bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Polymorphisms in Antioxidant Enzymes Modulate the Susceptibility of Idiosyncratic Antituberculous Drug‐Induced Liver Injury and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Sun Qin , Sha Wei , Liu Hai‐peng , Wang Peng , Liu Zhi‐bin , Sun Wen‐wen , Xiao He‐ping
Published: November 2019

Background

The pathogenic mechanism of antituberculous drug‐induced liver injury (ATDILI) is associated with antioxidant enzymes. The objective of the present study was to investigate the associations of ATDILI susceptibility with genetic polymorphisms of antioxidant enzyme genes including nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1), and MAF bZIP transcription factor K (MAFK).

Methods

Thirty tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag‐SNPs) from the all candidate genes were genotyped in a 2‐stage cohort study including an initial discovery stage with 461 ATDILI patients and 466 controls and a replication stage with 216 ATDILI patients and 432 controls. The frequencies and distributions of genotypes and haplotypes were compared between the case and control groups. Three different genetic models including dominant, recessive, and additive models were used to determine the associations with susceptibility to ATDILI.

Results

The SNPs rs9906835, rs944725, and rs3794764 of the NOS2 gene were significantly associated with an increased risk of ATDILI. The MAFK rs3735656 SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk for ATDILI. The AAA haplotype of the NOS2 gene was associated with susceptibility to ATDILI. The treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis were further affected by genetic variants of the NOS2 and MAFK genes.

Conclusions

Genetic polymorphisms of NOS2 and MAFK are associated with ATDILI susceptibility in Chinese patients with tuberculosis. The variants in NOS2 and MAFK affect treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients. Further studies are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of ATDILI susceptibility via regulation of the expression of ATDILI‐susceptibility genes and proteins.
Labels of insecticides to which Oregon honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) hives could be exposed do not align with federal recommendations in their communication of acute and residual toxicity to honey bees
Authors: Bucy Matthew T. , Melathopoulos Andony
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Teaching pesticide applicators how to determine a product's toxicity to honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) by understanding the label is a way to reduce honey bee exposure to pesticides. Applicators are currently taught how to interpret labels that follow the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) recommendations for how this toxicity should be communicated. To effectively educate applicators, it must be determined if labels follow USEPA recommendations in how they communicate toxicity to honey bees, and if they do not, what patterns exist in these deviations from the recommendations (hereafter, deviations).

RESULTS

As a case study, we analyzed the USEPA master labels of insecticides used in 16 situations where there is concern over Oregon honey bee colony exposure to pesticides. Of the 232 labels analyzed, 31.5% deviated from USEPA recommendations in at least one way. Labels of both commercial and garden products deviated from USEPA recommendations. Products with labels that deviated from USEPA recommendations were found across application situation and active ingredient subgroup. The percentage of products per application situation and per chemical subgroup whose label deviated from USEPA recommendations varied. The most common deviation represented a direct contradiction between the statement used and the toxicity class of the product's active ingredient.

CONCLUSION

Applicators will be underprepared to interpret the pesticide labels they see in the field if they are exclusively taught how to interpret labels that follow USEPA recommendations. Applicators should be taught how to interpret a product label that uses non‐USEPA‐recommended statements to communicate toxicity to honey bees. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Reduced eigensystem representation of the linear density‐density response function
Authors: Dreßler Christian , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: November 2019

The linear density‐density response function represents a formulation of the generalized density response of a molecular (or extended) system to arbitrary perturbing potentials. We have recently established an approach for reducing the dimension of the (in principle infinite) eigenspace representation (the moment expansion) and generalized it to arbitrary self‐adjoint, positive‐definite, and compact linear operators. Here, we present a modified representation—the reduced eigensystem representation—which allows to define a trivial criterion for the convergence of the approximation to the density response. By means of this novel eigensystem‐like structure, the remarkable reduction of the dimensionality becomes apparent for the calculation of the density‐density response function.
Theoretical investigations of spin‐orbit coupling and intersystem crossing in reaction carbon dioxide activated by [Re(CO)2]+
Authors: Kang Juanxia , Wang Yongcheng , Wu Jingjing , Zhu Zhiming
Published: November 2019

In order to further explore the detailed reaction mechanism of carbon dioxide activated by [Re(CO)2]+ complex, CCSD(T) methods was performed to determine related potential energy surface (PES). Crossing point is determined by using a partially optimized method. The result shows that larger spin‐orbital coupling (155.37 cm−1) and intersystem crossing probabilities in spin‐forbidden region causes the electron to spin flip at the minimum energy crossing point and access to the lower singlet PES. Nonadiabatic rate constant k is estimated to be quite rapid, so transition state (1TS1) is rate‐controlled steps. In addition, the electronic structure of oxygen‐atom transfer process is further analyzed by localized molecular orbital and Mayer bond order. The analysis finds that the form of main bonding orbital is the electron contribution from the p(O) in CO2 to the empty d(Re) orbital.
PtPdAg Hollow Nanodendrites: Template‐Free Synthesis and High Electrocatalytic Activity for Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Zhang Tao , Sun Yiqiang , Li Xuejiao , Li Xinyang , Liu Dilong , Liu Guangqiang , Li Cuncheng , Fan Hong Jin , Li Yue
Published: November 2019

To boost the electrocatalytic activity of metal nanoparticles, it is important to rationally design the composition and surface atomic structure, and develop efficient synthesis protocols. Herein, a facile one‐pot self‐templated method for preparing PtPdAg hollow nanodendrites (HNDs) is deployed. These HNDs possess rich atomic steps and grain boundaries, leading to evidently higher catalytic activity in methanol electrooxidation reaction than commercial Pt black and solid particles with smooth surfaces. From control experiments and density functional theory calculations, it is proven that the tri‐metallic HND has a stronger electronic coupling as compared with the PtPd and PtAg nanoparticles. As a result, the PtPdAg HNDs show high anti‐poison capability and catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction. This study provides a new strategy for controllable synthesis of hollow alloy nanocatalysts with high efficiency.
Spectral analysis of New MEXICO standstill measurements to investigate vortex shedding in deep stall
Authors: Khan Muhammad A. , Simão Ferreira Carlos , Schepers Gerard J. , Sørensen Niels N.
Published: November 2019

Spectral analysis was performed on the time series data computed from pressure measurements on the New MEXICO (Model Rotor Experiments under Controlled Conditions) rotor in standstill conditions. As a priori, 3D airfoil polars were recreated from standstill measurements and compared against 2D airfoil polars and flat plate theory results to verify the measurements. The spectral analysis revealed the presence of dominant shedding frequencies for certain ranges of the geometric angle of attack. Two dominant shedding modes were identified: One was associated with bluff body vortex shedding, and the other was associated with low Strouhal number shedding. No dominant shedding frequencies were observed for angles of attack beyond 50°. The research improves on our current understanding of the unsteady nature of the stall regime, along with providing insight into the existence of vortex‐induced vibrations on a wind turbine in standstill conditions.
First evidence of Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) parasitization in Finnish castor bean ticks (Ixodes ricinus)
Authors: Sormunen Jani Jukka , Sippola Ella , Kaunisto Kari Mikael , Vesterinen Eero Juhani , Sääksjärvi Ilari Eerikki
Published: November 2019

Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a parasitoid wasp specialized in parasitizing the larvae and nymphs of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). As parasitized ticks die prior to reproduction, I. hookeri is seen as a prime biological control agent candidate. Despite this, little is known of their occurrence or ecology in northern Europe. The main aim of the current study was to determine whether adult wasps or parasitized ticks can be found from a tick-infested island in southwestern Finland, using field collections and molecular methods. Following the initial discovery of an adult I. hookeri female on Seili Island, we set out to collect further specimens via sweep netting and Malaise trappings between May and October 2017. Furthermore, 1310 Ixodes ricinus (1220 nymphs, 90 adults) collected from the island during 2012–2014 were screened for I. hookeri DNA using qPCR. Whereas no further wasp specimens could be collected via sweep netting or Malaise trappings, I. hookeri DNA was consistently detected in I. ricinus nymphs (annual minimum infection rates in 2012, 2013, and 2014: 2.3, 0.4, and 0.5%, respectively), whereas all adult samples were negative. Although the annually repeated detections of parasitized ticks suggest that the wasp inhabits the island, further field and molecular surveys are needed to more comprehensively determine the status and stability of the population.
Comparison of quantitative flow ratio and fractional flow reserve with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and cardiovascular magnetic resonance as reference standard. A Dan-NICAD substudy
Authors: Sejr-Hansen Martin , Westra Jelmer , Winther Simon , Tu Shengxian , Nissen Louise , Gormsen Lars , Petersen Steffen E. , Ejlersen June , Isaksen Christin , Bøtker Hans Erik , Bøttcher Morten , Christiansen Evald H. , Holm Niels Ramsing
Published: November 2019

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have not yet been compared head to head with perfusion imaging as reference for myocardial ischemia. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of QFR and FFR with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) or cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) as reference. This study is a predefined post hoc analysis of the Dan-NICAD study (NCT02264717). Patients with suspected coronary artery disease by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were randomized 1:1 to MPS or CMR and were referred to invasive coronary angiography with FFR and predefined QFR assessment. Paired data with FFR, QFR and MPS or CMR were available for 232 vessels with stenosis in 176 patients. Perfusion defects were detected in 57 vessel territories (25%). For QFR and FFR the diagnostic accuracy was 61% and 57% (p = 0.18) and area under the receiver operating curve was 0.64 vs. 0.58 (p = 0.22). Stenoses with absolute indication for stenting due to diameter stenosis > 90% by visual estimate were not classified as significant by either QFR or MPS/CMR in 21% (7 of 34) of cases. The diagnostic performance of QFR and FFR was similar but modest with MPS or CMR as reference. Comparable performance levels for QFR and FFR are encouraging for this pressure wire-free diagnostic method.
Solidago canadensis as a bioaccumulator and phytoremediator of Pb and Zn
Authors: Bielecka Aleksandra , Królak Elżbieta
Published: November 2019

Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensisL.) is a plant that grows in a variety of environmental conditions. It shows high capability to spread in various habitats, including fallow lands and brownfield land. The research aimed at analyzing the content of Pb and Zn in the underground (roots, rhizomes) and aboveground parts (stems, leaves, inflorences) ofSolidago canadensis(SC) originating from two locations that are clearly different in terms of metal content in soil. Statistically significant differences were determined in the content of Pb and Zn in soil and particular morphological parts of the plant, depending on the sampling location. It has been shown that in the conditions of increased (compared with natural) Pb and Zn content in the soil, SC may serve as a bioaccumulator of these metals. It was determined that SC can be used as a phytostabilizer of Pb and Zn in soils heavily contaminated with these elements. The content of Zn in the aboveground parts of SC indicates that this plant can also be used for phytoextraction of soils contaminated with this metal.
Systematic review of pleural-amniotic shunt insertion vs. conservative management in isolated bilateral fetal hydrothorax without hydrops
Authors: Carson Elaine , Devaseelan Priscilla , Ong Stephen
Published: November 2019

Objective

In the management of bilateral fetal hydrothorax where the fetus is non-hydropic and apparently otherwise normal, we wished to determine if pleural-amniotic shunt insertion was better than conservative management in terms of mortality.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted between 1992 and 2017. Data extracted was inspected for heterogeneity. Where there was comparative data available, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

Seven studies were included in this systematic review. There was a paucity of comparative data where only 2 studies (28 cases) allowed for direct comparison. Within the limitations of the study, there was no difference between shunt insertion vs. conservative management in terms of stillbirth or miscarriage (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.12–8.34, heterogeneity I2 = 0%, p = 1.00).

Conclusion

There is insufficient data available to determine whether the outcome is improved by pleural-amniotic shunt insertion compared with conservative management in cases of bilateral fetal hydrothorax where the fetus is non-hydropic and otherwise normal.
Catalogue of the Star graph eigenvalue multiplicities
Authors: Khomyakova Ekaterina , Konstantinova Elena V.
Published: November 2019

The Star graph $$S_n$$

S
n

, $$n\geqslant 2$$

n
⩾
2

, is the Cayley graph over the symmetric group $$\mathrm {Sym}_n$$

Sym
n

generated by transpositions $$(1~i),\,2\leqslant i \leqslant n$$

(
1

i
)
,

2
⩽
i
⩽
n

. This set of transpositions plays an important role in the representation theory of the symmetric group. The spectrum of $$S_n$$

S
n

contains all integers from $$-(n-1)$$

-
(
n
-
1
)

to $$n-1$$

n
-
1

, and also zero for $$n\geqslant 4$$

n
⩾
4

. In this paper we observe methods for getting explicit formulas of eigenvalue multiplicities in the Star graphs $$S_n$$

S
n

, present such formulas for the eigenvalues $$\pm (n-k)$$

±
(
n
-
k
)

, where $$2\leqslant k \leqslant 12$$

2
⩽
k
⩽
12

, and finally collect computational results of all eigenvalue multiplicities for $$n\leqslant 50$$

n
⩽
50

in the catalogue.
Evaluation of Topological Properties of Parallel Manipulators Based on the Topological Characteristic Indexes
Authors: Shen Huiping , Yang Ting-Li , Li Ju , Zhang Dan , Deng Jiaming , Liu Anxin
Published: November 2019

The topological structure of a parallel manipulator (PM) determines its intrinsic topological properties (TPs). The TPs further determine essential kinematic and dynamic properties of the mechanism. TPs can be expressed through topological characteristics indexes (TCI). Therefore, defining a set of TCIs is an important issue to evaluate the TPs of PMs. This article addresses the evaluation of topological properties (ETP) of PMs based on TCI. A general and effective ETP method for PMs is proposed. Firstly, 12 TCIs are proposed, including 8 quantitative TCIs, that is, position and orientation characteristics sets (POC), dimension of the POC set, degrees of freedom (DOF), number of independent displacement equations, types and number of an Assur kinematic chain (AKC), coupling degrees of the AKCs, degrees of redundancy and the number of overs; as well as 4 qualitative TCIs, that is, selection of actuated joints, identification of inactive joints, DOF type and Input–Output motion decoupling. Secondly, the ETP method is illustrated by evaluating some well-known PMs including the Delta, Tricept, Exechon, Z3, H4 and the Gough–Stewart platform manipulators, as well as 28 other typical PMs. Via the ETP analysis of these mechanisms also some valuable design knowledge is derived and guidelines for the design of PMs are established. Finally, a 5-DOF decoupled hybrid spraying robot is developed by applying the design knowledge and the design guidelines derived from the ETP analysis.
A Translation or A Revision? The Mandarin Union Version and its use of the Chinese base texts
Authors: TONG CLEMENT TSZ MING
Published: November 2019

When the plan to translate the Union Version in Guanhua (Mandarin) was announced at the 1890 Conference in Shanghai, it was decided that all three existing Mandarin versions—the 1856 Nanking Version, the 1872 Peking Version, and Griffith John's translation of 1889 - were to be equally used as the Chinese base texts of the new version. The decision was part of an overarching effort of appeasement and compromises, in order to secure the general agreement of the Protestant communities deeply divided over the issues of bible translations since the early days of Morrison and Marshman. In reality the Nanking Version and Griffith John were scarcely consulted, and the Peking Version would be the primary Chinese base text used by the committee. What is not always apparent to scholars and readers of the Mandarin Union Version is the extent it has been modeled after the Peking Version, not only because of the high regard the committee members had for this early Bible translation in Mandarin Chinese, but also as a direct result of the manner by which the Mandarin Union Version was completed in a committee setting. By examining the historical context surrounding the translation of the Mandarin Union Version, and the textual features of it in comparison to the Peking Version, this article calls for a stronger emphasis on the role and influence of the Chinese base text on this widely-used Chinese Bible translation, as its popularity and scholarly interests persist, 100 years after its completion.
OVIDʼS HIDDEN LAST LETTERS ON HIS EXILE – TELESTICHS FROM TOMIS: POSTCODE OR CODE?
Authors: Mitchell Keith
Published: November 2019

Ovid is clear that the cause of his exile was acarmenand anerror, the one his poem theArs amatoria(although written several years before his exile in AD 8), the other something which he was never allowed to explain. This paper argues that Ovid has encrypted a plausibly deniable statement contradicting the official reason for his exile in three interrelated telestichs in hisFasti, a work already known to have been revised in exile.
AGU Advances Goes Online
Authors: Trumbore Susan , Barros Ana , Davidson Eric , Ehlmann Bethany , Famiglietti James , Gruber Nicolas , Hudson Mary , Illangasekare Tissa , Kang Sarah , Parsons Tom , Rizzoli Paola , Salters Vincent , Stevens Bjorn , Wuebbles Donald , Zeitler Peter , Zhu Tong
Published: November 2019

AGU Advances is a premier open access journal with transparent review and with commentary accompanying the research articles that places their results in a wider context.
The Importance of Systematic Spatial Variability in the Surface Heat Flux of a Large Lake: A Multiannual Analysis for Lake Geneva
Authors: Rahaghi A.I. , Lemmin U. , Cimatoribus A.A. , Barry D.A.
Published: November 2019

The spatiotemporal surface heat flux (SurHF) distribution over Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Western Europe, was estimated for a 7‐year period (2008–2014). Data sources included hourly maps of over‐the‐lake assimilated meteorological data from a validated numerical weather model and lake surface water temperature (LSWT) from satellite imagery. A set of bulk algorithms, previously optimized and calibrated at two locations in Lake Geneva, was used. Results indicate a systematic long‐term average spatial range of >40 Wm‐2 between different parts of the lake and little year‐to‐year variability. This variability is mainly due to topographically induced wind sheltering over parts of the lake, which in turn produces spatial variability in the sensible and latent heat fluxes. These results are supported by a systematic spatial heat content variability obtained from long‐term temperature profile measurements in the lake. During spring, a lower SurHF spatial range was evident. Unlike other seasons, the spring spatial variability of air‐water temperature differences and, to a lesser extent, the global radiation variability resulting from sheltering by the mountainous topography were the main drivers of the SurHF spatial variability. Analysis of the atmospheric thermal boundary layer showed stable conditions from March to early June and unstable conditions for the rest of the year. This regime change can explain the low SurHF spatial variability observed during spring. The results emphasize that spatial variability in meteorological and LSWT patterns, and consequently in the spatiotemporal SurHF data, should be considered when assessing the time evolution of the heat budget of large lakes.
Exploring the utility of robots in exposure studies
Authors: Feld-Cook Elisabeth , Shome Rahul , Zaleski Rosemary T. , Mohan Krishnan , Kourtev Hristiyan , Bekris Kostas E. , Weisel Clifford P. , Shin Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Obtaining valid, reliable quantitative exposure data can be a significant challenge for industrial hygienists, exposure scientists, and other health science professionals. In this proof-of-concept study, a robotic platform was programmed to perform a simple task as a plausible alternative to human subjects in exposure studies for generating exposure data. The use of robots offers several advantages over the use of humans. Research can be completed more efficiently and there is no need to recruit, screen, or train volunteers. In addition, robots can perform tasks repeatedly without getting tired allowing for collection of an unlimited number of measurements using different chemicals to assess exposure impacts from formulation changes and new product development. The use of robots also eliminates concerns with intentional human exposures while removing health research ethics review requirements which are time consuming. In this study, a humanoid robot was programmed to paint drywall, while volatile organic compounds were measured in air for comparison to model estimates. The measured air concentrations generally agreed with more advanced exposure model estimates. These findings suggest that robots have potential as a methodology for generating exposure measurements relevant to human activities, but without using human subjects.
Concurrent activation of growth factor and nutrient arms of mTORC1 induces oxidative liver injury
Authors: Cho Chun-Seok , Kowalsky Allison H. , Namkoong Sim , Park Sung-Rye , Wu Shuangcheng , Kim Boyoung , James Amanda , Gu Bondong , Semple Ian A. , Tohamy Mohamed A. , Solanki Sumeet , Cho Uhn-Soo , Greenson Joel K. , Shah Yatrik M. , Kim Myungjin , Lee Jun Hee
Published: November 2019

mTORC1 is a protein kinase important for metabolism and is regulated by growth factor and nutrient signaling pathways, mediated by the Rheb and Rag GTPases, respectively. Here we provide the first animal model in which both pathways were upregulated through concurrent mutations in their GTPase-activating proteins, Tsc1 and Depdc5. Unlike former models that induced limited mTORC1 upregulation, hepatic deletion of both Tsc1 and Depdc5 (DKO) produced strong, synergistic activation of the mTORC1 pathway and provoked pronounced and widespread hepatocyte damage, leading to externally visible liver failure phenotypes, such as jaundice and systemic growth defects. The transcriptome profile of DKO was different from single knockout mutants but similar to those of diseased human livers with severe hepatitis and mouse livers challenged with oxidative stress-inducing chemicals. In addition, DKO liver cells exhibited prominent molecular pathologies associated with excessive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation. Although DKO liver pathologies were ameliorated by mTORC1 inhibition, ER stress suppression unexpectedly aggravated them, suggesting that ER stress signaling is not the major conduit of how hyperactive mTORC1 produces liver damage. Interestingly, superoxide scavengers N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Tempol, chemicals that reduce oxidative stress, were able to recover liver phenotypes, indicating that mTORC1 hyperactivation induced liver damage mainly through oxidative stress pathways. Our study provides a new model of unregulated mTORC1 activation through concomitant upregulation of growth factor and nutrient signaling axes and shows that mTORC1 hyperactivation alone can provoke oxidative tissue injury.
Publisher Correction: Homologous recombination DNA repair defects in PALB2-associated breast cancers
Authors: Li Anqi , Geyer Felipe C. , Blecua Pedro , Lee Ju Youn , Selenica Pier , Brown David N. , Pareja Fresia , Lee Simon S. K. , Kumar Rahul , Rivera Barbara , Bi Rui , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Wen Hannah Y. , Lozada John R. , Gularte-Mérida Rodrigo , Cavallone Luca ,   kConFab Investigators, Aghmesheh Morteza , Amor David , Andrews Leslie , Antill Yoland , Balleine Rosemary , Beesley Jonathan , Blackburn Anneke , Bogwitz Michael , Brown Melissa , Burgess Matthew , Burke Jo , Butow Phyllis , Caldon Liz , Campbell Ian , Christian Alice , Clarke Christine , Cohen Paul , Crook Ashley , Cui James , Cummings Margaret , Dawson Sarah-Jane , De Fazio Anna , Delatycki Martin , Dobrovic Alex , Dudding Tracy , Duijf Pascal , Edkins Edward , Edwards Stacey , Farshid Gelareh , Fellows Andrew , Field Michael , Flanagan James , Fong Peter , Forbes John , Forrest Laura , Fox Stephen , French Juliet , Friedlander Michael , Ortega David Gallego , Gattas Michael , Giles Graham , Gill Grantley , Gleeson Margaret , Greening Sian , Haan Eric , Harris Marion , Hayward Nick , Hickie Ian , Hopper John , Hunt Clare , James Paul , Jenkins Mark , Kefford Rick , Kentwell Maira , Kirk Judy , Kollias James , Lakhani Sunil , Lindeman Geoff , Lipton Lara , Lobb Lizz , Lok Sheau , Macrea Finlay , Mann Graham , Marsh Deb , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Meiser Bettina , Milne Roger , Nightingale Sophie , O’Connell Shona , Pachter Nick , Patterson Briony , Phillips Kelly , Saleh Mona , Salisbury Elizabeth , Saunders Christobel , Saunus Jodi , Scott Clare , Scott Rodney , Sexton Adrienne , Shelling Andrew , Simpson Peter , Spigelman Allan , Spurdle Mandy , Stone Jennifer , Taylor Jessica , Thorne Heather , Trainer Alison , Trench Georgia , Tucker Kathy , Visvader Jane , Walker Logan , Wallis Mathew , Williams Rachael , Winship Ingrid , Wu Kathy , Young Mary Anne , Rezoug Zoulikha , Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Peterlongo Paolo , Tondini Carlo , Terkelsen Thorkild , Rønlund Karina , Boonen Susanne E. , Mannerma Arto , Winqvist Robert , Janatova Marketa , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Xia Bing , Norton Larry , Robson Mark E. , Ng Pei-Sze , Looi Lai-Meng , Southey Melissa C. , Weigelt Britta , Soo-Hwang Teo , Tischkowitz Marc , Foulkes William D. , Reis-Filho Jorge S.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Characteristics of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Authors: Toizumi Michiko , Do Cam Giang T. , Motomura Hideki , Do Tin N. , Fukunaga Hirofumi , Iijima Makiko , Le Nhan NT. , Nguyen Hung Thanh , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Yoshida Lay-Myint
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the characteristics of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)-associated cardiac complications, particularly patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We reviewed the medical records of patients with CRS who were admitted to the Children’s Hospital 1 in Vietnam between December 2010 and December 2012, and patients with CRS who underwent PDA transcatheter occlusion therapy at the cardiology department between December 2009 and December 2015. We compared the characteristics of PDA treated with transcatheter closure between children with CRS (CRS-PDA) and those without CRS (non-CRS-PDA) who underwent PDA transcatheter closure between July 2014 and December 2015. One-hundred-and-eight children with CRS were enrolled. Cardiac defects (99%), cataracts (72%), and hearing impairment (7%) were detected. Fifty CRS-PDA and 290 non-CRS-PDA patients were examined. CRS-PDA patients had smaller median birthweight (p < 0.001), more frequent pulmonary (p < 0.001) and aortic stenosis (p < 0.001), higher main pulmonary artery pressure, and higher aortic pressure in systole/diastole (p < 0.001 for each) than did non-CRS-PDA patients. The proportion of tubular-type PDA was higher in CRS-PDA patients (16%) than in non-CRS-PDA patients (3%) (p = 0.020). Tubular-type PDA was frequently seen in patients with CRS and accompanied by pulmonary/systemic hypertension and pulmonary/aortic stenosis; in these patients, more cautious device selection is needed for transcatheter PDA closure.
Plasticity of histone modifications around Cidea and Cidec genes with secondary bile in the amelioration of developmentally-programmed hepatic steatosis
Authors: Urmi Jeenat Ferdous , Itoh Hiroaki , Muramatsu-Kato Keiko , Kohmura-Kobayashi Yukiko , Hariya Natsuyo , Jain Divyanu , Tamura Naoaki , Uchida Toshiyuki , Suzuki Kazunao , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Shiraki Nobuaki , Mochizuki Kazuki , Kubota Takeo , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: November 2019

We recently reported that a treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a secondary bile acid, improved developmentally-deteriorated hepatic steatosis in an undernourishment (UN, 40% caloric restriction)in uteromouse model after a postnatal high-fat diet (HFD). We performed a microarray analysis and focused on two genes (Cidea and Cidec) because they are enhancers of lipid droplet (LD) sizes in hepatocytes and showed the greatest up-regulation in expression by UN that were completely recovered by TUDCA, concomitant with parallel changes in LD sizes. TUDCA remodeled developmentally-induced histone modifications (dimethylation of H3K4, H3K27, or H3K36), but not DNA methylation, around the Cidea and Cidec genes in UN pups only. Changes in these histone modifications may contribute to the markedly down-regulated expression of Cidea and Cidec genes in UN pups, which was observed in the alleviation of hepatic fat deposition, even under HFD. These results provide an insight into the future of precision medicine for developmentally-programmed hepatic steatosis by targeting histone modifications.
Changes in Sexual Function Following Uphold Transvaginal mesh Surgery for the Treatment of Urogenital Prolapse
Authors: Hsiao Tsun-Wen , Ker Chin-Ru , Lin Kun-Ling , Juan Yung-Shun , Wu Ming-Ping , Liu Yi-yin , Long Cheng-Yu
Published: November 2019

Uphold transvaginal mesh implantation is an option for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the effect of Uphold transvaginal mesh implantation on female sexual function. 205 women with symptomatic POP were recruited and evaluated pre-operatively and re- evaluated six months post-operatively in terms of anatomical restoration, quality of life influenced by urinary incontinence and female sexual function. 30 women eventually completed the assessments and been statistically evaluated. The main outcome focused on sexual function. In our study, we found that Uphold transvaginal mesh surgery could achieve effective anatomical restoration of POP and better sexual function regardless of concomitant sling surgery.
Impact of weather seasonality and sexual transmission on the spread of Zika fever
Authors: Dénes Attila , Ibrahim Mahmoud A. , Oluoch Lillian , Tekeli Miklós , Tekeli Tamás
Published: November 2019

We establish a compartmental model to study the transmission of Zika virus disease including spread through sexual contacts and the role of asymptomatic carriers. To incorporate the impact of the seasonality of weather on the spread of Zika, we apply a nonautonomous model with time-dependent mosquito birth rate and biting rate, which allows us to explain the differing outcome of the epidemic in different countries of South America: using Latin Hypercube Sampling for fitting, we were able to reproduce the different outcomes of the disease in various countries. Sensitivity analysis shows that, although the most important factors in Zika transmission are the birth rate of mosquitoes and the transmission rate from mosquitoes to humans, spread through sexual contacts also highly contributes to the transmission of Zika virus: our study suggests that the practice of safe sex among those who have possibly contracted the disease, can significantly reduce the number of Zika cases.
Radiocarbon Production Events and their Potential Relationship with the Schwabe Cycle
Authors: Scifo A. , Kuitems M. , Neocleous A. , Pope B. J. S. , Miles D. , Jansma E. , Doeve P. , Smith A. M. , Miyake F. , Dee M. W.
Published: November 2019

Extreme cosmic radiation events occurred in the years 774/5 and 993/4 CE, as revealed by anomalies in the concentration of radiocarbon in known-age tree-rings. Most hypotheses point towards intense solar storms as the cause for these events, although little direct experimental support for this claim has thus far come to light. In this study, we perform very high-precision accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements on dendrochronological tree-rings spanning the years of the events of interest, as well as the Carrington Event of 1859 CE, which is recognized as an extreme solar storm even though it did not generate an anomalous radiocarbon signature. Our data, comprising 169 new and previously published measurements, appear to delineate the modulation of radiocarbon production due to the Schwabe (11-year) solar cycle. Moreover, they suggest that all three events occurred around the maximum of the solar cycle, adding experimental support for a common solar origin.
Controllable Polarization of Lasing Emission From a Polymer Microfiber Laser
Authors: Ta Van Duong , Chen Rui , Sun Handong
Published: November 2019

Microlasers with controllable polarization of output emission are vital for on-chip optical communications, optical sensors and optical switches. In this work, we report a high quality (Q) factor, low-threshold polymer microfiber laser and the possibility of achieving laser emission with a desired polarization. The microfiber is fabricated by direct drawing from a dye-doped polymer solution and it can generate whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing under optical pulse excitation. When the microfiber is pumped from the side with pumping direction perpendicular to the microfiber’s axis, the polarization direction of the output laser is found to be the same as that of the pump laser. Lasing emission with either transverse electric (TE) or transverse magnetic (TM) modes can be obtained and these two polarization states can be switched over by tuning the pumping laser. Furthermore, emission with both TE and TM modes can also be observed by changing the orientation of the microfiber relatively to pumping direction. Our finding provides an effective approach for achieving microlasers that have high Q lasing modes with anticipated polarization.
Effect of second-order magnetic anisotropy on nonlinearity of conductance in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction for magnetic sensor devices
Authors: Ogasawara Takahiro , Oogane Mikihiko , Al-Mahdawi Muftah , Tsunoda Masakiyo , Ando Yasuo
Published: November 2019

We studied the effect of second-order magnetic anisotropy on the linear conductance output of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) for magnetic-field-sensor applications. Experimentally, CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB-based MTJs were fabricated, and the nonlinearity, NL was evaluated for different thicknesses, t of the CoFeB free layer from the conductance. As increasing t from 1.5 to 2.0 nm, maximum NL, NLmax was found to decrease from 1.86 to 0.17% within the dynamic range, Hd = 1.0 kOe. For understanding the origin of such NL behavior, a theoretical model based on the Slonczewski model was constructed, wherein the NL was demonstrated to be dependent on both the normalized second-order magnetic anisotropy field of Hk2/|Hkeff| and the normalized dynamic range of Hd/|Hkeff|. Here, Hkeff, Hk2, are the effective and second-order magnetic anisotropy field of the free layer in MTJ. Remarkably, experimental NLmax plotted as a function of Hk2/|Hkeff| and Hd/|Hkeff|, which were measured from FMR technique coincided with the predictions of our model. Based on these experiment and calculation, we conclude that Hk2 is the origin of NL and strongly influences its magnitude. This finding gives us a guideline for understanding NL and pioneers a new prospective for linear-output MTJ sensors to control sensing properties by Hk2.
Molecular and genetic analysis of defensive responses of Brassica juncea – B. fruticulosa introgression lines to Sclerotinia infection
Authors: Atri Chhaya , Akhatar Javed , Gupta Mehak , Gupta Neha , Goyal Anna , Rana Kusum , Kaur Rimaljeet , Mittal Meenakshi , Sharma Anju , Singh Mohini Prabha , Sandhu Prabhjodh S. , Barbetti Martin J. , Banga Surinder S.
Published: November 2019

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a major disease of crop brassicas, with inadequate variation for resistance in primary gene pools. We utilized a wild Brassicaceae species with excellent resistance against stem rot to develop a set of B. juncea - B. fruticulosa introgression lines (ILs). These were assessed for resistance using a highly reproducible stem inoculation technique against a virulent pathogen isolate. Over 40% of ILs showed higher levels of resistance. IL-43, IL-175, IL-215, IL-223 and IL-277 were most resistant ILs over three crop seasons. Sequence reads (21x) from the three most diverse ILs were then used to create B. juncea pseudomolecules, by replacing SNPs of reference B. juncea with those of re-sequenced ILs. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was also carried out for 88 ILs. Resultant sequence tags were then mapped on to the B. juncea pseudomolecules, and SNP genotypes prepared for each IL. Genome wide association studies helped to map resistance responses to stem rot. A total of 13 significant loci were identified on seven B. juncea chromosomes (A01, A03, A04, A05, A08, A09 and B05). Annotation of the genomic region around identified SNPs allowed identification of 20 candidate genes belonging to major disease resistance protein families, including TIR-NBS-LRR class, Chitinase, Malectin/receptor-like protein kinase, defensin-like (DEFL), desulfoglucosinolate sulfotransferase protein and lipoxygenase. A majority of the significant SNPs could be validated using whole genome sequences (21x) from five advanced generation lines being bred for Sclerotinia resistance as compared to three susceptible B. juncea germplasm lines. Our findings not only provide critical new understanding of the defensive pathway of B. fruticulosa resistance, but will also enable development of marker candidates for assisted transfer of introgressed resistant loci in to agronomically superior cultivars of crop Brassica.
Transgenerational effects from single larval exposure to azadirachtin on life history and behavior traits of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ferdenache M. , Bezzar-Bendjazia R. , Marion-Poll F. , Kilani-Morakchi S.
Published: November 2019

Azadirachtin is one of the successful botanical pesticides in agricultural use with a broad-spectrum insecticide activity, but its possible transgenerational effects have not been under much scrutiny. The effects of sublethal doses of azadirachtin on life-table traits and oviposition behaviour of a model organism in toxicological studies, D. melanogaster, were evaluated. The fecundity and oviposition preference of flies surviving to single azadirachtin-treated larvae of parental generation was adversely affected and resulted in the reduction of the number of eggs laid and increased aversion to this compound over two successive generations. In parental generation, early exposure to azadirachtin affects adult’s development by reducing the number of organisms, delay larval and pupal development; male biased sex ratio and induced morphological alterations. Moreover, adult’s survival of the two generations was significantly decreased as compared to the control. Therefore, Single preimaginal azadirachtin treatment can affect flies population dynamics via transgenerational reductions in survival and reproduction capacity as well as reinforcement of oviposition avoidance which can contribute as repellent strategies in integrated pest management programs. The transgenerational effects observed suggest a possible reduction both in application frequency and total amount of pesticide used, would help in reducing both control costs and possible ecotoxicological risks.
Tibetan sheep grazing modifies rodent density and their interactions effect on GHG emissions of alpine meadow
Authors: Wang Yingxin , Yuan Hang , Zhang Xinglu , Sun Yi , Chang Shenghua , Li Guang , Hou Fujiang
Published: November 2019

Digging and mound-building by rodents lead to considerable disturbances in the topsoil and may affect plant composition, soil properties. However, little is known about the effects of these activities on GHG emissions, especially under different grazing management. This paper aimed to measure changes in CO2 and CH4 efflux with varying grazing management during the warm and cold seasons and to relate CO2 and CH4 efflux to pika burrow density and zokor mound density with different grazing management. Results of this study showed that CO2 efflux was significantly affected by the grazing season, whereas CH4 efflux was significantly affected by the grazing system. There were significant relationships between GHG efflux and rodent population density which were regulated by grazing management. CO2 efflux increased linearly with rodent density under seasonal continuous grazing in warm season. CO2 and CH4 efflux and rodent population density showed a significant quadratic convex relationship under rotational grazing at 24 SM/ha in warm and cold seasons and rotational grazing at 48 SM/ha in cold season. Under rotational grazing at light stocking rate (24 SM/ha), appropriate populations of rodents were beneficial for decreasing GHG emissions. This results also used to help drive a best-practices model for grazing practices of local herders.
Prevalence and progression of rheumatic heart disease: a global systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based echocardiographic studies
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Agbor Valirie N. , Bigna Jean Joel , Kaze Arnaud D. , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Mayosi Bongani M.
Published: November 2019

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a contemporaneous estimate of the global burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) from echocardiographic population-based studies. We searched multiple databases between January 01, 1996 and October 17, 2017. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool data. We included 82 studies (1,090,792 participant) reporting data on the prevalence of RHD and 9 studies on the evolution of RHD lesions. The pooled prevalence of RHD was 26.1‰ (95%CI 19.2–33.1) and 11.3‰ (95%CI 7.2–16.2) for studies which used the World Heart Federation (WHF) and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, respectively. The prevalence of RHD varied inversely with the level of a country’s income, was lower with the WHO criteria compared to the WHF criteria, and was lowest in South East Asia. Definite RHD progressed in 7.5% (95% CI 1.5–17.6) of the cases, while 60.7% (95% CI 42.4–77.5) of cases remained stable over the course of follow-up. The proportion of cases borderline RHD who progressed to definite RHD was 11.3% (95% CI 6.9–16.5). The prevalence of RHD across WHO regions remains high. The highest prevalence of RHD was noted among studies which used the WHF diagnostic criteria. Definite RHD tends to progress or remain stable over time.
How different effectors and action effects modulate the formation of separate motor memories
Authors: Schween Raphael , Langsdorf Lisa , Taylor Jordan A. , Hegele Mathias
Published: November 2019

Humans can operate a variety of modern tools, which are often associated with different visuomotor transformations. Studies investigating this ability have shown that separate motor memories can be acquired implicitly when different sensorimotor transformations are associated with distinct (intended) postures or explicitly when abstract contextual cues are leveraged by aiming strategies. It still remains unclear how different transformations are remembered implicitly when postures are similar. We investigated whether features of planning to manipulate a visual tool, such as its visual identity or the environmental effect intended by its use (i.e. action effect) would enable implicit learning of opposing visuomotor rotations. Results show that neither contextual cue led to distinct implicit motor memories, but that cues only affected implicit adaptation indirectly through generalization around explicit strategies. In contrast, a control experiment where participants practiced opposing transformations with different hands did result in contextualized aftereffects differing between hands across generalization targets. It appears that different (intended) body states are necessary for separate aftereffects to emerge, suggesting that the role of sensory prediction error-based adaptation may be limited to the recalibration of a body model, whereas establishing separate tool models may proceed along a different route.
Challenging the thorium-immobility paradigm
Authors: Nisbet Haylea , Migdisov Artas A. , Williams-Jones Anthony E. , Xu Hongwu , van Hinsberg Vincent J. , Roback Robert
Published: November 2019

Thorium is the most abundant actinide in the Earth’s crust and has universally been considered one of the most immobile elements in natural aqueous systems. This view, however, is based almost exclusively on solubility data obtained at low temperature and their theoretical extrapolation to elevated temperature. The occurrence of hydrothermal deposits with high concentrations of Th challenges the Th immobility paradigm and strongly suggests that Th may be mobilized by some aqueous fluids. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that Th, indeed, is highly mobile at temperatures between 175 and 250 °C in sulfate-bearing aqueous fluids due to the formation of the highly stable Th(SO4)2 aqueous complex. The results of this study indicate that current models grossly underestimate the mobility of Th in hydrothermal fluids, and thus the behavior of Th in ore-forming systems and the nuclear fuel cycle needs to be re-evaluated.