bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks, benefits, and control of information: Two studies of smart electric meter privacy
Authors: Rieks Angela Ramnarine , Dedrick Jason , Stanton Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Smart electric meters collect data on electricity use to potentially improve efficiency for utilities, shape power consumption, and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consumer groups and experts have raised concerns about privacy, as smart meters can provide detailed information about activity within the home. This study examines privacy beliefs of U.S. consumers using qualitative data from focus groups together with experimental data from a national online survey of utility customers. Exploratory analysis of focus group findings suggested that consumers who felt in control of their data perceived fewer risks and more benefits from having access to the data. Participants in the online experiment saw greater risk and less benefit when advised that smart meters could be used to raise prices under time‐of‐use pricing. Participants also saw greater risk when the utility shared customer data with a third party. Risks and benefits influenced perceptions of control. These findings accord with several information privacy frameworks adding new insights about consumers' perceived control over their energy data. The findings can inform utility companies and policymakers with respect to giving consumers more control over their data, reducing consumers' privacy concerns, communicating benefits of smart meter data, and providing accurate information about the risks.
Time‐dependent warming amplification over the Tibetan Plateau during the past few decades
Authors: Duan Jianping , Li Lun , Chen Liang , Zhang Haoxin
Published: June 2020

It is reported that surface warming over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has been faster than the global average, but exactly how much faster remains controversial. This study investigates the time dependency of warming amplification over the TP using CRU_TS4.01 grid dataset during 1961–2016 with a consideration of its consistency with the global average. We find that the magnitude of warming on the TP and its consistency with the global average have been variable. Compared to the global average, the TP warming during 1983–2016 is faster than in the period of 1961–1983, and has a higher consistency with the global average in the period of 1983–2016. The TP warming has a seasonal amplification of 1.1–1.4 times than the global average during 1983–2016, while warming amplification during 1961–1983 is relatively less evident. Generally, the magnitude of warming on the TP is smaller than in the northern high‐latitudes, but larger than in the Southern Hemisphere and the Tropics. Based on current scientific understanding, the possible contribution of snow/ice‐albedo feedback may have played an important role in warming amplification on the TP since the 1980s.
Thermoluminescence study in fossils of dinosaur bones and eggshells
Authors: Ovhal Digambar A. , Samant Bandana , Dhoble N.S. , Mohabey D.M. , Dhoble S.J.
Published: June 2020

In this study, thermoluminescence (TL) characterization of fossils of sauropod dinosaur bone, dinosaur eggshells, and associated sediments were recorded for the first time. The fossil bone was collected from the Bagwanya intertrappean sediments in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. TL was recorded using 60Co gamma ray exposure at different doses. Fossils of dinosaur bone, dinosaur eggshells, and associated sediments were irradiated using 60Co gamma rays at different doses from 0.15 kGy to 19 kGy. The linear dose–response curve of the irradiated sample was obtained for a dose ranging from 0.15 kGy to 9.5 kGy. These geological samples were characterized further using X‐ray diffraction for confirmation with phase, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and wavelength dispersive‐X‐ray fluorescence for determination of the elemental composition in parts per million to percentage levels.
Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells by direct delivery of Cbfβ protein
Authors: Lee Jaeyoung , Cha Hyeonjin , Park Tai Hyun , Park Ju Hyun
Published: June 2020

Core binding factor β (Cbfβ) is a non‐DNA binding cofactor of Runx2 that potentiates DNA binding. Previously, it has been reported that Cbfβ plays an essential role in osteogenic differentiation and skeletal development by inhibition adipogenesis. Here, we delivered the recombinant Cbfβ protein into human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and triggered osteogenic lineage commitment. The efficient delivery of Cbfβ was achieved by fusing 30Kc19 protein, which is a cell‐penetrating protein derived from the silkworm. After the production of the recombinant Cbfβ‐30Kc19 protein in the Escherichia coli expression system, and confirmation of its intracellular delivery, MSCs were treated with the Cbfβ‐30Kc19 once or twice up to 300 µg/ml. By investigating the upregulation of osteoblast‐specific genes and phenotypical changes, such as calcium mineralization, we demonstrated that Cbfβ‐30Kc19 efficiently induced osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. At the same time, Cbfβ‐30Kc19 suppressed adipocyte formation and downregulated the expression of adipocyte‐specific genes. Our results demonstrate that the intracellularly delivered Cbfβ‐30Kc19 enhances osteogenesis in MSCs, whereas it suppresses adipogenesis by altering the transcriptional regulatory network involved in osteoblast‐adipocyte lineage commitment. Cbfβ‐30Kc19 holds great potential for the treatment of bone‐related diseases, such as osteoporosis, by allowing transcriptional regulation in MSCs, and overcoming the limitations of current therapies.
Luminescence Properties of YVO4:Eu Phosphors Prepared Using a Y(OH)CO3:Eu Precursor
Authors: Cho Young‐Sik , Huh Young‐Duk
Published: June 2020

A new method to synthesize the YVO4:Eu phosphor by reacting a Y(OH)CO3:Eu precursor with NH4VO3 was described. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to analyze the Y(OH)CO3:Eu precursor and the YVO4:Eu product. The photoluminescence spectrum of the YVO4:Eu product showed a strong and broad absorption peak at approximately 300 nm, which was attributed to charge transfer in the host lattice and the strongest and sharp emission peak at 618 nm due to the5D0→7F2 transition of the Eu3+ activator ion. To find the brightest emission of the YVO4:Eu phosphor, the optimal conditions of the concentration of Eu3+ activator ion in the Y1 − xVO4:xEu composition and calcination temperature were examined. Among the investigated compositions, the Y0.92VO4:0.08Eu phosphor showed the brightest red emission under UV excitation.
Exploring the Chemoselectivity towards Cysteine Arylation by Cyclometallated AuIII Compounds: New Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Thomas Sophie R. , Bonsignore Riccardo , Sánchez Escudero Jorge , Meier‐Menches Samuel M. , Brown Christopher M. , Wolf Michael O. , Barone Giampaolo , Luk Louis Y. P. , Casini Angela
Published: June 2020

To gain more insight into the factors controlling efficient cysteine arylation by cyclometallated AuIII complexes, the reaction between selected gold compounds and different peptides was investigated by high‐resolution liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐LC‐ESI‐MS). The deduced mechanisms of C−S cross‐coupling, also supported by density functional theory (DFT) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, evidenced the key role of secondary peptidic gold binding sites in favouring the process of reductive elimination.
College students who are sexually active but not monogamous have highest levels of binge drinking
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

College is a time when some young people start to drink, or drink more and have sex more. The peak age range for binge drinking is 18–25. But in college, sexual activity is also starting for many.
Ionic Dissociation of SiCl4: Formation of [SiL6]Cl4 with L=Dimethylphosphinic Acid
Authors: Kowalke Janine , Wagler Jörg , Viehweger Christine , Brendler Erica , Kroke Edwin
Published: June 2020

Reactions of SiCl4 with R2PO(OH) (R=Me, Cl) yield compounds with six‐fold coordinated silicon atoms. Whereas R=Me afforded the hexacoordinated tetra‐cationic silicon complex [Si(Me2PO(OH))6]4+ with chloride counter‐ions, R=Cl caused release of HCl with formation of a cyclic dimeric silicon complex [Si(Cl2PO(OH))(Cl2PO2)3(μ‐Cl2PO2)]2 with bridging bidentate dichlorophosphates.
Rational Design of Carbon‐Based 2D Nanostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2Reduction: A Dimensionality Perspective
Authors: Ong Wee‐Jun , Putri Lutfi Kurnianditia , Mohamed Abdul Rahman
Published: June 2020

Photocatalytic CO2reduction is a revolutionary approach to solve imminent energy and environmental issues by replicating the ingenuity of nature. The past decade has witnessed an impetus in the rise of two‐dimensional (2D) structure materials as advanced nanomaterials to boost photocatalytic activities. In particular, the use of 2D carbon‐based materials is deemed as highly favorable, not only as a green material choice, but also due to their exceptional physicochemical and electrical properties. This Review article presents a diverse range of alterations and compositions derived from 2D carbon‐based nanomaterials, mainly graphene and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which have remarkably ameliorated the photocatalytic CO2performance. Herein, the rational design of the photocatalyst systems with consideration of the aspect of dimensionality and the resultant heterostructures at the interface are systematically analyzed to elucidate an insightful perspective on this pacey subject. Finally, a conclusion and outlook on the limitations and prospects of the cutting‐edge research field are highlighted.
An open access mouse brain flatmap and upgraded rat and human brain flatmaps based on current reference atlases
Authors: Hahn Joel D. , Swanson Larry W. , Bowman Ian , Foster Nicholas N. , Zingg Brian , Bienkowski Michael S. , Hintiryan Houri , Dong Hong‐Wei
Published: June 2020

Here we present a flatmap of the mouse central nervous system (CNS) (brain) and substantially enhanced flatmaps of the rat and human brain. Also included are enhanced representations of nervous system white matter tracts, ganglia, and nerves, and an enhanced series of 10 flatmaps showing different stages of rat brain development. The adult mouse and rat brain flatmaps provide layered diagrammatic representation of CNS divisions, according to their arrangement in corresponding reference atlases: Brain Maps 4.0 (BM4, rat) (Swanson, The Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2018, 526, 935–943), and the first version of the Allen Reference Atlas (mouse) (Dong, The Allen reference atlas, (book + CD‐ROM): A digital color brain atlas of the C57BL/6J male mouse, 2007). To facilitate comparative analysis, both flatmaps are scaled equally, and the divisional hierarchy of gray matter follows a topographic arrangement used in BM4. Also included with the mouse and rat brain flatmaps are cerebral cortex atlas level contours based on the reference atlases, and direct graphical and tabular comparison of regional parcellation. To encourage use of the brain flatmaps, they were designed and organized, with supporting reference tables, for ease‐of‐use and to be amenable to computational applications. We demonstrate how they can be adapted to represent novel parcellations resulting from experimental data, and we provide a proof‐of‐concept for how they could form the basis of a web‐based graphical data viewer and analysis platform. The mouse, rat, and human brain flatmap vector graphics files (Adobe Reader/Acrobat viewable and Adobe Illustrator editable) and supporting tables are provided open access; they constitute a broadly applicable neuroscience toolbox resource for researchers seeking to map and perform comparative analysis of brain data.
Assessing interpersonal skills—A comparison of trainee therapists' and students' interpersonal skills assessed with two established assessments for interpersonal skills
Authors: Wolfer Christine , Vîslă Andreea , Held Judith , Hilpert Peter , Flückiger Christoph
Published: June 2020

Therapist differences in psychotherapy outcomes have been consistently found. Therefore, therapists' characteristics such as interpersonal skills are of particular interest. Two assessments of interpersonal skills for the selection of trainees have recently been developed. To extend current knowledge, this study compares trainee therapist's and psychology student's interpersonal skills in both assessments simultaneously and also investigates the potential influence of clinical experience and age on interpersonal skills. Furthermore, the psychometric properties of these assessments are examined. A total of 19 trainee therapists and 17 undergraduate students (N = 36) participated in both assessments and provided information on their prior clinical experience. Trainee therapists had significantly better interpersonal skills than the students in both assessments. However, different indicators of clinical experience (e.g., years in practice, patients treated, and supervision) did not influence their performance in either assessment. The good psychometric properties of both assessments could be replicated. Conceptual and practical considerations on the assessment of interpersonal skills are discussed.
Mapping and confirmation of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) in soybean
Authors: Bazzer Sumandeep K. , Kaler Avjinder S. , King C. Andy , Ray Jeffery D. , Hwang Sadal , Purcell Larry C.
Published: June 2020

Insufficient moisture availability often limits soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. Carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) provides an integrated measure of water use efficiency in C3 plants due to its substantial genetic variance, high heritability, and small genotype × environment interaction (G × E). The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with δ13C using a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between ‘KS4895’ and ‘Jackson’. The field experiment was conducted in five environments to evaluate δ13C under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Analysis of variance of δ13C averaged over environment and irrigation treatment showed significant effects of genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interactions. Heritability of δ13C in different environments and irrigation treatments ranged from 66 to 79%. Averaged over environments and irrigation treatments, heritability was 83%. A total of 24 QTLs associated with δ13C were identified and clustered in nine genomic regions on seven chromosomes. The QTL clusters on Gm05 (1), Gm06 (2) and Gm20 (1) were detected across different environments and irrigation regimes. Collectively, these four QTL clusters accounted for 55% of the phenotypic variation in δ13C. The QTLs on Gm06 and Gm20 also showed additive × additive epistasis that contributed approximately 4.2% to the total phenotypic variation. Several identified δ13C QTLs overlapped with QTLs associated with other physiological traits related to plant water status, biological nitrogen fixation, and plant morphology. The identified genomic regions may be an important resource in genomic selection studies to improve drought tolerance in soybean.
Nano–power‐integrated precision rectifiers for implantable medical devices
Authors: Alvarez Emilio , Arnaud Alfredo , Gak Joel , Miguez Matías
Published: June 2020

Two ultralow power CMOS full‐wave precision rectifiers aimed at analog signal processing in implantable medical devices are presented. The rectifiers require no diodes and utilize a single or two transconductors (operational transconductance amplifier [OTA]) as the active element, to reduce power consumption to a minimum. First, a voltage‐to‐current rectifier consuming only a 120‐nA supply current is presented and later is used to estimate the average AC amplitude of a piezoelectric accelerometer output (0.5–15‐Hz bandwidth) in an adaptive pacemaker. This rectifier is based on a linearized transconductor and a comparator to toggle the output current sign. Then, a novel voltage rectifier consuming less than 10 nA is presented based on a single nanopower OTA and a pass transistor and later is utilized in a pacemaker's cardiac sensing channel (60–200‐Hz bandwidth) circuit, incorporating the rectifier to detect positive and negative voltage signal spikes. Both rectifiers were designed in a 0.6‐μm CMOS technology, fabricated, and tested, and the measurement results closely fit the expected performance.
Identification and validation of prognosis‐related DLX5 methylation as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Ting‐juan , Xu Zi‐jun , Gu Yu , Wen Xiang‐mei , Ma Ji‐chun , Zhang Wei , Deng Zhao‐qun , Leng Jia‐yan , Qian Jun , Lin Jiang , Zhou Jing‐dong
Published: June 2020

The deregulated DLX gene family members DLX1/2/3/4/5/6 (DLXs) caused by DNA methylation has been demonstrated in various cancers with therapeutic target value. However, the potential role of DLXs methylation in myeloid neoplasms such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains to be elucidated. Clinical significance of DLXs methylation/expression was analyzed in patient with AML and MDS. The functional roles of DLXs were determined in vitro. In the identification stage, we found that lower DLX5 expression was correlated with prognosis in AML among all DLXs analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. In the validation stage, we revealed that reduced DLX5 expression was frequently occurred, and was also correlated with promoter hypermethylation in AML evaluated by targeted bisulfite sequencing. Epigenetic studies also showed that DLX5 promoter DNA methylation was associated with its expression. By quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we also validated that DLX5 hypermethylation was frequent event in both AML and MDS, and also correlated with MDS transformation to leukemia. Moreover, DLX5 hypermethylation was associated with lower rate of complete remission and shorter time of leukemia‐free/overall survival, and was also confirmed by Logistic/Cox regression analysis. Functional studies revealed the antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of DLX5 in MDS‐derived AML cell‐line SKM‐1. Finally, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DLX5 functioned in leukemogenesis may be through the association with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that DLX5 methylation, negatively correlated DLX5 expression, was a potential prognostic and predictive indicator in patients with AML and MDS, which could also act as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms.
A new and rapid approach for detecting COVID‐19 based on S1 protein fragments
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Zhe , He Yue , Qi Yingjie , Chen Jie , Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Fujia , Lai Kaisheng , Zhang Yong , Jiang Liu , Wang Xiangdong , Ge Junbo
Published: June 2020

The pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) seriously threatened the public health all over the world. A colloidal gold immunochromatography assay for IgM/IgG antibodies against the receptor‐binding domain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) S1 protein was established to assess its rapid diagnostic value. We first designed and manufactured all contents of the test cassette of SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid test kit: the colloidal gold‐labeled mouse‐antihuman lgM/lgG antibody, the recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen, the nitrocellulose membrane control line, and specimen diluents. Furthermore, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay, colloidal gold immunochromatography assay, serological validation of cross reaction with other common viruses, and clinical validation were performed. The kit was finally evaluated by 75 serum/plasma samples of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection cases and 139 healthy samples as control, with the result of that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for IgM were 90.67%, 97.84%, and 95.33%, whereas for IgG were 69.33%, 99.28%, and 88.79%, respectively; the combination of IgM and IgG could improve the value: 92.00%, 97.12%, and 95.33%, respectively. Therefore, the rapid detection kit has high sensitivity and specificity, especially for IgM&IgG, showing a critical value in clinical application and epidemic control of COVID‐19.
40 Years of My Venture with CYTOMETRY
Authors: Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

Briefly depicted are the publications in CYTOMETRY that received the highest frequency of citations. Among them are seminal papers describing application of metachromatic fluorochrome acridine orange to differentially stain DNA versus RNA or to analyze susceptibility of DNA in situ to denaturation; both features being markers of different sections of the cell cycle including identification of noncycling quiescent cells. The papers reviewing detection of cyclins D1, E, A or B1, each in relation to cell cycle phase, were also among the highly cited ones. The highest citation rates received publications describing development of the TUNEL methodology to detect apoptotic DNA fragmentation, and more recently expression of ϒH2AX to reveal DNA damage. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Examining differences in phylogenetic composition enhances understanding of the phylogenetic structure of the shrub community in the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiao Yuanming , Yang Lucun , Nie Xiuqing , Li Changbin , Xiong Feng , Wang Lingling , Zhou Guoying
Published: June 2020

Periodic climatic oscillations and species dispersal during the postglacial period are two important causes of plant assemblage and distribution on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). To improve our understanding of the bio‐geological histories of shrub communities on the QTP, we tested two hypotheses. First, the intensity of climatic oscillations played a filtering role during community structuring. Second, species dispersal during the postglacial period contributed to the recovery of species and phylogenetic diversity and the emergence of phylogenetic overdispersion. To test these hypotheses, we investigated and compared the shrub communities in the alpine and desert habitats of the northeastern QTP. Notably, we observed higher levels of species and phylogenetic diversity in the alpine habitat than in the desert habitat, leading to phylogenetic overdispersion in the alpine shrub communities versus phylogenetic clustering in the desert shrub communities. This phylogenetic overdispersion increased with greater climate anomalies. These results suggest that (a) although climate anomalies strongly affect shrub communities, these phenomena do not act as a filter for shrub community structuring, and (b) species dispersal increases phylogenetic diversity and overdispersion in a community. Moreover, our investigation of the phylogenetic community composition revealed a larger number of plant clades in the alpine shrub communities than in the desert shrub communities, which provided insights into plant clade‐level differences in the phylogenetic structures of alpine and desert shrub communities in the northeastern QTP.
Transcriptome analysis of Drosophila melanogaster laboratory strains of different geographical origin after long‐term laboratory maintenance
Authors: Zarubin Mikhail , Yakhnenko Alena , Kravchenko Elena
Published: June 2020

Positive selection may be the main factor of the between‐population divergence in gene expression. Expression profiles of two Drosophila melanogaster laboratory strains of different geographical origin and long‐term laboratory maintenance were analyzed using microchip arrays encompassing probes for 18,500 transcripts. The Russian strain D18 and the North American strain Canton‐S were compared. A set of 223 known or putative genes demonstrated significant changes in expression levels between these strains. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) were enriched in response to DDT (p = .0014), proteolysis (p = 2.285E−5), transmembrane transport (p = 1.03E−4), carbohydrate metabolic process (p = .0317), protein homotetramerization (p = .0444), and antibacterial humoral response (p = 425E−4). The expression in subset of genes from different categories was verified by qRT‐PCR. Analysis of transcript abundance between Canton‐S and D18 strains allowed to select several genes to estimate their participation in latitude adaptation. Expression of selected genes was analyzed in five D. melanogaster lines of different geographic origins by qRT‐PCR, and we found two candidate genes that may be associated with latitude adaptation in adult flies—smp‐30 and Cda9. Quite possible that several alleles of these genes may be important for insect survival in the environments of global warming. It is interesting that the number of genes involved in local adaptation demonstrates expression level appropriate to their geographical origin even after decades of laboratory maintenance.
Bayesian nonparametric monotone regression
Authors: Wilson Ander , Tryner Jessica , L'Orange Christian , Volckens John
Published: June 2020

In many applications there is interest in estimating the relation between a predictor and an outcome when the relation is known to be monotone or otherwise constrained due to the physical processes involved. We consider one such application‐inferring time‐resolved aerosol concentration from a low‐cost differential pressure sensor. The objective is to estimate a monotone function and make inference on the scaled first derivative of the function. We proposed Bayesian nonparametric monotone regression, which uses a Bernstein polynomial basis to construct the regression function and puts a Dirichlet process prior on the regression coefficients. The base measure of the Dirichlet process is a finite mixture of a mass point at zero and a truncated normal. This construction imposes monotonicity while clustering the basis functions. Clustering the basis functions reduces the parameter space and allows the estimated regression function to be linear. With the proposed approach we can make closed‐formed inference on the derivative of the estimated function including full quantification of uncertainty. In a simulation study the proposed method performs similar to other monotone regression approaches when the true function is wavy but performs better when the true function is linear. We apply the method to estimate time‐resolved aerosol concentration with a newly developed portable aerosol monitor. TheRpackagebnmris made available to implement the method.
Conservation implications of disease control
Authors: Buck Julia C , Weinstein Sara B , Titcomb Georgia , Young Hillary S
Published: June 2020

Infectious diseases have indelibly altered human history and, in doing so, have shaped the ecology and conservation of the natural world. Attempts to control diseases often result in adverse environmental impacts, including habitat degradation and unintended outcomes such as effects on non‐target species. However, in instances where the most effective strategy is to physically avoid specific species or habitats, disease can also provide critical de facto conservation benefits to organisms and ecosystems. Increasingly, new genome‐editing technologies offer the potential to eradicate long‐term health scourges, which disproportionately affect people in developing countries. It will be critical to incorporate an understanding of the ecological consequences of disease control – including those mediated by changes in human behavior – into management strategies, and to do so without propagating environmental injustice. In this way, scientists, resource managers, and health practitioners can help to ensure that gains for human health do not result in losses for the natural world.
Salvage logging effects on regulating ecosystem services and fuel loads
Authors: Leverkus Alexandro B , Gustafsson Lena , Lindenmayer David B , Castro Jorge , Rey Benayas José María , Ranius Thomas , Thorn Simon
Published: June 2020

Salvage logging, or logging after natural disturbances such as wildfires, insect outbreaks, and windstorms, is carried out to recover some of a forest's natural and/or economic capital. However, trade‐offs between management objectives and a lack of consensus on the ecological consequences of salvage logging impair science‐based decision making on the management of forests after natural disturbances. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of the impacts of salvage logging on regulating ecosystem services and on fuel loads, as a frequent post‐disturbance objective is preventing subsequent wildfires that could be fueled by the accumulation of dead trunks and branches. Salvage logging affected ecosystem services in a moderately negative way, regardless of disturbance type and severity, time elapsed since salvage logging, intensity of salvage logging, and the group of regulating ecosystem services being considered. However, prolonging the time between natural disturbance and salvage logging mitigated negative effects on regulating ecosystem services. Salvage logging had no overall effect on surface fuels; rather, different fuel types responded differently depending on the time elapsed since salvage logging. Delaying salvage logging by ~2–4 years may reduce negative ecological impacts without affecting surface fuel loads.
Assessing exposure effects on gene expression
Authors: Reifeis Sarah A. , Hudgens Michael G. , Civelek Mete , Mohlke Karen L. , Love Michael I.
Published: June 2020

In observational genomics data sets, there is often confounding of the effect of an exposure on gene expression. To adjust for confounding when estimating the exposure effect, a common approach involves including potential confounders as covariates with the exposure in a regression model of gene expression. However, when the exposure and confounders interact to influence gene expression, the fitted regression model does not necessarily estimate the overall effect of the exposure. Using inverse probability weighting (IPW) or the parametric g‐formula in these instances is straightforward to apply and yields consistent effect estimates. IPW can readily be integrated into a genomics data analysis pipeline with upstream data processing and normalization, while the g‐formula can be implemented by making simple alterations to the regression model. The regression, IPW, and g‐formula approaches to exposure effect estimation are compared herein using simulations; advantages and disadvantages of each approach are explored. The methods are applied to a case study estimating the effect of current smoking on gene expression in adipose tissue.
Power loss due to testing association between covariate‐adjusted traits and genetic variants
Authors: Yajnik Pranav , Boehnke Michael
Published: June 2020

Multiple linear regression is commonly used to test for association between genetic variants and continuous traits and estimate genetic effect sizes. Confounding variables are controlled for by including them as additional covariates. An alternative technique that is increasingly used is to regress out covariates from the raw trait and then perform regression analysis with only the genetic variants included as predictors. In the case of single‐variant analysis, this adjusted trait regression (ATR) technique is known to be less powerful than the traditional technique when the genetic variant is correlated with the covariates We extend previous results for single‐variant tests by deriving exact relationships between the single‐variant score, Wald, likelihood‐ratio, and F test statistics and their ATR analogs. We also derive the asymptotic power of ATR analogs of the multiple‐variant score and burden tests. We show that the maximum power loss of the ATR analog of the multiple‐variant score test is completely characterized by the canonical correlations between the set of genetic variants and the set of covariates. Further, we show that for both single‐ and multiple‐variant tests, the power loss for ATR analogs increases with increasing stringency of Type 1 error control () and increasing correlation (or canonical correlations) between the genetic variant (or multiple variants) and covariates. We recommend using ATR only when maximum canonical correlation between variants and covariates is low, as is typically true.
Molybdenite Re–Os dating, petrology, and geochemistry of granitoids in the Bondar Hanza porphyry Cu deposit (Urumieh‐Dokhtar magmatic arc), Iran: Insight into petrogenesis, mineralization, and tectonic setting
Authors: Mohebi Aida , Sepidbar Fatemeh , Mirnejad Hassan , Behzadi Mehrdad
Published: June 2020

The Bondar Hanza porphyry Cu deposit, hosted by a granitoid stock, is located 120 km south of Kerman city in the elongated NW–SE trending Urumieh‐Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA), Iran. The granitoid stock is a multiphase intrusive body, 2 km2 in surface area, which comprises microdiorite–microquartz diorite and granite–granodiorite. Petrological and geochemical analyses show that granitoids are peraluminous, magnesian, calcic to alkali‐calcic, and non‐adakitic intrusions characterized by negative Eu* anomalies. Thermobarometric and oxygen fugacity calculations indicate that magma emplacement occurred at 719–784°C, <100 MPa, and at a log fO2 of NNO +1.6 to +3.2. Sulphur isotopic composition of sulphide minerals (δ34S = 5.0–6.8 ‰) are similar to other porphyry Cu deposits worldwide. Molybdenite separates yield Re–Os ages of 28.22–28.03 Ma, indicating that the Cu mineralization and associated magmatism occurred during the Oligocene. The Bondar Hanza is one of the several granitoids from small porphyry Cu deposits in the UDMA that is related to island arc sub‐productive granitoids. It seems that the largest ore‐hosting porphyry systems within the UDMA are generally restricted to Miocene intrusions with adakitic affinity (e.g., Sarcheshmeh granitoids) and that the temporally discrete non‐adakitic magmatic systems are sub‐productive to barren. These data are interpreted to show that magmatism in the Bondar Hanza region was likely associated with partial melting of juvenile lower crust induced by north‐eastward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys oceanic lithosphere.
Autonomic flexibility reflects learning and associated neuroplasticity in old age
Authors: Chen Quanjing , Yang Haichuan , Rooks Brian , Anthony Mia , Zhang Zhengwu , Tadin Duje , Heffner Kathi L. , Lin Feng V.
Published: June 2020

Effective learning in old age, particularly in those at risk for dementia, is essential for prolonging independent living. Individual variability in learning, however, is remarkable; that is, months of cognitive training to improve learning may be beneficial for some individuals but not others. So far, little is known about which neurophysiological mechanisms account for the observed variability in learning induced by cognitive training in older adults. By combining Lövdén et al.'s (2010, A theoretical framework for the study of adult cognitive plasticity. Psychological Bulletin, 136, 659–676) framework proposing the role of adaptation capacity in neuroplasticity and a neurovisceral integration model of the relationship between autonomic nervous system (ANS) and brain with a novel shapelet analytical approach that allows for accurate and interpretable analysis of time series data, we discovered an acute, ECG‐derived ANS segment in response to cognitive training tasks at baseline that predicted learning outcomes from a 6‐week cognitive training intervention. The relationship between the ANS segment and learning was robust in both cross‐participant and cross‐task analyses among a group of older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the revealed ANS shapelet significantly predicted training‐induced neuroplasticity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and select frontal regions during task fMRI. Across outcome measures, individuals were less likely to prospectively benefit from the cognitive training if their ECG data were more similar to this particular ANS segment at baseline. Our findings are among the first empirical evidence to confirm that adaptation capacity, indexed by ANS flexibility, predicts individual differences in learning and associated neuroplasticity beyond individual characteristics (e.g., age, education, neurodegeneration, total training).
On point in primary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Tsang Mazie , Cleveland Joseph , Rubenstein James L.
Published: June 2020

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive brain tumor that represents a significant challenge both to elucidate its biological pathogenesis as well as to develop definitive precision medicines with minimal collateral toxicity. We highlight the key issues in diagnosis and treatment and focus on emerging technologies, current options among consolidation strategies, and biological agents. We anticipate that further development of molecular diagnostics and molecular imaging approaches that elucidate minimal residual disease in brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, intraocular compartments and even bone marrow will greatly impact the delivery and timing of cytotoxic and biological therapies. Implementation of these approaches is likely essential to clarify ongoing discrepancies in the interpretation of clinical trial results that currently are based on relatively unrefined definitions of response. While the results of early phase investigations involving ibrutinib and the IMiD agents, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, as well as avadomide, strongly support the hypothesis that the B‐cell receptor (BCR) pathway, involving MYD88 and CD79B and NF‐kB activation, is critical to the pathogenesis of PCNSL, much work is needed to elucidate mechanisms of resistance. Similarly, development of strategies to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms that are upregulated in the tumor microenvironment is a high priority. Finally, ongoing evidence supports the hypothesis that the blood‐brain barrier represents a significant impediment to efficient brain tumor penetration of novel therapeutic agents and innovative strategies of drug delivery remain essential to further improve outcomes.
Perceptions of obstetricians and pediatricians about the risk of COVID‐19 for pregnant women and newborns
Authors: Obeidat Nail , Saadeh Rami , Obeidat Maha , Khasawneh Wasim , Khader Yousef , Alfaqih Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the perception of obstetricians and pediatricians about risks of COVID‐19 to pregnant women and possible complications in newborns.

Methods

A structured 27‐item online survey was sent via social media messaging to obstetricians and pediatricians from public, academic, and private sectors in Jordan between March 23–30, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to represent numbers and percentages of participants’ responses to survey items.

Results

A total of 147 physicians participated (107 obstetricians, 40 pediatricians). Participants were well informed about the symptoms, diagnosis, modes of transmission, and methods of prevention. Participants had variable perceptions about COVID‐19 risk during pregnancy, including potential vertical transmission, preferred route of delivery, and safety of breastfeeding. Most participants felt that pregnant women should be prioritized for testing and medical care provision.

Conclusion

While evidence‐based strategies to reduce the risks of COVID‐19 in pregnant women and newborns are evolving, healthcare providers showed excellent knowledge of the infection and were vigilant regarding its complications for mothers and newborns. To ensure safe pregnancy, physicians must keep informed of developing guidance on best and safest prenatal and perinatal health services. Implementing local hospital policies and adequate training in infection control measures is strongly encouraged.
Clinical characteristics and laboratory results of pregnant women with COVID‐19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Zhigang , Xiong Guoping
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and laboratory test results in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

A retrospective study to review and compare clinical data including electronic medical records and laboratory tests from pregnant and nonpregnant patients admitted the Central Hospital of Wuhan, China from December 8, 2019 to April 1, 2020.

Results

A total of 72 women (30 pregnant and 42 nonpregnant) with COVID‐19 were included. No patients developed severe pneumonia during the study. Compared with the nonpregnant group, pregnant patients were admitted to hospital earlier (0.25 vs 11.00 days; P<0.001), presented milder symptoms, had a higher rate of asymptomatic infection (26.7% vs 0%), and shorter length of hospital stay (14.5 vs 17.0 days; P<0.01). Laboratory test results showed that levels of inflammation markers such as white blood cell count, neutrophil count and percentage, C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and D‐dimer were significantly higher in pregnant women, whereas mean lymphocyte percentage was significantly lower compared with nonpregnant women.

Conclusion

In some respects, the clinical characteristics and laboratory test results of COVID‐19 in pregnant patients seems to be distinctive from their nonpregnant counterparts. Appropriate advice and positive treatment might be critical to the prognosis when dealing with these pregnant patients. Pregnant patients with COVID‐19 had their own positive clinical characteristics and special laboratory test results. Responsive medical advice and active treatment for those patients are critical to recovery.
Conformational and electronic study of dopamine interacting with the D2 dopamine receptor
Authors: Tosso Rodrigo D. , Parravicini Oscar , Zarycz M. Natalia C. , Angelina Emilio , Vettorazzi Marcela , Peruchena Nélida , Andujar Sebastián , Enriz Ricardo D.
Published: June 2020

We report an exhaustive conformational and electronic study on dopamine (DA) interacting with the D2 dopamine receptor (D2DR). For the first time, the complete surface of the conformational potential energy of the complex DA/D2DR is reported. Such a surface was obtained through the use of QM/MM calculations. A detailed study of the molecular interactions that stabilize and destabilize the different molecular complexes was carried out using two techniques: Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules computations and nuclear magnetic shielding constants calculations. A comparative study of the behavior of DA in the gas phase, aqueous solution, and in the active site of D2DR has allowed us to evaluate the degree of deformation suffered by the ligand and, therefore, analyze how rustic are the lock‐key model and the induced fit theory in this case. Our results allow us to propose one of the conformations obtained as the “biologically relevant” conformation of DA when it is interacting with the D2DR.
Exploration of the molecular characteristics of the tumor–immune interaction and the development of an individualized immune prognostic signature for neuroblastoma
Authors: Jin Wenyi , Zhang Yubiao , Liu Zilin , Che Zhifei , Gao Mingyong , Peng Hao
Published: June 2020

Neuroblastoma (NBL) exists in a complex tumor–immune microenvironment. Immune cell infiltration and tumor–immune molecules play a critical role in tumor development and significantly impact the prognosis of patients. However, the molecular characteristics describing the NBL–immune interaction and their prognostic potential have yet to be investigated systematically. We first employed multiple machine learning algorithms, such as Gene Sets Enrichment Analysis and cell type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts, to identify immunophenotypes and immunological characteristics in NBL patient data from public databases and then investigated the prognostic potential and regulatory networks of identified immune‐related genes involved in the NBL–immune interaction. The immunity signature combining nine immunity genes was confirmed as more effective for individual risk stratification and survival outcome prediction in NBL patients than common clinical characteristics (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.819, C‐index = 0.718, p < .001). A mechanistic exploration revealed the regulatory network of molecules involved in the NBL–immune interaction. These immune molecules were also discovered to possess a significant correlation with plasma cell infiltration, MYCN status, and the level of chemokines and macrophage‐related molecules (p < .001). A nomogram was constructed based on the immune signature and clinical characteristics, which showed high potential for prognosis prediction (AUC = 0.856, C‐index = 0.755, p < .001). We systematically elucidated the complex regulatory mechanisms and characteristics of the molecules involved in the NBL–immune interaction and their prognostic potential, which may have important implications for further understanding the molecular mechanism of the NBL–immune interaction and identifying high‐risk NBL patients to guide clinical treatment.
Same‐day antiretroviral therapy is associated with increased loss to follow‐up in South African public health facilities: a prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HIV
Authors: Joseph Davey Dvora , Kehoe Kathleen , Serrao Claire , Prins Marlien , Mkhize Ntokozo , Hlophe Khanyo , Sejake Senate , Malone Todd
Published: June 2020

Introduction

South Africa introduced Universal Test and Treat in 2016 including antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the same‐day as HIV diagnosis. Our study sought to evaluate the impact of same‐day ART initiation on loss to follow‐up (LTFU) and mortality comparing with patients who initiated ART after their HIV diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a file review of patients with a HIV diagnosis and ART start date on file between September 2016 and May 2018 in six high HIV burden districts. Our primary outcome was LTFU (>90 days from the last clinical visit or drug pick‐up until database closure 31 July 2018). The secondary outcome was mortality after ART initiation. Time to outcome was assessed comparing same‐day vs. one to seven, eight to twenty‐one and ≥ twenty‐two days to ART initiation using Kaplan‐Meier estimators stratified by sex. We investigated predictors using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for a priori characteristics.

Results

Overall, 92,609 ART patients contributed 43,922 person‐years from ART initiation, with a median follow‐up time of 246 days (IQR = 112 to 455). Of these patients, 33,399 (36%) initiated ART on the same‐day as their HIV diagnosis date and had a median follow‐up time of 174 days (IQR = 85 to 349). Same‐day patients were predominantly non‐pregnant females (56%) and aged 25 to 34 years (40%). Same‐day ART initiation increased from 2.8% in September 2016 to 7.1% in April 2018. In same‐day patients, 33% (n = 11,114) were classified as LTFU with a median time of 55 days (IQR = 1 to 185), compared to 371 mean days (IQR = 161 to 560) in patients who initiated ≥22 days after diagnosis. A similar proportion of LTFU was observed for patients who initiated later: 31% 1 to 21 day and 33% ≥22 day. Same‐day ART patients had an increased risk of LTFU vs. ≥1 day (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.24 to 1.33) adjusting for covariates. Although all‐cause mortality was slightly lower in same‐day patients (0.9%) vs. >1 day (1.4%; aHR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.05) adjusting for covariates. Men had highest risk of mortality and LTFU.

Conclusions

Same‐day ART increased the risk of LTFU, but same‐day patients experienced slightly lower mortality. Same‐day patients may require additional counselling and interventions to improve retention. Additional research is needed on targeted interventions, including differentiated care, to reduce LTFU in patients initiating ART same‐day.