bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The primacy of liturgy in Christianity
Authors: BENSON BRUCE ELLIS
Published: June 2020

I argue that liturgy is primary to the Christian faith. By ‘liturgy’, however, I do not mean merely what happens on Sunday morning. Instead, I distinguish between ‘intensive’ and ‘extensive’ liturgies, those that occur when the body of Christ meets together and when that body disperses.Allof this together constitutes Christian liturgy. My thesis isnotthat practice is more primary than theory, for that presupposes the possibility of drawing a sharp line between them – an impossible task. Rather, liturgy is a variety of embodied cognition through which we know God and our neighbours. Theology is something that arisesfromour liturgies and is itself liturgical in nature. We may believe the Nicene Creed, but saying it aloud isperformativein nature. I end by examining the relation ofphronēsisandtheōriain Aristotle and then consider the way Heidegger uses this distinction to argue that ‘know-how’ (Verstehen) is the most basic kind of human knowledge.
The palmSyagrus coronataproliferates and structures vascular epiphyte assemblages in a human-modified landscape of the Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Gonçalves Leila J.B. , Santo-Silva Edgar E. , Barros Maria Fabíola , Rito Kátia F. , Leal Inara R. , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: June 2020

The proliferation of disturbance-adapted species in human-modified landscapes may change the structure of plant communities, but the response of biodiversity to human disturbances remains poorly understood. We examine the proliferation of the palm,Syagrus coronata, in disturbed forest stands and its impacts on the structure of vascular epiphyte assemblages in a human-modified landscape of Brazilian Caatinga dry forest. First, we comparedS. coronatadensity between old-growth and regenerating forest stands. We then surveyed vascular epiphytes on 680 phorophytes (S. coronataand non-palm/control species) across five habitat types with different disturbance levels. There was an eight-fold increase inS. coronatadensity in regenerating areas compared with in old-growth forest.Syagrus coronotasupported richer epiphyte assemblages at local (i.e. per palm) and landscape (i.e. pooling all palms) scale than control phorophytes, supporting more than 11 times the number of species of control phorophytes at both scales. Epiphyte assemblages were more abundant, species-rich and dominated by abiotically dispersed species in forest sites with intermediate disturbance levels (regenerating forest stands). More than simply operating as an exclusive phorophyte for more than 90% of the epiphyte species we recorded here,S. coronatafavours epiphyte persistence and structures their assemblages across human-modified landscapes of the Caatinga forest.
Brain Reserve in a Case of Cognitive Resilience to Severe Leukoaraiosis
Authors: Szeles Dana M. , Milano Nicholas J. , Moss Hunter J. , Spampinato Maria Vittoria , Jensen Jens H. , Benitez Andreana
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Leukoaraiosis, or white matter rarefaction, is a common imaging finding in aging and is presumed to reflect vascular disease. When severe in presentation, potential congenital or acquired etiologies are investigated, prompting referral for neuropsychological evaluation in addition to neuroimaging. T2-weighted imaging is the most common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to identifying white matter disease. However, more advanced diffusion MRI techniques may provide additional insight into mechanisms that influence the abnormal T2 signal, especially when clinical presentations are discrepant with imaging findings.

Method:

We present a case of a 74-year-old woman with severe leukoaraoisis. She was examined by a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and rheumatologist, and completed conventional (T1, T2-FLAIR) MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and advanced single-shell, high b-value diffusion MRI (i.e., fiber ball imaging [FBI]).

Results:

The patient was found to have few neurological signs, no significant cognitive impairment, a negative workup for leukoencephalopathy, and a positive antibody for Sjogren’s disease for which her degree of leukoaraiosis would be highly atypical. Tractography results indicate intact axonal architecture that was better resolved using FBI rather than DTI.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates exceptional cognitive resilience in the face of severe leukoaraiosis and the potential for advanced diffusion MRI to identify brain reserve.
A BLURRED CASE
Authors: Burns Ashley Brown , Darity William
Published: June 2020

Much of the pivotal debate concerning the validity of affirmative action is situated in a legal context of defending or challenging claims that there may be broad societal gains from increased diversity. Race-conscious affirmative action policies originally advanced legal sanctions to promote racial equity in the United States. Today, increasingly detached from its historical context, defense or rejection of affirmative action is otherwise upheld to achieve diversity. A “diversity” rationale for affirmative action calls for increasing tolerance of the “other,” reducing negative stereotypes, and moderating prejudice as goals—all objectives that deviate from the former aim of race-targeted inclusion intended to resolve racial discrimination in employment and college admissions. Diversity policy provides a tapered defense for affirmative action, one detached from principles of justice and equity. The current article suggests that, despite the fact that the ostensible benefits of “racial inclusion as diversity” may be the remaining legal prop for affirmative action in the U.S., there is a need to consider whether diversity intrinsically can engender the benefits that affirmative action policy seeks to provide.
THE TOLL OF INEQUALITY
Authors: Jackman Mary R. , Shauman Kimberlee A.
Published: June 2020

To take stock of the human toll resulting from racial inequality in the United States, we estimate the number of excess deaths that accumulated among African Americans over the twentieth century as a result of the enduring racial gap in mortality rates. We assemble a wide array of demographic and vital statistics data for all years since 1900 to calculate the number of Black deaths in each half-decade that occurred in excess of what would be projected if Blacks had experienced the same gender- and age-specific mortality rates as Whites. We estimate that there were almost 7.7 million excess deaths among African Americans from 1900 through 1999. Those deaths comprised over 40% of all African American deaths over the century.

Excess deaths were highest in the early decades (peaking in 1925–1934), but the only period of sustained decline was 1935–1949. Subsequent reductions in excess deaths were relatively modest and unstable, and in the last decade of the century the percentage of Blacks’ deaths that were excess returned to levels as high as in the first decade. That trajectory is less positive than the trajectory for the racial gap in life expectancy over the century.

Excess deaths fell disproportionately among the young in the early twentieth century, but in the succeeding decades they progressively hit harder among older African Americans, many of them in the prime of life when their economic and social pursuits were vital to their families and communities. Excess deaths were also especially heavy among Black women for most of the century.

We conclude by discussing the social and policy implications of the excess deaths. We assess trends in the early twenty-first century as we consider the political challenges involved in tackling the continuing excess death toll.
Herbicide systems including linuron for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control in sweetpotato
Authors: Moore Levi D. , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Boyette Michael D. , Jordan David L. , Leon Ramon G.
Published: June 2020

Field studies were conducted to determine sweetpotato tolerance to and weed control from management systems that included linuron. Treatments included flumioxazin preplant (107 g ai ha−1) followed by (fb) S-metolachlor (800 g ai ha−1), oryzalin (840 g ai ha−1), or linuron (280, 420, 560, 700, and 840 g ai ha−1) alone or mixed with S-metolachlor or oryzalin applied 7 d after transplanting. Weeds did not emerge before the treatment applications. Two of the four field studies were maintained weed-free throughout the season to evaluate sweetpotato tolerance without weed interference. The herbicide program with the greatest sweetpotato yield was flumioxazin fb S-metolachlor. Mixing linuron with S-metolachlor did not improve Palmer amaranth management and decreased marketable yield by up to 28% compared with flumioxazin fb S-metolachlor. Thus, linuron should not be applied POST in sweetpotato if Palmer amaranth has not emerged at the time of application.
Response of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-resistant rice cultivars and advanced lines to florpyrauxifen-benzyl
Authors: Sanders Tameka L. , Bond Jason A. , Lawrence Benjamin H. , Golden Bobby R. , Allen Thomas W. , Famoso Adam , Bararpour Taghi
Published: June 2020

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl and quizalofop were available for POST applications in 2018; however, little is known about the response of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)–resistant rice cultivars and advanced lines to POST herbicides. A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at Stoneville, MS, to characterize the response of ACCase-resistant rice cultivars and advanced lines to POST applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl. The imidazolinone-resistant (IR) rice cultivars ‘CL163’ and ‘CLXL 745’, and ACCase-resistant rice cultivars ‘PVL01’, ‘PVL013’, ‘PVL024-B’, ‘PVL038’, ‘PVL080’, and ‘PVL081’were treated with florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 0 (nontreated control for each cultivar) and 58 g ai ha–1 at the four-leaf to one-tiller (LPOST) growth stage. At 14 d after treatment (DAT), PVL01 was injured 5% to 6% greater than CLXL 745, PVL013, and PVL081; however, injury was ≤10% at that evaluation for all cultivars. Similarly, injury was ≤13% for all cultivars 28 DAT. Mature heights were reduced for all cultivars except PVL013 and PVL081. Rough rice yield was ≥100% of the control for all cultivars except PVL081, PVL013, and CL163. Results suggest that florpyrauxifen-benzyl can safely be applied POST to rice cultivars grown in Mississippi as well as ACCase-resistant cultivars that are currently under development.
Lunar Magnetic Field Models From Lunar Prospector and SELENE/Kaguya Along‐Track Magnetic Field Gradients
Authors: Ravat D. , Purucker M. E. , Olsen N.
Published: June 2020

We use L1‐norm model regularization of |Br| component at the surface on magnetic monopoles bases and along‐track magnetic field differences alone (without vector observations) to derive high quality global magnetic field models at the surface of the Moon. The practical advantages to this strategy are the following: monopoles are more stable at closer spacing in comparison to dipoles, improving spatial resolution; L1‐norm model regularization leads to sparse models which may be appropriate for the Moon which has regions of localized magnetic field features; and along‐track differences reduce the need for ad‐hoc external field noise reduction strategies. We examine also the use of Lunar Prospector and SELENE/Kaguya magnetometer data, combined and separately, and find that the Lunar Prospector along‐track vector field differences lead to surface field models that require weaker regularization and, hence, result in higher spatial resolution. Significantly higher spatial resolution (wavelengths of roughly 25–30 km) and higher amplitude surface magnetic fields can be derived over localized regions of high amplitude anomalies (due to their higher signal‐to‐noise ratio). These high‐resolution field models are also compared with the results of Surface Vector Mapping approach of Tsunakawa et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JE004785). Finally, the monopoles‐ as well as dipoles‐based patterns of the Serenitatis high amplitude magnetic feature have characteristic textbook patterns of Br and Bθ component fields from a nearly vertically downwardly magnetized source region and it implies that the principal source of the anomaly was formed when the region was much closer to the north magnetic pole of the Moon.
Physical Interpretation of Rainfall Thresholds for Runoff‐Generated Debris Flows
Authors: Berti Matteo , Bernard Martino , Gregoretti Carlo , Simoni Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Rainfall thresholds for the occurrence of debris flows are commonly defined by Intensity‐Duration curves (IDthresholds). Interestingly, many empiricalIDthresholds show up as straight lines in a log‐log plot and therefore can be expressed by power‐law functions of the formI = α ⋅ Dβ, whereαis the scaling coefficient andβis the exponent of the power function. The different values ofαandβreflect the variability of geological and hydrological conditions in the different areas. In most cases, however, field conditions are so complex that a quantitative interpretation of the empirical rainfall threshold is impossible and the physical meaning ofαandβremains obscure. In this work, we provide a physical interpretation of the rainfall thresholds that characterize an active debris flow catchment in the Eastern Italian Alps (the Dimai Basin, Belluno Province). The catchment is affected by frequent debris flows generated by surface‐water runoff and has been monitored since 2010 to investigate the initiation process. Monitoring data allowed for the detection of two rainfall thresholds: a lower one that identifies the arrival of water in the initiation area (Catchment Outflow Threshold) and an upper one that identifies the initiation of debris flows by channel runoff (Debris Flow Threshold). We demonstrate that these two thresholds can be satisfactorily reproduced by a simple physically based model in which the excess rainfall is routed over the catchment using a kinematic‐wave scheme. This simple analysis provides a sound explanation of the observed thresholds and can be used to develop physically based thresholds for runoff‐generated debris flows.
Storm Track Changes in the Middle East and North Africa Under Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering
Authors: Karami K. , Tilmes S. , Muri H. , Mousavi S. V.
Published: June 2020

As a potential approach to prevent dangerous climate change, stratospheric aerosol geoengineering (SAG) aims to reflect some incoming solar radiation into space and reduce temperatures. Previous modeling studies suggest that storm tracks will shift poleward due to the increases in the greenhouse gas concentrations. As a consequence of this, the Middle East, North Africa, and Mediterranean regions will most likely experience a strong precipitation decrease, increasing the pressure on the region's vulnerable environment. Our results from an Earth system model indicate that SAG can partially offset the poleward shift of the storm tracks, thus potentially soothing the environmental and water stresses of the region. However, other climatic side effects may occur, hence still motivating ambitious mitigation action to reduce emissions and impacts of global warming. The results presented may have practical implications for ongoing climate policy debates in the region.
On the Frequency of Occurrence of the Ice Phase in Supercooled Southern Ocean Low Clouds Derived From CALIPSO and CloudSat
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Benson Sally , Hu Yongxiang
Published: June 2020

Supercooled liquid clouds are an important component of the albedo of the Southern Ocean (SO). While ice phase occurrence in liquid‐dominant clouds (hereafter mixed phase) at temperatures warmer than the homogeneous freezing point is rare in the SO, the processes that create mixed‐phase clouds are not understood. Using data from the CALIPSO lidar, we reconsider the thresholds of layer‐integrated depolarization ratio and layer‐integrated attenuated backscatter that are used to diagnose the phases of fully attenuating cloud layers. We argue that liquid‐only clouds have understood physical bounds to these thresholds allowing for unique identification of layers that are not consistent with the presence of single‐phase liquid tops. Compared to the original phase algorithm the application of these physically constrained thresholds results in a ~70% increase in mixed phase during the annual cycle considered. Combining the CALIPSO data with CloudSat data, mixed‐phase clouds seem to typically cooccur with precipitation implying secondary ice forming processes.
Neuregulin 1: an intriguing therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Shi Liang , Bergson Clare M.
Published: June 2020

Neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (Sz) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are chronic mental illnesses, which place costly and painful burdens on patients, their families and society. In recent years, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family member Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and one of its receptors, ErbB4, have received considerable attention due to their regulation of inhibitory local neural circuit mechanisms important for information processing, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Here we examine an emerging body of work indicating that either decreasing NRG1–ErbB4 signaling in fast-spiking parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons or increasing it in vasoactive intestinal peptide positive (VIP+) interneurons could reactivate cortical plasticity, potentially making it a future target for gene therapy in adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. We propose preclinical studies to explore this model in prefrontal cortex (PFC), but also review the many challenges in pursuing cell type and brain-region-specific therapeutic approaches for the NRG1 system.
Prenatal stress causes intrauterine inflammation and serotonergic dysfunction, and long-term behavioral deficits through microbe- and CCL2-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Chen Helen J. , Antonson Adrienne M. , Rajasekera Therese A. , Patterson Jenna M. , Bailey Michael T. , Gur Tamar L.
Published: June 2020

Prenatal stress (PNS) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, including anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders. There is mounting evidence that these behavioral phenotypes have origins in utero. Maternal microbes, inflammation, and serotonergic dysfunction have been implicated as potential mediators of the behavioral consequences of PNS; whether and how these systems interact is unclear. Here, we examine the effects of PNS in utero using late-gestation maternal restraint stress in wild-type (WT), germ-free (GF), and CCL2−/− genetic knock-out (KO) mice. In WT mice, PNS leads to placental and fetal brain inflammation, including an elevation in the chemokine CCL2. This inflammation is largely absent in GF mice, indicating the critical role of maternal microbes in mediating immune processes in utero. Furthermore, PNS in the absence of CCL2 failed to increase pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the fetal brain. PNS offspring also exhibited deficits in sociability and anxiety-like behavior that were absent in CCL2−/− PNS offspring. Tryptophan and serotonin (5-HT) were elevated in the WT PNS placenta, but not in CCL2−/− and GF animals. Altogether, these findings suggest that a complex interaction between maternal microbes, inflammation, and serotonin metabolism regulates the emergence of behavioral abnormalities following PNS.
Alzheimer’s disease-related dysregulation of mRNA translation causes key pathological features with ageing
Authors: Ghosh Anshua , Mizuno Keiko , Tiwari Sachin S. , Proitsi Petroula , Gomez Perez-Nievas Beatriz , Glennon Elizabeth , Martinez-Nunez Rocio T. , Giese K. Peter
Published: June 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by Aβ and tau pathology as well as synaptic degeneration, which correlates best with cognitive impairment. Previous work suggested that this pathological complexity may result from changes in mRNA translation. Here, we studied whether mRNA translation and its underlying signalling are altered in an early model of AD, and whether modelling this deficiency in mice causes pathological features with ageing. Using an unbiased screen, we show that exposure of primary neurons to nanomolar amounts of Aβ increases FMRP-regulated protein synthesis. This selective regulation of mRNA translation is dependent on a signalling cascade involving MAPK-interacting kinase 1 (Mnk1) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), and ultimately results in reduction of CYFIP2, an FMRP-binding protein. Modelling this CYFIP2 reduction in mice, we find age-dependent Aβ accumulation in the thalamus, development of tau pathology in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, as well as gliosis and synapse loss in the hippocampus, together with deficits in memory formation. Therefore, we conclude that early stages of AD involve increased translation of specific CYFIP2/FMRP-regulated transcripts. Since reducing endogenous CYFIP2 expression is sufficient to cause key features of AD with ageing in mice, we suggest that prolonged activation of this pathway is a primary step toward AD pathology, highlighting a novel direction for therapeutic targeting.
KLF5 inhibits STAT3 activity and tumor metastasis in prostate cancer by suppressing IGF1 transcription cooperatively with HDAC1
Authors: Ma Jian-Bin , Bai Ji-Yu , Zhang Hai-Bao , Jia Jing , Shi Qi , Yang Chao , Wang Xinyang , He Dalin , Guo Peng
Published: June 2020

KLF5 is frequently deleted and downregulated in prostate cancer, and recently it has been reported that KLF5 loss is enriched in the aggressive branches of prostate cancer evolution. However, why KLF5 loss is associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness is still not clear. Herein, we analyzed KLF5 expression in TCGA and GEO database, as well as prostate cancer tissue microarray, and found that KLF5 expression significantly decreased in prostate cancer accompanying with tumor progression; moreover, KLF5 downregulation was associated with shorter survival of patients. Interestingly, we also found that KLF5 expression was obviously lower in prostate cancer metastases than in localized tissues, indicating that KLF5 downregulation is associated with prostate cancer invasion and metastasis. To assess this effect of KLF5, we knocked down KLF5 in prostate cancer cells and found that KLF5 knockdown promoted invasive ability of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that KLF5 downregulation enhanced the expression of IGF1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, while block of IGF1 with antibody decreased the enhancement of STAT3 activity and prostate cancer cell invasive ability by KLF5 knockdown, indicating that KLF5 inhibits prostate cancer invasion through suppressing IGF1/STAT3 pathway. Mechanistically, we found that KLF5 interacted with deacetylase HDAC1 and KLF5 is necessary for the binding of HDAC1 on IGF1 promoter to suppress IGF1 transcription. Taken together, our results indicate that KLF5 could be an important suppressor of prostate cancer invasion and metastasis, because KLF5 could suppress the transcription of IGF1, a tumor cell autocrine cytokine, and its downstream cell signaling to inhibit cell invasive ability, and reveal a novel mechanism for STAT3 activation in prostate cancer. These findings may provide evidence for the precision medicine in prostate cancer.
Blood circulation of soft nanomaterials is governed by dynamic remodeling of protein opsonins at nano-biointerface
Authors: Abbina Srinivas , Takeuchi Lily E. , Anilkumar Parambath , Yu Kai , Rogalski Jason C. , Shenoi Rajesh A. , Constantinescu Iren , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N.
Published: June 2020

Nanomaterials in the blood must mitigate the immune response to have a prolonged vascular residency in vivo. The composition of the protein corona that forms at the nano-biointerface may be directing this, however, the possible correlation of corona composition with blood residency is currently unknown. Here‚ we report a panel of new soft single molecule polymer nanomaterials (SMPNs) with varying circulation times in mice (t1/2β ~ 22 to 65 h) and use proteomics to probe protein corona at the nano-biointerface to elucidate the mechanism of blood residency of nanomaterials. The composition of the protein opsonins on SMPNs is qualitatively and quantitatively dynamic with time in circulation. SMPNs that circulate longer are able to clear some of the initial surface-bound common opsonins, including immunoglobulins, complement, and coagulation proteins. This continuous remodelling of protein opsonins may be an important decisive step in directing elimination or residence of soft nanomaterials in vivo.
Z3-vestigial nematic order due to superconducting fluctuations in the doped topological insulators NbxBi2Se3 and CuxBi2Se3
Authors: Cho Chang-woo , Shen Junying , Lyu Jian , Atanov Omargeldi , Chen Qianxue , Lee Seng Huat , Hor Yew San , Gawryluk Dariusz Jakub , Pomjakushina Ekaterina , Bartkowiak Marek , Hecker Matthias , Schmalian Jörg , Lortz Rolf
Published: June 2020

A state of matter with a multi-component order parameter can give rise to vestigial order. In the vestigial phase, the primary order is only partially melted, leaving a remaining symmetry breaking behind, an effect driven by strong classical or quantum fluctuations. Vestigial states due to primary spin and charge-density-wave order have been discussed in iron-based and cuprate materials. Here we present the observation of a partially melted superconductivity in which pairing fluctuations condense at a separate phase transition and form a nematic state with brokenZ3, i.e., three-state Potts-model symmetry. Thermal expansion, specific heat and magnetization measurements of the doped topological insulators NbxBi2Se3and CuxBi2Se3reveal that this symmetry breaking occurs at$${{T}}_{\mathrm{nem}} \simeq 3.8\,K$$Tnem≃3.8Kabove$${T}_{{\mathrm{c}}} \simeq 3.25\,K$$Tc≃3.25K, along with an onset of superconducting fluctuations. Thus, before Cooper pairs establish long-range coherence atTc, they fluctuate in a way that breaks the rotational invariance atTnemand induces a crystalline distortion.
Multi-set Pre-processing of Multicolor Flow Cytometry Data
Authors: Folcarelli Rita , Tinnevelt Gerjen H. , Hilvering Bart , Wouters Kristiaan , van Staveren Selma , Postma Geert J. , Vrisekoop Nienke , Buydens Lutgarde M. C. , Koenderman Leo , Jansen Jeroen J.
Published: June 2020

Flow Cytometry is an analytical technology to simultaneously measure multiple markers per single cell. Ten thousands to millions of single cells can be measured per sample and each sample may contain a different number of cells. All samples may be bundled together, leading to a ‘multi-set’ structure. Many multivariate methods have been developed for Flow Cytometry data but none of them considers this structure in their quantitative handling of the data. The standard pre-processing used by existing multivariate methods provides models mainly influenced by the samples with more cells, while such a model should provide a balanced view of the biomedical information within all measurements. We propose an alternative ‘multi-set’ preprocessing that corrects for the difference in number of cells measured, balancing the relative importance of each multi-cell sample in the data while using all data collected from these expensive analyses. Moreover, one case example shows how multi-set pre-processing may benefit removal of undesired measurement-to-measurement variability and another where class-based multi-set pre-processing enhances the studied response upon comparison to the control reference samples. Our results show that adjusting data analysis algorithms to consider this multi-set structure may greatly benefit immunological insight and classification performance of Flow Cytometry data.
A comprehensive map of disease networks and molecular drug discoveries for glaucoma
Authors: Wang Haixin , Deng Yanhui , Wan Ling , Huang Lulin
Published: June 2020

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The molecular etiology of glaucoma is complex and unclear. At present, there are few drugs available for glaucoma treatment. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic analysis of glaucoma candidate drugs/chemicals based on glaucoma genes, including genetic factors and differentially expressed (DE) genes. In total, 401 genes from the genetic databases and 1656 genes from the DE gene analysis were included in further analyses. In terms of glaucoma-related genetic factors, 54 pathways were significantly enriched (FDR < 0.05), and 96 pathways for DE genes were significantly enriched (FDR < 0.05). A search of the PheWAS database for diseases associated with glaucoma-related genes returned 1,289 diseases, and a search for diseases associated with DE glaucoma-related genes returned 1,356 diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and ophthalmic diseases were highly related to glaucoma genes. A search of the DGIdb, KEGG, and CLUE databases revealed a set of drugs/chemicals targeting glaucoma genes. A subsequent analysis of the electronic medical records (EMRs) of 136,128 patients treated in Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital for candidate drug usage and the onset of glaucoma revealed nine candidate drugs. Among these drugs, individuals treated with nicardipine had the lowest incidence of glaucoma. Taken together with the information from the drug databases, the 40 most likely candidate drugs for glaucoma treatment were highlighted. Based on these findings, we concluded that the molecular mechanism of glaucoma is complex and may be a reflection of systemic diseases. A set of ready-to-use candidate drugs targeting glaucoma genes may be developed for glaucoma clinical drug treatments. Our results provide a systematic interpretation of glaucoma genes, interactions with other systemic diseases, and candidate drugs/chemicals.
Juvenile erythrocytosis in children after liver transplantation: prevalence, risk factors and outcome
Authors: Casale Maddalena , Roberti Domenico , Mandato Claudia , Iorio Raffaele , Caropreso Maria , Scianguetta Saverio , Picariello Stefania , Perrotta Silverio , Vajro Pietro
Published: June 2020

Most reports of post-transplant erythrocytosis have involved kidney recipients and, so far, there have been no large studies of onset of erythrocytosis after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children. We present a long-term survey of pediatric liver recipients, evaluating prevalence, outcome and the main potential causes of erythrocytosis, including a comprehensive mutational analysis of commonly related genes (mutations of HBB and HBA, JAK2, EPOR, VHL, EPAS1 and EGLN1). Between 2000 and 2015, 90 pediatric OLT recipients were observed for a median period of 8.7 years (range 1–20.4 [IQR 4.9–13.6] years). Five percent of the study population (4 males and 1 female) developed erythrocytosis at 8.5 years post OLT (range 4.1–14.9 [IQR 4.7–14.7]) at a median age of 16.6 years (range 8.2–18.8 [IQR 11.7–17.7]). Erythrocytosis-free survival after OLT was 98.6% at 5 years, 95% at 10 years, and 85% at 15 years, with an incidence rate of 6/1000 person-years. No cardiovascular events or thrombosis were reported. No germinal mutation could be clearly related to the development of erythrocytosis. One patient, with high erythropoietin levels and acquired multiple bilateral renal cysts, developed clinical hyper-viscosity symptoms, and was treated with serial phlebotomies. In conclusion, this prospective longitudinal study showed that erythrocytosis is a rare complication occurring several years after OLT, typically during adolescence. Erythrocytosis was non-progressive and manageable. Its pathogenesis is still not completely understood, although male gender, pubertal age, and renal cysts probably play a role.
Electronic Tuning of Zinc Oxide by Direct Fabrication of Chromium (Cr) incorporated photoanodes for Visible-light driven Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Khan Humaira Rashid , Akram Bilal , Aamir Muhammad , Malik Muhammad Azad , Tahir Asif Ali , Choudhary Muhammad Aziz , Akhtar Javeed
Published: June 2020

Herein, we report the synthesis of Cr incorporated ZnO sheets arrays microstructures and construction of photoelectrode through a direct aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) method. The as-prepared Cr incorporated ZnO microstructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, powdered X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy. The Cr incorporation in ZnO red shifted the optical band gap of as-prepared photoanodes. The 15% Cr incorporation in ZnO has shown enhanced PEC performance. The AACVD method provides an efficientin situincorporation approach for the manipulation of morphological aspects, phase purity, and band structure of photoelectrodes for an enhanced PEC performance.
The utilization of seawater for the hydrolysis of macroalgae and subsequent bioethanol fermentation
Authors: Greetham Darren , Adams Jessica M. , Du Chenyu
Published: June 2020

A novel seawater-based pretreatment process was developed to improve the hydrolysis yield of brown (Laminaria digitata), green (Ulva linza) and red (Porphyra umbilicalis) macroalgae. Pre-treated with 5% sulphuric acid at 121 °C, 15 minutes, L. digitata, U. linza and P. umbilicalis liberated 64.63 ± 0.30%, 69.19 ± 0.11% and 63.03 ± 0.04% sugar in seawater compared with 52.82 ± 0.16%, 45.93 ± 0.37% and 48.60 ± 0.07% in reverse-osmosis water, respectively. Low hydrolysis yields (2.6–11.7%) were observed in alkali and hydrothermal pretreatment of macroalgae, although seawater led to relatively higher yields. SEM images of hydrolyzed macroalgae showed that reverse-osmosis water caused contortions in the remaining cell walls following acid and hydrothermal pre-treatments in the L. digitata and U. linza samples. Fed-batch fermentations using concentrated green seaweed hydrolysates and seawater with marine yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus M15 produced 48.24 ± 0.01 g/L ethanol with an overall yield of 0.329 g/g available sugars. Overall, using seawater in hydrolysis of seaweed increased sugar hydrolysis yield and subsequent bioethanol production.
Predicting dengue importation into Europe, using machine learning and model-agnostic methods
Authors: Salami Donald , Sousa Carla Alexandra , Martins Maria do Rosário Oliveira , Capinha César
Published: June 2020

The geographical spread of dengue is a global public health concern. This is largely mediated by the importation of dengue from endemic to non-endemic areas via the increasing connectivity of the global air transport network. The dynamic nature and intrinsic heterogeneity of the air transport network make it challenging to predict dengue importation. Here, we explore the capabilities of state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to predict dengue importation. We trained four machine learning classifiers algorithms, using a 6-year historical dengue importation data for 21 countries in Europe and connectivity indices mediating importation and air transport network centrality measures. Predictive performance for the classifiers was evaluated using the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity measures. Finally, we applied practical model-agnostic methods, to provide an in-depth explanation of our optimal model’s predictions on a global and local scale. Our best performing model achieved high predictive accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic score of 0.94 and a maximized sensitivity score of 0.88. The predictor variables identified as most important were the source country’s dengue incidence rate, population size, and volume of air passengers. Network centrality measures, describing the positioning of European countries within the air travel network, were also influential to the predictions. We demonstrated the high predictive performance of a machine learning model in predicting dengue importation and the utility of the model-agnostic methods to offer a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the predictions. Similar approaches can be utilized in the development of an operational early warning surveillance system for dengue importation.
Strand with mutagenic lesion is preferentially used as a template in the region of a bi-stranded clustered DNA damage site in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shikazono Naoya , Akamatsu Ken
Published: June 2020

The damaging potential of ionizing radiation arises largely from the generation of clustered DNA damage sites within cells. Previous studies using synthetic DNA lesions have demonstrated that models of clustered DNA damage exhibit enhanced mutagenic potential of the comprising lesions. However, little is known regarding the processes that lead to mutations in these sites, apart from the fact that base excision repair of lesions within the cluster is compromised. Unique features of the mutation frequencies within bi-stranded clusters have led researchers to speculate that the strand containing the mutagenic lesion is preferentially used as the template for DNA synthesis. To gain further insights into the processing of clustered DNA damage sites, we used a plasmid-based assay in E. coli cells. Our findings revealed that the strand containing a mutagenic lesion within a bi-stranded clustered DNA damage site is frequently used as the template. This suggests the presence of an, as yet unknown, strand synthesis process that is unrelated to base excision repair, and that this process plays an important role in mutagenesis. The length of the region of strand preference was found to be determined by DNA polymerase I.
Author Correction: Effect of two (short-term) storage methods on load to failure testing of murine bone tissue
Authors: Tiefenboeck Thomas M. , Payr Stephan , Bajenov Olga , Koch Thomas , Komjati Micha , Sarahrudi Kambiz
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Fungal communities and their association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria affect early decomposition of Norway spruce deadwood
Authors: Gómez-Brandón María , Probst Maraike , Siles José A. , Peintner Ursula , Bardelli Tommaso , Egli Markus , Insam Heribert , Ascher-Jenull Judith
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ambulatory Surgery Protocol for Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Pituitary Adenomas: A Prospective Single-arm Trial with Initial Implementation Experience
Authors: Liu Yang , Zheng Tao , Lv Wenhai , Chen Long , Zhao Binfang , Jiang Xue , Ye Lin , Qu Liang , Zhao Lanfu , Zhang Yufu , Xue Yafei , Chen Lei , Liu Bolin , Wu Yingxi , Li Zhengmin , Niu Jiangtao , Li Ruigang , Qu Yan , Gao Guodong , Wang Yuan , He Shiming
Published: June 2020

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection has been accepted as a routine therapy for pituitary adenoma, but the postoperative hospital stay is typically several days long. With the advantages of reduced cost and improved patient satisfaction, the application of ambulatory surgery (AS) has developed rapidly. However, AS was still rarely adopted in neurosurgery. Here we designed an AS treatment protocol for pituitary adenoma with the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), and reported our initial experiences regarding the safety and efficacy of the AS protocol. 63 patients who presented with pituitary adenoma were screened at the Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital from July to September, 2017. A total of 20 pituitary adenoma patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent EEA surgery using this evidence-based AS protocol, which emphasized adequate assessment for eligibility, full preparation to minimize invasiveness, enhanced recovery, and active perioperative patient education. Of the 20 patients enrolled, 18 were discharged on the afternoon of the operation day with a median total length of stay (LOS) of 31 hours (range, 29–32) hours. The median LOS after surgery was 6.5 (range, 5–8) hours. Two patients were transferred from the AS protocol to conventional care due to intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (one case) and an unsatisfying post-anesthetic discharge score (one case). Complications included transient and reversible mild postoperative nausea and vomiting [visual analog scale (VAS) score <3], headache (VAS score <3) after the operation or early after discharge. No patient was readmitted. Our results supported the safety and efficacy of the AS protocol for pituitary adenoma patients undergoing EEA resection among eligible patients, and further evaluation of this protocol in controlled studies with a larger sample size is warranted.
Identification of candidate aberrantly methylated and differentially expressed genes in Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Han Bao-Ai , Yang Xiu-Ping , Hosseini Davood K , Zhang Po , Zhang Ya , Yu Jin-Tao , Chen Shan , Zhang Fan , Zhou Tao , Sun Hai-Ying
Published: June 2020

Aberrant methylated genes (DMGs) play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we aimed to integrate three cohorts profile datasets to ascertain aberrant methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with ESCC by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. We downloaded data of gene expression microarrays (GSE20347, GSE38129) and gene methylation microarrays (GSE52826) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Aberrantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by GEO2R tool. The David database was then used to perform Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathway enrichment analyses on selected genes. STRING and Cytoscape software were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, then the modules in the PPI networks were analyzed with MCODE and the hub genes chose from the PPI networks were verified by Oncomine and TCGA database. In total, 291 hypomethylation-high expression genes and 168 hypermethylation-low expression genes were identified at the screening step, and finally found six mostly changed hub genes including KIF14, CDK1, AURKA, LCN2, TGM1, and DSG1. Pathway analysis indicated that aberrantly methylated DEGs mainly associated with the P13K-AKT signaling, cAMP signaling and cell cycle process. After validation in multiple databases, most hub genes remained significant. Patients with high expression of AURKA were associated with shorter overall survival. To summarize, we have identified six feasible aberrant methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways in ESCC by bioinformatics analysis, potentially providing valuable information for the molecular mechanisms of ESCC. Our data combined the analysis of gene expression profiling microarrays and gene methylation profiling microarrays, simultaneously, and in this way, it can shed a light for screening and diagnosis of ESCC in future.
Estimating Method of Maximum Infiltration Depth and Soil Water Supply
Authors: Guo Zhongsheng
Published: June 2020

The maximum infiltration depth and soil water supply must be evaluated in order to estimate the soil water resource use limit by plants and soil water carrying capacity for vegetation, and realize the sustainable use of soil water resources. However, there is no non-destructive method to estimate maximum infiltration depth and soil water supply. We conducted a simulated infiltration experiment and a long-term fixed-position investigation in situ in artificial Caragana shrubland at the Guyuan Eco-experimental Station in the semiarid Loess Plateau. The results showed that infiltration depth for one rain event was equal to the distance from the surface to the crossover point between the two soil water distribution curves with soil depth before a rain event and after the rain event. The soil water supply for one rainfall event was the difference in the soil water resources in the soil layers from maximum infiltration depth that occurred after a long period, and could be estimated by a series of two-curve methods. A maximum infiltration depth of 2.9 m occurred in the artificial Caragana shrubland. The results provide a foundation for controlling soil degradation and sustainable use of soil water resources in water-limited regions.
Author Correction: Distribution of Functional CD4 and CD8 T cell Subsets in Blood and Rectal Mucosal Tissues
Authors: Amancha Praveen Kumar , Ackerley Cassie G. , Duphare Chandni , Lee Mark , Hu Yi-Juan , Amara Rama R. , Kelley Colleen F.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Organocatalytic sequential ring-opening polymerization of a cyclic ester and anionic polymerization of a vinyl monomer
Authors: Mundil Robert , Kayser Franck , Favrelle-Huret Audrey , Stoclet Grégory , Zinck Philippe
Published: June 2020

The organocatalytic sequential block polymerization between a cyclic ester and a vinyl monomer is reported for the first time. The new block copolymer self-assembles into nanostructures leading to a thermoplastic elastomer-like material.
Active learning and neural network potentials accelerate molecular screening of ether-based solvate ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Wujie , Yang Tzuhsiung , Harris William H. , Gómez-Bombarelli Rafael
Published: June 2020

Solvate ionic liquids (SIL) have promising applications as electrolyte materials and machine learning can help accelerate the virtual screening of candidate molecules for SIL.
On the conversion of CO2 to value added products over composite PdZn and H-ZSM-5 catalysts: excess Zn over Pd, a compromise or a penalty?
Authors: Ahoba-Sam Christian , Borfecchia Elisa , Lazzarini Andrea , Bugaev Aram , Isah Abdulrahman Adamu , Taoufik Mostafa , Bordiga Silvia , Olsbye Unni
Published: June 2020

Zn was found to possess a dual role in composite PdZn–H-ZSM-5 catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation reactions: it promotes methanol formation when alloyed with Pd, but inhibits hydrocarbon formation by ion exchange with Brønsted acid sites in H-ZSM-5.
CO2 electroreduction on bimetallic Pd–In nanoparticles
Authors: Pavesi Davide , Ali Farhan S. M. , Anastasiadou Dimitra , Kallio Tanja , Figueiredo Marta , Gruter Gert-Jan M. , Koper Marc T. M. , Schouten Klaas Jan P.
Published: June 2020

The interaction of In and Pd in bimetallic particles causes dramatic changes in the CO2 reduction behavior.
Antitumoral effects of mitochondria-targeting neutral and cationic cis-[bis(1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene)Cl(L)]Pt(ii) complexes
Authors: Rothemund Matthias , Bär Sofia I. , Rehm Tobias , Kostrhunova Hana , Brabec Viktor , Schobert Rainer
Published: June 2020

cis-[Bis(1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene)PtIICl(L)] complexes target mitochondria regardless of charge and size of ligands L, yet show different anticancer effects.
Deciphering the mechanism of oxygen atom transfer by non-heme MnIV–oxo species: anab initioand DFT exploration
Authors: Sen Asmita , Vyas Nidhi , Pandey Bhawana , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: June 2020

Our calculations reveal strong multi-reference character for MnIVO species in OAT reactions utilising several low-lying quartet states unravelling novel multi-state reactivity hitherto unestablished.
Influence of the particle size and hydrocolloid type on lipid digestion of thickened emulsions
Authors: Riquelme N. , Robert P. , Troncoso E. , Arancibia C.
Published: June 2020

The incorporation of hydrocolloids (starch and xanthan gum) as thickening agents modifies the release of free fatty acids duringin vitrodigestion.
Wrong expectation of superinsulation behavior from largely-expanded nanocellular foams
Authors: Buahom Piyapong , Wang Chongda , Alshrah Mohammed , Wang Guilong , Gong Pengjian , Tran Minh-Phuong , Park Chul B.
Published: June 2020

This work aims to predict the thermal conductivity of microcellular and nanocellular thermal insulation foams to explore the correlation between the cellular structure and the thermal insulating properties.
Synthesis of oligosaccharides of the linkage region of proteoglycans using regioselective glycosylation
Authors: Ledru Hélène , Ayela Benjamin , Fournel-Gigleux Sylvie , Gulberti Sandrine , Lopin-Bon Chrystel
Published: June 2020

A collection of various sulfoforms of di- and trisaccharides of the linkage region of proteoglycans were prepared using a regioselective glycosylation. Preliminary results of the impact of sulfation on CSGalNAcT-1 is also reported.