bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal microbial communities in ants depend on colony membership rather than caste and are linked to colony productivity
Authors: Segers Francisca H. I. D. , Kaltenpoth Martin , Foitzik Susanne
Published: November 2019

Gut bacteria aid their host in digestion and pathogen defense, and bacterial communities that differ in diversity or composition may vary in their ability to do so. Typically, the gut microbiomes of animals living in social groups converge as members share a nest environment and frequently interact. Social insect colonies, however, consist of individuals that differ in age, physiology, and behavior, traits that could affect gut communities or that expose the host to different bacteria, potentially leading to variation in the gut microbiome within colonies. Here we asked whether bacterial communities in the abdomen of Temnothorax nylanderi ants, composed largely of the gut microbiome, differ between different reproductive and behavioral castes. We compared microbiomes of queens, newly eclosed workers, brood carers, and foragers by high‐throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, we sampled individuals from the same colonies twice, in the field and after 2 months of laboratory housing. To disentangle the effects of laboratory environment and season on microbial communities, additional colonies were collected at the same location after 2 months. There were no large differences between ant castes, although queens harbored more diverse microbial communities than workers. Instead, we found effects of colony, environment, and season on the abdominal microbiome. Interestingly, colonies with more diverse communities had produced more brood. Moreover, the queens' microbiome composition was linked to egg production. Although long‐term coevolution between social insects and gut bacteria has been repeatedly evidenced, our study is the first to find associations between abdominal microbiome characteristics and colony productivity in social insects.
Computationally efficient joint species distribution modeling of big spatial data
Authors: Tikhonov Gleb , Duan Li , Abrego Nerea , Newell Graeme , White Matt , Dunson David , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: November 2019

The ongoing global change and the increased interest in macroecological processes call for the analysis of spatially extensive data on species communities to understand and forecast distributional changes of biodiversity. Recently developed joint species distribution models can deal with numerous species efficiently, while explicitly accounting for spatial structure in the data. However, their applicability is generally limited to relatively small spatial data sets because of their severe computational scaling as the number of spatial locations increases. In this work, we propose a practical alleviation of this scalability constraint for joint species modeling by exploiting two spatial‐statistics techniques that facilitate the analysis of large spatial data sets: Gaussian predictive process and nearest‐neighbor Gaussian process. We devised an efficient Gibbs posterior sampling algorithm for Bayesian model fitting that allows us to analyze community data sets consisting of hundreds of species sampled from up to hundreds of thousands of spatial units. The performance of these methods is demonstrated using an extensive plant data set of 30,955 spatial units as a case study. We provide an implementation of the presented methods as an extension to the hierarchical modeling of species communities framework.
LCMV‐specific CD4 T cell dependent polyclonal B‐cell activation upon persistent viral infection is short lived and extrafollicular
Authors: Greczmiel Ute , Kräutler Nike J. , Borsa Mariana , Pedrioli Alessandro , Bartsch Ilka , Richter Kirsten , Agnellini Paola , Bedenikovic Gregor , Oxenius Annette
Published: November 2019

Persistent virus infections with non‐ or poorly cytopathic viruses are commonly associated with B cell dysregulations. These include the induction of hypergammaglobulinemia and the emergence of virus‐unspecific antibodies. These seemingly unspecific antibody responses interfere with the virus‐specific humoral immunity and contribute to delayed virus control. Whether these virus‐unspecific antibodies are induced in the B cell follicle or at extrafollicular sites and whether one specific CD4 T cell subset is involved in the polyclonal B cell activation is unclear. Here we studied virus‐unrelated IgG antibody responses against self or foreign antigens in the context of persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. We found that the LCMV‐unspecific antibody response is short‐lived and induced predominantly at extrafollicular sites and depends on the presence of LCMV‐specific CD4 T cells. Our data support a scenario in which activated, virus‐specific CD4 T cells provide help to non‐specific B cells at extrafollicular sites, supporting the production of virus unspecific IgG antibodies during persistent viral infection.
Study on thermomechanical coupling characteristics of embedded sensor lithium batteries under low‐temperature environment
Authors: Chen Xian‐Tao , Wang Chun‐Xiao , Sun Qiang , Wang Hai‐bin , Xie Song , He Yuan‐Hua
Published: November 2019

Aircraft usually undergoes a low temperature during flight. It is crucial to understand the strain generation mechanism within lithium‐ion batteries in low temperature to prevent electrode rupture caused by uneven strain of the cell. As such, LFP pouch cell was chosen as experimental objects and the sensors were embedded inside the battery to get the internal parameters directly. Battery cycle experiments were conducted in a 2 m × 2 m × 2 m cabin in, respectively, 25°C, 10°C, −10°C, −20°C ambient temperatures with high C rates of 3C during the charge‐discharge process, which is to simulate the aircraft flying process in low temperatures at different altitudes. Parameters such as voltage, internal temperature, and strain were measured. The results revealed the significant impact on thermomechanical coupling characteristics of LFP battery caused by low temperature. As the ambient temperature decreases, the maximum strain increases. The strain is positively correlated with the temperature of the battery, and as the ambient temperature decreases, battery temperature would have more effects on strain. Besides, it was also found that in a low‐temperature environment, the heat generated by the battery itself is beneficial to its performance recovery.
Species differences in immune‐mediated CNS tissue injury and repair: A (neuro)inflammatory topic
Authors: Healy Luke M. , Yaqubi Moein , Ludwin Samuel , Antel Jack P.
Published: November 2019

Cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems in the brain parenchyma and in the meningeal spaces contribute to physiologic functions and disease states in the central nervous system (CNS). Animal studies have demonstrated the involvement of immune constituents, along with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, in neural development and rare genetic disorders (e.g., colony stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R] deficiency). Genome wide association studies suggest a comparable role of the immune system in humans. Although the CNS can be the target of primary autoimmune disorders, no current experimental model captures all of the features of the most common human disorder placed in this category, multiple sclerosis (MS). Such features include spontaneous onset, environmental contributions, and a recurrent/progressive disease course in a genetically predisposed host. Numerous therapeutic interventions related to antigen and cytokine specific therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model used to define principles underlying immune‐mediated mechanisms in MS. Despite the similarities in the two diseases, most treatments used to ameliorate EAE have failed to translate to the human disease. As directly demonstrated in animal models and implicated by correlative studies in humans, adaptive and innate immune constituents within the systemic compartment and resident in the CNS contribute to the disease course of neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral disorders. The expanding knowledge of the molecular properties of glial cells provides increasing insights into species related variables. These variables affect glial bidirectional interactions with the immune system as well as their own production of “immune molecules” that mediate tissue injury and repair.
Spatiotemporal analysis of event‐related fMRI to reveal cognitive states
Authors: Fincham Jon M. , Lee Hee Seung , Anderson John R.
Published: November 2019

Cognitive science has a rich history of developing theories of processing that characterize the mental steps involved in performance of many tasks. Recent work in neuroimaging and machine learning has greatly improved our ability to link cognitive processes with what is happening in the brain. This article analyzes a hidden semi‐Markov model‐multivoxel pattern‐analysis (HSMM‐MVPA) methodology that we have developed for inferring the sequence of brain states one traverses in the performance of a cognitive task. The method is applied to a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment where task boundaries are known that should separate states. The method is able to accurately identify those boundaries. Then, applying the method to synthetic data, we explore more fully those factors that influence performance of the method: signal‐to‐noise ratio, numbers of states, state sojourn times, and numbers of underlying experimental conditions. The results indicate the types of experimental tasks where applications of the HSMM‐MVPA method are likely to yield accurate and insightful results.
Context of maternal intrusiveness during infancy and associations with preschool executive function
Authors: Broomell Alleyne P.R. , Smith Cynthia L. , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: November 2019

The relation between maternal behavior and neurocognitive development is complex and may depend on the task context. We examined 5‐month‐old infant frontal electroencephalogram (EEG), maternal intrusiveness (MI) evaluated during two play contexts at 5 and 10 months, and a battery of executive function (EF) tasks completed at 48 months to evaluate if MI during infancy and infant neural function interacted to predict later cognition. Infant frontal EEG was a predictor of 4‐year EF. MI during structured play at both 5 and 10 months predicted preschool EF, and MI during unstructured did not have a main effect on EF but showed a potential moderating effect of infant EEG on later EF. The pattern changed between ages, with MI during structured play at 5 months showing a positive association with age 4 EF, whereas MI during structured play at 10 months had a negative association with age 4 EF. We demonstrate differences in the context of maternal behavior used to predict childhood EF, highlighting the importance of considering parenting context in EF development.

Highlights

The context of maternal behavior is important for its longitudinal implications on cognitive development.

Level of maternal intrusiveness and infant frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) power predicted preschool executive function in different patterns depending on mother–infant interaction context.

The associations between maternal intrusiveness and executive function depended on the task context, age at interaction, and neural function of infants.
How does monetary policy respond to the dynamics of the shadow banking sector?
Authors: Agnello Luca , Castro Vitor , Jawadi Fredj , Sousa Ricardo M.
Published: November 2019

We investigate the response of the central bank to the change in size of nonbank financial intermediaries. Using quarterly data for the United States over the period 1946:Q1‐2016Q4, we find that when faced with an increase in the asset growth of the securities' brokers and dealers and the shadow banking sector, the monetary authority reacts by raising the short‐term nominal interest rate. This response is stronger in the case of sharp variation in the size of the balance sheet of nonbank financial intermediaries. From a policy perspective, our study suggests that an extended version of the original Taylor rule—embedding both price stability and financial stability concerns—provides a good characterization of the monetary policy reaction function.
Effect of a structured educational package on women's sexual function during pregnancy
Authors: Mahnaz Esmaeili , Nasim Bahrami , Sonia Oveisi
Published: November 2019

Objective

To explore the effect of a structured educational package based on ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) to reduce sexual dysfunction during pregnancy.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial study among pregnant women attending prenatal clinics in Tehran, Iran, from October 2017 to September 2018. The implementation group received the structured educational package; the control group received training on breastfeeding and normal delivery. The outcome measure was changes in total and domain scores of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire before and after the intervention; the groups were compared by repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

Overall, 70 women completed the study: 36 in the intervention group and 34 in the control group. Sexual desire (P=0.019), arousal (P=0.001), lubrication (P=0.001), orgasm (P=0.001), satisfaction (P=0.007), and total FSFI score (P<0.001) improved significantly in the intervention group as compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in sexual pain after the intervention (P=0.78).

Conclusion

The structured educational package was found to reduce sexual dysfunction by improving knowledge of and attitudes toward the physical and psychologic changes that occur during pregnancy among Iranian women attending routine prenatal care visits as part of a healthcare center's program.

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20140907019077N14.
The Role of Dot1l in Prenatal and Postnatal Murine Chondrocytes and Trabecular Bone
Authors: Jo Stephanie Y , Domowicz Miriam S , Henry Judith G , Schwartz Nancy B
Published: November 2019

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are widely prevalent and have far‐reaching public health implications. There is increasing evidence that epigenetics, in particular, histone 3 lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L, plays an important role in the cartilage and bone biology. In this study, we evaluated the role of Dot1l in the articular cartilage, growth plate, and trabecular bone utilizing conditional KO mouse models. We generated chondrocyte‐specific constitutive and inducible conditional Dot1l KO mouse lines using Col2a1‐Cre and Acan‐CreER systems. Prenatal deletion of Dot1l in mouse chondrocytes led to perinatal mortality, accelerated ossification, and dysregulation of Col10a1 expression. Postnatal deletion of Dot1l in mouse chondrocytes resulted in trabecular bone loss decreased extracellular matrix production, and disruption of the growth plate. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of DOT1L in a progeria mouse model partially rescued the abnormal osseous phenotype. In conclusion, Dot1l is important in maintaining the growth plate, extracellular matrix production, and trabecular bone. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Polycomb Protein Bmi1 Plays a Crucial Role in the Prevention of 1,25(OH)2D Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Sun Haijian , Qiao Wanxin , Cui Min , Yang Cuicui , Wang Rong , Goltzman David , Jin Jianliang , Miao Dengshun
Published: November 2019

We analyzed the skeletal phenotypes of heterozygous null Cyp27b1 (Cyp27b1+/−) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates to determine whether haploinsufficiency of Cyp27b1 accelerated bone loss, and to examine potential mechanisms of such loss. We found that serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] levels were significantly decreased in aging Cyp27b1+/− mice, which displayed an osteoporotic phenotype. This was accompanied by a reduction of expression of the B lymphoma Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MLV) insertion region 1 (Bmi1) at both gene and protein levels. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and a luciferase reporter assay, we then showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulated Bmi1 expression at a transcriptional level via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). To determine whether Bmi1 overexpression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could correct bone loss induced by 1,25(OH)2D deficiency, we overexpressed Bmi1 in MSCs using Prx1-driven Bmi1 transgenic mice (Bmi1Tg) mice. We then compared the bone phenotypes of Bmi1Tg mice on a Cyp27b1+/− background, with those of Cyp27b1+/− mice and with those of WT mice, all at 8 months of age. We found that overexpression of Bmi1 in MSCs corrected the bone phenotype of Cyp27b1+/− mice by increasing osteoblastic bone formation, reducing osteoclastic bone resorption, increasing bone volume, and increasing bone mineral density. Bmi1 overexpression in MSCs also corrected 1,25(OH)2D deficiency-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, and cellular senescence of Cyp27b1+/− mice by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevating serum total superoxide dismutase levels, reducing the percentage of γH2A.X, p16, IL-1β, and TNF-α–positive cells and decreasing γH2A.X, p16, p19, p53, p21, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression levels. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, both ex vivo and in vitro, from WT mice but not from Bmi1−/− mice and 1,25(OH)2D administration in vivo increased osteoblastic bone formation in WT, but not in Bmi1 −/− mice. Our results indicate that Bmi1, a key downstream target of 1,25(OH)2D, plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss induced by 1,25(OH)2D deficiency. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Estradiol‐17β inhibits homocysteine mediated damage by promoting H2S production via upregulating CBS and CSE expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Hong Xiuqin , Wang Jia , Jiang Yu , Zhang Ying , Chen Jian , Niu Xiaona
Published: November 2019

Associated with reduced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in Hcy metabolic disorders, Plasma Hcy accumulation can bring about vascular dysfunction. Nevertheless, recently proposed therapies for vascular damage by estrogen could contribute to promoting endogenous hydrogen sulfide production. This study explores whether estrogen can come into play in protection in hyperhomocysteinemia and hypertensive patients at a population level, and then analyses the specific mechanism of estrogen protection in homocysteine (Hcy)‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at the foundational level. A case‐control study, conducted on 1277 female hypertension and non‐hypertensive patients from Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, showed that the Hcy concentration of hypertensive patients emerged higher than that of healthy controls (P < .001), and that of estrogen was the reverse (P < .001). Estrogen had a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure and plasma Hcy concentration. HUVECs were treated with estrogen and Hcy in the basic experimental part, and 17β‐estradiol (E2β) stimulated proliferation and inhibited damage in Hcy‐treated umbilical vein endothelial cells. Treatment with Hcy dampens the expression of cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) then cuts down H2S production in cultured HUVECs, however, E2β reverses this process. To sum up, we have demonstrated a significant correlation between estrogen, Hcy concentration and systolic blood pressure reduction, which is bound up with Hcy metabolism and endogenous hydrogen sulfide production. The role of E2β was further strengthened by CBS and the CSE inhibitor through overthrowing the change in hydrogen sulfide of Hcy‐treated HUVECs.
A Review of Cannabis and Interactions With Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Agents
Authors: Greger Jessica , Bates Vernice , Mechtler Laszlo , Gengo Fran
Published: November 2019

Legalization of medical cannabis has occurred in 33 states and the District of Columbia, and recreational use has increased exponentially since 2013. As a result, it is important to understand how cannabis interacts with other drugs and has potential risks for patients on concomitant medications. Components of medical cannabis can inhibit or compete for several cytochrome P450 (CYP) hepatic isoenzymes, UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases, and P‐glycoprotein. These enzymes and transporters are involved in the metabolism and absorption of numerous medications, including anticoagulants (ACs) and antiplatelet agents (APs), potentially causing harmful drug‐drug interactions. ACs and/or APs are often prescribed to high‐risk patients with cardiac conditions, a history of myocardial infarction, or stroke. Cannabis may cause these medications to be less efficacious and put patients at risk for recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Several case reports show cannabis may inhibit the metabolism of warfarin because of CYP2C9 interactions, resulting in increased plasma concentrations, increased international normalized ratio, and risk of bleeding. Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19, an isoenzyme responsible for the transformation of clopidogrel to its active thiol metabolite. This interaction could lead to subtherapeutic levels of active metabolite and possibly increased stroke risk. Within this review, a total of 665 articles were screened from PubMed and EMBASE. Four case reports, 1 in vitro study, and 1 pharmacokinetic article were found to be of relevance. This review serves to examine reported and potential cannabis interactions with APs/ACs to help inform patients and health care providers of possible risks and knowledge gaps.
Transdifferentiation and mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition during regeneration in Demospongiae (Porifera)
Authors: Ereskovsky Alexander V. , Tokina Daria B. , Saidov Danial M. , Baghdiguian Stephen , Le Goff Emilie , Lavrov Andrey I.
Published: November 2019

Origin and early evolution of regeneration mechanisms remain among the most pressing questions in animal regeneration biology. Porifera have exceptional regenerative capacities and, as early Metazoan lineage, are a promising model for studying evolutionary aspects of regeneration. Here, we focus on reparative regeneration of the body wall in the Mediterranean demosponge Aplysina cavernicola. The epithelialization of the wound surface is completed within 2 days, and the wound is completely healed within 2 weeks. The regeneration is accompanied with the formation of a mass of undifferentiated cells (blastema), which consists of archaeocytes, dedifferentiated choanocytes, anucleated amoebocytes, and differentiated spherulous cells. The main mechanisms of A. cavernicola regeneration are cell dedifferentiation with active migration and subsequent redifferentiation or transdifferentiation of polypotent cells through the mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transformation. The main cell sources of the regeneration are archaeocytes and choanocytes. At early stages of the regeneration, the blastema almost devoid of cell proliferation, but after 24 hr postoperation (hpo) and up to 72 hpo numerous DNA‐synthesizing cells appear there. In contrast to intact tissues, where vast majority of DNA‐synthesizing cells are choanocytes, all 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐labeled cells in the blastema are mesohyl cells. Intact tissues, distant from the wound, retains intact level of cell proliferation during whole regeneration process. For the first time, the apoptosis was studied during the regeneration of sponges. Two waves of apoptosis were detected during A. cavernicola regeneration: The first wave at 6–12 hpo and the second wave at 48–72 hpo.
MnSb2O6‐chitosan nanocomposite: An efficient catalyst for the synthesis of coumarins via Pechmann reaction
Authors: Bahramnezhad Baharak , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Akhgar Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Sayed Ali
Published: November 2019

In this work, MnSb2O6‐chitosan nanocomposites were synthesized and have been employed in Pechmann condensation for the synthesis of coumarin derivatives. MnSb2O6‐chitosan nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The particles of MnSb2O6‐chitosan have uniform spheres with sizes that are less than 100 nm. Simplicity, easy work‐up, and short reaction times are advantages of this reaction. Also, we evaluated the antibacterial activity for some of the products, and the result showed significant pharmaceutical activities as antibacterial reagents against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Influence diagnostics and outlier detection for meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Matsushima Yuki , Noma Hisashi , Yamada Tomohide , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: November 2019

Meta‐analyses of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies have been gaining prominence in research in clinical epidemiology and health technology development. In these DTA meta‐analyses, some studies may have markedly different characteristics from the others and potentially be inappropriate to include. The inclusion of these “outlying” studies might lead to biases, yielding misleading results. In addition, there might be influential studies that have notable impacts on the results. In this article, we propose Bayesian methods for detecting outlying studies and their influence diagnostics in DTA meta‐analyses. Synthetic influence measures based on the bivariate hierarchical Bayesian random effects models are developed because the overall influences of individual studies should be simultaneously assessed by the two outcome variables and their correlation information. We propose four synthetic measures for influence analyses: (a) relative distance, (b) standardized residual, (c) Bayesian p‐value, and (d) influence statistic on the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. We also show that conventional univariate Bayesian influential measures can be applied to the bivariate random effects models, which can be used as marginal influential measures. Most of these methods can be similarly applied to the frequentist framework. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods by applying them to a DTA meta‐analysis of ultrasound in screening for vesicoureteral reflux among children with urinary tract infections.
Den Site Selection by the Florida Spotted Skunk
Authors: Harris Stephen N. , Doonan Terry J. , Ragheb Erin L. Hewett , Jachowski David S.
Published: November 2019

The eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) is a species of conservation concern in much of its range and has experienced a decline since the early to mid‐1990s. But the subspecies that inhabits peninsular Florida, the Florida spotted skunk (S. p. ambarvalis), might still be abundant and is an important nest predator of the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus). To gain insight on this little‐studied subspecies and inform potential management strategies, we conducted a resource selection study on the Florida spotted skunk. We examined 5 hypotheses for den site selection related to den type, vegetation, and landscape characteristics in a dry prairie ecosystem in central Florida. We tracked 36 individual skunks to 757 den sites. Using discrete choice analysis, we found that male and nonbreeding female skunks at our study site were 5 times more likely to select a mammal burrow over a gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrow, that selection of a den site increased 34% for each 1‐burrow increase in the number of nearby burrows, and that selection of a den site increased 3% for every 10‐cm increase in a visual obstruction index. Similarly, breeding female skunks were more likely to select mammal burrows and shallow depressions over gopher tortoise burrows by 16‐fold and 13‐fold, respectively, and selection of a den site increased by 75% for every 1‐burrow increase in the number of nearby burrows. In contrast to previous studies that occurred in forested, mountainous environments elsewhere in the species' range, our findings suggest that den characteristics might be more important than landscape or vegetation characteristics to Florida spotted skunk den site selection in dry prairie. Additionally, the frequency of prescribed fires on the landscape did not appear to affect Florida spotted skunk den site selection. Thus, Florida spotted skunks in this ecosystem might be landscape generalists, thereby potentially limiting the ability of managers to control nest predation by this subspecies through habitat management. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Sustaining crop production in China's cropland by crop residue retention: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Bing‐Yang , Liu Sheng‐Li , Qi Jian‐Ying , Wang Xing , Pu Chao , Li Shuai‐Shuai , Zhang Xiong‐Zhi , Yang Xiao‐Guang , Lal Rattan , Chen Fu , Zhang Hai‐Lin
Published: November 2019

Crop residue retention (RR) is a recommended practice in China and globally. However, comprehensive assessment of changes and mechanisms affecting crop production and soil processes with RR and thus identifying systems of sustainable residues management are not widely studied. A national meta‐analysis was conducted to assess changes in 24 indicators (related to soil quality, soil nutrients, crop yield, and environmental impacts) along with their relationships under RR through 4,910 comparisons from 278 publications across China's croplands. Positively, RR significantly increased crop yield (7.8%), soil organic carbon (SOC) pool (12.3% to 36.8%), soil nutrient reserves (1.9% to 15.2%), soil temperature (6.7%), and water contents (5.9%) and improved soil structure when compared with residue removal (P < .05). Negatively, RR may increase soil acidification and significantly increase emissions of greenhouse gases (by 31.7%, 130.9%, and 12.2% for CO2, CH4, and N2O). Nonetheless, the negative effects can be alleviated, and the positive effects can be strengthened by adopting RR in conjunction with appropriate crops, specific farming practices, and avoiding more than 10 years of consecutive use. The results indicated that a higher decomposition of native and newly added organic matters, induced by RR and attendant changes in soil physical properties, could enhance the dynamics of SOC, microbial biomass, soil nutrients, and the final increase in crop yield and greenhouse gases emissions. Thus, the sustainability of RR‐based system could be enhanced by a careful choice and adoption of integrated farming practices. Proper RR management strategies could offer a climate‐smart solution to ensure food security and sustain soil productivity.
Gradation characteristic analysis of vegetation‐type porous concrete
Authors: Zhang G. , Yin J. , Li S.
Published: November 2019

Porosity acts as a key role in realizing the planting function of vegetation‐type porous concrete. However, the porosity depends on the aggregate gradation characteristic. Then, compared with the gradation characteristic of normal concrete, the gradation characteristic of vegetation‐type porous concrete is discussed. Furthermore, the porosity calculation of vegetation‐type porous concrete with three kinds of grain‐size‐ranges (9.5 mm‐16 mm, 16 mm‐19 mm and 19 mm‐26.5 mm) is deduced. Results present that the stacking theory is more suitable than the filling theory to describe the aggregate accumulation pattern. Besides, the calculation formula is deduced, which can effectively calculate the porosity of vegetation‐type porous concrete.
HDQLIFE and Neuro‐QoL Physical Function Measures: Responsiveness in Persons with Huntington's Disease
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Boileau Nicholas R. , Chou Kelvin L. , Ready Rebecca E. , Cella David , McCormack Michael K. , Miner Jennifer A. , Dayalu Praveen
Published: November 2019

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurological disorder that causes severe motor symptoms that adversely impact health‐related quality of life. Patient‐reported physical function outcome measures in HD have shown cross‐sectional evidence of validity, but responsiveness has not yet been assessed.

Objectives

This study evaluates the responsiveness of the Huntington Disease Health‐Related Quality of Life (HDQLIFE) and the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro‐QoL) physical function measures in persons with HD.

Methods

A total of 347 participants completed baseline and at least 1 follow‐up (12‐month and 24‐month) measure (HDQLIFE Chorea, HDQLIFE Swallowing Difficulties, HDQLIFE Speech Difficulties, Neuro‐QoL Upper Extremity Function, and/or Neuro‐QoL Lower Extremity Function). Of the participants that completed the baseline assessment, 338 (90.9%) completed the 12‐month assessment, and 293 (78.8%) completed the 24‐month assessment. Standardized response means and general linear models evaluated whether the physical function measures were responsive to self‐reported and clinician‐rated change over time.

Results

Small to moderate effect sizes for the standardized response means supported 12‐month and 24‐month responsiveness of the HDQLIFE and Neuro‐QoL measures for those with either self‐reported or clinician‐rated declines in function. General linear models supported 12‐month and 24‐month responsiveness for all HRQOL measures relative to self‐reported declines in health, but generally only 24‐month responsiveness was supported relative to clinician‐rated declines in function.

Conclusions

Longitudinal analyses indicate that the HDQLIFE and the Neuro‐QoL physical function measures are sensitive to change over time in individuals with HD. Thus, these scales exhibit evidence of responsiveness and may be useful outcome measures in future clinical trials. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
From a variant of unknown significance to pathogenic: Reclassification of a large novel duplication in BRCA2 by high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: van Luttikhuizen Jana Lisa , Bublitz Janin , Schubert Stephanie , Schmidt Gunnar , Hofmann Winfried , Morlot Susanne , Buurman Reena , Auber Bernd , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Steinemann Doris
Published: November 2019

Background

Germline mutations in BRCA1/2 significantly contribute to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer. Here, we report a novel BRCA2 duplication of exons 22–24 in a female patient with bilateral breast cancer at age 35 and 44. The duplicated region was initially detected by gene panel sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. However, the location and orientation of the duplicated region was unknown. Therefore, it was initially classified as a variant of unknown significance.

Methods

The spatial directional characterization of the BRCA2 duplication was achieved by targeted enrichment of the whole‐genomic BRCA2 locus including exons and introns, and subsequent high‐throughput sequencing. Subsequently, bioinformatics tools and a breakpoint‐spanning PCR were used for identification of location and orientation of the duplication.

Results

The duplicated region was arranged in tandem and direct orientation (Chr13(GRCh37):g.32951579_32960394dup; NM_000059.3 c.8754 + 651_9256+6112dup p.(Ala3088Phefs*3)). It is predicted to result in a frameshift and a premature stop codon likely triggering nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. Consequently, it is regarded as pathogenic.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates that a comprehensive characterization of a structural variant by breakpoint assessment is crucial for its correct classification. Therefore, sequencing strategies including non‐coding regions might be necessary to identify cancer predispositions in affected families.
Design of a class of fractional‐order hyperchaotic multidirectional multi‐scroll attractors
Authors: Pan Wei , Chen Liping , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we aim to construct novel complex fractional‐order hyperchaotic multi‐scroll (FOHCMS) attractors from a simple structure by employing nonlinearities with different forming mechanism. In particular, saturated nonlinear function series, stair nonlinear function series, polynomial function, and hysteresis series are combined to extend equilibrium points in a linear stable four‐dimensional (4‐D) system to generate FOHCMS attractors. Dynamics of the designed systems are analyzed; the existence of hyperchaos is verified using two maximum positive Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré maps; multi‐scroll attractors are observed. The corresponding circuit is designed and simulated where multi‐scroll hyperchaotic attractors are observed. Numerical simulations and circuit simulation results show that our design is feasible.
Wave diffraction from the Biconical Section in the semi‐infinite conical region
Authors: Kuryliak Dozyslav B. , Sharabura Oleksiy M.
Published: November 2019

The electromagnetic problem by the finite bicone, which is formed with the perfectly conducting semi‐infinite cone and the finite cone with truncated vertex, is studied. Bicone is excited axial‐symmetrically by the ring magnetic source. The diffracted field is represented through the series of the transversal magnetic (TM) modes; the lower mode among them is called the transversal electromagnetic wave (TEM). On the basis of this representation and using the mode matching technique, we derive the series equations to determine the unknown complex modes magnitudes. In view of the electric field singularities at the conical edges, these equations are represented in the form of the limiting transition from the finite sums to the series. We derive the rule of this transition, as well as the procedure for reducing them to the infinite system of linear algebraic equations (ISLAE) of the first kind. We study asymptotic properties of the matrix elements and find that the main part of their static limit and their behavior for large indexes form the matrix operator of the convolution type; the corresponding inverted operator in the analytical form is obtained. Both these operators, which we call the regularization operators, are used for the transition from the ISLAE of the first kind to the ISLAE of the second kind. The ISLAE thus obtained allow for the solution of any geometrical parameters and frequency with the given accuracy. The asymptotic properties of their solutions are analyzed, and the numerical examinations of the far field patterns are provided.
Characterizing a deformable registration algorithm for surface‐guided breast radiotherapy
Authors: Meyer Juergen , Smith Wade , Geneser Sarah , Koger Brandon , Kalet Alan M. , Young Lori A. , Cao Ning , Price Ryan G. , Norris Chris , Horton Tony , Womeldorf Jeff , Alexandrian Ara N. , Wootton Landon S.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Surface‐guided radiation therapy (SGRT) is a nonionizing imaging approach for patient setup guidance, intra‐fraction monitoring, and automated breath‐hold gating of radiation treatments. SGRT employs the premise that the external patient surface correlates to the internal anatomy, to infer the treatment isocenter position at time of treatment delivery. Deformations and posture variations are known to impact the correlation between external and internal anatomy. However, the degree, magnitude, and algorithm dependence of this impact are not intuitive and currently no methods exist to assess this relationship. The primary aim of this work was to develop a framework to investigate and understand how a commercial optical surface imaging system (C‐RAD, Uppsala, Sweden), which uses a nonrigid registration algorithm, handles rotations and surface deformations.

Methods

A workflow consisting of a female torso phantom and software‐introduced transformations to the corresponding digital reference surface was developed. To benchmark and validate the approach, known rigid translations and rotations were first applied. Relevant breast radiotherapy deformations related to breast size, hunching/arching back, distended/deflated abdomen, and an irregular surface to mimic a cover sheet over the lower part of the torso were investigated. The difference between rigid and deformed surfaces was evaluated as a function of isocenter location.

Results

For all introduced rigid body transformations, C‐RAD computed isocenter shifts were determined within 1 mm and 1˚. Additional translational shifts to correct for rotations as a function of isocenter location were determined with the same accuracy. For yaw setup errors, the difference in shift corrections between a plan with an isocenter placed in the center of the breast (BrstIso) and one located 12 cm superiorly (SCFIso) was 2.3 mm/1˚ in lateral direction. Pitch setup errors resulted in a difference of 2.1 mm/1˚ in vertical direction. For some of the deformation scenarios, much larger differences up to 16 mm and 7˚ in the calculated shifts between BrstIso and SCFIso were observed that could lead to large unintended gaps or overlap between adjacent matched fields if uncorrected.

Conclusions

The methodology developed lends itself well for quality assurance (QA) of SGRT systems. The deformable C‐RAD algorithm determined accurate shifts for rigid transformations, and this was independent of isocenter location. For surface deformations, the position of the isocenter had considerable impact on the registration result. It is recommended to avoid off‐axis isocenters during treatment planning to optimally utilize the capabilities of the deformable image registration algorithm, especially when multiple isocenters are used with fields that share a field edge.
Renal dysfunction can occur in advanced‐stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Motoki Takahiro , Shimizu‐Motohashi Yuko , Saito Isao , Komaki Hirofumi , Ishiyama Akihiko , Aibara Kaori , Jogamoto Toshihiro , Tezuka Yuko , Kawabe Mika , Makino Akira , Nagatani Koji , Tatara Katsunori , Kuwabara Kozue , Kikuchi Chiya , Fukuda Mitsumasa , Ishii Eiichi , Eguchi Mariko
Published: November 2019

Introduction

With improved treatments, patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can survive far beyond adolescence. However, advanced‐stage DMD patients are at risk of developing renal dysfunction. In this study, long‐term renal function outcomes and associated risk factors in advanced stage DMD were analyzed.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients were classified into three different age groups (<20, 20–29, and ≥30 years of age), and cystatin C (CysC) levels were compared among groups.

Results

Median serum CysC levels were 0.74 mg/L, 0.63 mg/L, and 0.76 mg/L in the age groups of <20, 20–29, and ≥30 years, respectively (P = .003). Five of the nine patients in the ≥30 years age group showed elevated serum CysC and decreased cardiac function compared with the other four in the group (P = .014).

Discussion

Our results indicate an association between cardiac and renal dysfunction in patients with advanced‐stage DMD.
Traveling frames: How corporate and civil society actors try to influence public administration and courts in a case on nuclear emission data in Switzerland
Authors: Lock Irina , Stachel Charlotte , Seele Peter
Published: November 2019

This paper focuses on the framing strategies lobbyists apply to influence public policy in a case on nuclear emission data in Switzerland. Framing analysis is at the heart of communication science and has been applied in lobbying settings, but framing theory has not yet been fine‐tuned to the specificities of public affairs research. This qualitative case study gives insights into the dominant frames seven actors ranging from corporations to nongovernmental organizations to public institutions employ to defend a legal court case in the nuclear power industry. The results of the document analysis and the interviews show that frames travel among diverse actors and only some are picked up by the courts, at times stating a position opposite to the one initially intended by the frame sponsor. A public affairs‐specific integrated process model of framing is presented that views the media in the role of a moderator in the framing process and pronounces the lobbying organizations' strategic goals, the different stakeholders as target audiences, and the outcomes of the public affairs process.
Standardized serum hepcidin values in Dutch children: Set point relative to body iron changes during childhood
Authors: Donker Albertine E. , Galesloot Tessel E. , Laarakkers Coby M. , Klaver Siem M. , Bakkeren Dirk L. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: November 2019

Background

Use of serum hepcidin measurements in pediatrics would benefit from standardized age‐ and sex‐specific reference ranges in children, in order to enable the establishment of clinical decision limits that are universally applicable.

Procedure

We measured serum hepcidin‐25 levels in 266 healthy Dutch children aged 0.3‐17 years, using an isotope dilution mass spectrometry assay, standardized with our commutable secondary reference material (RM), assigned by a candidate primary RM.

Results

We constructed age‐ and sex‐specific values for serum hepcidin and its ratio with ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Serum hepcidin levels and hepcidin/ferritin and TSAT/hepcidin ratios were similar for both sexes. Serum hepcidin and hepcidin/ferritin ratio substantially declined after the age of 12 years and TSAT/hepcidin ratio gradually increased with increasing age. Serum hepcidin values for Dutch children <12 years (n = 170) and >12 years (n = 96) were 1.9 nmol/L (median); 0.1‐13.1 nmol/L (p2.5‐p97.5) and 0.9 nmol/L; 0.0‐9.1 nmol/L, respectively. Serum ferritin was the most significant correlate of serum hepcidin in our study population, explaining 15.1% and 7.9% of variance in males and females, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis including age, blood sampling time, iron parameters, ALT, CRP, and body mass index as independent variables showed a statistically significant negative association between age as a dichotomous variable (≤12 vs >12 years) and log‐transformed serum hepcidin levels in both sexes.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that serum hepcidin relative to indicators of body iron is age dependent in children, suggesting that the set point of serum hepcidin relative to stored and circulating iron changes during childhood.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: Frequency of physical stigmata—Results of the GPOH‐MET registry
Authors: Redlich Antje , Lessel Lienhard , Petrou Artemis , Mier Pascal , Vorwerk Peter
Published: November 2019

Background

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2B is characterized by early development of aggressive medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), visible physical stigmata, and associated symptoms. In most cases, de novo mutations are revealed. There are premonitory symptoms and stigmata that enable early diagnosis, before an inoperable MTC develops. The German Society for Paediatric Oncology and Haematology (GPOH)—Malignant Endocrine Tumours (MET) registry maintains records of children with MTC in Germany since 1997.

Methods

Children with a diagnosis of MTC in MEN 2B recorded in the GPOH‐MET study were analyzed retrospectively. Stigmata and symptoms associated with MEN 2B were examined.

Results

From inception through 2017, 24 patients aged 0.2‐17.3 years were included. Symptoms affecting the oral/dental (88.0%), musculoskeletal (79.2%), and gastrointestinal (70.8%) systems were recognized most frequently. Gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms preceded symptoms of MTC. Twelve patients had short stature. Regarding the prevalence of single symptoms, neuromas of the lips and the oral cavity were mentioned most frequently. Five patients died from MTC. Patients diagnosed by tumor symptoms showed more advanced disease than those with disease detected by other means. Children diagnosed via associated stigmata and symptoms or positive family history had significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared to children diagnosed via symptoms of MTC (OS 100% vs 53.3%).

Conclusions

In children with MEN 2B, oral/dental, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal symptoms are most common. If children are diagnosed via associated symptoms and stigmata, OS is improved. Most of the children were diagnosed with growth disturbances; this finding requires verification and ranging in other patient cohorts.