid on preventing sarcopenia in patients after living-donor liver transplantation: study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Haraguchi Masafumi , Ichinose Kunihiro , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Hanada Masatoshi , Fukushima Masanori , Sasaki Ryu , Miuma Satoshi , Hara Takanobu , Kugiyama Tota , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Tsuji Ayumi , Yano Rintaro , Sekino Motohiro , Takahata Hideaki , Eguchi Susumu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: February 2021

Background

Liver cirrhosis is the irreversible fibrosis of the liver and causes refractory ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which might not respond to treatment. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an effective treatment for patients with cirrhosis. However, post-LDLT patients are prone to muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. Therefore, physiotherapy of post-LDLT patients is essential for preventing the progression of sarcopenia. Recently, rehabilitation using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been reported to be useful for preventing the progression of sarcopenia. Similarly, nutrition therapy is essential for post-LDLT patients because these patients frequently experience malnutrition. However, the effects of combined NMES and nutrition therapy on post-LDLT patients remain unknown.

Methods/design

This open-label, randomized, parallel-group study will compare the effects of combined therapy with NMES and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) with those of NMES alone in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after LDLT. After LDLT, 50 patients with decompensated cirrhosis will be randomly assigned to receive NMES with BCAA or NMES without BCAA. The duration of the intervention will be 3 months. To analyze the change in skeletal muscle mass, InBody 770 body composition and body water analysis and ultrasonography will be performed before LDLT and 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-LDLT. The primary endpoint is changes in the skeletal muscle mass from baseline to 3 months. Important secondary endpoints are the changes in the skeletal muscle mass from baseline to 1 month and changes in the quadriceps strength from baseline to 1 month.

Discussion

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effect of NMES combined with BCAA therapy on the skeletal muscle of post-LDLT patients.

Trial registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Research jRCTs071190051. Registered on February 26, 2020.
Targeted deletion of Ruvbl1 results in severe defects of epidermal development and perinatal mortality
Authors: Dafinger Claudia , Benzing Thomas , Dötsch Jörg , Schermer Bernhard , Liebau Max C.
Published: February 2021

Epidermal development is a complex process of regulated cellular proliferation, differentiation, and tightly controlled cell death involving multiple cellular signaling networks. Here, we report a first description linking the AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) superfamily protein Ruvbl1 to mammalian epidermal development. Keratinocyte-specificRuvbl1knockout mice (Ruvbl1fl/flK14:Cretg) show a severe phenotype including dramatic structural epidermal defects resulting in the loss of the functional skin barrier and perinatal death. Thus,Ruvbl1is a newly identified essential player for the development of differentiated epidermis in mice.
Left open spaces—light shafts in Iran and side setbacks in Japan: a socio-spatial approach to study awareness in open spaces in urban residential blocks
Authors: Shojai Amir , Fattahi Kaveh
Published: February 2021

This article addresses an urban design issue at a micro-urban design level; the spaces between buildings on neighboring blocks or the side yards, how such spaces they are used, and their social impact on residents. A socio-psychological approach was taken into studying arrangements of these open spaces in contemporary residential zones in—side setback spaces in Japan, and backyards and light shafts in Iran in terms of their similarities and differences. The research involves development policies and interviews with residents in buildings where such conditions prevail, in two different contexts—Shiraz, Iran and Sapporo, Japan, two cities comparative in their size and densities for their cultural differences might have on their social responses. Seventy-two respondents in Shiraz District 6 were recruited by Shiraz University architecture students and in Japan, 75 responses were collected in Central Ward, Sapporo, from various groups of residents. Majority of the windows to side setbacks in Sapporo had matte glasses; therefore, privacy concerns were not among residents. Lack of maintenance in inner courtyards was a major concern for Iranians and they see side setbacks as a challenge to their and safety, however providing opportunities for neighborly atmosphere, if the windows have matte glasses and provided with guards. It argues that contacts are not controlled are perceived the same in two different cultures; however, the arrangement of open spaces play a role in light reception and ventilation in Japanese example.
Can a penalized-likelihood estimation algorithm be used to reduce the injected dose or the acquisition time in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT studies?
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Goshen Elinor , Godefroy Jeremy , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Ben-Haim Simona
Published: February 2021

Background

Image quality and quantitative accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) depend on several factors such as uptake time, scanner characteristics and image reconstruction methods. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) is considered the gold standard for image reconstruction. Penalized-likelihood estimation (PL) algorithms have been recently developed for PET reconstruction to improve quantitation accuracy while maintaining or even improving image quality. In PL algorithms, a regularization parameter β controls the penalization of relative differences between neighboring pixels and determines image characteristics. In the present study, we aim to compare the performance of Q.Clear (PL algorithm, GE Healthcare) and OSEM (3 iterations, 8 subsets, 6-mm post-processing filter) for 68Ga-DOTATATE (68Ga-DOTA) PET studies, both visually and quantitatively.

Thirty consecutive whole-body 68Ga-DOTA studies were included. The data were acquired in list mode and were reconstructed using 3D OSEM and Q.Clear with various values of β and various acquisition times per bed position (bp), thus generating images with reduced injected dose (1.5 min/bp: β = 300–1100; 1.0 min/bp: β = 600–1400 and 0.5 min/bp: β = 800–2200). An additional analysis adding β values up to 1500, 1700 and 3000 for 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp, respectively, was performed for a random sample of 8 studies. Evaluation was performed using a phantom and clinical data. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the variables assessed the image quality visually.

Results

Clinical images reconstructed with Q.Clear, set at 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp using β = 1100, 1300 and 3000, respectively, resulted in images with noise equivalence to 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) with a mean increase in SUVmax of 14%, 13% and 4%, an increase in SNR of 30%, 24% and 10%, and an increase in SBR of 13%, 13% and 2%. Visual assessment yielded similar results for β values of 1100–1400 and 1300–1600 for 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp, respectively, although for 0.5 min/bp there was no significant improvement compared to OSEM.

Conclusion

68Ga-DOTA reconstructions with Q.Clear, 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp, resulted in increased tumor SUVmax and in improved SNR and SBR at a similar level of noise compared to 3D OSEM. Q.Clear with β = 1300–1600 enables one-third reduction of acquisition time or injected dose, with similar image quality compared to 3D OSEM.
A parametric study on cyclic strength of coastal sand of Digha in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ray Pinak , Sahu Ramendu Bikas
Published: February 2021

Stress controlled cyclic triaxial tests have been carried out on coastal sand of Digha, West Bengal, India at different frequencies, confining pressures, relative densities and number of loading cycles for determination of influence of these parameters on cyclic strength (expressed in terms of cyclic stress ratio) and initial liquefaction of Digha sand. The test results provide evidence that increasing density of sand increases liquefaction potential, though it has been found that increase in effective confining pressure reduces cyclic strength of sand. Cyclic strength of sand decreases with increase of number of loading cycles at a specific density and a particular confining pressure. It has been observed that frequency of loading cycles does have any significant influence on the number of cycles for initial liquefaction of Digha sand. An empirical correlation has been developed on cyclic strength of sand based on these parameters and it has been found that this correlation fits quite well with the observed experimental results.
Avaliação de campanhas de saúde: uma revisão integrativa sobre a construção de indicadores
Authors: Costa de Araújo Ana Cláudia , Crislayne de Lima Paiva Jordana , De Sousa Lacerda Juciano , Molano Mar Marcos
Published: February 2021

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de mapear indicadores de avaliação de campanhas de comunicação com foco em saúde, através de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada a partir da busca de artigos científicos nas bases de dados da capes, SciELO e anais da compós. A pesquisa considerou o período entre 2009 e 2019 e utilizou os seguintes descritores: ‘communication’ + ‘indicators’; ‘health campaign’ + ‘sti’; ‘communication’ + ‘aids’; ‘health promotion’ + ‘mass media’ + ‘campaign’. Foram analisados dez artigos científicos, após a aplicação dos filtros, resultando na identificação dos seguintes indicadores: 1) alcance; 2) grp; 3) percepção de campanha; 4) efeito da campanha; 5) compreensão; 6) impacto; 7) efetividade; e 8) aceitabilidade. Dentre os indicadores mapeados, identificaram-se estudos com relatos e avaliações de diferentes tipos de campanhas de comunicação pública voltadas para a promoção da saúde, sendo elas: campanhas de prevenção ao hiv/aids, combate ao tabagismo, conscientização ambiental e contra a proliferação da dengue.
Costly Interpretation of Asset Prices
Authors: Mondria Jordi , Vives Xavier , Yang Liyan
Published: February 2021

We propose a model in which investors cannot costlessly process information from asset prices. At the trading stage, investors are boundedly rational, and their interpretation of prices injects noise into the price, generating a source of endogenous noise trading. Our setup predicts price momentum and yields excessive return volatility and excessive trading volume. In an overall equilibrium, investors optimally choose sophistication levels by balancing the benefit of beating the market against the cost of acquiring sophistication. There can exist strategic complementarity in sophistication acquisition, leading to multiple equilibria.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Riotous rhymes
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: February 2021

Join in with the zany humour and rhyming fun that are a feature of Colin McNaughton's classic picture books. Support children as they learn new words, try out repeated refrains and design their own aliens.
Spatially aware
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: February 2021

Exploring the environment in different ways is key to children developing spatial awareness. Claire Hewson suggests games that will help children to experience the effects of their movements and their proximity to others.
An updated checklist of Turkish crabronid wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) with new and additional records

Authors: KAPLAN EMIN , YILDIRIM EROL
Published: February 2021

An updated checklist of the wasp family Crabronidae in Turkey is provided. It is based on records present in the literature and on newly identified specimens collected in Turkey. In this study, 537 species and 16 subspecies in 65 genera are listed. Among them, five species, namely Dryudella esterinae Pagliano, 2001, Nysson mimulus Valkeila, 1964, Crossocerus pullulus A. Morawitz, 1866, Oxybelus spectabilis Gerstaecker, 1867 and Diodontus insidiosus Spooner, 1938 are recorded for the first time from Turkey. New and additional records for 114 species are given. Collection localities and photographs of newly identified species are provided. Key words: Hymenoptera, Crabronidae, checklist, new records, additional records, Turkey
Species diversity of plankton as an indicator of water quality at sewerage disposal of several Industries In Surakarta .
Authors: WIRYANTO WIRYANTO , SUSILOWATI ARI , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: February 2021

The objective sof the research were to study the physical, chemist and biological (plankton) conditions of sewerage disposal from several lndustries In Surakarta, Physical parametert observed were temperature, total soluble solid and the texture of soli sediment, chemistry parameters observed were, includll"l,g,DO, pH and EC, while blotlo parameters observed were density and diversity of plankton, The research was elane, betvleen July and September 2002 at sewerage disposal of ten Industries InS urakarta. Sample collected at 0, 100 16I'1Q 200m irespectlvely from the waste reseuree, Temperature data measured for both water and sediment resulted ,that the average, temper'ature of ten industries was >26Â°0, with certain Industry clearly dissolved Its high temperatur,e wU,QIi1 its uwer:ag;e., The iSS varies betvleen Industries, depend on the speclfloatlon of the Industry, pH detegteGw,as '1>1, :an;'ct tile 00, data. mee_suredwere relatively high due to aeration process. Based on the plankton diversity indices :aUwater !se;weysg,e, from tlhe ten Industries were oategorlzed as heavy polluted,@ 2003 Jurusan 9101091 FMIPA UNS SurakartaKata kuncl: sewerage, plankton, Surakarta
Study in the Responses of-Some Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivars Under Water Stress Condition
Authors: PURWANTO EDI
Published: February 2021

These sets of experiments were conducted at Faculty of Agriculture Sebelas Maret University and the Central Experiment Station of Agricultural Faculty, Sebelas Maret University at Jumantono, Karanganyar, Central Java. The experiments were conducted under greenhouse, laboratory and field condition for each year, while the duration of this research was for two years. The specific objectives of the experiments were: (i) to determine the changes of some morpho-physiological characteristics of water stress soybean and those of unstressed plants at different growth stages; (ii) to evaluate relationship between morpho-physiological traits associated with water stress resistance and yield of soybean. In this study consists some experiments, there are: (i) about response of some soybean cultivars to water stress in screen house and field condition; (ii) about germination response of some soybean cultivars in different concentration 0f PEG; (iii) a bout recovery survival and recovery of soybean seedlings after heat treatment. The plants were well watered before thetreatment. Based on the result of the experiments, the following conclusion could be made: (i) water stress reduced growth, yield and yield components 0 f a II soybean c ultivars used; (li) PEG induced water stress resulted in lower germination, shorter root and shoot length, and increase root-shoot ratio; (iii) the ability of plants to recovery after heat stress have low correlation with drought resistance in this experiment; (iv) the determination of root-shoot ratio in the seedling stage was shown to be suitable screening techniques used to study water stress resistance.Â© 200'3Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: soybean (Glycine max L.), cultivars, water stress.
The diversity of trees species in Taman Wisata Alam Ruteng, East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: SETIADI DEDE
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this research were to know important value, diversity index, evenness index, and similarity index species of tree in Taman Wisata Alam of Ruteng. This research use Centered Quatered Method with transek longly is band follow the example of 200 m with parallel direction of contour. At entire all area specified by 7 station of perception that is station I area of Mocok with height 600 m asl, station II area of Ponggeok with height 750 m asl, station III area of Lempang Paji with height 900 m asl, station IV area of Uluwae with height 1050 m asl, station V area of Nggalakleleng 1200 m asl, station VI area of Gololalong with height 1350 m asl, and station VII area of Mano with height 1500 m asl. From result data analysis hence can be taken by some conclusion of the following: (i) In each height perceived by species having highest important value different each other. Species having high important value at entire all station of present is Elaeocarpus floribundus, Podocarpus amarus, Ehretia timorensis, Knema cinerea, Elaeocarpus sp., Prunus sp., and Litsea sp. (ii). Diversity index was between 0,98-1,51, the value enter in low category. (iii). Eveness index of species at entire all station of perception relative is of equal was between 0,847-1,020. (iv). According of similarity index at entire all station which compared of generally lowering. There are no combination of station of perception which compared yield value of similarity index at > 75%.Â© 2005 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: diversity, trees, Taman Wisata Alam Ruteng, East Nusa Tenggara.
High-order nonlinear dipole response characterized by extreme ultraviolet ellipsometry
Authors: Chang Kuang-Yu , Huang Long-Cheng , Asaga Koji , Tsai Ming-Shian , Rego Laura , Huang Pei-Chi , Mashiko Hiroki , Oguri Katsuya , Hernández-García Carlos , Chen Ming-Chang
Published: February 2021

Polarization engineering and characterization of coherent high-frequency radiation are essential to investigate and control the symmetry properties of light–matter interaction phenomena at their most fundamental scales. This work demonstrates that polarization control and characterization of high-harmonic generation provides an excellent ellipsometry tool that can fully retrieve both the amplitude and phase of a strong-field-driven dipole response. The polarization control of high-harmonic generation is realized by a transient nonlinear dipole grating coherently induced by two noncollinear counterrotating laser fields. By adjusting the ellipticity of the two driving pulses simultaneously, the polarization state of every high-harmonic order can be tuned from linear to highly elliptical, and it is fully characterized through an energy-resolved extreme ultraviolet polarimeter. From the analysis of the polarization state, the ellipsometry indicated that both the amplitude and phase of the high-harmonic dipole scale rapidly with the driving laser field for higher-order harmonics, and, especially, for gases with a small ionization potential. Our experimental results were corroborated by theoretical simulations. Our findings revealed a novel high-harmonic ellipsometry technique that can be used for the next generation of high-harmonic spectroscopy and attosecond metrology studies because of its ability to provide single-digit attosecond accuracy. Our work also paves the way to precisely quantify the strong-field dynamics of fundamental processes associated with the transfer of energy and angular momentum between electron/spin systems and the symmetry-dependent properties of molecules and materials.
Investigating the representation of uncertainty in neuronal circuits
Authors: Dehaene Guillaume P. , Coen-Cagli Ruben , Pouget Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Skilled behavior often displays signatures of Bayesian inference. In order for the brain to implement the required computations, neuronal activity must carry accurate information about the uncertainty of sensory inputs. Two major approaches have been proposed to study neuronal representations of uncertainty. The first one, the Bayesian decoding approach, aims primarily at decoding the posterior probability distribution of the stimulus from population activity using Bayes’ rule, and indirectly yields uncertainty estimates as a by-product. The second one, which we call the correlational approach, searches for specific features of neuronal activity (such as tuning-curve width and maximum firing-rate) which correlate with uncertainty. To compare these two approaches, we derived a new normative model of sound source localization by Interaural Time Difference (ITD), that reproduces a wealth of behavioral and neural observations. We found that several features of neuronal activity correlated with uncertainty on average, but none provided an accurate estimate of uncertainty on a trial-by-trial basis, indicating that the correlational approach may not reliably identify which aspects of neuronal responses represent uncertainty. In contrast, the Bayesian decoding approach reveals that the activity pattern of the entire population was required to reconstruct the trial-to-trial posterior distribution with Bayes’ rule. These results suggest that uncertainty is unlikely to be represented in a single feature of neuronal activity, and highlight the importance of using a Bayesian decoding approach when exploring the neural basis of uncertainty.
Adaptation and performance of a mobile application for early detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Rubiano Luisa , Alexander Neal D. E. , Castillo Ruth Mabel , Martínez Álvaro José , García Luna Jonny Alejandro , Arango Juan David , Vargas Leonardo , Madriñán Patricia , Hurtado Lina-Rocío , Orobio Yenifer , Rojas Carlos A. , del Corral Helena , Navarro Andrés , Gore Saravia Nancy , Aronoff-Spencer Eliah
Published: February 2021

Background

Detection and management of neglected tropical diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis present unmet challenges stemming from their prevalence in remote, rural, resource constrained areas having limited access to health services. These challenges are frequently compounded by armed conflict or illicit extractive industries. The use of mobile health technologies has shown promise in such settings, yet data on outcomes in the field remain scarce.

Methods

We adapted a validated prediction rule for the presumptive diagnosis of CL to create a mobile application for use by community health volunteers. We used human-centered design practices and agile development for app iteration. We tested the application in three rural areas where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic and an urban setting where patients seek medical attention in the municipality of Tumaco, Colombia. The application was assessed for usability, sensitivity and inter-rater reliability (kappa) when used by community health volunteers (CHV), health workers and a general practitioner, study physician.

Results

The application was readily used and understood. Among 122 screened cases with cutaneous ulcers, sensitivity to detect parasitologically proven CL was >95%. The proportion of participants with parasitologically confirmed CL was high (88%), precluding evaluation of specificity, and driving a high level of crude agreement between the app and parasitological diagnosis. The chance-adjusted agreement (kappa) varied across the components of the risk score. Time to diagnosis was reduced significantly, from 8 to 4 weeks on average when CHV conducted active case detection using the application, compared to passive case detection by health facility-based personnel.

Conclusions

Translating a validated prediction rule to a mHealth technology has shown the potential to improve the capacity of community health workers and healthcare personnel to provide opportune care, and access to health services for underserved populations. These findings support the use of mHealth tools for NTD research and healthcare.
First evidence for an aposematic function of a very common color pattern in small insects
Authors: Mora-Castro Rebeca , Alfaro-Córdoba Marcela , Hernández-Jiménez Marcela , Fernández Otárola Mauricio , Méndez-Rivera Michael , Ramírez-Morales Didier , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Carlos E. , Durán-Rodríguez Andrés , Hanson Paul E.
Published: February 2021

Many small parasitoid wasps have a black head, an orange mesosoma and a black metasoma (BOB color pattern), which is usually present in both sexes. A likely function of this widespread pattern is aposematic (warning) coloration, but this has never been investigated. To test this hypothesis, we presented spider predators (Lyssomanes jemineus), both field-captured and bred in captivity from eggs, to four wasp genera (Baryconus, Chromoteleia, Macroteleia and Scelio), each genus being represented by a BOB morphospecies and black morphospecies. We also used false prey, consisting of lures made of painted rice grains. Behavioral responses were analyzed with respect to presence or absence of the BOB pattern. In order to better understand the results obtained, two additional studies were performed. First, the reflection spectrum of the cuticle of the wasp and a theoretical visual sensibility of the spider were used to calculate a parameter we called “absorption contrast” that allows comparing the perception contrast between black and orange in each wasp genus as viewed by the spider. Second, acute toxicity trials with the water flea, Daphnia magna, were performed to determine toxicity differences between BOB and non-BOB wasps. At least some of the results suggest that the BOB color pattern may possibly play an aposematic role.
Can we ‘feel’ the temperature of knowledge? Modelling scientific popularity dynamics via thermodynamics
Authors: Fu Luoyi , Lu Dongrui , Li Qi , Wang Xinbing , Zhou Chenghu
Published: February 2021

Just like everything in nature, scientific topics flourish and perish. While existing literature well captures article’s life-cycle via citation patterns, little is known about how scientific popularity and impact evolves for a specific topic. It would be most intuitive if we could ‘feel’ topic’s activity just as we perceive the weather by temperature. Here, we conceive knowledge temperature to quantify topic overall popularity and impact through citation network dynamics. Knowledge temperature includes 2 parts. One part depicts lasting impact by assessing knowledge accumulation with an analogy between topic evolution and isobaric expansion. The other part gauges temporal changes in knowledge structure, an embodiment of short-term popularity, through the rate of entropy change with internal energy, 2 thermodynamic variables approximated via node degree and edge number. Our analysis of representative topics with size ranging from 1000 to over 30000 articles reveals that the key to flourishing is topics’ ability in accumulating useful information for future knowledge generation. Topics particularly experience temperature surges when their knowledge structure is altered by influential articles. The spike is especially obvious when there appears a single non-trivial novel research focus or merging in topic structure. Overall, knowledge temperature manifests topics’ distinct evolutionary cycles.
Mega-dams and extreme rainfall: Disentangling the drivers of extensive impacts of a large flooding event on Amazon Forests
Authors: Oliveira Washington Luis , Medeiros Marcelo Brilhante , Moser Pamela , Simon Marcelo Fragomeni
Published: February 2021

Extreme weather events and the presence of mega-hydroelectric dams, when combined, present an emerging threat to natural habitats in the Amazon region. To understand the magnitude of these impacts, we used remote sensing data to assess forest loss in areas affected by the extreme 2014 flood in the entire Madeira River basin, the location of two mega-dams. In addition, forest plots (26 ha) were monitored between 2011 and 2015 (14,328 trees) in order to evaluate changes in tree mortality, aboveground biomass (AGB), species composition and community structure around the Jirau reservoir (distance between plots varies from 1 to 80 km). We showed that the mega-dams were the main driver of tree mortality in Madeira basin forests after the 2014 extreme flood. Forest loss in the areas surrounding the reservoirs was 56 km2in Santo Antônio, 190 km2in Jirau (7.4–9.2% of the forest cover before flooding), and 79.9% above that predicted in environmental impact assessments. We also show that climatic anomalies, albeit with much smaller impact than that created by the mega-dams, resulted in forest loss along different Madeira sub-basins not affected by dams (34–173 km2; 0.5–1.7%). The impact of flooding was greater invárzeaand transitional forests, resulting in high rates of tree mortality (88–100%), AGB decrease (89–100%), and reduction of species richness (78–100%). Conversely,campinaranaforests were more flood-tolerant with a slight decrease in species richness (6%) and similar AGB after flooding. Taking together satellite and field measurements, we estimate that the 2014 flood event in the Madeira basin resulted in 8.81–12.47 ∙ 106tons of dead biomass. Environmental impact studies required for environmental licensing of mega-dams by governmental agencies should consider the increasing trend of climatic anomalies and the high vulnerability of different habitats to minimize the serious impacts of dams on Amazonian biodiversity and carbon stocks.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in nursing homes and daycare centers, Honduras
Authors: Madewell Zachary J. , Chacón-Fuentes Rafael , Jara Jorge , Mejía-Santos Homer , Molina Ida-Berenice , Alvis-Estrada Juan Pablo , Espinal Raul
Published: February 2021

Background

Older adults represent 70–90% of seasonal influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations. Vaccination is the most efficient means of preventing influenza and reducing influenza-related illnesses. We aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of seasonal influenza vaccination among older adults in Honduras.

Methods

From August 29–October 26, 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations to samples of older adults 1) admitted to nursing homes and 2) attending daycare centers. We used the Minimental State Examination (MMSE) psychometric tool to assess the cognitive status of older adults and included participants with scores of ≥23 points in the survey. We reported frequency distributions for demographics, KAP of influenza virus and vaccination, and vaccination coverage. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between demographics and verified influenza vaccination.

Results

Of 511 MMSE participants, 341 completed the survey (95 adults in 12 nursing homes and 246 older adults in ten daycare centers). Almost all participants knew that influenza causes severe illness and may be transmitted from person to person, vaccination is safe and protects against disease, and older adults have greater risk of complications. Of 284 participants with verified vaccinations, 81.3% were vaccinated for influenza: 87.9% attending daycare centers and 61.4% in nursing homes. Among all participants, verified current influenza vaccination was associated with self-reported influenza vaccination in previous year (aOR: 14.05; 95% CI: 5.36–36.81); no formal education (aOR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.63–14.37) or primary school education (aOR: 4.51; 95% CI: 1.79–11.37) having ≥secondary as reference; and indigenous (aOR: 4.55; 95% CI: 1.18–17.49) having Mestizo as reference. Reasons for vaccination were perceived self-benefits, protection against influenza complications, favorable vaccination hours, and healthcare provider recommendations.

Conclusion

Four-fifths of older adults were vaccinated for seasonal influenza. Educational efforts provided in conjunction with vaccination campaigns resulted in high knowledge of influenza virus, transmission, and vaccination. Further outreach regarding disease risks and vaccine safety needs to be directed towards older adults in nursing homes who had lower knowledge and coverage than older adults in daycare centers.
Amphidromous but endemic: Population connectivity of Rhinogobius gigas (Teleostei: Gobioidei)
Authors: Liao Te-Yu , Lu Pei-Luen , Yu Yuan-Huan , Huang Wen-Chien , Shiao Jen-Chieh , Lin Hung-Du , Jhuang Wei-Cheng , Chou Tak-Kei , Li Fan
Published: February 2021

Rhinogobius gigas is an amphidromous fish endemic to eastern Taiwan. Fishes with the diadromous behavior are expected to have a broader distribution range and higher genetic homogeneity despite that some amphidromous fishes with limited distribution are observed and R. gigas is an additional exception with a limited distribution range. Rhinogobius gigas has been documented to be retained inshore near the river plume with a short pelagic larval duration of 30–40 days, which may account for the endemism of this species. The short marine larval stage of R. gigas may imply a population genetic structure and the aim of the present study is to test whether the population genetic structure is present in R. gigas. To test the population genetic structure, fragments of mitochondrial displacement loop and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I were sequenced to provide molecular inference for genetic structure among populations. Sixty-nine haplotypes were identified among 191 R. gigas from 10 populations of eastern Taiwan and the mean haplotype and nucleotide diversities for all samples were 0.956 and 0.0024, respectively, implying a bottleneck followed by a recent population expansion further supported by Fu’s Fs (-26.6; p < 0.001) and Tajima’s D (-1.5; p = 0.037) values. The phylogenetic analysis revealed lack of genetic structure and the bush-like median joining network without commonly shared haplotypes supports the same scenario. The genetic homogeneity is probably due to the amphidromous life history providing the opportunity for passive larval transportation among the rivers through coastal currents in eastern Taiwan. The endemism to eastern Taiwan may be a consequence of complicated interactions among short pelagic larval duration, interspecific competition and coastal currents.
The forests of the midwestern United States at Euro-American settlement: Spatial and physical structure based on contemporaneous survey data
Authors: Paciorek Christopher J. , Cogbill Charles V. , Peters Jody A. , Williams John W. , Mladenoff David J. , Dawson Andria , McLachlan Jason S.
Published: February 2021

We present gridded 8 km-resolution data products of the estimated stem density, basal area, and biomass of tree taxa at Euro-American settlement of the midwestern United States during the middle to late 19th century for the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. The data come from settlement-era Public Land Survey (PLS) data (ca. 0.8-km resolution) of trees recorded by land surveyors. The surveyor notes have been transcribed, cleaned, and processed to estimate stem density, basal area, and biomass at individual points. The point-level data are aggregated within 8 km grid cells and smoothed using a generalized additive statistical model that accounts for zero-inflated continuous data and provides approximate Bayesian uncertainty estimates. The statistical modeling smooths out sharp spatial features (likely arising from statistical noise) within areas smaller than about 200 km2. Based on this modeling, presettlement Midwestern landscapes supported multiple dominant species, vegetation types, forest types, and ecological formations. The prairies, oak savannas, and forests each had distinctive structures and spatial distributions across the domain. Forest structure varied from savanna (averaging 27 Mg/ha biomass) to northern hardwood (104 Mg/ha) and mesic southern forests (211 Mg/ha). The presettlement forests were neither unbroken and massively-statured nor dominated by young forests constantly structured by broad-scale disturbances such as fire, drought, insect outbreaks, or hurricanes. Most forests were structurally between modern second growth and old growth. We expect the data product to be useful as a baseline for investigating how forest ecosystems have changed in response to the last several centuries of climate change and intensive Euro-American land use and as a calibration dataset for paleoecological proxy-based reconstructions of forest composition and structure for earlier time periods. The data products (including raw and smoothed estimates at the 8-km scale) are available at the LTER Network Data Portal as version 1.0.