bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia: A review of the evidence, proposed mechanisms and implications for treatment
Authors: Mongan David , Ramesar Matthew , Föcking Melanie , Cannon Mary , Cotter David
Published: August 2019

Aim

Over the past several decades, there has been a growing research interest in the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. This review aims to summarize evidence in support of this relationship, to discuss biological mechanisms that might explain it, and to explore the translational impact by examining evidence from trials of anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Methods

This narrative review of the literature summarizes evidence from observational studies, clinical trials and meta‐analyses to evaluate the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and to discuss associated implications for treatment.

Results

Epidemiological evidence and animal models support a hypothesis of maternal immune activation during pregnancy, which increases the risk of schizophrenia in the offspring. Several biomarker studies have found associations between classical pro‐inflammatory cytokines and schizophrenia. The precise biological mechanisms by which inflammatory processes might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia remain unclear, but likely include the actions of microglia and the complement system. Importantly, several trials provide evidence that certain anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents show beneficial effects in the treatment of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, there is a need for further precision‐focused basic science and translational research.

Conclusions

Increasing our understanding of the role of inflammation in schizophrenia will enable novel opportunities for therapeutic and preventative interventions that are informed by the underlying pathogenesis of this complex disorder.
Quantifying nutrient inputs by gulls to a fluctuating lake, aided by movement ecology methods
Authors: Martín‐Vélez Víctor , Sánchez Marta I. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Thaxter Chris B. , Stienen Eric W. M. , Camphuysen Kees C. J. , Green Andy J.
Published: August 2019

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is a global problem with major ecological and economic impacts. In many lakes and reservoirs, guanotrophication occurs when roosting waterbirds import nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from surrounding terrestrial habitats. To date, nutrient loading by waterbirds has been estimated based on censuses in the absence of detailed information on their movements. We quantified nutrient importation by the lesser black‐backed gull (Larus fuscus) to Fuente de Piedra (1,350 ha) in Andalusia (south‐west Spain), where an average of 36,288 individuals are counted in January.

During seven winters from 2010 to 2017, we used movement data from 20 individual gulls tagged with Global Positioning System trackers that foraged in four landfills. Together with monthly bird counts and measurements of total N and P content in faeces and pellet samples, movement data were used to quantify the total external loading effect for different winters. Movement data allowed us to quantify the proportion of time spent in the lake and the time spent at different foraging sites and enabled correction of censuses.

According to tracking data, on average 69% of the birds had already left the lake to head for feeding sites when waterbird counts were carried out. Nutrient inputs to the lake depend partly on the proportion of the day that gulls spend there, which was higher in late winters and was reduced when lake depth went below or above 20–35 cm. An estimated average of 10.17 kg N ha−1 year−1 and 2.07 kg P ha−1 year−1 were imported to this closed‐basin lake by gulls each winter, with highest values recorded in winter 2016–2017.

Gull guano is the most important winter source of nutrients to the lake. Regurgitated pellets have been ignored as a source of nutrients in other guanotrophy studies, but we found them to be a more important source of P than faeces. A movement ecology approach complements traditional censuses and facilitates the study of guanotrophication in multiple ways, including identification of sources of nutrients, correction of censuses, and measuring time spent at roost sites.
Diverging phenological responses of Arctic seabirds to an earlier spring
Authors: Descamps Sébastien , Ramírez Francisco , Benjaminsen Sigurd , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Barrett Robert T. , Burr Zofia , Christensen‐Dalsgaard Signe , Erikstad Kjell‐Einar , Irons David B. , Lorentsen Svein‐Håkon , Mallory Mark L. , Robertson Gregory J. , Reiertsen Tone Kirstin , Strøm Hallvard , Varpe Øystein , Lavergne Sébastien
Published: August 2019

The timing of annual events such as reproduction is a critical component of how free‐living organisms respond to ongoing climate change. This may be especially true in the Arctic, which is disproportionally impacted by climate warming. Here, we show that Arctic seabirds responded to climate change by moving the start of their reproduction earlier, coincident with an advancing onset of spring and that their response is phylogenetically and spatially structured. The phylogenetic signal is likely driven by seabird foraging behavior. Surface‐feeding species advanced their reproduction in the last 35 years while diving species showed remarkably stable breeding timing. The earlier reproduction for Arctic surface‐feeding birds was significant in the Pacific only, where spring advancement was most pronounced. In both the Atlantic and Pacific, seabirds with a long breeding season showed a greater response to the advancement of spring than seabirds with a short breeding season. Our results emphasize that spatial variation, phylogeny, and life history are important considerations in seabird phenological response to climate change and highlight the key role played by the species’ foraging behavior.
Obstetrical and postpartum complications in women with hereditary fibrinogen disorders: A systematic literature review
Authors: Valiton Vivian , Hugon‐Rodin Justine , Fontana Pierre , Neerman‐Arbez Marguerite , Casini Alessandro
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Hereditary fibrinogen disorders (HFD) are rare quantitative or qualitative fibrinogen anomalies, including afibrinogenaemia (A), hypofibrinogenaemia (H), dysfibrinogenaemia (D) and hypodysfibrinogenaemia (HD). As fibrinogen plays an essential role in pregnancy, we addressed the issue of obstetrical and postpartum complications in women with HFD.

Methods

A systematic literature review, restricted to English manuscripts, was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched through the MEDLINE database for English articles, published from January 1985 until November 2018, focusing on pregnancy in A, H, D and HD. A total of 198 articles were identified, 15 articles were added from other sources. Overall, 213 articles were screened and 54 were included in the final analysis.

Results

A total of 188 pregnancies from 70 women were analysed. About half of pregnancies resulted in miscarriage; more specifically in 15 (42.9%), 36 (46.8%), 27 (42.9%) and 4 (30.8%) of A, H, D and HD patients, respectively. Preterm complications were also frequent (33.5%). Metrorrhagia, mainly in the first trimester, was observed in 21.7% of the pregnancies. Placenta abruption was reported in 5 (14.3%), 4 (5.2%), 5 (7.9%) and 1 (7.7%) of A, H, D and HD, respectively. A total of 24 (12.7%) deliveries were complicated by postpartum thrombotic events (3.2%) or postpartum haemorrhage (9.6%). A fibrinogen replacement therapy was introduced in 30% of pregnancies, as prophylaxis (81.1%) or on demand (18.9%).

Conclusion

These results suggest that women with HFD are at high risk of obstetrical and postpartum complications. Prospective international registries may allow to identify more precisely the incidence of obstetrical and postpartum adverse outcomes and their management.
Assessing decision regret in caregivers of deceased German people with cancer—A psychometric validation of the Decision Regret Scale for Caregivers
Authors: Haun Markus W. , Schakowski Alexander , Preibsch Ariane , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Hartmann Mechthild
Published: August 2019

Background

Decisional regret during or after medical treatments is linked to significant distress. Regret affects not only patients but also caregivers having an active or passive role during decision making. The Decision Regret Scale (DRS) is a self‐report measure for regret in patients after treatment decisions. However, practical and psychometrically robust instruments assessing regret in caregivers are lacking.

Objective

To develop and validate a caregiver version of the DRS (Decision Regret Scale for Caregivers [DRS‐C]).

Design

Psychometric validation based on a web survey.

Setting and participants

361 caregivers of deceased German people/patients with cancer.

Main variables studied

Besides structural validity and test‐retest reliability, we evaluated measurement invariance accounting for gender, age and closeness of relationship, and tested hypotheses on convergent/discriminant validity.

Results

Forty‐five per cent of all caregivers demonstrated decision regret. Confirmatory factor analyses strongly supported the unidimensional structure of the DRS‐C and pointed to strict invariance. The DRS‐C demonstrated very good internal consistency (α = 0.83, 95% CI [0.81, 0.86]) and test‐retest reliability (ICC [A,1] = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59, 0.83]) along with sound convergent/discriminant validity. Concerning responsiveness, DRS‐C scores remained stable over a 12‐week period in 83.3% of all caregivers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded a cut point of 43 for the identification of significant decision regret (AUC = 0.62, 95% CI [0.56, 0.68]).

Discussion and conclusions

The lack of a gold standard instrument prevented us from examining the criterion validity and determining a minimally important difference. Nevertheless, the DRS‐C provides valid and reliable information regarding caregiver regret following medical decisions. Above all, it captures a crucial aspect of the treatment experience in caregivers.
Enhancement of electrical conductivity of Ca2.93Sr0.07Co4O9 thick films via hot uniaxial pressing
Authors: Mora Mario , Amaveda Hippolyte , Torres Miguel A. , Madre Maria A. , Marinel Sylvain , Sotelo Andres
Published: August 2019

Sr‐doped Ca3Co4O9 thermoelectric thick films have been prepared by dip‐coating technique, followed by sintering and hot uniaxial pressing. XRD patterns are very similar in both types of samples, with only differences in the relative intensity of peaks, pointing out to a better grain orientation in hot‐pressed films. Moreover, SEM observation showed a drastic decrease in the hot‐pressed films thickness. Electrical resistivity is decreased in textured materials due to the higher grain orientation and density, confirmed through Hall measurements. On the other hand, Seebeck coefficient is maintained practically unchanged. Power factor at 800°C is much higher in textured materials (0.44 mW/K2m) than determined in sintered films (0.30 mW/K2m), and in the order of the best typically reported in the literature (0.43 mW/K2m).
Predictive biomarkers for drug response in bladder cancer
Authors: Yoshida Takahiro , Kates Max , Fujita Kazutoshi , Bivalacqua Trinity J , McConkey David J
Published: August 2019

Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Interpatient heterogeneity in response to a drug limits treatment options and impairs improvement of patient survival. For example, approximately half of patients do not respond to cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy, although it is the standard of care for muscle‐invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. The development of robust predictive biomarkers is expected to improve outcomes by enabling clinicians to use chemotherapy only in the patients who will benefit from it. Recent advances in the molecular characterization of bladder cancer showed that the basal subtype of bladder cancer and tumors with inactivating mutations in DNA damage repair genes were associated with greater benefit from cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. The present review summarizes current efforts to develop predictive biomarkers for drug response in bladder cancer, focusing on those that predict the response to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer. We also review the current situation with regard to the identification of predictive biomarkers for response to intravesical therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and molecularly‐targeted drugs. We also discuss the future applications of new technologies, including liquid biopsies and patient‐derived organoids that will also serve as resources for the identification of biomarkers in bladder cancer.
Root morphological traits of winter wheat under contrasting environments
Authors: Peng Bin , Liu Xiuwei , Dong Xuejun , Xue Qingwu , Neely Clark B. , Marek Thomas , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Zhang Guorong , Leskovar Daniel I. , Rudd Jackie C.
Published: August 2019

Roots strongly influence the growth and yield of field crops. We characterized root morphological traits of 10 winter wheat varieties in order to determine the extent they were influenced by the environments and impacted grain yield under two irrigation regimes at Bushland (a cooler, drier site with clay loam soil) and Uvalde (a warmer, wetter site with clay soil) in Texas, USA, from 2015 to 2017. Major root traits, including root diameter, specific root length (SRL), root surface area (SSA), tissue mass density (TMD), root length density (RLD), and root weight density, were measured and related to one another and to grain yield. RLD of wheat decreased but SRL and SSA increased with soil depth. Irrigation was second to environment in affecting root traits. Compared with Uvalde, the environment of Bushland promoted deeper root growth, higher TMD, but reduced SRL and SSA. Water deficit inhibited RLD and root: shoot ratio at Bushland, but moderately promoted them at Uvalde. Both SRL and RLD were positively associated with grain yield, with the former relation stronger under drought. The dichotomy of “conservative” versus “acquisitive” root strategy partially explained the variations of root traits of winter wheat in contrasting environments.
Anti‐angiogenic effect of quercetin and its 8‐methyl pentamethyl ether derivative in human microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Lupo Gabriella , Cambria Maria Teresa , Olivieri Melania , Rocco Concetta , Caporarello Nunzia , Longo Anna , Zanghì Guido , Salmeri Mario , Foti Mario C. , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela
Published: August 2019

Angiogenesis is involved in many pathological states such as progression of tumours, retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy. The latter is a more complex diabetic complication in which neurodegeneration plays a significant role and a leading cause of blindness. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a powerful pro‐angiogenic factor that acts through three tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR‐1, VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3). In this work we studied the anti‐angiogenic effect of quercetin (Q) and some of its derivates in human microvascular endothelial cells, as a blood retinal barrier model, after stimulation with VEGF‐A. We found that a permethylated form of Q, namely 8MQPM, more than the simple Q, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis both in vitro and ex vivo. Our results showed that these compounds inhibited cell viability and migration and disrupted the formation of microvessels in rabbit aortic ring. The addition of Q and more significantly 8MQPM caused recoveries or completely re‐establish the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to the control values and suppressed the activation of VEGFR2 downstream signalling molecules such as AKT, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase. Taken together, these data suggest that 8MQPM might have an important role in the contrast of angiogenesis‐related diseases.
Limited synergy of obesity and hypertension, prevalent risk factors in onset and progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Brandt Maarten M. , Nguyen Isabel T. N. , Krebber Merle M. , van de Wouw Jens , Mokry Michal , Cramer Maarten J. , Duncker Dirk J. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Joles Jaap A. , Cheng Caroline
Published: August 2019

Obesity and hypertension are prevalent comorbidities in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. To clarify if and how interaction between these comorbidities contributes to development of diastolic dysfunction, lean and obese ZSF1 rats were treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate implants and a high‐salt diet (DS) to induce severe hypertension, or with placebo. In addition to echocardiographic, metabolic and hemodynamic analyses, immunohistochemistry and RNAseq were performed on left ventricular tissue. Obesity negatively affected cardiac output, led to an elevated E/e’ ratio and mildly reduced ejection fraction. DS‐induced hypertension did not affect cardiac output and minimally elevated E/e’ ratio. Diastolic derangements in placebo‐treated obese rats developed in absence of inflammation and fibrosis, yet in presence of oxidative stress and hypertrophic remodelling. In contrast, hypertension triggered apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis, with limited synergy of the comorbidities observed for inflammation and fibrosis. Transcriptional data suggested that these comorbidities exerted opposite effects on mitochondrial function. In placebo‐treated obese rats, genes involved in fatty acid metabolism were up‐regulated, whereas DS‐induced a down‐regulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Overall, limited interaction was observed between these comorbidities in development of diastolic dysfunction. Importantly, differences in obesity‐ and hypertension‐induced cardiac remodelling emphasize the necessity for comorbidity‐specific phenotypical characterization.
Mismatches in the production of a scoping review: Highlighting the interplay of (in)formalities
Authors: Sager Morten , Pistone Isabella
Published: August 2019

The move towards evidence‐based medicine has generated rapid growth in reviews of research literature. The scoping review is one of the new literature reviews that has emerged from traditional systematic reviews. A scoping review aims to map the literature on a particular topic or research area. As scoping reviews become more popular, methods for conducting scoping reviews are rapidly increasing. In light of these recent developments, this paper investigates how complex scoping reviews are conducted. As an analytical framework, we draw on previous work about (in)formalities (ie, the interplay of formalities and informal judgments in scientific research). We show how the process of constructing a population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO), searching and selecting relevant literature, requires informal deliberations, judgments, and choices that are not considered in the formal methodology used when conducting scoping reviews. This paper asks the following questions: What could be learned from this empirical case of conducting a scoping review by applying theoretical insights about (in)formalities? What are the possible implications for future development of scoping reviews? We provide three suggestions. First, PICO served as a starting point for the review process, supported decisions continuously during the process, and served as an image of the end product of the scoping review. We suggest that these three roles need to be considered to a larger extent in the future development of scoping review methods. Second, the contextual constraints of scoping reviews such as time, resources, and the jurisdiction of the commissioning agency need to be made explicit in the reporting of scoping reviews. Third, the findings in this paper indicate that the evolving emphasis on formalization in both the methods the reporting practices of scoping reviews could benefit if complemented with a more pronounced role for informalities. In addition, highlighting the informalities in scoping review methods may serve to create more realistic expectations of the methods, the validity, and the potentials of scoping reviews.
Influence of pretreatment tumor growth rate on objective response of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Purcell Yvonne , Sartoris Riccardo , Paradis Valérie , Vilgrain Valérie , Ronot Maxime
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

The study aims to assess the influence of pretreatment tumor growth rate (TGR) on modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) objective response (OR) after a first session of selective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

One hundred fifteen patients (101 men [88%], mean 65.1 ± 10.5 years [range 26–87]) with 169 tumors (mean 34.2 ± 29.3 mm [10–160]), undergoing a first session of selective TACE for the treatment of HCC between 2011 and 2016, were included. TGR was calculated as the percentage change in tumor volume per month (%/month) on imaging before treatment. TGR cut‐off for prediction of OR was identified by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Overall 88/189 (52%) and 46/189 (27%) tumors showed complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) (OR rate 79%), while 32/189 (19%) showed stable disease (SD), and 3/189 (2%) were progressive disease (PD) on computed tomography at 1‐month post‐TACE. The mean pretreatment TGR was 12.0 ± 15.4 (−3.2–90.4) %/month. TGR of tumors showing CR, PR, SD, and PD was a mean 13.2 ± 16.4%, 12.1 ± 15.1%, 5.3 ± 4.5%, and 44.8 ± 20.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). The three tumors showing PD had TGR values > 20%/month. TGR was significantly higher in tumors with OR (12.8 ± 15.9% vs 5.3 ± 4.5% in SD, P = 0.009). A cut‐off value of 6.5%/month had the highest predictive value of OR (AUROC 0.65 ± 0.05, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Pretreatment TGR is highly variable in HCC before TACE with a U‐shaped distribution for the prediction of tumor response. It provides insight into tumor biology that may be used during pretreatment workup to help stratify patients.
Bacterial Vaginosis: A Clinical Update with a Focus on Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Authors: Falconi‐McCahill Antoinette
Published: August 2019

Bacterial vaginosis is a prevalent vaginal infection that affects women of all ages. Presenting symptoms include a vaginal discharge that is thin and white and has a fishy odor. This infection is associated with the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections as well as premature labor and preterm birth. Recurrence rates after treatment are high, and medication adverse effects are common, leading many women to seek alternative therapies to manage and prevent recurrence. Many of these treatments are searchable online, and ingredients are easily obtainable. The purpose of this article is to review the state of the science regarding the safety and efficacy of alternative therapies for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women.
Two Pantoea agglomerans type III effectors can transform nonpathogenic and phytopathogenic bacteria into host‐specific gall‐forming pathogens
Authors: Nissan Gal , Chalupowicz Laura , Sessa Guido , Manulis‐Sasson Shulamit , Barash Isaac
Published: August 2019

Pantoea agglomerans (Pa), a widespread commensal bacterium, has evolved into a host‐specific gall‐forming pathogen on gypsophila and beet by acquiring a plasmid harbouring a type III secretion system (T3SS) and effectors (T3Es). Pantoea agglomerans pv. gypsophilae (Pag) elicits galls on gypsophila and a hypersensitive response on beet, whereas P. agglomerans pv. betae (Pab) elicits galls on beet and gypsophila. HsvG and HsvB are two paralogous T3Es present in both pathovars and act as host‐specific transcription activators on gypsophila and beet, respectively. PthG and PseB are major T3Es that contribute to gall development of Pag and Pab, respectively. To establish the minimal combinations of T3Es that are sufficient to elicit gall symptoms, strains of the nonpathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens 55, Pa 3‐1, Pa 98 and Escherichia coli, transformed with pHIR11 harbouring a T3SS, and the phytopathogenic bacteria Erwinia amylovora, Dickeya solani and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris were transformed with the T3Es hsvG, hsvB, pthG and pseB, either individually or in pairs, and used to infect gypsophila and beet. Strikingly, all the tested nonpathogenic and phytopathogenic bacterial strains harbouring hsvG and pthG incited galls on gypsophila, whereas strains harbouring hsvB and pseB, with the exception of E. coli, incited galls on beet.
Memes, digital remix culture and (re)mediating British politics and public life
Authors: Sobande Francesca
Published: August 2019

Digital remix culture is enabling people to express how they feel about politics and society in a way that was not possible before the internet. Politicians, policymakers and others committed to progressive social change should take heed of this culture in terms of what they can learn from it and how they can protect people from its most harmful effects
Mindful eating and common diet programs lower body weight similarly: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fuentes Artiles Ruben , Staub Kaspar , Aldakak Lafi , Eppenberger Patrick , Rühli Frank , Bender Nicole
Published: August 2019

Common strategies for reducing body weight rely on limiting energy intake and restricting food choices. However, these strategies have often been proven ineffective in achieving long‐term and sustainable weight reduction. More recently, mindful eating as an alternative weight management strategy has gained increasing attention, yet systematic reviews on intuitive or mindful eating published so far present contradictory results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis on randomized controlled trials on weight loss programs based on mindful or intuitive eating. We analyzed results using meta‐regressions. We included a total of 10 studies and found a significant weight loss effect of mindful/intuitive eating strategies compared with nonintervention controls (−0.348 kg, 95% CI: −0.591 to −0.105, P = 0.005). However, there was no difference compared with conventional diet programs (P = 0.99). Reduction of BMI (−0.137 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.365 to 0.091, P = 0.240) or waist circumference (−0.358 cm, 95% CI: −0.916 to 0.200, P = 0.209) were not statistically significant. Mindful/intuitive eating could be a practical approach to weight control. Limitations of this study include the unbalanced sex, origin, place of residence of the participants, and the short duration of interventions. Future research should aim at investigating long‐term effects and include a more heterogeneous study population.
Bureaucratic decision‐making: A multi‐method study of gender similarity bias and gender stereotype beliefs
Authors: Pedersen Mogens J. , Nielsen Vibeke L.
Published: August 2019

Research finds evidence for bias in frontline workers’ decision‐making affecting citizens, but important questions remain about the underlying causal logics: which mechanisms explain disparity in decision‐making for different demographic categories of citizens? To what extent is frontline workers’ decision‐making influenced by cognitive biases toward citizens similar to themselves (similarity bias) and by stereotypes? Focusing on gender bias and drawing on social identity theory and gender stereotype theory, this article examines how caseworker–citizen gender similarity and gender stereotypes shape caseworkers’ decision‐making. Using (a) an experimental vignette, (b) measurement of gender stereotype beliefs from a Brief Implicit Association Test, and (c) quasi‐experimental administrative data, we examine the effects of gender similarity and gender stereotypes in the policy area of child visitation in Denmark. We find support for both gender similarity and gender stereotype expectations. Moreover, the effect of gender stereotypes appears slightly larger than that of gender similarity.
Cadmium stress suppresses lateral root formation by interfering with the root clock
Authors: Xie Yuanming , Wang Jiahui , Zheng Lulu , Wang Yu , Luo Long , Ma Mingyue , Zhang Chi , Han Yi , Beeckman Tom , Xu Guohua , Cai Qingsheng , Xuan Wei
Published: August 2019

A biological clock activated by oscillating signals, known as root clock, has been linked to lateral root (LR) formation and is essential for regular LR spacing along the primary root. However, it remains unclear how this internal mechanism is influenced by environmental factors known to affect the LR pattern. Here, we report that excessive cadmium (Cd) inhibits LR formation by disrupting the lateral root cap (LRC)‐programmed cell death (PCD)‐regulated root clock. Cd restricts the frequency of the oscillating signal rather than its amplitude. This could be attributed to the inhibition on meristematic activity by Cd, which resulted in decreased LRC cell number and LRC‐PCD frequency. Genetic evidence further showed that LRC cell number is positively correlated with root resistance to Cd. Our study reveals root cap dynamics as a novel mechanism mediating root responses to Cd, providing insight into the signalling pathways of the root clock responding to environmental cues.
Efficacy Foundations for Risk Communication: How People Think About Reducing the Risks of Climate Change
Authors: Crosman Katherine M. , Bostrom Ann , Hayes Adam L.
Published: August 2019

Believing action to reduce the risks of climate change is both possible (self‐efficacy) and effective (response efficacy) is essential to motivate and sustain risk mitigation efforts, according to current risk communication theory. Although the public recognizes the dangers of climate change, and is deluged with lists of possible mitigative actions, little is known about public efficacy beliefs in the context of climate change. Prior efficacy studies rely on conflicting constructs and measures of efficacy, and links between efficacy and risk management actions are muddled. As a result, much remains to learn about how laypersons think about the ease and effectiveness of potential mitigative actions. To bring clarity and inform risk communication and management efforts, we investigate how people think about efficacy in the context of climate change risk management by analyzing unprompted and prompted beliefs from two national surveys (N = 405, N = 1,820). In general, respondents distinguish little between effective and ineffective climate strategies. While many respondents appreciate that reducing fossil fuel use is an effective risk mitigation strategy, overall assessments reflect persistent misconceptions about climate change causes, and uncertainties about the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies. Our findings suggest targeting climate change risk communication and management strategies to (1) address gaps in people's existing mental models of climate action, (2) leverage existing public understanding of both potentially effective mitigation strategies and the collective action dilemma at the heart of climate change action, and (3) take into account ideologically driven reactions to behavior change and government action framed as climate action.
Phylotranscriptomics resolves phylogeny of the Heliozelidae (Adeloidea: Lepidoptera) and suggests a Late Cretaceous origin in Australia
Authors: Milla Liz , Moussalli Adnan , Wilcox Stephen A. , van Nieukerken Erik J. , Young David A. , Halsey Mike , McConville Thomas , Jones Therésa M. , Kallies Axel , Hilton Douglas J.
Published: August 2019

Heliozelidae are a cosmopolitan family of small, day‐flying moths, and include some pest species of commercial crops. Overall, the family is poorly known and lacks a well‐resolved phylogeny. Previous molecular and taxonomic work has revealed rich undescribed diversity within the family, particularly in Australia; however, the relationships amongst the major clades or genera were not resolved. We sequenced the transcriptomes of 39 taxa, representing all major genera of Heliozelidae, and seven outgroups representing most other Adeloidea families and the putative sister superfamily, Andesianoidea. The resulting phylogeny, based on the coding sequences of up to 1049 nuclear genes, provides a robust hypothesis for the generic relationships within Heliozelidae. On the basis of this analysis, the genus Plesiozela, previously proposed as sister group to all other Heliozelidae, is excluded from the family and formally transferred to Incurvariidae. By incorporating fossil and secondary time calibrations into our phylogeny, we estimated that Heliozelidae ancestors first appeared at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, approximately 95 Ma. We propose an ancestral biogeographical range hypothesis of the family, based on a combination of our transcriptome data and a previous multigene study including over 100 species. Our ancestral range modelling results suggest that Heliozelidae are likely to have originated in the Australian region, with subsequent range expansions to the rest of the world.
Stress State Control by a Novel Bending Process and its Effect on Damage and Product Performance
Authors: Meya Rickmer , Löbbe Christian , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: August 2019

The novel sheet metal bending process is designed to change the load path in order to control the damage evolution. The process superposes targeted radial stresses during bending and is therefore called radial stress superposed (RSS) bending. As material damage is strongly dependent on the load path, the setting of this property becomes possible in this process. Hence, the process principle, its features, and the tool setup are presented. Furthermore, numerical simulations are carried out with the aim to investigate the occurring deformation zone and the resulting radial stress superposition. Scanning electron micrographs prove that the evolution of voids is delayed. With the acquired knowledge to change the stress state during the bending process, the property “damage” can be controlled and finally reduced. This enhances the microstructure and lifetime performance of the bent product. The improved product performance is shown by a newly designed specimen for impact testing of bent products.
Dynamic Reliability and Global Sensitivity Analysis for Hydraulic Pipe Based on Sparse Grid Integral Method
Authors: Qing Guo , Tangqi Lv , Yongshou Liu , Bingqian Chen
Published: August 2019

Due to the extremely rough working environment, aero-hydraulic pipes face serious dynamic failure problems in applications for practical engineering. This paper proposes a dynamic reliability and moment-independent global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method to evaluate the dynamic reliability and the effects of random input variables on the dynamic reliability of aero-hydraulic pipes. Based on the Miner criterion for the cumulative damage of structural fatigue, this paper establishes the dynamic reliability analysis method under the condition of double random vibration. In order to further analyze the influence of the uncertainty of each random variable of pipe on its dynamic reliability, a moment-independent global sensitivity index for dynamic reliability based on cumulative distribution function is proposed in this paper. The index can reflect the effects of random variables on dynamic reliability quantitatively. Based on the proposed GSA method of dynamic reliability, a sparse grid integral (SGI) method is introduced to solve the dynamic reliability and moment-independent global sensitivity index, with high computational efficiency. Finally, the effects of clamp supports, diameters, and curvature of curved pipe on the dynamic reliability and GSA are analyzed through a hydraulic piping example.
Kinematic Optimization of a Reconfigurable Spherical Parallel Mechanism for Robotic-Assisted Craniotomy
Authors: Essomba Terence , Hsu Yang , Sandoval Arevalo Juan Sebastian , Laribi Med Amine , Zeghloul Said
Published: August 2019

The craniotomy is a surgical task that is required to allow access to the patient's brain. It consists of using neurosurgical drills to open a path through the skull. The high risk resulting from human dexterous limit justifies the use of an accurate robotic system to perform craniotomy. The present work introduces the kinematic design of a mechanism for a robotic manipulator dedicated to craniotomy. Motion capture experiments have been carried out to measure the motion of a surgical drill during the execution of craniotomy on human cadavers. The results of the experiments are discussed. As this medical application requires a remote center of motion (RCM), a new type of 3-RRR spherical parallel mechanism (SPM) is proposed to manipulate the surgical drill. The novelty of this mechanism is the integration of a reconfigurable base that re-orients the first revolute joint of the RRR legs. A mechanical architecture concept is introduced to implement this reconfiguration. It is made of three pantographic linkages that manipulate the base of the SPM. The kinematics of the new mechanism is analyzed. The influence of this reconfigurable parameter is studied on two different aspects: the mechanism workspace and kinematic performances. Based on these kinematic data, the optimization of a mechanism is performed. The drill motion trajectories are used to evaluate the behavior of the optimized mechanism. It is finally compared to the classical SPM with a trihedral base, showing the contribution of the new reconfiguration variable on the mechanism dexterity.
The effect of F0 contour on the intelligibility of Mandarin Chinese for hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Niu Yadong , Chen Fei , Chen Jing
Published: August 2019

Dynamic F0 contour plays an important role in recognizing speech. The present work examined the effect of F0 contour on speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired listeners for Mandarin Chinese in quiet, in steady noise, and in two-talker competing speech. The intelligibility of two types of natural speech was measured: single-Tone speech with relatively flat F0 contours and multi-Tone speech with time-varying F0 contours. The speech rate and mean F0 of speech materials were carefully controlled to avoid effects other than F0 contour on the speech intelligibility. Results showed that intelligibility was significantly higher for speech with a flat F0 contour than that with a dynamic F0 contour at a low signal-to-masker ratio in both speech-spectrum noise and two-talker masker.
Sensorimotor Strategies in Individuals With Poststroke Hemiparesis When Standing Up Without Vision
Authors: Kuramatsu Yuko , Yamamoto Yuji , Izumi Shin-Ichi
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the sensorimotor strategies for dynamic balance control in individuals with stroke by restricting sensory input that might influence task accomplishment. Sit-to-stand movements were performed with restricted vision by participants with hemiparesis and healthy controls. The authors evaluated the variability in the position of participants’ center of mass and velocity, and the center-of-pressure position, in each orthogonal direction at the lift-off point. When vision was restricted, the variability in the mediolateral center-of-pressure position decreased significantly in individuals with hemiparesis, but not in healthy controls. Participants with hemiparesis adopted strategies that explicitly differed from those used by healthy individuals. Variability may be decreased in the direction that most requires accuracy. Individuals with hemiparesis have been reported to have asymmetrical balance deficits, and that meant they had to prioritize mediolateral motion control to prevent falling. This study suggests that individuals with hemiparesis adopt strategies appropriate to their characteristics.
Bringing machine learning to the masses
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: August 2019

Scientists without coding skills adopt easy-to-use artificial intelligence software.
Fields of dreams
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: August 2019

China bets big on genome editing of crops.
The long shadow of a CRISPR scandal
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: August 2019

He Jiankui's controversial gene-editing experiment brought intense scrutiny to CRISPR scientists in China, and they're outraged.
Transcutaneous ultrasound energy harvesting using capacitive triboelectric technology
Authors: Hinchet Ronan , Yoon Hong-Joon , Ryu Hanjun , Kim Moo-Kang , Choi Eue-Keun , Kim Dong-Sun , Kim Sang-Woo
Published: August 2019

A sound way to deliver power

Implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers and neurological stimulators, require a source of power, usually in the form of a battery. If a battery is implanted with the device, replacing it would require additional surgery. On the other hand, external power packs are prone to lead to infections where their wires enter the body. Hinchet
et al.
describe a triboelectric generator that can convert externally applied ultrasound into an internal electricity source capable of delivering sufficient energy to recharge a battery on a daily basis.

Science
, this issue p.
491
Somatic evolution and global expansion of an ancient transmissible cancer lineage
Authors: Baez-Ortega Adrian , Gori Kevin , Strakova Andrea , Allen Janice L. , Allum Karen M. , Bansse-Issa Leontine , Bhutia Thinlay N. , Bisson Jocelyn L. , Briceño Cristóbal , Castillo Domracheva Artemio , Corrigan Anne M. , Cran Hugh R. , Crawford Jane T. , Davis Eric , de Castro Karina F. , B. de Nardi Andrigo , de Vos Anna P. , Delgadillo Keenan Laura , Donelan Edward M. , Espinoza Huerta Adela R. , Faramade Ibikunle A. , Fazil Mohammed , Fotopoulou Eleni , Fruean Skye N. , Gallardo-Arrieta Fanny , Glebova Olga , Gouletsou Pagona G. , Häfelin Manrique Rodrigo F. , Henriques Joaquim J. G. P. , Horta Rodrigo S. , Ignatenko Natalia , Kane Yaghouba , King Cathy , Koenig Debbie , Krupa Ada , Kruzeniski Steven J. , Kwon Young-Mi , Lanza-Perea Marta , Lazyan Mihran , Lopez Quintana Adriana M. , Losfelt Thibault , Marino Gabriele , Martínez Castañeda Simón , Martínez-López Mayra F. , Meyer Michael , Migneco Edward J. , Nakanwagi Berna , Neal Karter B. , Neunzig Winifred , Ní Leathlobhair Máire , Nixon Sally J. , Ortega-Pacheco Antonio , Pedraza-Ordoñez Francisco , Peleteiro Maria C. , Polak Katherine , Pye Ruth J. , Reece John F. , Rojas Gutierrez Jose , Sadia Haleema , Schmeling Sheila K. , Shamanova Olga , Sherlock Alan G. , Stammnitz Maximilian , Steenland-Smit Audrey E. , Svitich Alla , Tapia Martínez Lester J. , Thoya Ngoka Ismail , Torres Cristian G. , Tudor Elizabeth M. , van der Wel Mirjam G. , Viţălaru Bogdan A. , Vural Sevil A. , Walkinton Oliver , Wang Jinhong , Wehrle-Martinez Alvaro S. , Widdowson Sophie A. E. , Stratton Michael R. , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Martincorena Iñigo , Murchison Elizabeth P.
Published: August 2019

It's a dog's life

Canine transmissible venereal tumor is one of the few cancer lineages that is transferred among individuals through contact. It arose millennia ago and has been evolving independently from its hosts ever since. Baez-Ortega
et al.
looked at the phylogenetic history of the cancer and describe several distinctive mutational patterns (see the Perspective by Maley and Shibata). Most notably, both positive and negative selection show only weak or distant signals. This suggests that the main driver of the lineage's evolution is neutral genetic drift. Understanding the influence of drift may reshape how we think about long-term cancer evolution.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau9923
; see also p.
440
Isochorismate-derived biosynthesis of the plant stress hormone salicylic acid
Authors: Rekhter Dmitrij , Lüdke Daniel , Ding Yuli , Feussner Kirstin , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Lipka Volker , Wiermer Marcel , Zhang Yuelin , Feussner Ivo
Published: August 2019

Spontaneous degradation in hormone synthesis

The phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) helps plants respond to biological and physical stresses. Rekhter
et al.
identified the biosynthetic pathway that produces SA in response to pathogens. A precursor, isochorismic acid, is formed in the chloroplast and then exported to the cytosol. There, enzymatically produced isochorismate-9-glutamate spontaneously decomposes to release SA plus a by-product. The results clarify key steps in the mechanisms involved in synthesizing this important regulator of plant immunity.

Science
, this issue p.
498
The Ferric Uptake Regulator Represses Type VI Secretion System Function by Binding Directly to the
clpV
Promoter in
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Yang Denghui , Wu Xiaojun , Yi Zhengfei , Wang Yang , Xin Suhua , Wang Dong , Tian Mingxing , Li Tao , Qi Jingjing , Ding Chan , Yu Shengqing
Published: August 2019

Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are highly conserved and complex protein secretion systems that deliver effector proteins into eukaryotic hosts or other bacteria. T6SSs are regulated precisely by a variety of regulatory systems, which enables bacteria to adapt to varied environments.
Randomised trial of cord clamping at very preterm birth: outcomes at 2 years
Authors: Armstrong-Buisseret Lindsay , Powers Katie , Dorling Jon , Bradshaw Lucy , Johnson Samantha , Mitchell Eleanor , Duley Lelia
Published: August 2019

Objective

To report outcomes at 2 years corrected age for children of women recruited to a trial comparing alternative policies for timing of cord clamping and immediate neonatal care at very preterm birth.

Design

Parallel group randomised (1:1) trial.

Setting

Eight UK tertiary maternity units.

Participants

Two hundred and seventy-six babies born to 261 women expected to have a live birth before 32+0 weeks’ gestation.

Interventions

Deferred cord clamping (≥2 min) and immediate neonatal care with cord intact or immediate (≤20 s) clamping and immediate neonatal care after clamping.

Main outcome measure

Composite of death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years corrected age.

Results

Six babies born after 35+6 weeks were excluded. At 2 years corrected age, outcome data were not available for a further 52 children, leaving 218 for analysis (115 deferred clamping, 103 immediate clamping). Overall, 24/115 (21%) children allocated deferred clamping died or had an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome compared with 35/103 (34%) allocated immediate clamping; risk ratio (RR) 0.61 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.96); risk difference (RD) −13% (95% CI −25% to −1%). Multiple imputation for missing data gave an RR 0.69 (95% CI 0.44 to 1.09) and RD −9% (95% CI −21% to 2%).

Conclusions

Deferred clamping and immediate neonatal care with cord intact may reduce the risk of death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age for children born very premature. Confirmation in larger studies is needed to determine the real benefits and harms.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN21456601.
Rare case of atypical crescentic glomerulonephritis and interstitial lung disease with negative anti-GBM antibody and positive anti-MPO antibody
Authors: Hanna Alexander , Ross Jenny , Heitor Fernanda
Published: August 2019

A 70-year-old man presented with 1 month of haematuria and mild right-sided flank pain with no other symptoms. Diagnostic workup included serum studies which showed the presence of antimyeloperoxidase antibodies, a kidney biopsy which demonstrated necrotising crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear immunofluorescence of the basement membrane, and electron microscopy which exhibited thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Incidentally, the patient was discovered to have a latent hepatitis B infection, which complicated immunosuppressive therapy. He was treated with a course of plasmapheresis and methylprednisolone, followed by entecavir for hepatitis B prophylaxis, and finally by rituximab. This case of glomerulonephritis was notable for its resemblance to the better known Goodpasture’s disease. Typically, Goodpasture’s syndrome exists on a spectrum from seronegative disease to double-positive disease that presents with both anti–glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) and cytoplasmic-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies/antiproteinase 3 antibodies (c-ANCA/anti-PR3). However, this patient’s glomerulonephritis was unique because he presented negative for anti-GBM antibodies and positive for perinuclear-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies/antimyeloperoxidase antibodies (p-ANCA/anti-MPO).