bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of homemade mask materials for preventing transmission of COVID-19: a laboratory study
Authors: Wang Dijia , You Yanjun , Zhou Xiaoli , Zong Zhiyong , Huang Hao , Zhang Hui , Yong Xin , Cheng Yifan , Yang Liu , Guo Qiong , Long Youlin , Liu Yan , Huang Jin , Du Liang
Published: May 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has swept the whole world with high mortality. Since droplet transmission is the main route of transmission, wearing a mask serves as a crucial preventive measure. However, the virus has spread quite quickly, causing severe mask shortage. Finding alternative materials for homemade masks while ensuring the significant performance indicators will help alleviate the shortage of masks. Referring to the national standard for the “Surgical Mask” of China, 17 materials to be selected for homemade masks were tested in four key indicators: pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, bacterial filtration efficiency and resistance to surface wetting. Eleven single-layer materials met the standard of pressure difference (≤49 Pa), of which 3 met the standard of resistance to surface wetting (≥3), 1 met the standard of particle filtration efficiency (≥30%), but none met the standard of bacterial filtration efficiency (≥95%). Based on the testing results of single-layer materials, fifteen combinations of paired materials were tested. The results showed that three double-layer materials including double-layer medical non-woven fabric, medical non-woven fabric plus non-woven shopping bag, and medical non-woven fabric plus granular tea towel could meet all the standards of pressure difference, particle filtration efficiency, and resistance to surface wetting, and were close to the standard of the bacterial filtration efficiency. In conclusion, if resources are severely lacking and medical masks cannot be obtained, homemade masks using available materials, based on the results of this study, can minimize the chance of infection to the maximum extent.
Parental criticism and adolescent internalising symptoms: Using a Children-of-Twins design with power calculations to account for genetic influence
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Yasmin , Eley Thalia , Hannigan Laurie , Creswell Cathy , Lichtenstein Paul , Spotts Erica , Ganiban Jody , Neiderhiser Jenae , Rijsdijk Fruhling , McAdams Tom
Published: May 2020

Background

Parental criticism is correlated with internalising symptoms in adolescent offspring. This correlation could in part reflect their genetic relatedness, if the same genes influence behaviours in both parents and offspring. We use a Children-of-Twins design to assess whether parent-reported criticism and offspring internalising symptoms remain associated after controlling for shared genes. To aid interpretation of our results and those of previous Children-of-Twins studies, we examine statistical power for the detection of genetic effects and explore the direction of possible causal effects between generations.

Methods

Data were drawn from two Swedish twin samples, comprising 876 adult twin pairs with adolescent offspring and 1030 adolescent twin pairs with parents. Parent reports of criticism towards their offspring were collected concurrently with parent and offspring reports of adolescent internalising symptoms. Children-of-Twins structural equation models were used to control for genetic influence on the intergenerational association between parental criticism and adolescent internalising.

Results

Parental criticism was associated with adolescent internalising symptoms after controlling for genetic influence. No significant role was found for shared genes influencing phenotypes in both generations, although power analyses suggested that some genetic effects may have gone undetected. Models could not distinguish directionality for non-genetic, causal effects between generations.

Conclusions

Parental criticism may be involved in psychosocial family processes in the context of adolescent internalising. Future studies should seek to identify these processes and provide clarity on the direction of potential causal effects.
M2 monocyte polarization in dialyzed patients is associated with increased levels of M-CSF and myeloperoxidase-associated oxidative stress: preliminary results
Authors: Pireaux Valérie , Delporte Cédric , Rousseau Alexandre , Desmet Jean-Marc , Antwerpen Pierre Van , Raes Martine , Boudjeltia Karim Zouaoui
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular diseases represent a major issue in terms of morbidity and mortality for dialysis patients. This morbidity is due to the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in these patients. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by key players such as monocytes, macrophages or oxidized LDLs. Monocytes-macrophages are classified into subsets of polarized cells, with M1 and M2 macrophages considered respectively as pro- and anti-inflammatory.

The monocyte subsets and phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry. These data was completed by the quantification of plasma M-CSF, IL-8, CRP, Mox-LDLs, Apo-B and Apo-AI, chloro-tyrosine and homocitrulline concentrations.

The statistical differences and associations between two continuous variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, respectively.

Hemodialyzed patients showed a significant increase in the concentrations of CRP, M-CSF and IL-8 (inflammation biomarkers) as well as of chloro-tyrosine and homocitrulline (myeloperoxidase-associated oxidative stress biomarkers). Moreover we observed a higher percentage of M2 monocytes in the plasma of hemodialysis patients, as compared to the controls.

Our data suggests that an oxidative stress and an inflammatory environment, amplified in hemodialysis patients, seems to favor an increase in the concentration of circulating M-CSF, therefore leading to an increase of M2 polarization among circulating monocytes.

Short summary

Our data suggests that an oxidative stress and an inflammatory environment, amplified in hemodialysis patients, seems to favor an increase in the concentration of circulating M-CSF, associated with an increase of circulating M2 polarized monocytes.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Population Level Covid-19 Mortality
Authors: Gross Cary P. , Essien Utibe R. , Pasha Saamir , Gross Jacob R , Wang Shi-yi , Nunez-Smith Marcella
Published: May 2020

Background

Current reporting of Covid-19 mortality data by race and ethnicity across the United States could bias our understanding of population-mortality disparities. Moreover, stark differences in age distribution by race and ethnicity groups are seldom accounted for in analyses.

Methods

To address these gaps, we conducted a cross-sectional study using publicly-reported Covid-19 mortality data to assess the quality of race and ethnicity data (Black, Latinx, white), and estimated age-adjusted disparities using a random effects meta-analytic approach.

Results

We found only 28 states, and NYC, reported race and ethnicity-stratified Covid-19 mortality along with large variation in the percent of missing race and ethnicity data by state. Aggregated relative risk of death estimates for Black compared to the white population was 3.57 (95% CI: 2.84-4.48). Similarly, Latinx population displayed 1.88 (95% CI: 1.61-2.19) times higher risk of death than white patients.

Discussion

In states providing race and ethnicity data, we identified significant population-level Covid-19 mortality disparities. We demonstrated the importance of adjusting for age differences across population groups to prevent underestimating disparities in younger population groups. The availability of high-quality and comprehensive race and ethnicity data is necessary to address factors contributing to inequity in Covid-19 mortality.
Mobility trends provide a leading indicator of changes in SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Authors: Miller Andrew C. , Foti Nicholas J. , Lewnard Joseph A. , Jewell Nicholas P. , Guestrin Carlos , Fox Emily B.
Published: May 2020

Determining the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on transmission of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is paramount for the design and deployment of effective public health policies. Incorporating Apple Maps mobility data into an epidemiological model of daily deaths and hospitalizations allowed us to estimate an explicit relationship between human mobility and transmission in the United States. We find that reduced mobility explains a large decrease in the effective reproductive number (RE) attained by April 1st and further identify state-to-state variation in the inferred transmission-mobility relationship. These findings indicate that simply relaxing stay-at-home orders can rapidly lead to outbreaks exceeding the scale of transmission that has occurred to date. Our findings provide quantitative guidance on the impact policies must achieve against transmission to safely relax social distancing measures.
Hypoxia-driven oncometabolite L-2HG maintains “stemness”-differentiation balance and facilitates immune suppression in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gupta Vineet K , Sharma Nikita S , Durden Brittany , Garrido Vanessa T , Kesh Kousik , Edwards Dujon , Wang Dezhen , Myer Ciara , Bhattacharya Sanjay K , Saluja Ashok , Singh Pankaj K , Banerjee Sulagna
Published: May 2020

2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) has gained considerable importance in glioma and blood cancers that have mutations in the IDH1/2 gene. In the current study we show for the first time that pancreatic tumors produce 2HG in the absence of IDH1/2 mutation. Our study shows that hypoxic pancreatic tumors that have activated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, produce the L-isoform of 2HG.

Metabolic mass spectrometric analysis along with chiral derivatization showed that pancreatic cancer cells as well as stromal cells secrete the L-isomeric form of 2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG) when exposed to hypoxic environment. Serum analysis of human pancreatic cancer patients also showed similar accumulation of L-2HG. Our results showed that this abnormally accumulated L-2HG regulates self-renewal by increasing expression of genes associated with stemness (Sox-2, CD133) and by decreasing expression of differentiation genes (Pdx-1, HB9, NKX6.1). Further analysis showed that secreted L-2HG mediates cross talk with immune T-cells and hampers their proliferation and migration thereby suppressing the anti-tumor immunity.In vivotargeting of LDH enzyme with inhibitor (GSK2837808A) showed decrease in L-2HG as well as subsequent tumor regression and sensitization to immune-checkpoint therapy.

Present study shows for the first time that hypoxia mediated accumulation of L-2HG drives self-renewal in pancreatic cancer by shifting critical balance of gene expression towards stemness and promotes immune suppression by impairing T cell activation in this disease. Additionally, it indicates that targeting LDH can sensitize pancreatic tumors to anti-PD1 therapy by decreasing L-2HG and reverting their immune evasive function.
Resting state EEG as a biomarker of Parkinson’s disease: Influence of measurement conditions
Authors: Railo Henry , Suuronen Ilkka , Kaasinen Valtteri , Murtojärvi Mika , Pahikkala Tapio , Airola Antti
Published: May 2020

Resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) recording could provide cost-effective means to aid in the detection of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). We examined how many electrodes are needed for classification of PD based on EEG, which electrode locations provide most value for classification, and whether data recorded eyes open or closed yield comparable results. We used a nested cross-validated classifier which included a budget-based search algorithm for selecting the optimal electrodes for classification. By iterating over variable budgets, we show that with eyes open recording, only 10 electrodes, localized over motor and occipital areas enable relatively accurate classification (AUC = .82) between PD patients (N=20) and age-matched healthy control participants (N=20). Classification accuracy only slightly increased when all 64 electrodes were included (AUC = .85). With the data recorded eyes closed, classification was not statistically significantly above chance even with full set of 64 electrodes (AUC = .55). These results show that classification based on small number of EEG electrodes is a promising tool for classifying PD, but measurement conditions and electrode locations can have a significant effect on classifier performance.
Time-dependent roles of adolescent- and adult-born dentate granule neurons in spatial learning
Authors: Masachs Nuria , Charrier Vanessa , Farrugia Fanny , Lemaire Valerie , Mazier Wilfrid , Blin Nicolas , Tronel Sophie , Montaron Marie-Françoise , Ge Shaoyu , Cota Daniela , Deroche-Gamonet Véronique , Herry Cyril , Abrous Djoher Nora
Published: May 2020

The dentate gyrus presents the peculiarity to be formed after birth in rodents. Adolescence is a very sensitive period during which cognitive competences are programmed. We investigated and compared the role of dentate neurons born during adolescence or generated during adulthood. We demonstrated that the ontogenetic stage of dentate neurons in relation to when they are generated dictates their participation in memory processes.
History of childbirths relates to region-specific brain aging patterns in middle and older-aged women
Authors: de Lange Ann-Marie G. , Barth Claudia , Kaufmann Tobias , Anatürk Melis , Suri Sana , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Westlye Lars T.
Published: May 2020

Pregnancy involves maternal brain adaptations, but little is known about how parity influences women’s brain aging trajectories later in life. In this study, we replicated previous findings showing less apparent brain aging in women with a history of childbirths, and identified regional brain aging patterns linked to parity in 19,787 middle and older-aged women. Using novel applications of brain-age prediction methods, we found that a higher number of previous childbirths was linked to less apparent brain aging in striatal and limbic regions. The strongest effect was found in the accumbens – a key region in the mesolimbic reward system, which plays an important role in maternal behavior. While only prospective longitudinal studies would be conclusive, our findings indicate that subcortical brain modulations during pregnancy and postpartum may be traceable decades after childbirth.
Machado: open source genomics data integration framework
Authors: de Alvarenga Mudadu Mauricio , Zerlotini Adhemar
Published: May 2020

Background

Genome projects and multiomics experiments generate huge volumes of data that must be stored, mined and transformed into useful knowledge. All this information is supposed to be accessible and, if possible, browsable afterwards. Computational biologists have been dealing with this scenario for over a decade and have been implementing software libraries, toolkits, platforms, and databases to succeed in this matter. The GMOD’s (Generic Model Organism Database project) biological relational database schema, known asChado, is one of the few successful open source initiatives, it is widely adopted and many softwares are able to connect to it.

Results

We have been developing an open source software namedMachado(https://github.com/lmb-embrapa/machado), a genomics data integration framework implemented inPython, to enable research groups to both store and browse, query, and visualize genomics data. The framework relies on theChadodatabase schema and, therefore, should be very intuitive for current developers to adopt it or have it running on the top of already existing databases. It has several data loading tools for genomics and transcriptomics data and also for annotation results from tools such asBLAST,InterproScan,OrthoMCLandLSTrAP. There is an API to connect toJBrowseand a web browsing visualisation tool is implemented usingDjango Views and Templates. TheHaystacklibrary integrated with theElasticSearchengine was used to implement a google-like search i.e. single auto-complete search box that provides fast results and incremental filters.

Conclusion

Machadoaims to be a modern object-relational framework that uses the latestsPythonlibraries to produce an effective open source resource for genomics research.
Enhanced inter-regional coupling of neural responses underlies long-term behavioral priming
Authors: Gotts Stephen J. , Milleville Shawn C. , Martin Alex
Published: May 2020

Stimulus identification commonly improves with repetition over long delays (“repetition priming”), whereas neural activity commonly decreases (“repetition suppression”). Multiple models have been proposed to explain this brain-behavior relationship, predicting alterations in functional and/or effective connectivity (SynchronyandPredictive Codingmodels), in the latency of neural responses (Facilitationmodel), and in the relative similarity of neural representations (Sharpeningmodel). Here, we test these predictions with fMRI during overt and covert naming of repeated and novel objects. While we find partial support for predictions of the Facilitation and Sharpening models in the left fusiform gyrus and left frontal cortex, the strongest support was observed for the Synchrony model, with increased coupling between right temporoparietal and anterior cingulate cortex for repeated objects that correlated with priming magnitude across participants. Despite overlap with regions showing repetition suppression, increased coupling and repetition suppression varied independently, establishing that they follow from distinct mechanisms.

Highlights

Tested four prominent neural models of repetition suppression and long-term priming

Connectivity analyses supported Synchrony model but not Predictive Coding model

Timing, spatial similarity of responses partially support Facilitation, Sharpening

Repetition suppression was independent of coupling, implying distinct mechanisms

eTOC

Gotts et al. test four prominent neural models of repetition suppression and behavioral priming. They show that the model with the most support is the Synchrony model: a whole-brain connectivity analysis revealed that temporoparietal cortex has increased coupling with anterior cingulate cortex following repetition, particularly for strongly primed objects.
Competitive state of actions during planning predicts sequence execution accuracy
Authors: Mantziara Myrto , Ivanov Tsvetoslav , Houghton George , Kornysheva Katja
Published: May 2020

Humans can learn and retrieve novel skilled movement sequences from memory, yet the content and structure of sequence planning are not well understood. Previous computational and neurophysiological work suggests that actions in a sequence are planned as parallel graded activations and selected for output through competition (competitive queuing; CQ). However, the relevance of CQ during planning to sequence fluency and accuracy, as opposed to sequence timing, is unclear. To resolve this question, we assessed the competitive state of constituent actions behaviourally during sequence preparation. In three separate multi-session experiments, 55 healthy participants were trained to retrieve and produce 4-finger sequences with particular timing from long-term memory. In addition to sequence production, we evaluated reaction time (RT) and error rate increase to constituent action probes at several points during the preparation period. Our results demonstrate that longer preparation time produces a steeper CQ activation and selection gradient between adjacent sequence elements, whilst no effect was found for sequence speed or temporal structure. Further, participants with a steeper CQ gradient tended to produce correct sequences faster and with a higher temporal accuracy. In a computational model, we hypothesize that the CQ gradient during planning is driven by the width of acquired positional tuning of each sequential item, independently of timing. Our results suggest that competitive activation during sequence planning is established gradually during sequence planning and predicts sequence fluency and accuracy, rather than the speed or temporal structure of the motor sequence.

Highlights

Pre-ordering of actions during sequence planning can be assessed behaviourally

Competitive gradient reflects sequence preparedness and skill, but not speed or timing

Gradient is retrieved rapidly and revealed during automatic action selection

Positional tuning of actions boosts the competitive gradient during planning
Computing temporal sequences associated with dynamic patterns on the C. elegans connectome
Authors: George Vivek Kurien , Puppo Francesca , Silva Gabriel A.
Published: May 2020

Understanding how the structural connectivity of a network constrains the dynamics it is able to support is a very active and open area of research. We simulated the plausible dynamics resulting from the known C. elegans connectome using a recent model and theoretical analysis that computes the dynamics of neurobiological networks by focusing on how local interactions among connected neurons give rise to the global dynamics in an emergent way, independent of the biophysical or molecular details of the cells themselves. We studied the dynamics which resulted from stimulating a chemosensory neuron (ASEL) in a known feeding circuit, both in isolation and embedded in the full connectome. We show that contralateral motor neuron activations in ventral (VB) and dorsal (DB) classes of motor neurons emerged from the simulations, which are qualitatively similar to rhythmic motor neuron firing pattern associated with locomotion of the worm. One interpretation of these results is that there is an inherent - and we propose - purposeful structural wiring to the C. elegans connectome that has evolved to serve specific behavioral functions. To study network signaling pathways responsible for the dynamics we developed an analytic framework that constructs Temporal Sequences (TSeq), time-ordered walks of signals on graphs. We found that only 5% of TSeq are preserved between the isolated feeding network relative to its embedded counterpart. The remaining 95% of signaling pathways computed in the isolated network are not present in the embedded network. This suggests a cautionary note for computational studies of isolated neurobiological circuits and networks.
The Genetic Architecture of DNA Replication Timing in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ding Qiliang , Edwards Matthew M. , Hulke Michelle L. , Bracci Alexa N. , Hu Ya , Tong Yao , Zhu Xiang , Hsiao Joyce , Charvet Christine J. , Ghosh Sulagna , Handsaker Robert E. , Eggan Kevin , Merkle Florian T. , Gerhardt Jeannine , Egli Dieter , Clark Andrew G. , Koren Amnon
Published: May 2020

DNA replication follows a strict spatiotemporal program that intersects with chromatin structure and gene regulation. However, the genetic basis of the mammalian DNA replication timing program is poorly understood1–3. To systematically identify genetic regulators of DNA replication timing, we exploited inter-individual variation in 457 human pluripotent stem cell lines from 349 individuals. We show that the human genome’s replication program is broadly encoded in DNA and identify 1,617cis-acting replication timing quantitative trait loci (rtQTLs4) – base-pair-resolution sequence determinants of replication initiation. rtQTLs function individually, or in combinations of proximal and distal regulators, to affect replication timing. Analysis of rtQTL locations reveals a histone code for replication initiation, composed of bivalent histone H3 trimethylation marks on a background of histone hyperacetylation. The H3 trimethylation marks are individually repressive yet synergize to promote early replication. We further identify novel positive and negative regulators of DNA replication timing, the former comprised of pluripotency-related transcription factors while the latter involve boundary elements. Human replication timing is controlled by a multi-layered mechanism that operates on target DNA sequences, is composed of dozens of effectors working combinatorially, and follows principles analogous to transcription regulation: a histone code, activators and repressors, and a promoter-enhancer logic.
Effect of underlying comorbidities on the infection and severity of COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Ji Wonjun , Huh Kyungmin , Kang Minsun , Hong Jinwook , Bae Gi Hwan , Lee Rugyeom , Na Yewon , Choi Hyoseon , Gong Seon Yeong , Choi Yoon-Hyeong , Ko Kwang-Pil , Im Jeong-Soo , Jung Jaehun
Published: May 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging threat worldwide. It is still unclear how comorbidities affect the risk of infection and severity of COVID-19.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective case-control study of 65,149 individuals, aged 18 years or older, whose medical cost for COVID-19 testing were claimed until April 8, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID-19 and severity of COVID-19 infection were identified from the reimbursement data using diagnosis codes and based on whether respiratory support was used, respectively. Odds ratios were estimated using multiple logistic regression, after adjusting for age, sex, region, healthcare utilization, and insurance status.

Results

The COVID-19 group (5,172 of 65,149) was younger and showed higher proportion of females. 5.6% (293 of 5,172) of COVID-19 cases were severe. The severe COVID-19 group had older patients and a higher male ratio than the non-severe group. Cushing syndrome (Odds ratio range (ORR) 2.059-2.358), chronic renal disease (ORR 1.292-1.604), anemia (OR 1.132), bone marrow dysfunction (ORR 1.471-1.645), and schizophrenia (ORR 1.287-1.556) showed significant association with infection of COVID-19. In terms of severity, diabetes (OR 1.417, 95% CI 1.047-1.917), hypertension (OR 1.378, 95% CI 1.008-1.883), heart failure (ORR 1.562-1.730), chronic lower respiratory disease (ORR 1.361-1.413), non-infectious lower digestive system disease (ORR 1.361-1.418), rheumatoid arthritis (ORR 1.865-1.908), substance use (ORR 2.790-2.848), and schizophrenia (ORR 3.434-3.833) were related with severe COVID-19.

Conclusions

We identified several comorbidities associated with COVID-19. Health care workers should be more careful when diagnosing and treating COVID-19 when the patient has the above-mentioned comorbidities.

Take Home message

Comorbidities that might be associated with COVID-19 infection and severe clinical course were identified, which could assist in formulating public health measures to mitigate the risk in groups with increased risk.
Functionally unique, specialised, and endangered (FUSE) species: towards integrated metrics for the conservation prioritisation toolbox
Authors: Griffin J. N. , Leprieur F. , Silvestro D. , Lefcheck J. S. , Albouy C. , Rasher D. B. , Davis M. , Svenning J.-C. , Pimiento C.
Published: May 2020

Identifying species with disproportionate contributions to biodiversity can lead to effective conservation prioritisation. Despite well-established methods for identifying endangered species adding inordinately toevolutionarydiversity, in this contextfunctionaldiversity has been overlooked. Here, we compare different metrics designed to identify threatened species that contribute strongly to functional diversity. We use the diverse and threatened global marine megafauna as a case study. We found that functional contributions of species are not fully captured in a single metric. Although we found a very strong correlation between functional specialisation and distinctiveness, functional uniqueness was only moderately correlated with the other two metrics and identified a different set of top-10 species. These functional contributions were then integrated and combined with extinction risk to identify species that are both important contributors to functional diversityandendangered. For instance, the top-10FunctionallyUniqueSpecialized andEndangered (FUSE) species contains three critically endangered, five endangered and two vulnerable species which - despite comprising only 3% of species - are among the top 10% most functionally unique and hold 15% of the global functional richness. The FUSE index was remarkably robust to different mathematical formulations. Combining one or more facets of a species contribution to functional diversity with endangerment, such as with the FUSE index, adds to the toolbox for conservation prioritisation. Nevertheless, we discuss how these new tools must be handled with care alongside other metrics and information.
Potential modes of COVID-19 transmission from human eye revealed by single-cell atlas
Authors: Hamashima Kiyofumi , Gautam Pradeep , Lau Katherine Anne , Khiong Chan Woon , Blenkinsop Timothy A , Li Hu , Loh Yuin-Han
Published: May 2020

There is a pressing urgency to understand the entry route of SARS-CoV-2 viruses into the human body. SARS-CoV-2 viruses enter through ACE2 receptors after the S proteins of the virus are primed by proteases such as TMPRSS2. Most studies focused on the airway epithelial and lung alveolar cells as the route of infection, while the mode of transmission through the ocular route is not well established. Here, we profiled the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptors and receptor-associated enzymes at single-cell resolution of thirty-three human ocular cell types. We identified unique populations of corneal cells with high ACE2 expression, among which the conjunctival cells co-expressed both ACE2 and TMPRSS2, suggesting that they could serve as the entry points for the virus. Integrative analysis further models the signaling and transcription regulon networks involved in the infection of distinct corneal cells. Our work constitutes a unique resource for the development of new treatments and management of COVID-19.
Flies improve the salience of iridescent sexual signals by orienting toward the sun
Authors: White Thomas E. , Latty Tanya
Published: May 2020

Sunlight is the ultimate source of most visual signals. Theory predicts strong selection for its effective use during communication, with functional links between signal designs and display behaviours a likely result. This is particularly true for iridescent structural colours, whose moment-to-moment appearance bears a heightened sensitivity to the position of signallers, receivers, and the sun. Here we experimentally tested this prediction usingLispe cana, a muscid fly in which males present their structurally coloured faces and wings to females during ground-based sexual displays. In field-based assays we found that males actively bias the orientation of their displays toward the solar azimuth under conditions of full sunlight and do so across the entire day. This bias breaks down, however, when the sun is naturally concealed by heavy cloud or experimentally obscured. Our modelling of the appearance of male signals revealed clear benefits for the salience of male ornaments, with a roughly four-fold increase in subjective luminance achievable through accurate display orientation. These findings offer fine-scale, causal evidence for the active control of sexual displays to enhance the appearance of iridescent signals. More broadly, they speak to predicted coevolution between dynamic signal designs and presentation behaviours, and support arguments for a richer appreciation of the fluidity of visual communication.
Associations Between Habitat Quality And Body Size In The Carpathian Land SnailVestia turgida: Species Distribution Model Selection And Assessment Of Performance
Authors: Tytar V. , Baidashnikov O.
Published: May 2020

Species distribution models (SDMs) are generally thought to be good indicators of habitat suitability, and thus of species’ performance, consequently SDMs can be validated by checking whether the areas projected to have the greatest habitat quality are occupied by individuals or populations with higher than average fitness. We hypothesized a positive and statistically significant relationship between observed in the field body size of the snailV. turgidaand modelled habitat suitability, tested this relationship with linear mixed models, and found that indeed, larger individuals tend to occupy high-quality areas, as predicted by the SDMs. However, by testing several SDM algorithms, we found varied levels of performance in terms of expounding this relationship. Marginal R2, expressing the variance explained by the fixed terms in the regression models, was adopted as a measure of functional accuracy, and used to rank the SDMs accordingly. In this respect, the Bayesian additive regression trees (BART) algorithm (Carlson, 2020) gave the best result, despite the low AUC and TSS. By restricting our analysis to the BART algorithm only, a variety of sets of environmental variables commonly or less used in the construction of SDMs were explored and tested according to their functional accuracy. In this respect, the SDM produced using the ENVIREM data set (Title, Bemmels, 2018) gave the best result.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the landscape of early female germ cell development
Authors: Zhao Zheng-Hui , Ma Jun-Yu , Meng Tie-Gang , Wang Zhen-Bo , Yue Wei , Zhou Qian , Li Sen , Feng Xie , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Ou Xiang-Hong , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: May 2020

Female germ cell development consists of complex events including sex determination, meiosis initiation, retardation and resumption. During early oogenesis, the asynchrony of the transition from mitosis to meiosis results in heterogeneity in the female germ cell populations at a certain embryonic stage, which limits the studies of meiosis initiation and progression at a higher resolution level. Here, we investigated the transcriptional profiles of 19363 single germ cells collected from E12.5, E14.5 and E16.5 mouse fetal ovaries. Clustering analysis identified seven groups and defined dozens of corresponding transcription factors, providing a global view of cellular differentiation from primordial germ cells towards meiocytes. Further, we explored the dynamics of gene expression within the developmental trajectory with special focus on the mechanisms underlying meiotic initiation. We found thatDpy30may be involved in the regulation of meiosis initiation at the epigenetic level. Our data provide key insights into the transcriptome features of peri-meiotic female germ cells, which offers new information not only on meiosis initiation and progression but also on screening pathogenic mutations in meiosis-associated diseases.
Striped distribution pattern of Purkinje cells of different birthdates in the mouse cerebellar cortex studied with theNeurog2-CreER transgenic line
Authors: Zhang Jingyun , Tran-Anh Khoa , Hirata Tatsumi , Sugihara Izumi
Published: May 2020

Heterogeneity of Purkinje cells (PCs) that are arranged into discrete longitudinal stripes in the cerebellar cortex is related to the timing of PC generation. To understand the cerebellar compartmental organization, we mapped the PC birthdate (or differentiation timing) in the entire cerebellar cortex. We used the birthdate-tagging system ofneurog2-CreER (G2A) mice hybridized with the AldocV strain which clarifies the zebrin (aldolase C) longitudinal striped pattern.

The pattern of the birthdate-dependent PC distribution was arranged consistently into longitudinally-oriented stripes throughout almost all lobules except for the nodulus, paraflocculus and flocculus, in which distinct stripes were observed.Boundaries of the PC birthdate stripes were found either in the middle or coincided with that of the zebrin stripes. PCs in each birthdate stripe were born in various periods between embryonic day (E) 10.0 and E 13.5.

In the vermis, PCs were chronologically distributed from lateral to medial stripes. In the paravermis, PCs of early birthdates were distributed in the long lateral zebrin-positive stripe (stripe 4+//5+) and the medially neighboring narrow zebrin-negative substripe (3d-//e2-), while PCs of late birthdates were distributed in the rest of all paravermal areas. In the hemisphere, PCs of early and late birthdates were intermingled in the majority of areas.

The results indicate that the birthdate of a PC is a partial determinant for the zebrin compartment in which it is located. However, the correlation between the PC birthdate and the zebrin compartmentalization is not simple, and distinct among the vermis, paravermis, hemisphere, nodulus, and flocculus.

Highlights

Birthdates of Purkinje cells (PCs) were mapped on the cerebellar zebrin striped pattern by usingNeurog2-CreER (G2A) mice.

The vermis, paravermis, hemisphere, nodulus, and flocculus had distinct longitudinally-striped patterns of PC birthdate distribution.

PCs in each birthdate stripe were born in various periods between embryonic day (E) 10.0 and E 13.5.

Boundaries of PC birthdate distributions were located at the boundaries of zebrin stripes or in the middle of a zebrin stripe.

The results indicate that the PC birthdate is a partial determinant for the zebrin compartment in which a PC is located.
Cep57 and Cep57L1 cooperatively maintain centriole engagement during interphase to ensure proper centriole duplication cycle
Authors: Ito Kei K. , Watanabe Koki , Ishida Haruki , Matsuhashi Kyohei , Chinen Takumi , Hata Shoji , Kitagawa Daiju
Published: May 2020

Centrioles duplicate in the interphase only once per cell cycle. Newly formed centrioles remain associated with their mother centrioles. The two centrioles disengage at the end of mitosis, which licenses centriole duplication in the next cell cycle. Therefore, timely centriole disengagement is critical for the proper centriole duplication cycle. However, the mechanisms underlying centriole engagement during interphase are poorly understood. Here, we show that Cep57 and Cep57L1 cooperatively maintain centriole engagement during interphase. Co-depletion of Cep57 and Cep57L1 induces precocious centriole disengagement in the interphase without compromising cell cycle progression. The disengaged daughter centrioles convert into centrosomes during interphase in a Plk1-dependent manner. Furthermore, the centrioles reduplicate and the centriole number increases, which results in chromosome segregation errors. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the maintenance of centriole engagement by Cep57 and Cep57L1 during interphase is crucial for the tight control of centriole copy number and thus for proper chromosome segregation.
Extracellular Thimet Oligopeptidase is Released with Extracellular Vesicles from Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Bruce Lisa , Wolfson Adele J.
Published: May 2020

Androgen signaling plays a central role in the development of prostate cancer. Androgen hormone synthesis is tightly governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) is a biologically significant peptidase known to cleave GnRH and potentially regulate its activity. Thus, TOP can play an important role in the HPG axis through regulating the downstream production and release of gonadal steroid hormones, including androgens, which may further affect prostate cancer development. TOP is known to be secreted out to the extracellular space. Here, we report that extracellular TOP can be associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs). Western blot analysis of EVs isolated from PC3 or DU145 prostate cancer cells revealed that TOP protein is, indeed, carried by the EVs. Budding of EVs from stimulated PC3 prostate cancer cells can also be visualized by confocal microscopy. Significantly, the TOP enzyme carried by EVs is enzymatically active. The present study shows that EV-associated TOP is a novel form of this extracellular peptidase that may play a role in the disease progression of prostate cancer cells.
Citation analysis of grey literature reflected in social science ETDs submitted in two state universities of Haryana, India
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K. , Sharma Veerbala
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the extent of grey literature (GL) cited in PhD theses submitted to two state universities of Haryana, India, during 2011-2018.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the result of citations analysis of 14,547 citations appended in 126 PhD theses of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra and Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India. The primary data was collected by downloading title pages and bibliographies of the theses from “Shodhganga”, Indian National Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Repository.

Findings

A total of 14,547 citations from 43 different forms of literature were cited by the researchers of all the departments in their PhD theses. Out of which, 4,606 citations (31.7%) were from 40 different forms of GL. Books/book chapters were the most preferred form of literature with 4,818 citations (33.12%), followed by 4,623 citations (31.77%) of journal articles and 1,344 citations (9.23%) of reports. The reports were the most preferred form of GL among the researchers in every field, followed by government publications, working papers and websites. Remaining forms of GL citations were less than 10%.

Originality/value

During the study, enormous literature was available on citation analysis of PhD theses submitted in different subjects to various universities. Most of the studies on citation analysis were conducted to ascertain the authorship patterns, ranking of the journals by citations frequency and forms of the literature cited by researchers, etc. These studies did not highlight the use and importance of GL in research and academic activities. This paper is original, as it studies GL cited in PhD theses on the basis of primary data, collected from the Indian National ETD database.
Cultural dimensions as correlates of favoritism and the mediating role of trust
Authors: Im Hohjin , Chen Chuansheng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study sought to examine the relation of cultural practices and values with favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Additionally, this study's purpose was also to examine how trust mediates the relation between culture and favoritism.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlations were used for exploratory investigation into the bivariate relations between culture and favoritism and nepotism/cronyism across 97 cultures. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were then conducted to examine the cultural correlates of favoritism and nepotism/cronyism holding all other variables constant. Lastly, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating role of societal levels of trust.

Findings

Bivariate correlations showed that collectivism, familism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance are positive correlates of both favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Institutional collectivism, future orientation and trust, on the other hand, were negative correlates of favoritism and nepotism/cronyism. Uncertainty avoidance and trust were key correlates of favoritism while familism and future orientation were key correlates of nepotism/cronyism. Trust fully mediated the relation between culture and favoritism but did not mediate the relation between culture and nepotism/cronyism.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current body of literature on culture and favoritism. Notably, the findings regarding different key cultural correlates with respect to favoritism and nepotism/cronyism provide valuable implications for expanding our understanding of the psychological and social nuances of favoritism. Specifically, favoritism in transactions and interactions with those not bound by social commitment relationships may be explained by beliefs while interactions with those with social relationships (e.g., family and friends) may be explained by preferences.
A fault tolerant sensorless position estimation scheme for switched reluctance motor at low speed
Authors: Dong Feng , Chen Hao , Xu Shuai , Cui Sihang
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel position sensorless control scheme with fault-tolerance ability for switched reluctance motor at low speed.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the detection pulses are injected in the freewheeling and idle intervals of each phase. Second, the aligned position of each phase can be detected by comparing the consecutive rise time of detection current. Third, the whole-region rotor position and real-time rotational speed can be updated four times for the improvement of detection accuracy. Finally, the fault-tolerant control strategy is performed to enhance the robustness and reliability of proposed sensorless scheme under faulty conditions.

Findings

Based on proposed sensorless control strategy, the estimated rotor position is in good agreement with the actual rotor position and the maximum rotor position error is 1.5°. Meanwhile, the proposed sensorless scheme is still effective when the motor with multiphase loss and the maximum rotor position error is 1.9°. Moreover, the accuracy of the rotor position estimation can be ensured even if the motor is in an accelerated state or decelerated state.

Originality/value

The proposed sensorless method does not require extensive memory, complicated computation and prior knowledge of the electromagnetic properties of the motor, which is easy to implement. Furthermore, it is suitable for different control strategies at low speed without negative torque generation.
Real-time structural health monitoring for concrete beams: a cost-effective ‘Industry 4.0’ solution using piezo sensors
Authors: Ghosh Arka , Edwards David John , Hosseini M. Reza , Al-Ameri Riyadh , Abawajy Jemal , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This research paper adopts the fundamental tenets of advanced technologies in industry 4.0 to monitor the structural health of concrete beam members using cost-effective non-destructive technologies. In so doing, the work illustrates how a coalescence of low-cost digital technologies can seamlessly integrate to solve practical construction problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed philosophies epistemological design is adopted to implement the empirical quantitative analysis of “real-time” data collected via sensor-based technologies streamed through a Raspberry Pi and uploaded onto a cloud-based system. Data was analysed using a hybrid approach that combined both vibration-characteristic-based method and linear variable differential transducers (LVDT).

Findings

The research utilises a novel digital research approach for accurately detecting and recording the localisation of structural cracks in concrete beams. This non-destructive low-cost approach was shown to perform with a high degree of accuracy and precision, as verified by the LVDT measurements. This research is testament to the fact that as technological advancements progress at an exponential rate, the cost of implementation continues to reduce to produce higher-accuracy “mass-market” solutions for industry practitioners.

Originality/value

Accurate structural health monitoring of concrete structures necessitates expensive equipment, complex signal processing and skilled operator. The concrete industry is in dire need of a simple but reliable technique that can reduce the testing time, cost and complexity of maintenance of structures. This was the first experiment of its kind that seeks to develop an unconventional approach to solve the maintenance problem associated with concrete structures. This study merges industry 4.0 digital technologies with a novel low-cost and automated hybrid analysis for real-time structural health monitoring of concrete beams by fusing several multidisciplinary approaches into one integral technological configuration.