bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of gully incision on hillslope hydrology
Authors: Chen Xing , Kumar Mukesh , deB Richter Daniel , Mau Yair
Published: June 2020

The Southern U.S. Piedmont ranging from Virginia to Georgia underwent severe gully erosion over a century of farming mainly for cotton (1800s–1930s). Although tree succession blanketed much of this region by the middle 20th century, gully erosion still occurs, especially during wet seasons. While many studies on gully erosion have focused on soil loss, soil carbon exchange, and stormwater response, the impacts on soil moisture, groundwater, and transpiration remain under‐studied. Using a newly developed 2D hydrologic model, this study analyzes the impacts of gully erosion on hillslope hydrologic states and fluxes. Results indicate that increases in gully incision lead to reduction in groundwater table, root zone soil moisture, and transpiration. These reductions show seasonal variations, but the season when the reduction is maximum differs among the hydrologic variables. Spatially, the impacts are generally the greatest near the toe of the hillslope and reduce further away from it, although the reductions are sometimes non‐monotonic. Overall, the impacts are larger for shallow gully depths and diminish as the incision goes deeper. Lastly, the extent of impacts on a heterogeneous hillslope is found to be very different with respect to a homogeneous surrogate made of dominant soil properties. These results show that through gully erosion, the landscape not only loses soil but also a large amount of water from the subsurface. The magnitude of water loss is, however, dependent on hydrogeologic and topographic configuration of the hillslope. The results will facilitate (a) mapping of relative susceptibility of landscapes to gullying, (b) understanding of the impacts of stream manipulations such as due to dredging on hillslope eco‐hydrology, (c) prioritization of mitigation measures to prevent gullying, and (d) design of observation campaigns to assess the impacts of gullying on hydrologic response.
Neuronal signatures in cancer
Authors: Jung Erik , Alfonso Julieta , Monyer Hannah , Wick Wolfgang , Winkler Frank
Published: June 2020

Despite advances in the treatment of solid tumors, the prognosis of patients with many cancers remains poor, particularly of those with primary and metastatic brain tumors. In the last years, “Cancer Neuroscience” emerged as novel field of research at the crossroads of oncology and classical neuroscience. In primary brain tumors, including glioblastoma (GB), communicating networks that render tumor cells resistant against cytotoxic therapies were identified. To build these networks, GB cells extend neurite‐like protrusions called tumor microtubes (TMs). Synapses on TMs allow tumor cells to retrieve neuronal input that fosters growth. Single cell sequencing further revealed that primary brain tumors recapitulate many steps of neurodevelopment. Interestingly, neuronal characteristics, including the ability to extend neurite‐like protrusions, neuronal gene expression signatures and interactions with neurons, have now been found not only in brain and neuroendocrine tumors but also in some cancers of epithelial origin. In this review, we will provide an overview about neurite‐like protrusions as well as neurodevelopmental origins, hierarchies and gene expression signatures in cancer. We will also discuss how “Cancer Neuroscience” might provide a framework for the development of novel therapies.
Identification with all humanity—A test of the factorial structure and measurement invariance of the scale in five countries
Authors: Hamer Katarzyna , Penczek Marta , McFarland Sam , Wlodarczyk Anna , Łużniak‐Piecha Magdalena , Golińska Agnieszka , Cadena Liliana Manrique , Ibarra Manuel , Bertin Paul , Delouvée Sylvain
Published: June 2020

Identification with all humanity measured as an individual characteristic is an important factor related to social and international relations, such as concern for global issues and human rights, prosocial attitudes, intergroup forgiveness, attitudes toward immigrants, solving global problems, reactions to hate crimes and dehumanisation. We examine the factorial structure, psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Identification with All Humanity (IWAH) scale in student samples from five countries (the United States, Poland, France, Mexico and Chile; N = 1930). Separate confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) for each country showed a second‐order model of one superordinate factor with two subfactors. The cross‐country validation of the scale, based on multigroup CFA, confirmed configural and metric invariance between countries for raw scores, and full metric invariance for “pure” scores. This study showed that the IWAH scale can be successfully used for cross‐country research and the results from different countries can be compared and integrated.
A Polygenic Risk Score as a Risk Factor for Medication-Associated Fractures
Authors: Manousaki Despoina , Forgetta Vincenzo , Keller-Baruch Julyan , Zhao Kaiqiong , Greenwood Celia MT , Mooser Vincent , Bassett JH Duncan , Leslie William D , Richards J Brent
Published: June 2020

Some commonly prescribed drugs are associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. However, fracture risk stratification using skeletal measures is not often performed to identify those at risk before these medications are prescribed. We tested whether a genomically predicted skeletal measure, speed of sound (gSOS) from heel ultrasound, which was developed in 341,449 individuals from UK Biobank and tested in a separate subset consisting of 80,027 individuals, is an independent risk factor for fracture in users of fracture-related drugs (FRDs). To do this, we first assessed 80,014 UK Biobank participants (including 12,678 FRD users) for incident major osteoporotic fracture (MOF, n = 1189) and incident hip fracture (n = 209). Effects of gSOS on incident fracture were adjusted for baseline clinical fracture risk factors. We found that each standard deviation decrease in gSOS increased the adjusted odds of MOF by 42% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–1.51, p < 2 × 10−16) and of hip fracture by 31% (95% CI 1.15–1.50, p = 9 × 10−5). gSOS below versus above the mean increased the adjusted odds of MOF by 79% (95% CI 1.58–2.01, p < 2 × 10−16) and of hip fracture by 42% (95% CI 1.08–1.88, p = 1.3 × 10−2). Among FRD users, each standard deviation decrease in gSOS increased the adjusted odds of MOF by 29% (nMOF = 256, 95% CI 1.14–1.46, p = 7 × 10−5) and of hip fracture by 30% (nhip fracture = 68, 95% CI 1.02–1.65, p = 0.0335). FRD users with gSOS below versus above the mean had a 54% increased adjusted odds of MOF (95% 1.19–1.99, p = 8.95 × 10−4) and a twofold increased adjusted odds of hip fracture (95% 1.19–3.31, p = 8.5 × 10−3). We therefore showed that genomically predicted heel SOS is independently associated with incident fracture among FRD users. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms admitted to Jianghan Fangcang Shelter Hospital in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zheng Ting , Yang Chao , Wang Han‐Yu , Chen Xiao , Yu Li , Wu Zi‐Ling , Sun Hui
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a health emergency worldwide, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are increasingly reported in COVID‐19 patients. However, sample size was small and the incidence of GI symptoms in patients was variable across studies, and the correlation between these symptoms and clinical outcomes remains incompletely understood. The objective of this study is to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with and without GI symptoms admitted to Jianghan Fangcang Shelter Hospital in Wuhan. This retrospective study recruited 1320 COVID‐19 patients admitted to hospital from 5 February 2020 to 9 March 2020. On the basis of the presence of GI symptoms, the sample was divided into a GI group (n = 192) and a non‐GI group (n = 1128). The three most common GI symptoms were diarrhea (8.1%), anorexia (4.7%), and nausea and vomiting (4.3%). The rate of clinical deterioration was significantly higher in the GI group than in the non‐GI group (15.6% vs. 10.1%, P = .032). GI symptoms (P = .045), male gender P < .001), and increased C‐reactive protein (P = .008) were independent risk factors for clinical worsening. This study demonstrated that the rate of clinical deterioration was significantly higher in the GI group. Furthermore, potential risk factors for developing GI symptoms, male gender, and increased C‐reactive protein can help clinicians predict clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients.
Biodegradation of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate by a newly isolated Enterobacter sp. HY1 and characterization of its esterase properties
Authors: Qiu Lequan , Yin Xinge , Liu Tengfei , Zhang Hanyu , Chen Guomei , Wu Shijin
Published: June 2020

Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) is an important compound produced from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) cleavage. It was selected as the representative substance for the study of PET degradation. A bacterial strain HY1 that could degrade BHET was isolated and identified as Enterobacter sp. The optimal temperature and pH for BHET biodegradation were determined to be 30°C and 8.0, respectively. The half‐life of degradation was 70.20 h at an initial BHET concentration of 1,000 mg/L. The results of metabolites' analysis by liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer revealed that BHET was first converted to mono‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and then to terephthalic acid. Furthermore, an esterase‐encoding gene, estB, was cloned from strain HY1, and the expressed enzyme EstB was characterized. The esterase has a molecular mass of approximately 25.13 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 4.68. Its optimal pH and temperature were pH 8.0 and 40°C, respectively. The analysis of the enzymatic products showed that EstB could hydrolyze one ester bond of BHET to MHET. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the biodegradation characteristics of BHET by a member of the Enterobacter genus.
Effects of variations in Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy determined by three‐dimensional printed patient‐specific modeling
Authors: Weinheimer Kent , Campbell Brett , Roush Evan P. , Lewis Gregory S. , Kunselman Allen , Aydogan Umur
Published: June 2020

Dwyer (lateral calcaneal closing wedge) osteotomy is commonly used in surgical correction of heel varus deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wedge size and angle of osteotomy on deformity correction using preoperative imaging analysis with three‐dimensional (3D) printed modeling. Seven patients diagnosed with pes cavovarus deformity who underwent Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy were identified retrospectively. Preoperative computed tomogrphy scans were used to create 3D printed models of the foot. After18 variations of osteotomy and fixation performed for each foot, Harris heel and Saltzman images were obtained. The angle between the tibia‐talus axis and calcaneal‐tuber axis was measured and compared to pre‐osteotomy state. Change in the calcaneal lengths was also analyzed. The average degree correction of deformity per mm of bone resected was 3.8 ± 0.2 degrees in the Harris Heel view and 2.7 ± 0.8 degrees in the Saltzman view. A significant increase in correction was obtained with 10 mm compared with 5 mm wide wedges (P < .001). The difference in correction was not statistically significant between 30 and 45 degree cuts or osteotomy distance from the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, but a 45 degree sagittal angle resulted in less calcaneal shortening compared to 30 degrees (P = .02). A clinically driven method using patient‐specific 3D models for determining effects of calcaneal osteotomy variables in correcting hindfoot alignment was developed. In summary, the amount of wedge resected impacts hindfoot alignment more than location and sagittal angle of the cut. Calcaneal shortening depends on sagittal angle of the cut.
Kinematics of bicruciate and posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty during deep knee flexion and stair climbing
Authors: Ishibashi Teruya , Tomita Tetsuya , Yamazaki Takaharu , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugamoto Kazuomi
Published: June 2020

Second‐generation bicruciate stabilized (BCS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was developed to substitute both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and replicate physiological kinematics. This study aimed to evaluate if the postcam mechanism and the surface geometry function effectively. Seventeen and twelve knees implanted with BCS TKA and posterior stabilized (PS) TKA, respectively, were analyzed. In vivo kinematics during deep knee flexion were estimated from single‐plane fluoroscopic images using a 2‐dimensional to 3‐dimensional image registration technique. Flexion angle, anteroposterior translation, femoral external rotation (ER), and postcam engagement were compared between the groups. Postoperative 2011 Knee Society Score (KSS) was obtained at the last follow‐up. The medial femoral condyle in BCS was positioned more anteriorly than that in PS from minimum flexion to maximum flexion. Posterior motion of the lateral femoral condyle was observed in both groups. ER of BCS was significantly larger compared to PS from minimum flexion to 100°. However, the amount of ER from minimum flexion to maximum flexion was similar: 6.2° ± 4.5° and 7.7° ± 4.1° in BCS and PS, respectively (P = .364). Anterior postcam engagement was observed in 76.5% and 25.0% in BCS and PS, respectively (P = .006). Posterior postcam engagement was observed in all cases in BCS and PS. There were no significant differences in KSS between the groups. The kinematic differences were likely a result of variations in articular surface geometry.
Effect of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition on the Disease Process, Nutrition Status, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota for Chinese Children With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Tang Wenjuan , Huang Ying , Shi Peng , Wang Yuhuan , Zhang Ye , Xue Aijuna , Tang Zifei , Hu Wenhui , Sun Hua , Zhang Ping , Zheng Cuifang , Shi Jieru , Wang Shengnan , Qiu Xiaoxia , Lu Xiaolan , Miao Shijian , Meng Yingying
Published: June 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to prospectively study the effect of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) treatment on Chinese pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) patients.

Methods

Thirty‐one newly diagnosed CD patients were enrolled in this study and treated with EEN for 8 weeks. Twelve healthy controls (HCs) donated their fecal samples. Statistical methods were used to compare the differences.

Results

According to the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES‐CD) at the end of the EEN treatment, 21 patients with SES‐CD ≤4 were classified into the remission group (CD‐RE), and 10 patients with SES‐CD >4 were classified into the nonremission group (CD‐NRE). After EEN therapy, there was a significant decrease in the SES‐CD, the weighted Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI), and fecal calprotectin (FCP) in the CD‐RE group (all P < .001). The wPCDAI and FCP also decreased in the CD‐NRE group (both P < .05). In terms of nutrition improvement, the CD‐RE group patients showed more improvement in weight gain, hemoglobin, and serum albumin level than the CD‐NRE group patients (all P < .05). For the microbiota, the CD patients had a lower bacterial diversity and different bacterial community compared with HCs. EEN increased overall diversity and was able to shift the dysbiosis in CD patients toward a healthier state. Absence of improvement in wPCDAI and Shannon index at 2 weeks predicts poor response at the end of EEN.

Conclusion

EEN can be used in most Chinese pediatric CD patients to induce remission and improve nutrition.
Solvent‐free mixed micellar mobile phases: An advanced green chemistry approach for reversed‐phase HPLC determination of some antihypertensive drugs
Authors: Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Elmansi Heba , Belal Fathalla
Published: June 2020

Minimizing the amount of organic solvents without loss in chromatographic performance has been an important step toward greening analytical methodologies. Mobile‐phase composition is the key for maintaining separation efficiency in liquid chromatography while decreasing the procedure hazardousness. If sodium dodecyl sulfate is mixed with Brij‐35 in the mobile phase, they could be used as a green alternative for using organic modifiers. In this research, the effect of changing the relative amounts of both surfactants was studied on the chromatographic performance and separation efficiency of ten antihypertensive drugs belonging to different categories. The use of surfactants has many advantages including low cost and toxicity, safe environmental disposal, unique selectivity besides high solubilization capabilities. The optimum separation was maintained using a mobile phase (0.01 M Brij‐35, 0.08 M sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.01 M sodium dihydrogen phosphate/pH 5) on reversed‐phase C18 core–shell column at flow rate 1.5 mL/min and temperature 30°C. The method was successfully applied for the determination of the drugs in various marketed dosage forms. International Conference of Harmonization guidelines were followed to validate the developed method. Additionally, the method was verified on the Green Analytical Procedure Index in regards to the greenness and found to be an excellent green alternative method.
Legume lipoxygenase: Strategies for application in food industry
Authors: Shi Yuan , Mandal Ronit , Singh Anika , Pratap Singh Anubhav
Published: June 2020

Lipoxygenase (LOX) is a widely distributed enzyme in plant and animal cells. It catalyzes the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid into fatty acid hydroperoxides. LOX is also associated with the production of aroma substrates, color changes, and alternation of physico‐chemical characteristics. The associated reaction could be either desirable or undesirable in food production. An understanding of LOX characteristics and functional principles is essential for utilizing LOX as a natural food ingredient. Legumes are nutrient‐dense food ingredient and also serve as a good source of LOX. This paper is focused on the biological function of LOX in legumes, the history of legume LOX, the application of legume LOX in the food industry, and the inhibition strategies of unwanted LOX‐catalyzed reaction.
Prophylactic Strategy Against De Novo Hepatitis B Virus Infection for Pediatric Recipients Who Receive Hepatitis B Core Antibody–Positive Liver Grafts
Authors: Song Zhuolun , Dong Chong , Meng Xingchu , Sun Chao , Wang Kai , Qin Hong , Han Chao , Yang Yang , Zhang Fubo , Zheng Weiping , Chen Jing , Duan Keran , Bi Bowen , Gao Wei
Published: June 2020

The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a perioperative prophylactic strategy against de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients with hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)–positive grafts. A total of 482 pediatric recipients transplanted between 2013 and 2017 were enrolled, and 170 recipients received HBcAb‐positive liver grafts. The overall graft and recipient survival rates in HBcAb‐positive and HBcAb‐negative graft recipients were 91.8% versus 91.3% and 95.3% versus 94.2% at the end of follow‐up. Preoperative hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer ≥ 1000 IU/L and postoperative HBsAb titer ≥200 IU/L were our prophylactic targets for recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive grafts. While 11 recipients developed de novo HBV infection, 10 received HBcAb‐positive grafts. Both the preoperative and postoperative HBsAb targets were achieved in 78 recipients, the infection rate of de novo HBV was 1.3%; 24 recipients met the preoperative target, the infection rate was 4.2%; 52 recipients met the postoperative target, the infection rate was 1.9%; and 16 recipients met neither the preoperative nor postoperative HBsAb target, 43.8% of the recipients were infected with de novo HBV, which was significantly higher than the recipients who met both or either of the preoperative and postoperative targets. Split‐liver grafts positive for HBcAb showed higher risk of de novo HBV infection. Postoperative application of lamivudine to recipients whose preoperative HBsAb titer < 1000 IU/L did not show preventive effect. Out of 11 infected recipients, 3 showed seroconversion under entecavir treatment. In conclusion, the graft and recipient survival rates were similar in pediatric LT recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive or HBcAb‐negative grafts. Our prophylactic strategy was effective for preventing de novo HBV infection in HBcAb‐positive liver graft recipients.
Etiology of Liver Steatosis Influences the Severity of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Survival After Liver Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Miyachi Yosuke , Yagi Shintaro , Hirata Masaaki , Iwamura Sena , Yao Siyuan , Shirai Hisaya , Okumura Shinya , Iida Taku , Ito Takashi , Uozumi Ryuji , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: June 2020

Liver steatosis is a leading cause of graft disposal in liver transplantation, though the degree of steatosis is often the single factor determining acceptability of the graft. We investigated how the cause of liver steatosis affects graft function in rat orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). OLT was performed using 2 types of steatotic liver grafts: the fasting and hyperalimentation (FHA) model and the methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet models. The FHA and 4‐week feeding of a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet (MCDD4wk) groups showed similar liver triglyceride levels without signs of steatohepatitis. Therefore, the 2 groups were compared in the following experiment. With 6‐hour cold storage, the 7‐day survival rate after OLT was far worse in the FHA than in the MCDD4wk group (0% versus 100%, P = 0.002). With 1‐hour cold storage, the FHA group showed higher aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels and histological injury scores in zones 1 and 2 at 24 hours after reperfusion than the normal liver and MCDD4wk groups. Intrahepatic microcirculation and tissue adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly lower in the FHA group after reperfusion. Hepatocyte necrosis, sinusoidal endothelial cell injury, and abnormal swelling of the mitochondria were also found in the FHA group after reperfusion. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were higher in the MCDD4wk group before and after reperfusion. However, the grafts up‐regulated several antioxidant enzymes soon after reperfusion. Even though the degree of steatosis was equivalent, the 2 liver steatosis models possessed quite unique basal characteristics and showed completely different responses against ischemia/reperfusion injury and survival after transplantation. Our results demonstrate that the degree of fat accumulation is not a single determinant for the usability of steatotic liver grafts.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in poultry farms and in‐contact humans in Adama and Modjo towns, Ethiopia
Authors: Dagnew Betelhem , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Eguale Tadesse
Published: June 2020

Consumption of contaminated poultry and poultry products represents a common source of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection. Little is known on the status of Salmonella and their antimicrobial susceptibility in poultry farms in Ethiopia. This study investigated the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of nontyphoidal Salmonella among poultry farms in Adama and Modjo towns. Three hundred thirty‐four cloacal swabs, 384 fecal droppings of birds, 59 feed, 59 floor swabs, and 36 stools from in‐contact humans were collected and processed for Salmonella isolation. Isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay. Seventeen (28.8%) of the farms and 24 (2.9%) of the samples from poultry farms and 2.8% (1/36) of stool samples of humans in‐contact with poultry were positive for Salmonella. Most of the isolates (n = 21) were recovered from fecal droppings of birds while the remaining isolates were recovered from floor swab samples (n = 2) and cloacal swab sample (n = 1). Only three Salmonella serovars: S. Haifa (n = 14, 56%), S. Anatum (n = 7; 28%), and S. Give (n = 4; 16%) were detected. Poultry farms in Adama town, large flock sized farms, and farms that used antimicrobials were significantly associated with the occurrence of Salmonella (p < .05). Twenty (80%) and 19 (76%) of Salmonella isolates were resistant to streptomycin and tetracycline, respectively. Nineteen (76%) of the isolates were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. Detection of multidrug‐resistant strains of Salmonella in poultry farms suggests the need for detailed epidemiological and molecular studies to establish sources of acquisition of resistant Salmonella strains.
A novel c.2179T>C mutation blocked the intracellular transport of PHEX protein and caused X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets in a Chinese family
Authors: Li Baowei , Wang Xiong , Hao Xiaodan , Liu Yanran , Wang Yin , Shan Chan , Ao Xiang , Liu Ying , Bao HongChu , Li Peifeng
Published: June 2020

Background

X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a heterogeneous genetic phosphate wasting disorder that occupies the majority of inheritable hypophosphatemic rickets (HR). XLH is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the phosphate‐regulating endopeptidase gene (PHEX) located on the X chromosome.

Method

In this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) on the proband to identify the causative gene. The mutations were analyzed by predictive online software, such as PolyPhen‐2. Plasmids containing the wild‐type (WT) and mutant cDNA of the candidate gene were transfected into HEK293, then, the expression, cellular localization, and glycosylation state of the candidate proteins were detected by western blot, immunostaining, and endoglycosidase H digestion. The expression and concentration of related factor were measured by RT‐PCR and ELISA.

Results

We identified a novel missense mutation c.2179T>C in the PHEX that results in the substitution of p.Phe727Leu (F727L). This mutation was predicted to be disease‐causing by all four predictive online software. In vitro studies demonstrated that the F727L substitution hindered the intracellular trafficking of the mutant PHEX, with ~59% of mutant PHEX protein retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and only ~16% of the mutant protein localized on the cell surface. Endoglycosidase H digestion assay showed that the mutant F727L PHEX protein was not fully glycosylated. The concentration of intact FGF23 in hFOB1.19 cell culture medium collected from the mutant PHEX group was the highest (62.9 pg/ml) compared to the WT group (32.1 pg/ml) and control group (23.5 pg/ml).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that the mutant PHEX protein was lowly glycosylated and retarded within the ER, the intact FGF23 level in cell culture media caused by the mutant PHEX protein was significantly elevated compared to that of the WT group, which may explain why the single base mutation in the PHEX led to XLH syndrome in this family.
Development and characterization of a simulation module in the temporal domain for experimental optical atmospheric links affected by optical turbulence with gamma‐gamma probability density function
Authors: Arvizu‐Mondragón Arturo , Santos‐Aguilar Joel , López‐Leyva Josué A.
Published: June 2020

We present the development and characterization of a simulation module in the temporal domain for optical atmospheric links affected by optical turbulence with Gamma‐Gamma probability density function. We generate time series for different turbulence levels, from weak to strong, to simulate the effect produced by the atmospheric optical channel over an optical carrier with binary‐modulated intensity. We added at the photoreceiver stage a time‐domain amplitude noise from a real‐world component. We carried out performance evaluation of the simulated links through eye pattern diagrams making a qualitative comparison of the waveforms obtained in some of our simulations with waveforms acquired in our long‐distance atmospheric optical links. Our module allows carrying out in a simple way the design and the characterization in the time domain by simulation models of optical links for atmospheric optical communications. Including parameters of physical components, we can obtain results closer to those obtained in the real world.
Whole blood survival motor neuron protein levels correlate with severity of denervation in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Alves Christiano R. R. , Zhang Ren , Johnstone Alec J. , Garner Reid , Eichelberger Eric J. , Lepez Salomé Da Silva Duarte , Yi Vivian , Stevens Victoria , Poxson Rebekah , Schwartz Rachel , Zaworski Phillip , Swoboda Kathryn J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

We sought to determine whether survival motor neuron (SMN) protein blood levels correlate with denervation and SMN2 copies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Methods

Using a mixed‐effect model, we tested associations between SMN levels, compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and SMN2 copies in a cohort of 74 patients with SMA. We analyzed a subset of 19 of these patients plus four additional patients who had been treated with received gene therapy to examine SMN trajectories early in life.

Results

Patients with SMA who had lower CMAP values had lower circulating SMN levels (P = .04). Survival motor neuron protein levels were different between patients with two and three SMN2 copies (P < .0001) and between symptomatic and presymptomatic patients (P < .0001), with the highest levels after birth and progressive decline over the first 3 years. Neither nusinersen nor gene therapy clearly altered SMN levels.

Discussion

These data provide evidence that whole blood SMN levels correlate with SMN2 copy number and severity of denervation.
Extended isogeometric analysis for cohesive fracture
Authors: Fathi Farshid , Chen Lin , de Borst René
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to present an extended isogeometric formulation for cohesive fracture. The approach exploits the higher order interelement continuity property of nonuniform rational B‐splines (NURBS), in particular the higher accuracy that results for the stress prediction, which yields an improved estimate for the direction of crack propagation compared to customary Lagrangian interpolations. Shifting is used to ensure compatibility with the surrounding discretization, where, different from extended finite element methods, the affected elements stretch over several rows perpendicular to the crack path. To avoid fine meshes around the crack tip in case of cohesive fracture, a blending function is used in the extension direction of the crack path. To comply with standard finite element data structures, Bézier extraction is used. The absence of the Kronecker‐delta property in the higher order interpolations of isogeometric analysis impedes the enrichment scheme and compatibility enforcement. These issues are studied comprehensively at the hand of several examples, while crack propagation analyses show the viability of the approach.
Relationship between polarons and optical activity for conductive polymer/hydroxypropyl cellulose composite
Authors: Eguchi Naoto , Goto Hiromasa
Published: June 2020

A chiroptical conjugated polymer, poly(2,2′‐bis[3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene]‐alt‐fluorene) (poly[E‐Flu]), was synthesized by electrochemical polymerization in a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) electrolyte solution. Subsequent poly(E‐Flu) characterization was conducted using polarizing optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy, as well as electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. Surface observations reveal that the poly(E‐Flu) film has a fingerprint texture, which is typical optical textures of CLCs exposed to cross‐polarization. Fingerprint texture of poly(E‐Flu) indicates that the transcription of the CLC helical structure from the CLC electrolyte solution to the conjugated polymer has occurred during the electrochemical polymerization reaction. Optical rotation dispersity and circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicated that poly(E‐Flu) is optically active and that its optical activity is reversibly changed in the electrochemical redox processes.
Investigation of interactions between cytochrome c and ginsenosides by native mass spectrometry and molecular docking simulations
Authors: Du Yang , Zhao Fengjiao , Xing Junpeng , Cui Meng , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Ginsenosides are considered to be the main functional components in ginseng and possess various important pharmacological activities. The study of the interactions between ginsenosides and proteins is indispensable for understanding the pharmacological activities of ginsenosides. In this work, the interactions of ginsenosides with cytochrome c (cyt c) were investigated by native mass spectrometry and molecular docking simulations.

Methods

The interactions of four ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb3, Rf, Rg1) and cyt c in NH4OAc solution were investigated by electrospray ionization linear ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐LTQ‐MS). Molecular docking simulations of cyt c complexes were carried out by AutoDock.

Results

The native mass spectrometry results showed that the four ginsenosides were directly bound to cyt c, with stoichiometric ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 in NH4OAc. The order of relative binding abilities of ginsenosides to cyt c obtained by ESI‐MS was Rb1 > Rb3 > Rf > Rg1, which was consistent with the docking results. Moreover, molecular docking simulations also indicated potential binding sites of cyt c and ginsenosides. Hydrogen‐bond interaction played a very important role in cyt c binding with ginsenosides.

Conclusions

It has been demonstrated that native MS is a useful tool to investigate the interactions of ginsenosides with cyt c. Molecular docking is a good complement to ESI analysis, and can provide information on potential binding sites of cyt c–ginsenoside complexess. This strategy will be helpful to further understand the interactions of proteins and small molecules.
An online power allocation algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning in multibeam satellite systems
Authors: Zhang Pei , Wang Xiaohui , Ma Zhiguo , Liu Shuaijun , Song Junde
Published: June 2020

Dynamic power allocation (DPA) is the key technique to improve the system throughput by matching the offered capacity with that required among distributed beams in multibeam satellite systems. Existing power allocation studies tend to adopt the metaheuristic optimization algorithms such as the genetic algorithm. The achieved DPA cannot adapt to the dynamic environments due to the varying traffic demands and the channel conditions. To solve this problem, an online algorithm named deep reinforcement learning‐based dynamic power allocation (DRL‐DPA) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The key idea of the proposed DRL‐DPA lies in the online power allocation decision making other than the offline way of the traditional metaheuristic methods. Simulation results show that the proposed DRL‐DPA algorithm can improve the system performance in terms of system throughput and power consumption in multibeam satellite systems.
Broad Bandwidth, Self‐Powered Acoustic Sensor Created by Dynamic Near‐Field Electrospinning of Suspended, Transparent Piezoelectric Nanofiber Mesh
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Stipp Patrick N. , Ouaras Karim , Fathi Saeed , Huang Yan Yan Shery
Published: June 2020

Freely suspended nanofibers, such as spider silk, harnessing their small diameter (sub‐micrometer) and spanning fiber morphology, behave as a nonresonating acoustic sensor. The associated sensing characteristics, departing from conventional resonant acoustic sensors, could be of tremendous interest for the development of high sensitivity, broadband audible sensors for applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and internet‐of‐things. Herein, a low packing density, freely suspended nanofiber mesh with a piezoelectric active polymer is fabricated, demonstrating a self‐powered acoustic sensing platform with broad sensitivity bandwidth covering 200–5000 Hz at hearing‐safe sound pressure levels. Dynamic near‐field electrospinning is developed to fabricate in situ poled poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) nanofiber mesh (average fiber diameter ≈307 nm), exhibiting visible light transparency greater than 97%. With the ability to span the nanomesh across a suspension distance of 3 mm with minimized fiber stacking (≈18% fiber packing density), individual nanofibers can freely imitate the acoustic‐driven fluctuation of airflow in a collective manner, where piezoelectricity is harvested at two‐terminal electrodes for direct signal collection. Applications of the nanofiber mesh in music recording with good signal fidelity are demonstrated.
In Vivo Repeatedly Activated Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles by Radiopharmaceuticals for Long‐Lasting Tumor Optical Imaging
Authors: Liu Nian , Shi Junpeng , Wang Qiang , Guo Jingru , Hou Zhenyu , Su Xinhui , Zhang Hongwu , Sun Xiaolian
Published: June 2020

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) with rechargeable near‐infrared afterglow properties attract much attention for tumor diagnosis in living animals since they can avoid tissue autofluorescence and greatly improve the signal‐to‐background ratio. Using UV, visible light, or X‐ray as excitation sources to power up persistent luminescence (PL) faces the challenges such as limited tissue penetration, inefficient charging capability, or tissue damage caused by irradiation. Here, it is proved that radiopharmaceuticals can efficiently excite ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ nanoparticles (ZGCs) for both fluorescence and afterglow luminescence via Cerenkov resonance energy transfer as well as ionizing radiation. 18F‐FDG, a clinically approved tumor‐imaging radiopharmaceutical with a short decay half‐life around 110 min, is successfully used as the internal light source to in vivo excite intravenously injected ZGCs for tumor luminescence imaging over 3 h. The luminescence with similar decay time can be re‐obtained for multiple times upon injection of 18F‐FDG at any time needed with no health concern. It is believed this strategy can not only provide tumor luminescence imaging with high sensitivity, high contrast, and long decay time at desired time, but also guarantee the patients much less radiation exposure, greatly benefiting image‐guided surgery in the future.
Interface Modulation of MoS2/Metal Oxide Heterostructures for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Hu Jue , Zhang Chengxu , Zhang Yizhen , Yang Baomin , Qi Qianglong , Sun Mingzi , Zi Futing , Leung Michael K. H. , Huang Bolong
Published: June 2020

Developing efficient earth‐abundant MoS2 based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is important but challenging due to the sluggish kinetics in alkaline media. Herein, a strategy to fabricate a high‐performance MoS2 based HER electrocatalyst by modulating interface electronic structure via metal oxides is developed. All the heterostructure catalysts present significant improvement of HER electrocatalytic activities, demonstrating a positive role of metal oxides decoration in promoting the rate‐limited water dissociation step for the HER mechanism in alkaline media. The as‐obtained MoS2/Ni2O3H catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 84 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and small charge‐transfer resistance of 1.5 Ω in 1 m KOH solution. The current density (217 mA cm−2) at the overpotential of 200 mV is about 2 and 24 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C and bare MoS2, respectively. Additionally, these MoS2/metal oxides heterostructure catalysts show outstanding long‐term stability under a harsh chronopotentiometry test. Theoretical calculations reveal the varied sensitivity of 3d‐band in different transition oxides, in which Ni‐3d of Ni2O3H is evidently activated to achieve fast electron transfer for HER as the electron‐depletion center. Both electronic properties and energetic reaction trends confirm the high electroactivity of MoS2/Ni2O3H in the adsorption and dissociation of H2O for highly efficient HER in alkaline media.
Manufacturing upgrading in industry 4.0 era
Authors: Chen Yongdang , Han Zhiyou , Cao Kunyu , Zheng Xianrong , Xu Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

Intelligent manufacturing system is considered as the key of industrial competitiveness, which has a far‐reaching impact on the enterprise development. This paper conducts an analysis of intelligent manufacturing in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The study provides insight on upgrading manufacturing SMEs in industry 4.0 era.
Taking the water out of “wastewater”: An ineluctable oxymoron for urban water cycle sustainability
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G.
Published: June 2020

Water, energy, and food are key resources that could easily limit sustainability of human society development. Water supply requires considerable amounts of energy, and “usedwater” carries considerable amounts of embedded energy and recoverable materials within. Usedwater is increasingly considered as a potential resource, rather than as a waste. Among process technology options that may allow efficient recovery of that energy, anaerobic digestion could be considered the most mature, already sporting countless applications worldwide. However, the present inefficient dilution‐base collection systems paradigm produces rather dilute sewage, preventing to a large degree a more efficient application of this technology. A new collection system paradigm, based on liquid sources segregation and minimal organics dilution, could result in significant energy savings for conveyance and treatment. This could also enhance recovery of nutrients and reclamation of potentially reusable water, with the associated benefit of reduced production of process residuals requiring further disposal. Implications of this model are discussed.

Practitioner points

The nexus between water, energy, and food is an impending challenge on water cycle sustainability

Current paradigms of urban water management are based on disadvantageous paradigms: high dilution and gravity flow

Taking the water out of wastewater may improve energy and recovery efficiency of urban water systems and water reuse options

Technologies exist (high‐rate anaerobic, vacuum sewers) and are mature for more widespread application of new urban sanitation paradigms
Nest, eggs and nestling description of the Silvery-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula luctuosa (Pelzeln, 1868) in the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil
Authors: da Silva Cleverton , de Azevedo Cristiano Schetini , Ruiz-Esparza Juan , de Souza Ribeiro Adauto
Published: June 2020

In the present study, we describe the nest, eggs, and nestlings of the Silvery-flanked Antwren,Myrmotherula luctuosa. One nest was found on 08 May 2017 on the edge of one of the forest fragments of the Serra de Itabaiana National Park, in the state of Sergipe, northeast Brazil, and was monitored until 21 May 2017. The nest, presented the following dimensions: external height: 7.6 cm; outside diameter: 21 × 19 cm; internal diameter: 13.3 × 11 cm; depth of the oologic chamber: 4.7 cm; and height in relation to the ground: 84 cm. The two eggs found in the nest were white with reddish-brown dots, patches and stripes and weighed 1.7 and 1.5 g. Incubation was performed by both the male and female, as well as feeding of the nestlings. A single egg hatched, giving rise to a 3.9 cm, 3.7 g nestling. According to our estimates, the young fledged with about 11 days. This is the first study to present information about the reproductive biology of the Silvery-flanked Antwren.
How much, if anything, do we know about sperm chromosomes of Robertsonian translocation carriers?
Authors: Wiland Ewa , Olszewska Marta , Woźniak Tomasz , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: June 2020

In men with oligozoospermia, Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) are the most common type of autosomal aberrations. The most commonly occurring types are rob(13;14) and rob(14;21), and other types of RobTs are described as ‘rare’ cases. Based on molecular research, all RobTs can be broadly classified into Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 translocations produce the same breakpoints within their RobT type, but Class 2 translocations are predicted to form during meiosis or mitosis through a variety of mechanisms, resulting in variation in the breakpoint locations. This review seeks to analyse the available data addressing the question of whether the molecular classification of RobTs into Classes 1 and 2 and/or the type of DD/GG/DG symmetry of the involved chromosomes is reflected in the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The lowest frequency value calculated for the rate of alternate segregants was found for rob(13;15) carriers (Class 2, symmetry DD) and the highest for rob(13;21) carriers (Class 2, DG symmetry). The aneuploidy values for the rare RobT (Class 2) and common rob(14;21) (Class 1) groups together exhibited similarities while differing from those for the common rob(13;14) (Class 1) group. Considering the division of RobT carriers into those with normozoospermia and those with oligoasthenozoospermia, it was found that the number of carriers with elevated levels of aneuploidy was unexpectedly quite similar and high (approx. 70%) in the two subgroups. The reason(s) that the same RobT does not always show a similar destructive effect on fertility was also pointed out.
Alienation and the Stability Problem
Authors: Sikorska Justyna
Published: June 2020

Starting from the inequality $$\begin{aligned} |f(x+y)-f(x)-f(y)+g(x+y)-g(x)g(y)|\leqslant \varepsilon , \quad x,y\in S, \end{aligned}$$

|
f
(
x
+
y
)
-
f
(
x
)
-
f
(
y
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+
g
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x
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y
)
-
g
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x
)
g
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y
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,

x
,
y
∈
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,

where f is a complex valued function defined on a monoid S, we deal with two problems: the stability problem and the problem of alienation of the approximate additivity condition from the condition of approximate exponentiality.
“Who’ll take the chair?” Maternal employment effects of a Polish (pre)school reform
Authors: Akgündüz Yusuf Emre , van Huizen Thomas , Plantenga Janneke
Published: June 2020

This study examines the impact of preschool availability on the employment of mothers of preschool-aged children. We exploit a transitional phase of a 2009 Polish education reform that simultaneously lowered the primary school age from 7 to 6 and provided a statutory right to preschool to 5-year-olds. As a significant share of 6-year-old children moved into primary schools a year earlier, their preschool seats effectively became available for younger children. The reform thereby led to a substantial rise in the number of available preschool seats for 3- to 5-year-olds. Using regional variation in the degree of preschool expansion, we estimate the impact of the increased availability of preschool seats on maternal employment. Our results indicate a significant and sizable employment effect: a 10% points increase in the ratio of preschool seats to preschool-aged children increases maternal employment by around 4.2% points. The effect seems to be concentrated among highly educated mothers and mothers with a youngest child of age three.
Correction to: Lean mass and lower limb muscle function in relation to hip strength, geometry and fracture risk indices in community-dwelling older women
Authors: Elhakeem A. , Hartley A. , Luo Y. , Goertzen A. L. , Hannam K. , Clark E. M. , Leslie W. D. , Tobias J. H.
Published: June 2020

The original version of this article, published on 14 December 2018, unfortunately contained a mistake.