bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Dependent Flow of Atlantic Water on the Continental Slope of the Beaufort Sea Based on Moorings
Authors: Li Jianqiang , Lin Peigen , Pickart Robert S. , Yang Xiao‐Yi
Published: May 2021

The flow and transformation of warm, salty Atlantic‐origin water (AW) in the Arctic Ocean plays an important role in the global overturning circulation that helps regulate Earth's climate. The heat that it transports also impacts ice melt in different parts of the Arctic. This study uses data from a mooring array deployed across the shelf/slope of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea from 2002–2004 to investigate the flow of AW. A short‐lived “rebound jet” of AW on the upper continental slope regularly follows wind‐driven upwelling events. A total of 57 such events, lasting on average 3 days each, occurred over the 2 year period. As the easterly wind subsides, the rebound jet quickly spins up while the isopycnals continue to slump from their upwelled state. The strength of the jet is related to the cross‐slope isopycnal displacement, which in turn is dependent on the magnitude of the wind, in line with previous modeling. Seaward of the rebound jet, the offshore‐most mooring of the array measured the onshore branch of the AW boundary flowing eastward in the Canada Basin. However, the signature of the boundary current was only evident in the second year of the mooring timeseries. We suspect that this is due to the varying influence of the Beaufort Gyre in the two years, associated with a change in pattern of the wind stress curl that helps drive the gyre.
Convective Cloud Regimes From a Classification of Object‐Based CloudSat Observations Over Asian‐Australian Monsoon Areas
Authors: Chen Peng‐Jen , Chen Wei‐Ting , Wu Chien‐Ming , Yo Ting‐Shuo
Published: May 2021

The present study objectively classified the convective cloud objects detected by the space‐borne CloudSat radar over the Asian‐Australian monsoon region using the hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm. Based on key properties representing the morphological features and convective intensity of the systems, five distinct convective cloud regimes were derived. The unique Coastal‐Intense (CI) regime exhibits the most expansive horizontal scales (>1,000 km), high convective strength, the strongest cloud radiative effects, the highest probability of extreme rainfall, and a significant coupling with the sharp onset of the Asian summer monsoon circulation. Second, the Coastal regime illustrates smaller but also highly organized coastal convections, with the strongest convective strength. Less than 10% of the systems in the CI and Coastal regimes overlap with the tropical cyclones. The rest three regimes mark the less organized convection at various life cycle stages mainly over the land areas, with small seasonal variation in their occurrence.
Metabolic-endocrine disruption due to preterm birth impacts growth, body composition, and neonatal outcome
Authors: Möllers Lea Sophie , Yousuf Efrah I. , Hamatschek Constanze , Morrison Katherine M. , Hermanussen Michael , Fusch Christoph , Rochow Niels
Published: May 2021

Despite optimized nutrition, preterm-born infants grow slowly and tend to over-accrete body fat. We hypothesize that the premature dissociation of the maternal–placental–fetal unit disrupts the maintenance of physiological endocrine function in the fetus, which has severe consequences for postnatal development. This review highlights the endocrine interactions of the maternal–placental–fetal unit and the early perinatal period in both preterm and term infants. We report on hormonal levels (including tissue, thyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, pituitary, and placental hormones) and nutritional supply and their impact on infant body composition. The data suggest that the premature dissociation of the maternal–placental–fetal unit leads to a clinical picture similar to panhypopituitarism. Further, we describe how the premature withdrawal of the maternal–placental unit, neonatal morbidities, and perinatal stress can cause differences in the levels of growth-promoting hormones, particularly insulin-like growth factors (IGF). In combination with the endocrine disruption that occurs following dissociation of the maternal–placental–fetal unit, the premature adaptation to the extrauterine environment leads to early and fast accretion of fat mass in an immature body. In addition, we report on interventional studies that have aimed to compensate for hormonal deficiencies in infants born preterm through IGF therapy, resulting in improved neonatal morbidity and growth.

Impact

Preterm birth prematurely dissociates the maternal–placental–fetal unit and disrupts the metabolic-endocrine maintenance of the immature fetus with serious consequences for growth, body composition, and neonatal outcomes.

The preterm metabolic-endocrine disruption induces symptoms resembling anterior pituitary failure (panhypopituitarism) with low levels of IGF-1, excessive postnatal fat mass accretion, poor longitudinal growth, and failure to thrive.

Appropriate gestational age-adapted nutrition alone seems insufficient for the achievement of optimal growth of preterm infants.

Preliminary results from interventional studies show promising effects of early IGF-1 supplementation on postnatal development and neonatal outcomes.
Molecularly profiled trials: toward a framework of actions for the “nil actionables”
Authors: Jordan Allan Michael
Published: May 2021

The sequencing of tumour or blood samples is increasingly used to stratify patients into clinical trials of molecularly targeted agents, and this approach has frequently demonstrated clinical benefit for those who are deemed eligible. But what of those who have no clear and evident molecular driver? What of those deemed to have “nil actionable” mutations? How might we deliver better therapeutic opportunities for those left behind in the clamour toward stratified therapeutics? And what significant learnings lie hidden in the data we amass but do not interrogate and understand? This Perspective article suggests a holistic approach to the future treatment of such patients, and sets a framework through which significant additional patient benefit might be achieved. In order to deliver upon this framework, it encourages and invites the clinical community to engage more enthusiastically and share learnings with colleagues in the early drug discovery community, in order to deliver a step change in patient care.
BKM120 sensitizes glioblastoma to the PARP inhibitor rucaparib by suppressing homologous recombination repair
Authors: Zhang Shaolu , Peng Xin , Li Xiaofei , Liu Hongyan , Zhao Baoquan , Elkabets Moshe , Liu Yao , Wang Wei , Wang Ran , Zhong Yuxu , Kong Dexin
Published: May 2021

PARP inhibitors have been approved for the therapy of cancers with homologous recombination (HR) deficiency based on the concept of “synthetic lethality”. However, glioblastoma (GBM) patients have gained little benefit from PARP inhibitors due to a lack of BRCA mutations. Herein, we demonstrated that concurrent treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib and the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 showed synergetic anticancer effects on GBM U251 and U87MG cells. Mechanistically, BKM120 decreased expression of HR molecules, including RAD51 and BRCA1/2, and reduced HR repair efficiency in GBM cells, therefore increasing levels of apoptosis induced by rucaparib. Furthermore, we discovered that the two compounds complemented each other in DNA damage response and drug accumulation. Notably, in the zebrafish U87MG-RFP orthotopic xenograft model, nude mouse U87MG subcutaneous xenograft model and U87MG-Luc orthotopic xenograft model, combination showed obviously increased antitumor efficacy compared to each monotherapy. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues indicated that the combination obviously reduced expression of HR repair molecules and increased the DNA damage biomarker γ-H2AX, consistent with the in vitro results. Collectively, our findings provide new insight into combined blockade of PI3K and PARP, which might represent a promising therapeutic approach for GBM.
HBO1 overexpression is important for hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth
Authors: Zhong Wenhui , Liu Heping , Deng Li , Chen Guohua , Liu Yubin
Published: May 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary liver malignancy lacking effective molecularly-targeted therapies. HBO1 (lysine acetyltransferase 7/KAT7) is a member of MYST histone acetyltransferase family. Its expression and potential function in HCC are studied. We show that HBO1 mRNA and protein expression is elevated in human HCC tissues and HCC cells. HBO1 expression is however low in cancer-surrounding normal liver tissues and hepatocytes. In HepG2 and primary human HCC cells, shRNA-induced HBO1 silencing or CRISPR/Cas9-induced HBO1 knockout potently inhibited cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, while provoking mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis induction. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of HBO1 by a lentiviral construct augmented HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo, xenografts-bearing HBO1-KO HCC cells grew significantly slower than xenografts with control HCC cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice. These results suggest HBO1 overexpression is important for HCC cell progression.
Resistance of bone marrow stroma to genotoxic preconditioning is determined by p53
Authors: Fedtsova Natalia , Komarova Elena A. , Greene Kellee F. , Novototskaya Liliya R. , Molodtsov Ivan , Brackett Craig M. , Strom Evguenia , Gleiberman Anatoli S. , Shakhov Alexander N. , Gudkov Andrei V.
Published: May 2021

Transplantation of bone marrow (BM) is made possible by the differential sensitivity of its stromal and hematopoietic components to preconditioning by radiation and/or chemotherapeutic drugs. These genotoxic treatments eliminate host hematopoietic precursors by inducing p53-mediated apoptosis but keep the stromal niche sufficiently intact for the engraftment of donor hematopoietic cells. We found that p53-null mice cannot be rescued by BM transplantation (BMT) from even the lowest lethal dose of total body irradiation (TBI). We compared structural changes in BM stroma of mice differing in their p53 status to understand why donor BM failed to engraft in the irradiated p53-null mice. Irradiation did not affect the general structural integrity of BM stroma and induced massive expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in mesenchymal cells followed by increased adiposity in p53 wild-type mice. In contrast, none of these events were found in p53-null mice, whose BM stroma underwent global structural damage following TBI. Similar differences in response to radiation were observed in in vitro-grown bone-adherent mesenchymal cells (BAMC): p53-null cells underwent mitotic catastrophe while p53 wild-type cells stayed arrested but viable. Supplementation with intact BAMC of either genotype enabled donor BM engraftment and significantly extended longevity of irradiated p53-null mice. Thus, successful preconditioning depends on the p53-mediated protection of cells critical for the functionality of BM stroma. Overall, this study reveals a dual positive role of p53 in BMT: it drives apoptotic death of hematopoietic cells and protects BM stromal cells essential for its functionality.
Development of a numerical model for simulating stress corrosion cracking in spent nuclear fuel canisters
Authors: Wu Xin , Mu Fengwen , Gordon Scott , Olson David , Liu Stephen , Shayer Zeev , Yu Zhenzhen
Published: May 2021

Prediction and detection of the chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) in Type 304 stainless steel spent nuclear fuel canisters are vital for the lifetime extension of dry storage canisters. This paper conducts a critical review that focuses on the numerical modeling and simulation on the research progress of the CISCC. The numerical models emphasizing the residual stress, susceptible microstructure, and corrosive environment are summarized individually. Meanwhile, the simulation studies on the role of hydrogen-assisted cracking are reviewed. Finally, a multi-physical numerical model, which combines the different fields is proposed based on our recent investigation.
Process analysis of pluripotent stem cell differentiation to megakaryocytes to make platelets applying European GMP
Authors: Lawrence Moyra , Evans Amanda , Moreau Thomas , Bagnati Marta , Smart Matthew , Hassan Enas , Hasan Jahid , Pianella Monica , Kerby Julie , Ghevaert Cedric
Published: May 2021

Quality, traceability and reproducibility are crucial factors in the reliable manufacture of cellular therapeutics, as part of the overall framework of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). As more and more cellular therapeutics progress towards the clinic and research protocols are adapted to comply with GMP standards, guidelines for safe and efficient adaptation have become increasingly relevant. In this paper, we describe the process analysis of megakaryocyte manufacture from induced pluripotent stem cells with a view to manufacturing in vitro platelets to European GMP for transfusion. This process analysis has allowed us an overview of the entire manufacturing process, enabling us to pinpoint the cause and severity of critical risks. Risk mitigations were then proposed for each risk, designed to be GMP compliant. These mitigations will be key in advancing this iPS-derived therapy towards the clinic and have broad applicability to other iPS-derived cellular therapeutics, many of which are currently advancing towards GMP-compliance. Taking these factors into account during protocol design could potentially save time and money, expediting the advent of safe, novel therapeutics from stem cells.
A method for the rational selection of drug repurposing candidates from multimodal knowledge harmonization
Authors: Schultz Bruce , Zaliani Andrea , Ebeling Christian , Reinshagen Jeanette , Bojkova Denisa , Lage-Rupprecht Vanessa , Karki Reagon , Lukassen Sören , Gadiya Yojana , Ravindra Neal G. , Das Sayoni , Baksi Shounak , Domingo-Fernández Daniel , Lentzen Manuel , Strivens Mark , Raschka Tamara , Cinatl Jindrich , DeLong Lauren Nicole , Gribbon Phil , Geisslinger Gerd , Ciesek Sandra , van Dijk David , Gardner Steve , Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Fröhlich Holger , Peitsch Manuel , Jacobs Marc , Hoeng Julia , Eils Roland , Claussen Carsten , Hofmann-Apitius Martin
Published: May 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has challenged researchers at a global scale. The scientific community’s massive response has resulted in a flood of experiments, analyses, hypotheses, and publications, especially in the field of drug repurposing. However, many of the proposed therapeutic compounds obtained from SARS-CoV-2 specific assays are not in agreement and thus demonstrate the need for a singular source of COVID-19 related information from which a rational selection of drug repurposing candidates can be made. In this paper, we present the COVID-19 PHARMACOME, a comprehensive drug-target-mechanism graph generated from a compilation of 10 separate disease maps and sources of experimental data focused on SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pathophysiology. By applying our systematic approach, we were able to predict the synergistic effect of specific drug pairs, such as Remdesivir and Thioguanosine or Nelfinavir and Raloxifene, on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Experimental validation of our results demonstrate that our graph can be used to not only explore the involved mechanistic pathways, but also to identify novel combinations of drug repurposing candidates.
Evaluating atypical language in autism using automated language measures
Authors: Salem Alexandra C. , MacFarlane Heather , Adams Joel R. , Lawley Grace O. , Dolata Jill K. , Bedrick Steven , Fombonne Eric
Published: May 2021

Measurement of language atypicalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is cumbersome and costly. Better language outcome measures are needed. Using language transcripts, we generated Automated Language Measures (ALMs) and tested their validity. 169 participants (96 ASD, 28 TD, 45 ADHD) ages 7 to 17 were evaluated with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Transcripts of one task were analyzed to generate seven ALMs: mean length of utterance in morphemes, number of different word roots (NDWR), um proportion, content maze proportion, unintelligible proportion, c-units per minute, and repetition proportion. With the exception of repetition proportion (p $$= .07$$

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), nonparametric ANOVAs showed significant group differences (p$$< 0.01$$

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0.01

). The TD and ADHD groups did not differ from each other in post-hoc analyses. With the exception of NDWR, the ASD group showed significantly (p$$< 0.01$$

<
0.01

) lower scores than both comparison groups. The ALMs were correlated with standardized clinical and language evaluations of ASD. In age- and IQ-adjusted logistic regression analyses, four ALMs significantly predicted ASD status with satisfactory accuracy (67.9–75.5%). When ALMs were combined together, accuracy improved to 82.4%. These ALMs offer a promising approach for generating novel outcome measures.
A psychoacoustic test for misophonia assessment
Authors: Enzler Falco , Loriot Céline , Fournier Philippe , Noreña Arnaud J.
Published: May 2021

Misophonia is a condition where a strong arousal response is triggered when hearing specific human generated sounds, like chewing, and/or repetitive tapping noises, like pen clicking. It is diagnosed with clinical interviews and questionnaires since no psychoacoustic tools exist to assess its presence. The present study was aimed at developing and testing a new assessment tool for misophonia. The method was inspired by an approach we have recently developed for hyperacusis. It consisted of presenting subjects (n = 253) with misophonic, pleasant, and unpleasant sounds in an online experiment. The task was to rate them on a pleasant to unpleasant visual analog scale. Subjects were labeled as misophonics (n = 78) or controls (n = 55) by using self-report questions and a misophonia questionnaire, the MisoQuest. There was a significant difference between controls and misophonics in the median global rating of misophonic sounds. On the other hand, median global rating of unpleasant, and pleasant sounds did not differ significantly. We selected a subset of the misophonic sounds to form the core discriminant sounds of misophonia (CDSMiso). A metric: the CDS score, was used to quantitatively measure misophonia, both with a global score and with subscores. The latter could specifically quantify aversion towards different sound sources/events, i.e., mouth, breathing/nose, throat, and repetitive sounds. A receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the method accurately classified subjects with and without misophonia (accuracy = 91%). The present study suggests that the psychoacoustic test we have developed can be used to assess misophonia reliably and quickly.
Hydropower generation by transpiration from microporous alumina
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Ishii Satoshi , Nozaki Ryusuke , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: May 2021

Traditional hydropower generation is one of the most sustainable energy sources; however, the local environmental impact of hydroelectric dams and reservoirs is serious, and hydroelectric power requires high-cost turbines and generators. Because these installations utilize gravitational potential energy of massive volumes of falling water, this sort of hydropower generation is unsuitable for ubiquitous, small-scale energy production. Here, we report that wetting and evaporation of pure water from a tiny block of porous alumina generates electrical current in the direction of water transpiration. The current induced in microporous alumina is associated with mass transport of water accompanying ions that accumulate near the negatively charged surface of alumina pores. Without any pre-treatment or additives, once evaporation commences, a 3 × 3 cm2 piece of alumina can generate an open-circuit voltage as large as 0.27 V. The power generation scheme we propose here is simple, clean, and versatile, and it can be employed anywhere, as it utilizes only spontaneous capillary action of water and Coulombic interaction at the alumina-water interface, without requiring any input of heat or light.
Wada test results contribute to the prediction of change in verbal learning and verbal memory function after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery
Authors: Conradi Nadine , Rosenberg Friederike , Knake Susanne , Biermann Louise , Haag Anja , Gorny Iris , Hermsen Anke , von Podewils Viola , Behrens Marion , Gurschi Marianna , du Mesnil de Rochemont Richard , Menzler Katja , Bauer Sebastian , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Nimsky Christopher , Konczalla Jürgen , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the clinical usefulness of the Wada test (WT) has been debated among researchers in the field. Therefore, we aimed to assess its contribution to the prediction of change in verbal learning and verbal memory function after epilepsy surgery. Data from 56 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent WT and subsequent surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, a standard neuropsychological assessment evaluating attentional, learning and memory, visuospatial, language, and executive function was performed both before and 12 months after surgery. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to determine the incremental value of WT results over socio-demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological characteristics in predicting postsurgical change in patients’ verbal learning and verbal memory function. The incorporation of WT results significantly improved the prediction models of postsurgical change in verbal learning (∆R2 = 0.233,p = .032) and verbal memory function (∆R2 = 0.386,p = .005). Presurgical performance and WT scores accounted for 41.8% of the variance in postsurgical change in verbal learning function, and 51.1% of the variance in postsurgical change in verbal memory function. Our findings confirm that WT results are of significant incremental value for the prediction of postsurgical change in verbal learning and verbal memory function. Thus, the WT contributes to determining the risks of epilepsy surgery and, therefore, remains an important part of the presurgical work-up of selected patients with clear clinical indications.
Author Correction: Brain phosphorylation of MeCP2 at serine 164 is developmentally regulated and globally alters its chromatin association
Authors: Stefanelli Gilda , Gandaglia Anna , Costa Mario , Cheema Manjinder S. , Di Marino Daniele , Barbiero Isabella , Kilstrup-Nielsen Charlotte , Ausió Juan , Landsberger Nicoletta
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Urinary fatty acid binding protein 3 (uFABP3) is a potential biomarker for peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Zamzam Abdelrahman , Syed Muzammil H. , Harlock John , Eikelboom John , Singh Krishna K. , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Plasma levels of fatty acid binding protein 3 (pFABP3) are elevated in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Since the kidney filters FABP3 from circulation, we investigated whether urinary fatty acid binding protein 3 (uFABP3) is associated with PAD, and also explored its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for this disease state. A total of 130 patients were recruited from outpatient clinics at St. Michael’s Hospital, comprising of 65 patients with PAD and 65 patients without PAD (non-PAD). Levels of uFABP3 normalized for urine creatinine (uFABP3/uCr) were 1.7-folds higher in patients with PAD [median (IQR) 4.41 (2.79–8.08)] compared with non-PAD controls [median (IQR) 2.49 (1.78–3.12), p-value = 0.001]. Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant effect of cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, diabetes and smoking) on uFABP3/uCr in both PAD and non-PAD patients. Spearmen correlation studies demonstrated a significant negative correlation between uFABP3/uCr and ABI (ρ = − 0.436; p-value = 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that uFABP3/Cr levels were associated with PAD independently of age, sex, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, prior history of coronary arterial disease and Estimated Glomerular Filtration rate (eGFR) [odds ratio: 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.47–3.75) p-value < 0.001]. Lastly, receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated unadjusted area under the curve (AUC) for uFABP3/Cr of 0.79, which improved to 0.86 after adjusting for eGFR, age, hypercholesteremia, smoking and diabetes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a strong association between uFABP3/Cr and PAD and suggest the potential of uFABP3/Cr in identifying patients with PAD.
Effectiveness of simulation-based training for manual small incision cataract surgery among novice surgeons: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nair Akshay Gopinathan , Ahiwalay Chetan , Bacchav Ashish E. , Sheth Tejas , Lansingh Van Charles , Vedula S. Swaroop , Bhatt Venudhar , Reddy Jagadesh C. , Vadavalli Pravin K. , Praveen Smita , Wairagade Nikhilesh Anil , Pettey Jeff
Published: May 2021

This study was designed to determine the effect of a novel simulation-based training curriculum for scleral tunnel construction in manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) compared with traditional training. In this multicenter, investigator-masked, randomized clinical trial, resident surgeons within 3 months of matriculation with minimal or no prior experience with MSICS were assigned either to simulation-based training, the Experimental Group (EG), or to conventional training, the Control Group (CG). EG residents were trained to perform scleral tunnel construction using a simulation-based curriculum (HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator), while residents in the CG followed institution-specific curriculum before progressing to live surgery. Surgical videos of the first 20 attempts at tunnel construction were reviewed by masked video raters. The primary outcome was the total number of any of 9 pre-specified errors. On average, the total number of errors was 9.25 (95% CI 0–18.95) in the EG and 17.56 (95% CI 6.63–28.49) in the CG (P = 0.05); the number of major errors was 4.86 (95% CI 0.13–9.59) in the EG and 10.09 (95% CI 4.76–15.41) in the CG (P = 0.02); and the number of minor errors was 4.39 (95% CI 0–9.75) in the EG and 7.47 (95% CI 1.43–13.51) in the CG (P = 0.16). These results support that novice surgeons trained using the novel simulation-based curriculum performed fewer errors in their first 20 attempts at tunnel construction compared to those trained with a conventional curriculum.
Heritable variation in swimming performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and negative genetic correlations with growth and harvest weight
Authors: Mengistu Samuel Bekele , Palstra Arjan P. , Mulder Han A. , Benzie John A. H. , Trinh Trong Quoc , Roozeboom Chantal , Komen Hans
Published: May 2021

Nile tilapia is predominantly produced in smallholder ponds without aeration. We hypothesize that Nile tilapia with high oxygen uptake efficiency (O2UE) may perform better under these conditions than Nile tilapia with low O2UE. Critical swimming speed (Ucrit, in cm s−1) is a potential indicator for O2UE. Our objectives were to estimate variance components for Ucrit and fish size at swim testing early in life, and genetic correlations (rg) between Ucrit with harvest weight (HW) and daily growth coefficient (DGC) later after grow-out in a non-aerated pond. Substantial heritability was found for absolute Ucrit (0.48). The estimated rg between absolute Ucrit and fish size at testing were all strong and positive (range 0.72–0.83). The estimated rg between absolute Ucrit and HW, and absolute Ucrit and DGC were − 0.21 and − 0.63 respectively, indicating that fish with higher absolute Ucrit had lower growth in the non-aerated pond as compared to fish with lower absolute Ucrit. These results suggest a juvenile trade-off between swimming and growth performance where fish with high Ucrit early in life show slower growth later under conditions of limited oxygen availability. We conclude that Ucrit in Nile tilapia is heritable and can be used to predict growth performance.
CT definition of the surgical apex in the orbit
Authors: Zurinam Olga , Safieh Christine , Redler Yael , Orbach Adi , Lumelsky Dmitry , Neeman Ziv , Briscoe Daniel
Published: May 2021

The orbital apex is an undefined but well understood concept of Orbital Surgeons. We sought to determine the surgical apex area specifically where the volume ratio decreases significantly impacting on the optic nerve. A retrospective analysis using PACS program processing, measured the right retrobulbar space volume changes in 100 randomly selected cases without orbital pathology where CT was performed for non-ophthalmic indications. Volume of the retrobulbar space was measured between two recognizable landmarks. The first landmark being the point of exit of the optic nerve from the eye and the second landmark the optic nerve's point of exit from the orbit. The measured length between these two points was divided into five equal segments, V1-V5. The volumes of all 5 segments were compared and the most significant area of volume depletion was established. The mean numeric value of measured orbital volumes was compared. A ratio difference of V1/V2 was less than 2, V2/V3 was 2.32 (± 0.27), V3/4 was 3.24 (± 0.39), and V4/V5 was 5.67 (± 1.66). The most remarkable difference in ratio was between V4 and V5 (mean 5.67 ± 1.66 with p < .0001). The V3 segment (the posterior 3/5 of the retrobulbar space volume) is the location where decrease in orbital volume impacts, and measured ratios are statistically significant. We defined the surgical apex as the posterior 3/5 of the retro-bulbar orbital space. It is consequently the area of higher risk for optic nerve compression. This definition could be routinely utilized by ophthalmologists and neuroradiologists when evaluating masses affecting the orbit.
Microbiota dysbiosis and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Woo Ho Geol , Jeong Jee Hyang , Kim Geon Ha , Park Kee Duk , Song Tae-Jin
Published: May 2021

Currently, few studies are reported on the composition of microbiota in stroke patients and the association with stroke prognosis. This study investigated the differing microbiota composition in stroke patients and confirmed the association of microbiota composition with poor functional outcome. Between January of 2018 and December of 2019, 198 patients with acute cerebral infarction were included in this study. For the case–control study, age and sex-matched normal healthy subjects (n = 200) were included when receiving their health screening examinations. We isolated bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles and extracted DNA from blood samples. Taxonomic assignments were performed by using the sequence reads of 16S rRNA genes following blood microbiota analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted appropriately by using Statistical Analysis System software. The mean age of the stroke patients were 63.7 ± 12.5 years, and the male sex was 58.5%. Of the total enrolled patients, poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Score ≥ 3) was noted in 19.7%. The principal component analysis of microbiota composition revealed significant differences between healthy control subjects and stroke patients. At the genus level, Aerococcaceae(f), ZB2(c), TM7-1(c), and Flavobacterium were significantly increased in stroke patients compared to the healthy controls, whereas Mucispirillum, rc4-4, Akkermansia, Clostridiales(o), Lactobacillus, and Stenotrophomonas were decreased considerably. For the functional outcome after ischemic stroke, Anaerococcus, Blautia, Dialister, Aerococcaceae(f), Propionibacterium, Microbacteriaceae(f), and Rothia were enriched in the group with good outcomes, whereas Ruminococcaceae(f) and Prevotella were enriched in the group with poor outcome. There was apparent dysbiosis of blood microbiota in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to healthy people. Ruminococcaceae(f) and Prevotella were elevated in stroke patients with poor functional outcome.
Rapid detection of avian leukosis virus subgroup J by cross-priming amplification
Authors: Xiang Yong , Li Lizhen , Liu Peng , Yan Ling , Jiang Zeng , Yu Yun , Li Yu , Chen Xiaoyan , Cao Weisheng
Published: May 2021

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) causes oncogenic disease in chickens in China, resulting in great harm to poultry production, and remains widespread in China. Herein, we employed a cross-priming amplification (CPA) approach and a nucleic acid detection device to establish a visual rapid detection method for ALV-J. The sensitivity of CPA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was compared, and the three methods were used to detect ALV-J in the cell cultures which inoculated with clinical plasma. The result showed when the amplification reaction was carried out at 60 °C for just 60 min, the sensitivity of CPA was 10 times higher than conventional PCR, with high specificity, which was comparable with RT-PCR, based on detection of 123 cell cultures which inoculated with clinical plasma, the coincidence rate with real-time PCR was 97.3% (71/73). CPA detection of ALV-J does not require an expensive PCR instrument; a simple water bath or incubator is sufficient for complete DNA amplification, and the closed nucleic acid detection device avoids aerosol pollution, making judgment of results more intuitive and objective. The CPA assay would be a promising simple, rapid and sensitive method for identification of ALV-J.
Effect of moisture content on the electromagnetic shielding ability of non-conductive textile structures
Authors: Palanisamy Sundaramoorthy , Tunakova Veronika , Militky Jiri , Wiener Jakub
Published: May 2021

Electromagnetically shielding textile materials, especially in professional or ordinary clothing, are used to protect an implanted pacemaker in the body. Alternatively, traditional textiles are known for their non-conductivity and transparency to an electromagnetic field. The main goal of this work was to determine whether the high moisture content (sweat) of the traditional textile structure significantly affects the resulting ability of the material to shield the electromagnetic field. Specifically, whether sufficient wetting of the traditional textile material can increase its electrical conductivity to match the electrically conductive textiles determined for shielding of the electromagnetic field. In this study, cotton and polyester knitted fabric samples were used, and two liquid medias were applied to the samples to simulate human sweating. The experiment was designed to analyse the factors that have a significant effect on the shielding effectiveness that was measured according to ASTM D4935. The following factors have a significant effect on the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of moisturised fabric: squeezing pressure, drying time and type of liquid media. Additionally, the increase of electromagnetic shielding was up to 1 dB at 1.5 GHz frequency at the highest level of artificial sweat moisturised sample.
Optimization of the scan length of head traumas on the pediatric and adult CT scan and proposition of a new acquisition limit
Authors: Eddy Fotso Kamdem , Ngano Samba Odette , Jervé Fotue Alain , Serge Abogo
Published: May 2021

To propose a new method of reducing the scan length of head trauma while keeping the diagnostic efficiency of the examination in order to develop DRL in an African context. This is a retrospective single-center study including 145 patients who had cranial examinations on a 64-barettes scanner. All head trauma cases were selected. The interpretations of these CT scanners by the three radiologists of the service were noted to determine the acquisition limit. All patient acquisition lengths have been recorded. The acquisition limit for head trauma ended in clinical routine at cervical spine 4 (C4). The average scan length was 23.03 cm. Out of the CT scan results for 145 patients, only 2 (1.37%) had a C3 level cervical spine fracture and 2 (1.37%) at C4. By respecting the principles of radiation protection, this result has shown us that it is possible to limit the acquisition length of the CT scanners indicated for head trauma. The limit of the optimized scan length that we proposed is at cervical spine 2 (98.62%). Now, all head trauma are limited on cervical vertebra 2 in our hospital. The use of this new method is beneficial when the clinical indication of the examination and the type of trauma (multi-trauma) are taken into account. Based on the principles of radiation protection and the clinical indication for the examination, reducing the scan length from C4 to C2 is an effective way to reduce the dose absorbed by the patient.
The mid-domain effect of mountainous plants is determined by community life form and family flora on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Xu Manhou , Du Rong , Li Xiaoli , Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Baogui , Yu Xiuli
Published: May 2021

The mid-domain effect (MDE) explains altitudinal patterns of species diversity of mountainous plants at different elevations. However, its application is limited by the species life form and family flora in different layers of plant communities. To verify the MDE hypothesis at the plant community level, we chose a mountain with representative characteristics of the study area in the east of the Loess Plateau, China, such as obvious elevation (from 1324 to 2745 m) and latitude (from 36° 23′ to 39° 03′) gradients and considerable vegetation types (mainly coniferous and broad-leaved forests). We measured the life forms, families, and species diversity indices of tree, shrub, and herb communities along different elevations. We determined that the family numbers of the herb and shrub communities presented unimodal patterns across an altitudinal gradient, and the highest values occurred at intermediate elevations. The importance values of dominant families in the shrub and tree communities presented unimodal patterns, but the lowest values occurred at intermediate elevations. The species diversity indices of the herb, shrub, and tree communities conformed to unimodal change patterns following an altitudinal gradient, but the greatest diversity occurred at high, low, and intermediate elevations, respectively. At higher elevations, forbs and grasses grew well, whereas sedges grew well at lower elevations. Responses of different tree life forms to the altitudinal gradient were greater for evergreen coniferous tree species than for deciduous coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved tree species. We concluded that the MDE hypothesis of species diversity for mountainous plants is influenced greatly by the community life form and family at the plant community level in a temperate semi-arid region of the Loess Plateau, China. This conclusion tested and modified the MDE hypothesis and may be valuable for fueling prediction of biodiversity models and for the comparison with similar studies in arid and semi-arid mountainous regions.
Demyelination and remyelination detected in an alternative cuprizone mouse model of multiple sclerosis with 7.0 T multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ding Shuang , Guo Yu , Chen Xiaoya , Du Silin , Han Yongliang , Yan Zichun , Zhu Qiyuan , Li Yongmei
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying demyelination and remyelination with 7.0 T multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an alternative cuprizone (CPZ) mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixty mice were divided into six groups (n = 10, each), and these groups were imaged with 7.0 T multiparameter MRI and treated with an alternative CPZ administration schedule. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used to compare the splenium of the corpus callosum (sCC) among the groups. Prussian blue and Luxol fast blue staining were performed to assess pathology. The correlations of the mean grayscale value (mGSV) of the pathology results and the MRI metrics were analyzed to evaluate the multiparameter MRI results. One-way ANOVA and post hoc comparison showed that the normalized T2WI (T2-nor), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) values were significantly different among the six groups, while the mean phase (Φ) value of SWI was not significantly different among the groups. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation between the T2-nor and mGSV was higher than that among the other values. The correlations among the FA, RD, MD, and mGSV remained instructive. In conclusion, ultrahigh-field multiparameter MRI can reflect the pathological changes associated with and the underlying mechanisms of demyelination and remyelination in MS after the successful establishment of an acute CPZ-induced model.
Secular trends in health-related physical fitness among 11–14-year-old Croatian children and adolescents from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro , Petrić Vilko
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of the study was to analyze secular trends of health-related physical fitness in 7–14-year-old Croatian children and adolescents from 1999 and 2014. In this observational cross-sectional study, we recruited 5077 children and adolescents between ages 11 and 14 (50.8% girls) from five primary schools located in the capital city of Zagreb. Physical fitness performance was tested from 1999 until 2014. Physical fitness performance included: (1) body-mass index (measure of body size), (2) standing broad jump (measure of lower-body power), (3) polygon backwards (measure of general coordination and agility), (4) sit-ups in 60 s (measure of upper-body strength), (5) sit-and-reach test (measure of flexibility) and (6) 6-min run test (measure of cardiorespiratory fitness). Boys performed better in all physical fitness tests, except for sit-and-reach test (p < 0.001). In boys, between 1999 and 2014, body size, upper-body strength and coordination/agility increased, while flexibility, lower-body power and cardiorespiratory fitness decreased. During the same period, girls experienced an increase in body size, lower-body power, upper-body strength, coordination/agility and flexibility, while cardiorespiratory fitness decreased. This study shows that cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility and coordination/agility decrease, while upper-body strength increases in both sexes. These findings should serve as an avenue for national monitoring system to screen and track biological development in children and adolescents.
Author Correction: Integrative analysis of DNA, macroscopic remains and stable isotopes of dog coprolites to reconstruct community diet
Authors: Witt Kelsey E. , Yarlagadda Karthik , Allen Julie M. , Bader Alyssa C. , Simon Mary L. , Kuehn Steven R. , Swanson Kelly S. , Cross Tzu-Wen L. , Hedman Kristin M. , Ambrose Stanley H. , Malhi Ripan S.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Targeting the epichaperome as an effective precision medicine approach in a novel PML-SYK fusion acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Sugita Mayumi , Wilkes David C. , Bareja Rohan , Eng Kenneth W. , Nataraj Sarah , Jimenez-Flores Reyna A. , Yan LunBiao , De Leon Jeanne Pauline , Croyle Jaclyn A. , Kaner Justin , Merugu Swathi , Sharma Sahil , MacDonald Theresa Y. , Noorzad Zohal , Panchal Palak , Pancirer Danielle , Cheng Shuhua , Xiang Jenny Z. , Olson Luke , Van Besien Koen , Rickman David S. , Mathew Susan , Tam Wayne , Rubin Mark A. , Beltran Himisha , Sboner Andrea , Hassane Duane C. , Chiosis Gabriela , Elemento Olivier , Roboz Gail J. , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Guzman Monica L.
Published: May 2021

The epichaperome is a new cancer target composed of hyperconnected networks of chaperome members that facilitate cell survival. Cancers with an altered chaperone configuration may be susceptible to epichaperome inhibitors. We developed a flow cytometry-based assay for evaluation and monitoring of epichaperome abundance at the single cell level, with the goal of prospectively identifying patients likely to respond to epichaperome inhibitors, to measure target engagement, and dependency during treatment. As proof of principle, we describe a patient with an unclassified myeloproliferative neoplasm harboring a novel PML-SYK fusion, who progressed to acute myeloid leukemia despite chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplant. The leukemia was identified as having high epichaperome abundance. We obtained compassionate access to an investigational epichaperome inhibitor, PU-H71. After 16 doses, the patient achieved durable complete remission. These encouraging results suggest that further investigation of epichaperome inhibitors in patients with abundant baseline epichaperome levels is warranted.
Noise diagnostics of graphene interconnects for atomic-scale electronics
Authors: Pósa László , Balogh Zoltán , Krisztián Dávid , Balázs Péter , Sánta Botond , Furrer Roman , Csontos Miklós , Halbritter András
Published: May 2021

Graphene nanogaps are considered as essential building blocks of two-dimensional electronic circuits, as they offer the possibility to interconnect a broad range of atomic-scale objects. Here we provide an insight into the microscopic processes taking place during the formation of graphene nanogaps through the detailed analysis of their low-frequency noise properties. Following the evolution of the noise level, we identify the fundamentally different regimes throughout the nanogap formation. By modeling the resistance and bias dependence of the noise, we resolve the major noise-generating processes: atomic-scale junction-width fluctuations in the nanojunction regime and sub-atomic gap-size fluctuations in the nanogap regime. As a milestone toward graphene-based atomic electronics, our results facilitate the automation of an optimized electrical breakdown protocol for high-yield graphene nanogap fabrication.
The origin of island populations of the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Campos Melina , Hanemaaijer Mark , Gripkey Hans , Collier Travis C. , Lee Yoosook , Cornel Anthony J. , Pinto João , Ayala Diego , Rompão Herodes , Lanzaro Gregory C.
Published: May 2021

Anopheles coluzzii is a major malaria vector throughout its distribution in west-central Africa. Here we present a whole-genome study of 142 specimens from nine countries in continental Africa and three islands in the Gulf of Guinea. This sample set covers a large part of this species’ geographic range. Our population genomic analyses included a description of the structure of mainland populations, island populations, and connectivity between them. Three genetic clusters are identified among mainland populations and genetic distances (FST) fits an isolation-by-distance model. Genomic analyses are applied to estimate the demographic history and ancestry for each island. Taken together with the unique biogeography and history of human occupation for each island, they present a coherent explanation underlying levels of genetic isolation between mainland and island populations. We discuss the relationship of our findings to the suitability of São Tomé and Príncipe islands as candidate sites for potential field trials of genetic-based malaria control strategies.