bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high‐resolution (1.2 Å) crystal structure of the anti‐CRISPR protein AcrIF9
Authors: Kim Gi Eob , Lee So Yeon , Park Hyun Ho
Published: September 2020

Prokaryotic adaptive immunity by CRISPR‐Cas systems, which confer resistance to foreign genetic elements, has been used by bacteria to combat viruses. To cope, viruses evolved multiple anti‐CRISPR proteins, which can inhibit system function through various mechanisms. Although the structures and mechanisms of several anti‐CRISPR proteins have been elucidated, those of the AcrIF9 family have not yet been identified. To understand the molecular basis underlying AcrIF9 anti‐CRISPR function, we determined the 1.2 Å crystal structure of AcrIF9. Structural and biochemical studies showed that AcrIF9 exists in monomeric form in solution and can directly interact with DNA using a positively charged cleft. Based on analysis of the structure, we suggest part of the anti‐CRISPR molecular mechanism by AcrIF9.
White matter and neurite morphology differ in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Goodman Adam M. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Blum Andrew S. , Bolding Mark S. , Correia Stephen , Ver Hoef Lawrence W. , Gaston Tyler E. , Grayson Leslie E. , Kraguljac Nina V. , Lahti Adrienne C. , Martin Amber N. , Monroe William S. , Philip Noah S. , Tocco Krista , Vogel Valerie , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To further evaluate the relationship between the clinical profiles and limbic and motor brain regions and their connecting pathways in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Indices (NODDI) multicompartment modeling was used to test the relationships between tissue alterations in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple psychiatric symptoms.

Methods

The sample included participants with prior TBI (TBI; N = 37) but no PNES, and with TBI and PNES (TBI + PNES; N = 34). Participants completed 3T Siemens Prisma MRI high angular resolution imaging diffusion protocol. Statistical maps, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), neurite dispersion [orientation dispersion index (ODI)] and density [intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), and free water (i.e., isotropic) volume fraction (V‐ISO)] signal intensity, were generated for each participant. Linear mixed‐effects models identified clusters of between‐group differences in indices of white matter changes. Pearson’s r correlation tests assessed any relationship between signal intensity and psychiatric symptoms.

Results

Compared to TBI, TBI + PNES revealed decreases in FA, ICVF, and V‐ISO and increases in MD for clusters within cingulum bundle, uncinate fasciculus, fornix/stria terminalis, and corticospinal tract pathways (cluster threshold α = 0.05). Indices of white matter changes for these clusters correlated with depressive, anxiety, PTSD, psychoticism, and somatization symptom severity (FDR threshold α = 0.05). A follow‐up within‐group analysis revealed that these correlations failed to reach the criteria for significance in the TBI + PNES group alone.

Interpretation

The results expand support for the hypothesis that alterations in pathways comprising the specific PNES network correspond to patient profiles. These findings implicate myelin‐specific changes as possible contributors to PNES, thus introducing novel potential treatment targets.
Skin‐Interfaced Microfluidic Systems that Combine Hard and Soft Materials for Demanding Applications in Sweat Capture and Analysis
Authors: Choi Jungil , Chen Shulin , Deng Yujun , Xue Yeguang , Reeder Jonathan T. , Franklin Daniel , Oh Yong Suk , Model Jeffrey B. , Aranyosi Alexander J. , Lee Stephen P. , Ghaffari Roozbeh , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: September 2020

Eccrine sweat contains a rich blend of electrolytes, metabolites, proteins, metal ions, and other biomarkers. Changes in the concentrations of these chemical species can indicate alterations in hydration status and they can also reflect health conditions such as cystic fibrosis, schizophrenia, and depression. Recent advances in soft, skin‐interfaced microfluidic systems enable real‐time measurement of local sweat loss and sweat biomarker concentrations, with a wide range of applications in healthcare. Uses in certain contexts involve, however, physical impacts on the body that can dynamically deform these platforms, with adverse effects on measurement reliability. The work presented here overcomes this limitation through the use of microfluidic structures constructed in relatively high modulus polymers, and designed in geometries that offer soft, system level mechanics when embedded low modulus elastomers. Analytical models and finite element analysis quantitatively define the relevant mechanics of these systems, and serve as the basis for layouts optimized to allow robust operation in demanding, rugged scenarios such as those encountered in football, while preserving mechanical stretchability for comfortable, water‐tight bonding to the skin. Benchtop testing and on‐body field studies of measurements of sweat loss and chloride concentration under imposed mechanical stresses and impacts demonstrate the key features of these platforms.
Synergetic Structural Transformation of Pt Electrocatalyst into Advanced 3D Architectures for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Kim Joo‐Hyung , Kim Jun , Lim Youngjoon , Kim Yongmin , Alam Afroz , Lee Jaeseung , Ju Hyunchul , Ham Hyung Chul , Kim Jin Young
Published: September 2020

A new direction for developing electrocatalysts for hydrogen fuel cell systems has emerged, based on the fabrication of 3D architectures. These new architectures include extended Pt surface building blocks, the strategic use of void spaces, and deliberate network connectivity along with tortuosity, as design components. Various strategies for synthesis now enable the functional and structural engineering of these electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic, ionic, and electrochemical features. The new architectures provide efficient mass transport and large electrochemically active areas. To date, although there are few examples of fully functioning hydrogen fuel cell devices, these 3D electrocatalysts have the potential to achieve optimal cell performance and durability, exceeding conventional Pt powder (i.e., Pt/C) electrocatalysts. This progress report highlights the various 3D architectures proposed for Pt electrocatalysts, advances made in the fabrication of these structures, and the remaining technical challenges. Attempts to develop design rules for 3D architectures and modeling, provide insights into their achievable and potential performance. Perspectives on future developments of new multiscale designs are also discussed along with future study directions.
Optimizing Redox Reactions in Aprotic Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Hu Anjun , Zhou Mingjie , Lei Tianyu , Hu Yin , Du Xinchuan , Gong Chuanhui , Shu Chaozhu , Long Jianping , Zhu Jun , Chen Wei , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie
Published: September 2020

The lithium–sulfur battery is regarded as one of the promising energy‐storage devices beyond lithium‐ion battery due to its overwhelming energy density. The aprotic Li–S electrochemistry is hampered by issues arising from the complex solid–liquid–solid conversion process. Recently, tremendous efforts have been made to optimize the electrochemical reaction in Li–S batteries through rationally designing compositions and structures of cathodes. However, a deep and comprehensive understanding of the actual mechanisms of Li–S batteries and their impact on the performance is still insufficient. The vigorous development of various electrochemical analysis and in situ techniques establish a bridge between the microstructure of components and the macroscopic electrochemical performance, thus providing more scientific guidance for the optimal design of Li–S batteries. In this review, based on insights into the mechanism of aprotic Li–S electrochemistry with the aid of in situ characterization and electrochemical methods, the advanced innovations in optimizing Li–S batteries are systematically summarized, including the materials design, cathode configurations optimization, and electrolyte engineering, with the aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of cathodic redox processes and thus achieve high‐performance Li–S batteries. The current status and possible future directions of the field are accordingly outlined.
Mesoscale effect on bubble formation in step‐emulsification devices with two parallel microchannels
Authors: Mi Sheng , Jiang Shaokun , Zhu Chunying , Ma Youguang , Fu Taotao
Published: September 2020

The step‐emulsification devices with parallel microchannels are promising for the high‐throughput formation of bubbles. However, the mechanism for bubble formation in such devices remains unclear. In present study, the mesoscale concept of compromise in a competition is used to reveal the mechanism. Nitrogen is used as the dispersed phase, and aqueous solutions with different viscosities are used as the continuous phase. The flow patterns and characteristic parameters for bubble formation are studied by using a high‐speed camera. The characteristic parameters include the head distance of gas–liquid interface and the neck width, and the size and formation frequency of bubbles. Bubble formation is affected by the hydrodynamic feedback in the chamber and the interfacial evolution process, characterized by the relative magnitude of the evolution velocity for the head distance and the neck width of gaseous thread in both microchannels. It is found that the compromise effect is beneficial for the formation of bubbles with excellent monodispersity.
Multiobjective genetic programming for reinforced concrete beam modeling
Authors: Tahmassebi Amirhessam , Mohebali Behshad , Meyer‐Baese Anke , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the application of multiobjective genetic programming (MOGP) in engineering issues. An evolutionary symbolic implementation was developed based on a case study on prediction of the shear strength of slender reinforced concrete beams without stirrups including 1942 set of published test results. In the implementation of the MOGP model, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II with adaptive regression by mixing algorithm with considering the optimization of mean‐square error as the fitness measure and the subtree complexity was used. The developed MOGP model was compared to previously developed genetic programming models, different building codes, and additional machine learning based approaches. It is clearly shown that the MOGP model outperformed the other algorithms applied on this database and can be a general solution on any engineering problems with the main advantage of prediction equations without assuming prior form of the relevance among the input predictor variables.
Phenotypic diversity and genetic complexity of PAX3‐related Waardenburg syndrome
Authors: Somashekar Puneeth H. , Upadhyai Priyanka , Narayanan Dhanya L. , Kamath Nutan , Bajaj Shruti , Girisha Katta M. , Shukla Anju
Published: September 2020

Waardenburg syndrome subtypes 1 and 3 are caused by pathogenic variants in PAX3. We investigated 12 individuals from four unrelated families clinically diagnosed with Waardenburg syndrome type 1/3. Novel pathogenic variants identified in PAX3 included single nucleotide variants (c.166C>T, c.829C>T), a 2‐base pair deletion (c.366_367delAA) and a multi‐exonic deletion. Two novel variants, c.166C>T and c.829C>T and a previously reported variant, c.256A>T in PAX3 were evaluated for their nuclear localization and ability to activate MITF promoter. The coexistence of two subtypes of Waardenburg syndrome with pathogenic variants in PAX3 and EDNRB was seen in one of the affected individuals. Multiple genetic diagnoses of Waardenburg syndrome type 3 and autosomal recessive deafness 1A was identified in an individual. We also review the phenotypic and genomic spectrum of individuals with PAX3‐related Waardenburg syndrome reported in the literature.
Study on the mechanism of catalytic synthesis of dimethyldichlorosilane by AlCl3/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al2O3
Authors: Xu Wenyuan , Wang Yan , Li Suying , Cheng Yongbing , Guo Zanru , Hu Lin , Liao Mengyin , Peng Jiaxi , Chen Xi , Yang Shaoming
Published: September 2020

Dimethyldichlorosilane, one of the most consumed organosilicon monomers in the industry, can be prepared in a highly efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis method of disproportionating methylchlorosilanes. However, the internal mechanism of the reaction remains unclear. In this paper, the mechanism catalyzed by AlCl3/MIL‐53(Al) and AlCl3/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al2O3 catalysts was calculated at B3LYP/6‐311++G(3df, 2pd) level by using the density functional theory (DFT). The results showed that although the two catalysts had similar active structures, the catalytic effects were significantly different. The Lewis acid center on the surface of γ‐Al2O3 in the core‐shell catalyst is complementary to the classic Lewis acid AlCl3 through the spatial superposition effect, which greatly improves the Lewis acid catalytic activity of AlCl3/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al2O3.
Robot‐Assisted Total Pancreatectomy With Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation: Perioperative Nursing Considerations
Authors: Williams Germaine M.
Published: September 2020

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that causes pain and gastrointestinal problems in patients. Robot‐assisted total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TPAIT) is a surgical procedure for treating patients with CP that has been unresponsive to other treatments. After performing a total pancreatectomy, the surgical team isolates islet cells and then infuses them into the patient's liver. To provide the best possible care for patients undergoing TPAIT, perioperative nurses should understand the physiological functions of the pancreas, the etiology of and treatment options for CP, and their role in coordinating care for this patient population. This article discusses the disease process for CP, reasons for choosing the robotic approach to TPAIT, preparation of the OR for the procedure, the role of the RN circulator during a robot‐assisted TPAIT, and nursing management of the patient during the postoperative phase of care.
The moderating role of processing style in risk perceptions and risky decision making
Authors: Chan Eugene Y. , Saqib Najam U.
Published: September 2020

When evaluating risks, such as skydiving or taking an experimental drug, there are both possible harms and benefits to consider. In the current research, we hypothesize that individuals evaluating risks visually possibly see greater potential harms—but not more potential benefits—compared with those doing so verbally. This is likely because visualizing risks is inherently an affective experience, and negative affect (e.g., potential harms in risk taking) is more dominant than positive affect (e.g., potential benefits). This means that perceived harms are greater for visualizers, reducing their willingness to take risks. We obtain support for this theorizing across four studies, with visualizing individuals more likely to see harms from taking risks, leading to their risk aversion. This research thus demonstrates that visualizing risks asymmetrically shapes how individuals evaluate the two main components of risk taking (perceived harms, perceived benefits). We discuss the application of our findings to how individuals perceive risks in both the marketplace and policy settings.
How numeric advice precision affects advice taking
Authors: Schultze Thomas , Loschelder David D.
Published: September 2020

Advice is a powerful means to improve peoples' judgments and decisions. Because advice quality is rarely apparent, decision‐makers must infer it from the characteristics of the advisor or the advice itself. Here, we focus on a largely neglected advice characteristic that should signal quality: advice precision. In a preregistered, high‐powered study (N = 195), we tested the effects of advice precision on advice taking. Drawing from past research and theorizing on anchor precision, we derived and tested two competing hypotheses for the relation of advice precision and advice taking—one predicting a monotone increase in advice taking when advice precision increases and the other predicting a backfiring effect of overly precise advice resulting in an inverted U‐shape. Our results support the notion of a monotone, albeit not a strong monotone, relationship. Higher perceived advice quality correlated with individuals' advice taking. Consistent with the idea that advice precision serves as a cue for advice quality, the effect of advice precision on advice taking was statistically mediated by perceived advice quality. Although the mediation analysis does not allow for causal interpretation because we did not manipulate the mediating variable, it shows that the effect of advice precision on advice taking is not merely a demand effect. Implications of our findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Exploring the moderating effect of environmental facilitating conditions on environmentally responsible behaviour among tourists: Evidence from Perhentian Island, Malaysia
Authors: Go You‐How , Yii Kwang‐Jing , Loh Chun‐T'ing , Ching Suet‐Ling , Choong Chee‐Keong
Published: September 2020

Perhentian Island is one of the well‐known coral islands in Peninsular Malaysia that attracts a large number of tourists. To create economic returns, the Department of Marine Park Malaysia conserves various aquatic habitats and allows tourists to carry out their water activities. However, most tourists do not have intention of preserving and protecting the natural environment while carrying out their activities. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the moderating effect of environmental facilitating conditions on tourists' environmentally responsible behaviour. For testing the hypotheses, we survey 193 tourists on Perhentian Island. Our results provide two notable findings. First, environmental facilitating conditions moderate the relationship between environmental attitude and their environmentally responsible behaviour. Second, the environmental subjective norm is found to have a stronger direct effect on their environmentally responsible behaviour. This implies that government agencies and local authorities should provide favourable facilitating conditions to encourage tourists to be more environmentally responsible.
Methylome analyses of three glioblastoma cohorts reveal chemotherapy sensitivity markers within DDR genes
Authors: Kessler Tobias , Berberich Anne , Sadik Ahmed , Sahm Felix , Gorlia Thierry , Meisner Christoph , Hoffmann Dirk C. , Wick Antje , Kickingereder Philipp , Rübmann Petra , Bendszus Martin , Opitz Christiane , Weller Michael , van den Bent Martin , Stupp Roger , Winkler Frank , Brandes Alba , von Deimling Andreas , Platten Michael , Wick Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Background

Gliomas evade current therapies through primary and acquired resistance and the effect of temozolomide is mainly restricted to methylguanin‐O6-methyltransferase promoter (MGMT) promoter hypermethylated tumors. Further resistance markers are largely unknown and would help for better stratification.

Methods

Clinical data and methylation profiles from the NOA‐08 (104, elderly glioblastoma) and the EORTC 26101 (297, glioblastoma) studies and 398 patients with glioblastoma from the Heidelberg Neuro‐Oncology center have been analyzed focused on the predictive effect of DNA damage response (DDR) gene methylation. Candidate genes were validated in vitro.

Results

Twenty‐eight glioblastoma 5'‐cytosine‐phosphat‐guanine‐3' (CpGs) from 17 DDR genes negatively correlated with expression and were used together with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations in further analysis. CpG methylation of DDR genes shows highest association with the mesenchymal (MES) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) II glioblastoma subgroup. MES tumors have lower tumor purity compared to RTK I and II subgroup tumors. CpG hypomethylation of DDR genes TP73 and PRPF19 correlated with worse patient survival in particular in MGMT promoter unmethylated tumors. TERT promoter mutation is most frequent in RTK I and II subtypes and associated with worse survival. Primary glioma cells show methylation patterns that resemble RTK I and II glioblastoma and long term established glioma cell lines do not match with glioblastoma subtypes. Silencing of selected resistance genes PRPF19 and TERT increase sensitivity to temozolomide in vitro.

Conclusion

Hypomethylation of DDR genes and TERT promoter mutations is associated with worse tumor prognosis, dependent on the methylation cluster and MGMT promoter methylation status in IDH wild‐type glioblastoma.
Getting some of that personality: There is an app for that!
Authors: Rao Hill Sally , Carrillat Francois
Published: September 2020

When brands communicate with consumers via interactive medium such as smartphone apps, how do they influence consumers' self‐concepts? This study investigates the effect of branded smartphone app usage on consumer self‐perceptions of personality traits. Our approach relies on a longitudinal experimental design in which self‐perceptions of personality traits are measured at the beginning and at the end of a 4‐week period. During the study period, in the treatment condition consumers use a branded app while in the control condition they used an unbranded app. Brand engagement in the self‐concept and lay theory beliefs (incremental vs. entity) are the measured mediator and moderator, respectively. Branded smartphone app usage alone is enough to lead consumers to update their personality self‐perceptions in line with the personality of the brand. The brand's highly salient and desirable personality trait rubs‐off entity theorists' self‐perceptions by strengthening personality signaling to the self. However, the brand's low saliency and undesirable personality trait fades away from incremental theorists' self‐perceptions without serving as a personality signal to the self. The findings have direct implications for marketers attempting to use branded smartphone apps to influence self‐brand relationships. This paper extends knowledge of how branded apps influence consumers' self‐perceptions of personality. It differentiates the mechanisms through which these effects occur for consumers who have different lay beliefs (i.e., incremental vs. entity) as well as for brands' personality traits with varying levels of saliency and desirability.
Resternotomy and coronary artery bypass grafting after omental flap procedure: A case report
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Watanuki Hirotaka , Okada Masaho , Futamura Yasuhiro , Imazu Rintaro , Makino Satoshi , Matsuyama Katsuhiko
Published: September 2020

Few studies have reported resternotomy after an omental flap procedure. We describe the case of a 78‐year‐old man who received resternotomy after omental flap procedure for deep sternal wound infection and successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Although preoperative computed tomography showed funnel chest and limited space between the sternum and omentum, resternotomy was performed safely using circular electric sternum saw under partial cardiopulmonary bypass. Because the omentum functioned as cushioning material between the sternum and mediastinal organs, no injuries of the mediastinal organs occurred. An ultrasonic scalpel effectively dissected between the omentum and mediastinal organs, especially above the ascending aorta. The targeted coronary arteries were easily detected. The patient experienced no major cardiac or infectious events for three months. An ultrasonic scalpel is recommended for dissecting between the omentum and mediastinal organs.
Numerical Simulation of Manifold Microchannel Heat Sinks for Thermal Management in a Li‐Ion Battery
Authors: Pan Minqiang , Hu Minglong
Published: September 2020

The microchannel heat sink is an effective technology for the thermal management of Li‐ion batteries. The overall performance of two heat sinks with improved thermal management of Li‐ion batteries was determined by a numerical simulation model. A manifold microchannel heat sink (MMC) and a traditional microchannel heat sink (TMC) with different aspect ratios of microchannels were developed. Thermal transfer performance and pressure drop characteristics of two heat sinks were compared by Fluent. Results indicate that the temperature uniformity of the TMC is worse than that of the MMC. The total pressure drop of TMC is significantly higher as compared to that of the MMC. Consequently, the MMC has a better overall performance than the TMC.
Carbon2Chem® – A Successful Cross‐Industrial Network for Sustainable Climate Protection and Preservation of Competitiveness
Authors: Deerberg Görge , Oles Markus , Schlögl Robert
Published: September 2020

No abstract.
Mathematical modelling in high school chemistry: Chemical kinetics
Authors: Kraska Thomas
Published: September 2020

Der Beobachtung, dass Schülerinnen und Schüler häufig nicht den Beitrag anderer Fächer wie der angewandten Mathematik oder Informatik zur Chemie sehen, kann man versuchen entgegenzuwirken, indem man geeignete mathematische Modellierungen im Chemieunterricht einführt. Dabei kann man sich auf solche Themen fokussieren, die üblicherweise bereits Bestandteil der Lehrpläne sind. Hier wird die Kinetik, ein zentrales Thema der Chemie, im Rahmen der Einführung der nukleophilen Substitution als Beispiel herangezogen. Dies erlaubt es, Bezüge zu Unterrichtsinhalten der Mathematik und Informatik herzustellen. Dazu wird die Kinetik durch quantitative Betrachtungen und Simulationen vertieft. Es werden die Zeitgesetze für die Kinetik erster und zweiter Ordnung mit mathematischen Methoden hergeleitet, die in den heutigen Mathematiklehrplänen typischerweise enthalten sind. Mit Hilfe von zwei quantitativ auswertbaren Modellversuchen können sowohl die Differenzialgleichungen als auch ihre Lösung spielerisch veranschaulicht werden. Diese Modellversuche lassen sich zudem in kompakte Computeralgorithmen umsetzen. Die Schülerinnen und Schüler lernen so die unterschiedlichen Methoden Experiment, Herleitung und Simulation zur Gewinnung chemischer Erkenntnisse kennen.
A Picosecond Time‐Resolved Spectroscopic Investigation of the Effect of pH on Morin Fluorescence
Authors: Smortsova Yevheniia , Gaillard Jérémy , Miannay François‐Alexandre , Cornard Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2020

In this work, we investigated for the first time morin in MeOH at different pH values by picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence. We identified the two species responsible for the fluorescence at low and high pH. The solvated morin‐solvent hydrogen‐bonded complex has been experimentally observed for the first time. We give also the typical fluorescence spectra as well as the fluorescence lifetimes of the probable emitting species. In this work we put forward new insights concerning the contribution of free morin to the fluorescence. We hope that these new data improve the accuracy of the interpretation of the cation:morin complexes titration using fluorescence signal.
Generalized probability density function and applications to the experimental data in electrical circuits and systems
Authors: Özyapıcı Ali , Bilgehan Bülent , Şensoy Zehra B.
Published: September 2020

The mathematical sciences, and particularly probabilistic and statistical methods, are key to understanding the dependencies of the systems. The purpose of this paper is to encourage a wider recognition by engineers of a new generalized principle which in its mathematical form is a powerful instrument for the solution of practical problems. Generalized probability density function was introduced to permit analysis without pre‐knowledge of the source of the data. The fundamental principles are extended to apply the most related engineering applications without the need to know the type of source generating the data. The generalized model presented eliminates preliminary work in engineering problems. The proposed model introduces an exponential density function to produce a direct solution to randomly varying data. The exponential density function is fully compatible with applications containing randomly distributed data. The success of the generalized model presented is due to the calculated parameters in the exponential density function. The method is applied to various problems chosen from the field of engineering with great success.
Differences in rhizosphere microbial communities between native and non‐native Phragmites australis may depend on stand density
Authors: Bickford Wesley A. , Zak Donald R. , Kowalski Kurt P. , Goldberg Deborah E.
Published: September 2020

Microorganisms surrounding plant roots may benefit invasive species through enhanced mutualism or decreased antagonism, when compared to surrounding native species. We surveyed the rhizosphere soil microbiome of a prominent invasive plant, Phragmites australis, and its co‐occurring native subspecies for evidence of microbial drivers of invasiveness. If the rhizosphere microbial community is important in driving plant invasions, we hypothesized that non‐native Phragmites would cultivate a different microbiome from native Phragmites, containing fewer pathogens, more mutualists, or both. We surveyed populations of native and non‐native Phragmites across Michigan and Ohio USA, and we described rhizosphere microbial communities using culture‐independent next‐generation sequencing. We found little evidence that native and non‐native Phragmites cultivate distinct bacterial, fungal, or oomycete rhizosphere communities. Microbial community differences in our Michigan survey were not associated with plant lineage but were mainly driven by environmental factors, such as soil saturation and nutrient concentrations. Intensive sampling along transects consisting of dense monocultures of each lineage and mixed zones revealed bacterial community differences between lineages in dense monoculture, but not in mixture. We found no evidence of functional differences in the microbial communities surrounding each lineage. We extrapolate that the invasiveness of non‐native Phragmites, when compared to its native congener, does not result from the differential cultivation of beneficial or antagonistic rhizosphere microorganisms.
Integrative genomic analysis in African American children with asthma finds three novel loci associated with lung function
Authors: Goddard Pagé C. , Keys Kevin L. , Mak Angel C. Y. , Lee Eunice Y. , Liu Amy K. , Samedy‐Bates Lesly‐Anne , Risse‐Adams Oona , Contreras María G. , Elhawary Jennifer R. , Hu Donglei , Huntsman Scott , Oh Sam S. , Salazar Sandra , Eng Celeste , Himes Blanca E. , White Marquitta J. , Burchard Esteban G.
Published: September 2020

Bronchodilator (BD) drugs are commonly prescribed for treatment and management of obstructive lung function present with diseases such as asthma. Administration of BD medication can partially or fully restore lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests. The genetics of baseline lung function measures taken before BD medication have been extensively studied, and the genetics of the BD response itself have received some attention. However, few studies have focused on the genetics of post‐BD lung function. To address this gap, we analyzed lung function phenotypes in 1103 subjects from the Study of African Americans, Asthma, Genes, and Environment, a pediatric asthma case–control cohort, using an integrative genomic analysis approach that combined genotype, locus‐specific genetic ancestry, and functional annotation information. We integrated genome‐wide association study (GWAS) results with an admixture mapping scan of three pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC) taken before and after albuterol BD administration on the same subjects, yielding six traits. We identified 18 GWAS loci, and five additional loci from admixture mapping, spanning several known and novel lung function candidate genes. Most loci identified via admixture mapping exhibited wide variation in minor allele frequency across genotyped global populations. Functional fine‐mapping revealed an enrichment of epigenetic annotations from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fetal lung tissue, and lung fibroblasts. Our results point to three novel potential genetic drivers of pre‐ and post‐BD lung function: ADAMTS1, RAD54B, and EGLN3.
Simultaneous voxel‐wise analysis of brain and spinal cord morphometry and microstructure within the SPM framework
Authors: Azzarito Michela , Kyathanahally Sreenath P. , Balbastre Yaël , Seif Maryam , Blaiotta Claudia , Callaghan Martina F. , Ashburner John , Freund Patrick
Published: September 2020

To validate a simultaneous analysis tool for the brain and cervical cord embedded in the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) framework, we compared trauma‐induced macro‐ and microstructural changes in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to controls. The findings were compared with results obtained from existing processing tools that assess the brain and spinal cord separately. A probabilistic brain‐spinal cord template (BSC) was generated using a generative semi‐supervised modelling approach. The template was incorporated into the pre‐processing pipeline of voxel‐based morphometry and voxel‐based quantification analyses in SPM. This approach was validated on T1‐weighted scans and multiparameter maps, by assessing trauma‐induced changes in SCI patients relative to controls and comparing the findings with the outcome from existing analytical tools. Consistency of the MRI measures was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The SPM approach using the BSC template revealed trauma‐induced changes across the sensorimotor system in the cord and brain in SCI patients. These changes were confirmed with established approaches covering brain or cord, separately. The ICC in the brain was high within regions of interest, such as the sensorimotor cortices, corticospinal tracts and thalamus. The simultaneous voxel‐wise analysis of brain and cervical spinal cord was performed in a unique SPM‐based framework incorporating pre‐processing and statistical analysis in the same environment. Validation based on a SCI cohort demonstrated that the new processing approach based on the brain and cord is comparable to available processing tools, while offering the advantage of performing the analysis simultaneously across the neuraxis.
Socio‐demographic, behavioural and health‐related characteristics associated with active commuting in a regional Australian state: Evidence from the 2016 Tasmanian Population Health Survey
Authors: Stanesby Oliver , Long Michael , Ball Kylie , Blizzard Leigh , Cocker Fiona , Greaves Stephen , Harpur Siobhan , Johnston Fay , Jose Kim , Marshall Elaine , Palmer Andrew J. , Sharman Melanie , Venn Alison , Williams Julie , Cleland Verity
Published: September 2020

Issue addressed

Physical activity is lower and rates of preventable common diseases are higher in regional/rural than urban Australia. Active commuting (walking/bicycling to get from one place to another) may benefit health through increased physical activity, but most evidence of its correlates come from urban studies. This study aimed to investigate associations between active commuting, socio‐demographic characteristics, behaviours, total physical activity and health in a regional/rural Australian state.

Methods

This study used data from the 2016 Tasmanian Population Health Survey, a representative cross‐sectional self‐report survey of 6,300 adults in Tasmania, Australia. Logistic regression modelling investigated associations between socio‐demographic, behavioural and health characteristics and past week active commuting frequency.

Results

In multivariable models, being younger, having tertiary qualifications, living in a socio‐economically advantaged area, being physically active, having a healthy body mass index and good/excellent self‐rated health were associated with engaging in more active commuting. Inner regional dwellers were no more likely than outer regional dwellers to actively commute after covariate adjustment.

Conclusion

Strategies to promote active commuting in regional/rural areas might consider targeting older adults, those less educated, those living in socio‐economically disadvantaged areas, those less physically active, those with poorer health and those with higher body mass index. Research could further investigate why these groups appear to be less active for commuting purposes.

So what?

Increasing physical activity and active commuting may help to reduce rates of preventable common diseases in regional/remote areas.
Software‐defined information‐centric networking based exercise intensity evaluation of volleyball player: An efficient convolutional neural network method
Authors: Ban Yunqiang
Published: September 2020

The exercise intensity evaluation has been accepted as a research hotspot in the field of body area network, where the data collection plays the considerably important role. In this letter, the exercise intensity evaluation of volleyball player is conducted based on two emerging networking paradigms, that is, Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) and Information‐Centric Networking (ICN). To be specific, SDN is used to monitor the exercise intensity data via the functions of centralized control and global network view; at the same time, ICN router is responsible for storing the important and frequently used exercise intensity data via the ability of in‐network caching. In addition, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model is exploited to train the exercise intensity data and further to conduct the behaviors of volleyball player. The experimental results show that the proposed evaluation method is efficient.
High Luteinizing Hormone and Lower Levels of Sex Hormones in Younger Men With Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Egund Lisa , Isaksson Sigrid , McGuigan Fiona E , Giwercman Aleksander , Åkesson Kristina E
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the sex steroid hormone profile in younger men with distal radius fracture (DRF) to elucidate if this could explain the low bone density and osteoporosis previously observed. In a case–control study, 73 men with DRF (mean age 38 ± 9 years; range, 20–51) was compared with 194 age‐matched, population controls. Performed assays: total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and total estradiol (E2). BMD hip and spine were measured. Fracture cases had lower cFT (298 versus 329 pmol/L; p = 0.008), but not TT, compared with controls. FSH and SHBG were not statistically different. LH was almost 30% higher (5.7 versus 4.5 IU/L; p < 0.001) and a lower E2 was observed (80.0 versus 87.1; p = 0.098). Men with DRF had a lower E2/SHBG ratio compared with controls (2.3 versus 2.9; p = 0.013). A higher proportion of the fracture group had low TT (<10.5 nmol/L; 21% versus 11%; p = 0.052), low cFT (<220 pmol/L; 18% versus 8%; p = 0.017), and low E2 (<73 pmol/L; 48% versus 35%; p = 0.044). Odds ratio (OR) for fracture when having low cFT was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.02–5.49; p = 0.044); with low E2, the OR was 1.7 (95% CI, 0.96–2.96). In this study in young men with DRF exploring sex hormone levels, we find that sex hormone profiles may be disturbed with a lower E2/SHBG ratio, lower cFT, and higher LH. Estrogen is also a strong determinant of bone mass in men; hence, low levels of E2 may be contributing to the observed lower BMD and these differences may be relevant to fracture risk. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Mir‐488 alleviates chemoresistance and glycolysis of colorectal cancer by targeting PFKFB3
Authors: Deng Xiaojing , Li Dapeng , Ke Xiquan , Wang Qizhi , Yan Shanjun , Xue Yongju , Wang Qiangwu , Zheng Hailun
Published: September 2020

Background

Considering the boosting effect of glycolysis on tumor chemoresistance, this investigation aimed at exploring whether miR‐488/PFKFB3 axis might reduce drug resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) by affecting glycolysis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells.

Method

Totally, 288 CRC patients were divided into metastasis/recurrence group (n = 107) and non‐metastasis/recurrence group (n = 181) according to their prognosis about 1 year after the chemotherapy, and their 3‐year overall survival was also tracked. Besides, miR‐488 expression was determined in peripheral blood of CRC patients and also in CRC cell lines (ie, W620, HT‐29, Lovo, and HCT116). The targeted relationship between miR‐488 and PFKFB3 was predicted by Targetscan software and confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, glycolysis and drug tolerance of CRC cells lines were assessed.

Results

MiR‐488 expression was significantly decreased in metastatic/recurrent CRC patients than those without metastasis/recurrence (P < .05), and lowly expressed miR‐488 was suggestive of unfavorable 3‐year survival, large tumor size, poor differentiation, in‐depth infiltration, and advanced Duke stage of CRC patients (P < .05). Besides, CRC cell lines transfected by miR‐488 mimic demonstrated decreases in glucose uptake and lactate secretion, increases in oxaliplatin/5‐Fu‐sensistivity, as well as diminished capability of proliferating, invading, and migratory (P < .05), which were reversible by extra transfection of pcDNA3.1‐PFKFB3 (ie, miR‐488 mimic + pcDNA3.1‐PFKFB3 group). Finally, the mRNA level of PFKFB3 was down‐regulated by miR‐488 mimic in CRC cell lines after being targeted by it (P < .05).

Conclusion

The miR‐488/PFKFB3 axis might clinically refine chemotherapeutic efficacy of CRC, given its modifying glycolysis and metastasis of CRC cells.
A new two‐dimensional sonographic approach to the assessment of the fetal hard and soft palates
Authors: Frisova Veronika , Cojocaru Liviu , Turan Shifa
Published: September 2020

Facial clefts are among the most common congenital defects. Ultrasound (US) imaging of secondary fetal palate, especially the detection of isolated defects, remains challenging. Currently described two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional methods are technically demanding and impractical for application during routine fetal anatomy evaluation. As an adjunct method, magnetic resonance imaging can provide additional information but has its limitations. We present a novel 2D US approach using axial and sagittal planes to evaluate the fetal palate and demonstrate the main differences between an intact palate, isolated cleft palate, and a cleft lip with cleft palate.
Examining trends in multiple parameters of seasonally‐relative extreme temperature and dew point events across North America
Authors: Lee Cameron C. , Obarein Omon , Sheridan Scott C. , Smith Erik T. , Adams Ryan
Published: September 2020

Concurrent with the background rise in global mean temperatures, changes in extreme events are also becoming evident, and are arguably more impactful on society. This research examines trends in three components of seasonally‐relative extreme temperature and humidity events in North America that directly influence human thermal comfort: event frequency, duration, and areal extent. Results indicate that for the majority of the study domain, changes in these events are in the expected direction with changes in means. Extreme heat events are generally increasing throughout the domain, with the largest changes in summer and autumn in the eastern portion of Canada and the United States. Cold events are largely decreasing in these same locations and seasons, with additional widespread decreases in winter. Interestingly, significant increases in cold events are also evident in autumn in parts of the western United States. Extreme humidity events are showing an even greater change than temperature events – nearly all of Canada and most of the United States is seeing significant increases in extreme humid events and decreases in dry events, while the southwestern deserts show widespread significant increases in dry events, especially in winter and spring. Changes in event duration and spatial extent mimic these results. Importantly, this research demonstrates that there are regions that show changes to extreme events that differ from the overall changes in means, highlighting the importance of looking beyond climate averages to examine not only extreme events, but changes in higher‐order statistical moments.
Dissolved organic matter sources in glacierized watersheds delineated through compositional and carbon isotopic modeling
Authors: Behnke Megan I. , Stubbins Aron , Fellman Jason B. , Hood Eran , Dittmar Thorsten , Spencer Robert G. M.
Published: September 2020

Climate change is decreasing watershed glacial coverage throughout Alaska, impacting the biogeochemistry of downstream ecosystems. We collected streamwater fortnightly over the glacial runoff period from three streams of varying watershed glacier coverage (0–49%) and a subglacial outflow to assess how glacier recession impacts the relative contributions of glacier and terrestrial plant derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs to streams. We show an increase in the fraction of old dissolved organic carbon (up to ∼ 3200 yr old radiocarbon age) with increasing glacial meltwater contribution to streamflow. We use a dual isotopic mixing model (δ13C and Δ14C) to quantify the relative contribution of terrestrial and glacial sources to streamwater DOM. The endmember contributions were further compared to DOM molecular compositional data from Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to assess whether DOM composition can be linked to streamwater DOM source in watersheds with varying contributions of glacial runoff. This approach revealed the glacial fraction was positively correlated with percent relative abundance of heteroatom‐containing DOM molecular formulae, aliphatics, and peptide‐like formulae, while the terrestrial fraction was positively correlated with condensed aromatics and polyphenolics. These results provide information about how the retreat of mountain glaciers will impact the composition and thus biogeochemical role of DOM delivered to downstream ecosystems. Our findings highlight that combining an isotopic mixing model and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry data can provide novel insights into how changes in watershed landcover impact the source and chemical properties of streamwater DOM.
A note on ordinal exponentiation and derivatives of normal functions
Authors: Freund Anton
Published: September 2020

Michael Rathjen and the present author have shown that ‐bar induction is equivalent to (a suitable formalization of) the statement that every normal function has a derivative, provably in . In this note we show that the base theory can be weakened to . Our argument makes crucial use of a normal function f with and . We shall also exhibit a normal function g with and .