bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterosexism and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Trujillo Michael A. , Perrin Paul B. , Henry Richard S. , Rabinovitch Annie E.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Background: Heterosexism has been identified as being a contributing factor of suicidality in sexual minority adults (SMA), and social support is believed to be important for mitigating these effects. Research evaluating racial/ethnic differences in suicidality among SMA is limited despite racial/ethnic minorities being at greater risk. Aims: We aimed to examine the associations between heterosexism, suicidal ideation, and social support in a sample of racially/ethnically diverse SMA. Method: SMA ( N = 239) were recruited as part of an online survey on sexuality and health based in the United States. Results: There were significant positive main effects of heterosexism and significant negative main effects for non-White racial/ethnic identity on suicidal ideation. There were significant negative main effects for social support from family and a significant other but not from friends. A significant interaction of social support from a significant other and racial ethnic identity was qualified by a significant three-way interaction with heterosexism. Social support from a significant other buffered the effect of heterosexism on suicidal ideation among non-White but not among White SMA. All other interactions were not significant. Limitations: Within-group differences of racial/ethnic groups and other domains of social support were not examined, and the cross-sectional nature of the data precludes causal inference. Conclusion: Support from a significant other may be important for suicidality, particularly for racial/ethnic minority SMA.
The Effects of Self-Control on Glucose Utilization in a	Hyperinsulinemic Euglycemic Glucose Clamp
Authors: Zahn Daniela , Gomille Lara K. , Grammes Jennifer , Gottschling Patricia , Fottner Christian , Weber Matthias M. , Wenzel Mario , Kubiak Thomas
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Background. The glucose hypothesis of self-control posits that acts of self-control may draw upon glucose as a source of energy, leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels after exerting self-control, mirroring the temporary depletion of self-control, but supporting evidence is mixed and inconclusive. This might partly be due to using methods that are not suitable to reliably quantify glucose utilization. Aims. We aimed at examining whether self-control exertion leads to an increase in glucose utilization. Method. In a sample of N = 30 healthy participants (50% women, age 26.5 ± 3.5 years) we combined a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp (a well-established and validated procedure in experimental endocrinology to reliably quantify systemic glucose utilization) with a standard self-control dual-task paradigm. In the first task, the experimental group completed a variation of a paper-and-pencil crossing out letter task (COLT) that demanded self-control; the control group completed a variation of the COLT that did not demand self-control. The second task for both groups was a computerized two-color word Stroop which demanded self-control. Results. We did not find a significant main effect for time, nor a time × group interaction with respect to glucose utilization, which indicates that glucose utilization did not differ significantly over time or between groups. Limitations. Due to the time-consuming and complicated clamp method, our sample was rather small. Conclusion. Our results revealed little evidence for the notion that self-control efforts are associated with a relevant increase in peripheral glucose utilization.
Patient Prototypes
Authors: Houlihan Amy E.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Despite large bodies of research examining perceptions of illnesses and perceptions of people who engage in various health behaviors, very little research has examined perceptions of people who have a specific illness. The aims of this research were to create a measure of “patient prototypes,” mental representations of the type of person who has a specific illness, and to examine their associations with other health cognitions and behaviors. Two survey studies (Study 1: N = 208 and Study 2: N = 246) assessed patient prototype favorability for three illnesses (skin cancer, Human papillomavirus (HPV), and type 2 diabetes) as well as constructs from the common-sense model and prototype willingness model. Patient prototypes for the three illnesses were distinct in terms of specific traits and overall favorability. Generally, patient prototype favorability was unrelated to illness representation dimensions in the common-sense model but was positively associated with some constructs in the prototype/willingness model. All three prototypes were positively correlated with perceived vulnerability. The skin cancer prototype was positively correlated with measures of behavioral willingness, behavioral intention, and actual health behavior (UV exposure). Limitations include the use of young adult participants who have relatively little experience with the illnesses examined. Measures of patient prototype favorability and health behaviors need to be further examined and refined. The novel construct of patient prototype favorability provides a foundation for future inquiry into the role that patient perceptions play in health behavior and the implications for the prototype/willingness model and the common-sense model.
A Multi‐Instrument Approach to Determining the Source‐Region Extent of EEP‐Driving EMIC Waves
Authors: Hendry A. T. , Santolik O. , Miyoshi Y. , Matsuoka A. , Rodger C. J. , Clilverd M. A. , Kletzing C. A. , Shoji M. , Shinohara I.
Published: March 2020

Recent years have seen debate regarding the ability of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves to drive EEP (energetic electron precipitation) into the Earth's atmosphere. Questions still remain regarding the energies and rates at which these waves are able to interact with electrons. Many studies have attempted to characterize these interactions using simulations; however, these are limited by a lack of precise information regarding the spatial scale size of EMIC activity regions. In this study we examine a fortuitous simultaneous observation of EMIC wave activity by the RBSP‐B and Arase satellites in conjunction with ground‐based observations of EEP by a subionospheric VLF network. We describe a simple method for determining the longitudinal extent of the EMIC source region based on these observations, calculating a width of 0.75 hr MLT and a drift rate of 0.67 MLT/hr. We describe how this may be applied to other similar EMIC wave events.
A New Theory for Energetic Electron Generation Behind Dipolarization Front
Authors: Fu H. S. , Zhao M. J. , Yu Y. , Wang Z.
Published: March 2020

A long‐standing problem concerning dipolarization front (DF) is why energetic electrons only appear in half the DF events? By analyzing MMS measurements, here we answer this question. We find a DF structure, behind which energetic‐electron fluxes are modulated by magnetosonic waves: At wave troughs (B‐minimum) electron fluxes are high; at wave crests (B‐maximum) electron fluxes are low. This phenomenon challenges the classical theory of betatron mechanism, so we need to propose a new theory to explain it. In our theory, there exists a magnetic bottle with time‐varying belly but steady neck behind the DF. When the belly expands, a magnetic bottle is formed, and electrons are trapped; when the belly contracts, the magnetic bottle disappears, and electrons are expelled. Quantitatively, we validate the existence of this bottle and estimate its size as 2–3 RE. Our theory can explain both the presence and absence of energetic electrons behind DFs.
Thank You to Our 2019 Reviewers
Authors: Lugaz Noé , Knipp Delores J. , Gannon Jennifer L. , Hapgood Michael , Liu Huixin , O'Brien T. Paul , Welling Daniel T.
Published: March 2020

Peer reviewing is the foundation of modern scholarship, with external specialists being asked to fairly check and evaluate submitted work. This difficult and often time‐consuming activity is performed voluntarily, with the understanding that one's own scholarship shall benefit down the line from a careful analysis of its assumption, results, accuracy, and yes, language, as we are now evaluating someone else's work. At Space Weather, we pride ourselves on a fair but quick review process yielding high‐quality articles with a time from submission to first decision of under one month. This would not be possible without the hard work of all our reviewers. Once a year, we take the occasion to name these women and men in order to thank them for their service to the journal and the community.
Blackjack mutations improve the on-target activities of increased fidelity variants of SpCas9 with 5′G-extended sgRNAs
Authors: Kulcsár Péter István , Tálas András , Tóth Eszter , Nyeste Antal , Ligeti Zoltán , Welker Zsombor , Welker Ervin
Published: March 2020

Increased fidelity mutants of the SpCas9 nuclease constitute the most promising approach to mitigating its off-target effects. However, these variants are effective only in a restricted target space, and many of them are reported to work less efficiently when applied in clinically relevant, pre-assembled, ribonucleoprotein forms. The low tolerance to 5′-extended, 21G-sgRNAs contributes, to a great extent, to their decreased performance. Here, we report the generation of Blackjack SpCas9 variant that shows increased fidelity yet remain effective with 21G-sgRNAs. Introducing Blackjack mutations into previously reported increased fidelity variants make them effective with 21G-sgRNAs and increases their fidelity. Two “Blackjack” nucleases, eSpCas9-plus and SpCas9-HF1-plus are superior variants of eSpCas9 and SpCas9-HF1, respectively, possessing matching on-target activity and fidelity but retaining activity with 21G-sgRNAs. They facilitate the use of existing pooled sgRNA libraries with higher specificity and show similar activities whether delivered as plasmids or as pre-assembled ribonucleoproteins.
Analysis of DNA methylation associates the cystine–glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 with risk of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Vallerga Costanza L. , Zhang Futao , Fowdar Javed , McRae Allan F. , Qi Ting , Nabais Marta F. , Zhang Qian , Kassam Irfahan , Henders Anjali K. , Wallace Leanne , Montgomery Grant , Chuang Yu-Hsuan , Horvath Steve , Ritz Beate , Halliday Glenda , Hickie Ian , Kwok John B. , Pearson John , Pitcher Toni , Kennedy Martin , Bentley Steven R. , Silburn Peter A. , Yang Jian , Wray Naomi R. , Lewis Simon J. G. , Anderson Tim , Dalrymple-Alford John , Mellick George D. , Visscher Peter M. , Gratten Jacob
Published: March 2020

An improved understanding of etiological mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is urgently needed because the number of affected individuals is projected to increase rapidly as populations age. We present results from a blood-based methylome-wide association study of PD involving meta-analysis of 229 K CpG probes in 1,132 cases and 999 controls from two independent cohorts. We identify two previously unreported epigenome-wide significant associations with PD, including cg06690548 on chromosome 4. We demonstrate that cg06690548 hypermethylation in PD is associated with down-regulation of the SLC7A11 gene and show this is consistent with an environmental exposure, as opposed to medications or genetic factors with effects on DNA methylation or gene expression. These findings are notable because SLC7A11 codes for a cysteine-glutamate anti-porter regulating levels of the antioxidant glutathione, and it is a known target of the environmental neurotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Our study identifies the SLC7A11 gene as a plausible biological target in PD.
Simulating the mechanisms of serrated flow in interstitial alloys with atomic resolution over diffusive timescales
Authors: Zhao Yue , Dezerald Lucile , Pozuelo Marta , Zhou Xinran , Marian Jaime
Published: March 2020

The Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect is a phenomenon by which plastic slip in metallic materials becomes unstable, resulting in jerky flow and the onset of inhomogeneous deformation. The PLC effect is thought to be fundamentally caused by the dynamic interplay between dislocations and solute atoms. However, this interplay is almost always inaccessible experimentally due to the extremely fine length and time scales over which it occurs. In this paper, simulations of jerky flow in W-O interstitial solid solutions reveal three dynamic regimes emerging from the simulated strain rate-temperature space: one resembling standard solid solution strengthening, another one mimicking solute cloud formation, and a third one where dislocation/solute coevolution leads to jerky flow as a precursor of dynamic strain aging. The simulations are carried out in a stochastic framework that naturally captures rare events in a rigorous manner, providing atomistic resolution over diffusive time scales using no adjustable parameters.
Interplay between DNA damage repair and apoptosis shapes cancer evolution through aneuploidy and microsatellite instability
Authors: Auslander Noam , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: March 2020

Driver mutations and chromosomal aneuploidy are major determinants of tumorigenesis that exhibit complex relationships. Here, we identify associations between driver mutations and chromosomal aberrations that define two tumor clusters, with distinct regimes of tumor evolution underpinned by unique sets of mutations in different components of DNA damage response. Gastrointestinal and endometrial tumors comprise a separate cluster for which chromosomal-arm aneuploidy and driver mutations are mutually exclusive. The landscape of driver mutations in these tumors is dominated by mutations in DNA repair genes that are further linked to microsatellite instability. The rest of the cancer types show a positive association between driver mutations and aneuploidy, and a characteristic set of mutations that involves primarily genes for components of the apoptotic machinery. The distinct sets of mutated genes derived here show substantial prognostic power and suggest specific vulnerabilities of different cancers that might have therapeutic potential.
Author Correction: Early Pastoral Economies and Herding Transitions in Eastern Eurasia
Authors: Taylor William Timothy Treal , Clark Julia , Bayarsaikhan Jamsranjav , Tuvshinjargal Tumurbaatar , Jobe Jessica Thompson , Fitzhugh William , Kortum Richard , Spengler Robert N. , Shnaider Svetlana , Seersholm Frederik Valeur , Hart Isaac , Case Nicholas , Wilkin Shevan , Hendy Jessica , Thuering Ulrike , Miller Bryan , Miller Alicia R. Ventresca , Picin Andrea , Vanwezer Nils , Irmer Franziska , Brown Samantha , Abdykanova Aida , Shultz Daniel R. , Pham Victoria , Bunce Michael , Douka Katerina , Jones Emily Lena , Boivin Nicole
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Development and identification of three functional markers associated with starch content in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Authors: Cheng Teng , Zheng Xingwen , Xie Keqiang , Liu Jiangdong , Zheng Xingfei , Jin Surong , Diao Ying , Hu Zhongli , Wang Jianxiong
Published: March 2020

It have been significantly demonstrated that Hexokinase (HXK), Granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) are three critical enzymes in the starch biosynthetic pathway and are related to starch (amylose, amylopectin and total starch) content in lotus. It is important to develop functional markers in marker-assisted selection of lotus breeding. So far there have been few reports about lotus functional markers. In this study, based on insertion-deletions (INDELs) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we developed three functional markers, FMHXK-E1, FMGBSS-I8 and FMAGPL-I1. FMHXK-E1 was developed based on polymorphisms of two haplotypes of NnHXK. 26 lotus cultivars that the 320-bp fragment presented in NnHXK had a lower content of amylose and a higher content of amylopectin. FMGBSS-I8 was developed based on polymorphisms of two haplotypes of NnGBSS. The group containing 32 lotus cultivars with the 210-bp fragment had less amylose content and more amylopectin content. FMAGPL-I1 was developed based on polymorphisms of two haplotypes of NnAGPL (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit gene). The group containing 40 lotus cultivars with the 362-bp fragment had less amylopectin, total starch content and more amylose content. According to the study, FMHXK-E1, FMGBSS-I8 and FMAGPL-I1 are closely related to lotus starch content. It could be provided research basis for molecular assisted selection of lotus starch content improve breeding efficiency.
Author Correction: Speed-dependent and mode-dependent modulations of spatiotemporal modules in human locomotion extracted via tensor decomposition
Authors: Takiyama Ken , Yokoyama Hikaru , Kaneko Naotsugu , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Socio-ecological factors determine crop performance in agricultural systems
Authors: Nkurunziza Libère , Watson Christine A. , Öborn Ingrid , Smith Henrik G. , Bergkvist Göran , Bengtsson Jan
Published: March 2020

Agricultural production systems are affected by complex interactions between social and ecological factors, which are often hard to integrate in a common analytical framework. We evaluated differences in crop production among farms by integrating components of several related research disciplines in a single socio-ecological analysis. Specifically, we evaluated spring barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.) performance on 34 farms (organic and conventional) in two agro-ecological zones to unravel the importance of ecological, crop and management factors in the performance of a standard crop. We used Projections to Latent Structures (PLS), a simple but robust analytical tool widely utilized in research disciplines dealing with complex systems (e.g. social sciences and chemometrics), but infrequently in agricultural sciences. We show that barley performance on organic farms was affected by previous management, landscape structure, and soil quality, in contrast to conventional farms where external inputs were the main factors affecting biomass and grain yield. This indicates that more complex management strategies are required in organic than in conventional farming systems. We conclude that the PLS method combining socio-ecological and biophysical factors provides improved understanding of the various interacting factors determining crop performance and can help identify where improvements in the agricultural system are most likely to be effective.
Acoustic levitation with optimized reflective metamaterials
Authors: Polychronopoulos Spyros , Memoli Gianluca
Published: March 2020

The simplest and most commonly used acoustic levitator is comprised of a transmitter and an opposing reflecting surface. This type of device, however, is only able to levitate objects along one direction, at distances multiple of half of a wavelength. In this work, we show how a customised reflective acoustic metamaterial enables the levitation of multiple particles, not necessarily on a line and with arbitrary mutual distances, starting with a generic input wave. We establish a heuristic optimisation technique for the design of the metamaterial, where the local height of the surface is used to introduce delay patterns to the reflected signals. Our method stands for any type and number of sources, spatial resolution of the metamaterial and system’s variables (i.e. source position, phase and amplitude, metamaterial’s geometry, relative position of the levitation points, etc.). Finally, we explore how the strength of multiple levitation points changes with their relative distance, demonstrating sub-wavelength field control over levitating polystyrene beads into various configurations.
Microstates-based resting frontal alpha asymmetry approach for understanding affect and approach/withdrawal behavior
Authors: Kaur Ardaman , Chinnadurai Vijayakumar , Chaujar Rishu
Published: March 2020

The role of resting frontal alpha-asymmetry in explaining neural-mechanisms of affect and approach/withdrawal behavior is still debatable. The present study explores the ability of the quasi-stable resting EEG asymmetry information and the associated neurovascular synchronization/desynchronization in bringing more insight into the understanding of neural-mechanisms of affect and approach/withdrawal behavior. For this purpose, a novel frontal alpha-asymmetry based on microstates, that assess quasi-stable EEG scalp topography information, is proposed and compared against standard frontal-asymmetry. Both proposed and standard frontal alpha-asymmetries were estimated from thirty-nine healthy volunteers resting-EEG simultaneously acquired with resting-fMRI. Further, neurovascular mechanisms of these asymmetry measures were estimated through EEG-informed fMRI. Subsequently, the Hemodynamic Lateralization Index (HLI) of the neural-underpinnings of both asymmetry measures was assessed. Finally, the robust correlation of both asymmetry-measures and their HLI’s with PANAS, BIS/BAS was carried out. The standard resting frontal-asymmetry and its HLI yielded no significant correlation with any psychological-measures. However, the microstate resting frontal-asymmetry correlated significantly with negative affect and its neural underpinning’s HLI significantly correlated with Positive/Negative affect and BIS/BAS measures. Finally, alpha-BOLD desynchronization was observed in neural-underpinning whose HLI correlated significantly with negative affect and BIS. Hence, the proposed resting microstate-frontal asymmetry better assesses the neural-mechanisms of affect, approach/withdrawal behavior.
Anemia and the risk of Parkinson’s disease in Korean older adults: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cho In Young , Shin Dong Wook , Roh Younjin , Jang Wooyoung , Cho Jin Whan , Lee Eun Ae , Ko Hyeonyoung , Han Kyungdo , Yoo Jun Hyun
Published: March 2020

Evidence of the association between anemia and risk of PD (Parkinson’s disease) have been accumulating. This study aimed to examine the relationship between anemia and risk of PD in Korean older adults. Korean adults aged 50 years or older who participated in the Korean National Screening Program (n = 12,342,278) between 2009 and 2013 were followed until 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of PD, and participants were followed for a mean period of 5.0 years. At the end of follow-up, 3,844 adults were diagnosed with PD. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with anemia had decreased risk of PD compared to adults without anemia (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.894, 95% CI: 0.809–0.989). Furthermore, aHR of PD was 0.698 (95% CI: 0.546–0.891) in moderate to severe anemia and 0.938 (95% CI: 0.843–1.044) in mild anemia. The protective effect of anemia was also more profound in men (aHR 0.888, 95% CI: 0.774–1.02) than in women (aHR 0.905, 95% CI: 0.782–1.048). In conclusion, anemia was associated with lower risk of PD, particularly for patients with moderate to severe anemia. Our study suggests that further studies may be needed to clarify the relationship between anemia and PD.
Prognostic value of miR-21 in gliomas: comprehensive study based on meta-analysis and TCGA dataset validation
Authors: Jiang Guli , Mu Jing , Liu Xing , Peng Xiangni , Zhong Feiya , Yuan Wenliang , Deng Fang , Peng Xiaoning , Peng Sihua , Zeng Xiaomin
Published: March 2020

Recent studies have highlighted the value of microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a prognostic biomarker in gliomas. However, the role of miR-21 in predicting prognosis remains controversial. We performed a comprehensive study based upon a meta-analysis and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma dataset validation to clarify the prognostic significance of miR-21 in glioma patients. In this study, we searched Embase, PubMed, Web of science, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wanfang databases for records up to May 2018. Relevant data were extracted to assess the correlation between miR-21 expression and survival in glioma patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to describe association strength. We further used multivariate Cox regression analysis to assess miR-21 expression in the TCGA glioma dataset to validate the relationship between miR-21 expression and survival. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among them, eight studies provided data on overall survival (OS) with a pooled HR of 1.91 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.73), indicating that higher expression of miR-21 was significantly associated with worse OS in glioma patients; for the other study, which provided data on progression-free survival (PFS), no statistically significant HR was reported for PFS in the glioma patients (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.41, 3.72). A multivariate Cox regression analysis of the miR-21 expression in the TCGA glioma dataset revealed that overexpression of miR-21 was a potential independent prognostic biomarker of poorer OS (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.59) and poorer PFS (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.82). Our findings suggest that higher expression of miR-21 is correlated with poorer glioma prognosis.
Morphological Evidence for the Sensitivity of the Ear Canal of Odontocetes as shown by Immunohistochemistry and Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: De Vreese Steffen , André Michel , Cozzi Bruno , Centelleghe Cinzia , van der Schaar Mike , Mazzariol Sandro
Published: March 2020

The function of the external ear canal in cetaceans is still under debate and its morphology is largely unknown. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses using antibodies specific for nervous tissue (anti-S100, anti-NSE, anti-NF, and anti-PGP 9.5), together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and various histological techniques, were carried out to investigate the peripheral nervous system of the ear canals of several species of toothed whales and terrestrial Cetartiodactyla. This study highlights the innervation of the ear canal with the presence of lamellar corpuscles over its entire course, and their absence in all studied terrestrial mammals. Each corpuscle consisted of a central axon, surrounded by lamellae of Schwann receptor cells, surrounded by a thin cellular layer, as shown by IHC and TEM. These findings indicate that the corpuscles are mechanoreceptors that resemble the inner core of Pacinian corpuscles without capsule or outer core, and were labelled as simple lamellar corpuscles. They form part of a sensory system that may represent a unique phylogenetic feature of cetaceans, and an evolutionary adaptation to life in the marine environment. Although the exact function of the ear canal is not fully clear, we provide essential knowledge and a preliminary hypothetical deviation on its function as a unique sensory organ.
The lateral prefrontal cortex of primates encodes stimulus colors and their behavioral relevance during a match-to-sample task
Authors: Schwedhelm Philipp , Baldauf Daniel , Treue Stefan
Published: March 2020

The lateral prefrontal cortex of primates (lPFC) plays a central role in complex cognitive behavior, in decision-making as well as in guiding top-down attention. However, how and where in lPFC such behaviorally relevant signals are computed is poorly understood. We analyzed neural recordings from chronic microelectrode arrays implanted in lPFC region 8Av/45 of two rhesus macaques. The animals performed a feature match-to-sample task requiring them to match both motion and color information in a test stimulus. This task allowed to separate the encoding of stimulus motion and color from their current behavioral relevance on a trial-by-trial basis. We found that upcoming motor behavior can be robustly predicted from lPFC activity. In addition, we show that 8Av/45 encodes the color of a visual stimulus, regardless of its behavioral relevance. Most notably, whether a color matches the searched-for color can be decoded independent of a trial’s motor outcome and while subjects detect unique feature conjunctions of color and motion. Thus, macaque area 8Av/45 computes, among other task-relevant information, the behavioral relevance of visual color features. Such a signal is most critical for both the selection of responses as well as the deployment of top-down modulatory signals, like feature-based attention.
No effect of targeted memory reactivation during sleep on retention of vocabulary in adolescents
Authors: Wilhelm Ines , Schreiner Thomas , Beck Jonas , Rasch Björn
Published: March 2020

Re-exposure of newly acquired vocabulary during sleep improves later memory recall in healthy adults. The success of targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during sleep presumably depends on the presence of slow oscillations (i.e., EEG activity at a frequency of about 0.75 Hz). As slow oscillating activity is at its maximum during adolescence, we hypothesized that TMR is even more beneficial at this developmental stage. In the present study, adolescents aged 11 to 13 learnt Dutch vocabulary in the evening and were tested on recall performance the next morning. Half of the words were presented via loudspeakers during post-learning periods of NREM (Non Rapid Eye Movement) sleep in order to stimulate memory reactivation. Unexpectedly, TMR during sleep did not improve memory on the behavioral level in adolescents. On the oscillatory level, successful reactivation during sleep resulted in the characteristic increase in theta power over frontal brain regions, as reported in adults. However, we observed no increase in spindle power during successful reactivation. Possible factors that may explain the lacking effect of TMR in adolescents in this study such as differences in learning abilities and pre-sleep performance levels are discussed.
SVD-clustering, a general image-analyzing method explained and demonstrated on model and Raman micro-spectroscopic maps
Authors: Szalontai B. , Debreczeny M. , Fintor K. , Bagyinka Cs.
Published: March 2020

An image analyzing method (SVD-clustering) is presented. Amplitude vectors of SVD factorization (V1…Vi) were introduced into the imaging of the distribution of the corresponding Ui basis-spectra. Since each Vi vector contains each point of the map, plotting them along the X, Y, Z dimensions of the map reconstructs the spatial distribution of the corresponding Ui basis-spectrum. This gives valuable information about the first, second, etc. higher-order deviations present in the map. We extended SVD with a clustering method, using the significant Vi vectors from the VT matrix as coordinates of image points in a ne-dimensional space (ne is the effective rank of the data matrix). This way every image point had a corresponding coordinate in the ne-dimensional space and formed a point set. Clustering was applied to this point set. SVD-clustering is universal; it is applicable to any measurement where data are recorded as a function of an external parameter (time, space, temperature, concentration, species, etc.). Consequently, our method is not restricted to spectral imaging, it can find application in many different 2D and 3D image analyses. Using SVD-clustering, we have shown on models the theoretical possibilities and limitations of the method, especially in the context of creating, meaning/interpreting of cluster spectra. Then for real-world samples, two examples are presented, where we were able to reveal minute alterations in the samples (changing cation ratios in minerals, differently structured cellulose domains in plant root) with spatial resolution.
Retrospective observational analysis of esophageal foreign bodies: a novel characterization based on shape
Authors: Ruan Wei-Shuyi , Li Yu-Ning , Feng Meng-Xiao , Lu Yuan-Qiang
Published: March 2020

This single-center retrospective study aims to investigate the clinical features of esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) and determine the influence of EFB shapes on management and prognosis. A total of 427 patients aged 13 to 95 years with suspected EFB ingestion were enrolled between January 2013 and June 2018, 183 of whom were male. EFBs were divided into six shapes: pin (n = 161), sheet (n = 97), trident (n = 51), spindle (n = 66), irregular (n = 46), and sphere (n = 6). Spindle-shaped EFBs correlated with a significantly higher rate of perforation and severe complications (P < 0.001 and P = 0.021, respectively) than any other EFB shape, while sheet-shaped EFBs were linked to less severe complications (P = 0.006). The number of pressure points was provided to stratify the risk of poor prognosis for each shape. EFBs with only two pressure points (pin and spindle EFBs) required more advanced management strategies and were correlated with a higher number of patients suffering esophageal perforation (27.11%) and severe complications (12.44%) when compared with other shapes (χ2 = 11.149 and P = 0.001; χ2 = 5.901 and P = 0.015, respectively). Spindle shape was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis, and contributed a more clinical risk than the pin shape. In conclusion, clinical features, management, perforation rate, and severe complications differed based on EFB shape. The EFBs with two pressure points, especially the spindle-shaped EFBs, were more dangerous compared with those with more pressure points.
Author Correction: Intelligent Diagnostic Prediction and Classification System for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Elhoseny Mohamed , Shankar K. , Uthayakumar J.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Electroretinographic recordings with skin electrodes to assess effects of vitrectomy with gas tamponade on eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Shibuya Masayuki , Yoshikawa Yuji , Katsumoto Takeshi , Shoji Takuhei , Kondo Hiromi , Miyakoshi Hitomi , Shinoda Kei
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Synaptamide activates the adhesion GPCR GPR110 (ADGRF1) through GAIN domain binding
Authors: Huang Bill X. , Hu Xin , Kwon Heung-Sun , Fu Cheng , Lee Ji-Won , Southall Noel , Marugan Juan , Kim Hee-Yong
Published: March 2020

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCR) are characterized by a large extracellular region containing a conserved GPCR-autoproteolysis-inducing (GAIN) domain. Despite their relevance to several disease conditions, we do not understand the molecular mechanism by which aGPCRs are physiologically activated. GPR110 (ADGRF1) was recently deorphanized as the functional receptor of N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (synaptamide), a potent synaptogenic metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid. Thus far, synaptamide is the first and only small-molecule endogenous ligand of an aGPCR. Here, we demonstrate the molecular basis of synaptamide-induced activation of GPR110 in living cells. Using in-cell chemical cross-linking/mass spectrometry, computational modeling and mutagenesis-assisted functional assays, we discover that synaptamide specifically binds to the interface of GPR110 GAIN subdomains through interactions with residues Q511, N512 and Y513, causing an intracellular conformational change near TM6 that triggers downstream signaling. This ligand-induced GAIN-targeted activation mechanism provides a framework for understanding the physiological function of aGPCRs and therapeutic targeting in the GAIN domain.
Graphene-extracted membrane lipids facilitate the activation of integrin αvβ8
Authors: Chen Serena H. , Perez-Aguilar Jose Manuel , Zhou Ruhong
Published: March 2020

The β8 TM domain in integrin αvβ8 interacts with inserted graphene nanosheets directly or indirectly through extracted lipids, facilitating the pulling of a β8 subunit away from an αv subunit and thus leading to the disruption of the TM domain association and triggering an immune.
Air-gap-embedded robust hazy films to reduce the screen-door effect in virtual reality displays
Authors: Cho Won Seok , Park Jae Yong , Choi Chung Sock , Cho Sang-Hwan , Baek Sangwon , Lee Jong-Lam
Published: March 2020

We report a way to make an air-gap-embedded flexible film to reduce the screen-door effect in virtual reality displays.
Establishment of the equivalent structural model for the tectonic coal and some implications for the methane migration
Authors: Dong Jun , Cheng Yuanping , Wang Liang , Guo Pinkun
Published: March 2020

The establishment of the equivalent structural model (ESM) is the foundation to simplify the structures of the coal matrix and fractures for the study of methane migration.
Electrochemical detection of C-reactive protein using functionalized iridium nanoparticles/graphene oxide as a tag
Authors: Ma Yuchan , Yang Jiao , Yang Tong , Deng Yan , Gu Mengqiao , Wang Min , Hu Rong , Yang Yunhui
Published: March 2020

Ir NPs@GO-DN was used as a tag to label CRP antibody to construct a sandwich CRP immunosensor.
Effective SERS method for identification of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in biological samples
Authors: Han Siqingaowa , Zhang Chen , Sha Xuanyu , Li Nan , Hasi Wuliji , Zhang Yanhua
Published: March 2020

An effective SERS method was employed to identify dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in two biological samples: urine and serum.
Metal free amination of congested and functionalized alkyl bromides at room temperature
Authors: Ansari Arshad J. , Yadav Ayushi , Mukherjee Anirban , Sathish Elagandhula , Nagesh Kommu , Singh Ritesh
Published: March 2020

A metal free approach to access congested aryl amines using aza-oxyallyl cations as electrophiles has been reported. The given method could readily be adapted for the synthesis of coveted 3,5-benzodizepinones.
Path of electron transfer created in S-doped NH2-UiO-66 bridged ZnIn2S4/MoS2 nanosheet heterostructure for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ran Qi , Yu Zebin , Jiang Ronghua , Qian Lun , Hou Yanping , Yang Fei , Li Fengyuan , Li Mingjie , Sun Qianqian , Zhang Heqing
Published: March 2020

This work introduces the synthesis of ZnIn2S4/NH2-UiO-66/MoS2 sheet heterostructure photocatalysts and their application to photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Hourglass-type polyoxometalate-based crystalline materials as efficient cooperating photocatalysts for the reduction of Cr(vi) and oxidation of dyes
Authors: Tian Xuerui , Zhang Yaqi , Ma Yuanyuan , Zhao Qing , Han Zhangang
Published: March 2020

Hourglass-type polyoxometalate-based crystalline materials exhibit efficient photocatalytic activities towards simultaneous photocatalytic Cr(vi) reduction and organic MB oxidation.
Hydroxyl groups attached to Co2+ on the surface of Co3O4: a promising structure for propane catalytic oxidation
Authors: Chen Kun , Li Wenzhi , Zhou Zean , Huang Qifu , Liu Yang , Duan Qiuyan
Published: March 2020

Co3O4 catalysts with three specific morphologies (nanocubes, nanosheets, and nanooctahedra) were prepared using simple preparation methods and tested for catalytic combustion of propane under the same reaction conditions.
Covalently functionalized poly(etheretherketone) implants with osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) to improve osteogenesis activity
Authors: Yakufu Maihemuti , Wang Zongliang , Wang Yu , Jiao Zixue , Guo Min , Liu Jianguo , Zhang Peibiao
Published: March 2020

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), as the most promising implant material for orthopedics and dental applications, has bone-like stiffness, excellent fatigue resistance, X-ray transparency, and near absence of immune toxicity.
The synthesis of a DHAD/ZnAlTi-LDH composite with advanced UV blocking and antibacterial activity for skin protection
Authors: Liu Xinlong , Hu Tingting , Lin Guishan , Wang Xiu , Zhu Yu , Liang Ruizheng , Duan Wengui , Wei Min
Published: March 2020

A dual-functional photocatalytic antibacterial and UV resistant nanocomposite was fabricated by loading DHAD onto ZnAlTi-LDH nanosheets, and possessed excellent UV blocking, antibacterial and wound healing performance.
One-pot multicomponent synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indoles catalyzed by a magnetic nanoparticle-supported [Urea]4[ZnCl2] deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Nguyen The Thai , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: March 2020

We have developed the synthesis of thieno[2,3-b]indole dyes via a multicomponent reaction of cheap and available reagents using a magnetic nanoparticle-supported [Urea]4[ZnCl2] deep eutectic solvent as a green catalyst.
Experimental and DFT study of the effect of mercaptosuccinic acid on cyanide-free immersion gold deposition
Authors: Wu Bo , Huang Jingmeng , Lv Zeman , Cui Ziya , Hu Guanghui , Luo Jiye , Selim Mohamed S. , Hao Zhifeng
Published: March 2020

A cyanide-free gold plating bath was prepared and the complexing capacity of mercaptosuccinic acid with Au(i) was studied through density functional theory.
Solar-cycle irradiance variations over the last four billion years
Authors: Shapiro Anna V. , Shapiro Alexander I. , Gizon Laurent , Krivova Natalie A. , Solanki Sami K.
Published: March 2020

Context. The variability of the spectral solar irradiance (SSI) over the course of the 11-year solar cycle is one of the manifestations of solar magnetic activity. There is strong evidence that the SSI variability has an effect on the Earth’s atmosphere. The faster rotation of the Sun in the past lead to a more vigorous action of solar dynamo and thus potentially to larger amplitude of the SSI variability on the timescale of the solar activity cycle. This could lead to a stronger response of the Earth’s atmosphere as well as other solar system planets’ atmospheres to the solar activity cycle.

Aims. We calculate the amplitude of the SSI and total solar irradiance (TSI) variability over the course of the solar activity cycle as a function of solar age.

Methods. We employed the relationship between the stellar magnetic activity and the age based on observations of solar twins. Using this relation, we reconstructed solar magnetic activity and the corresponding solar disk area coverages by magnetic features (i.e., spots and faculae) over the last four billion years. These disk coverages were then used to calculate the amplitude of the solar-cycle SSI variability as a function of wavelength and solar age.

Results. Our calculations show that the young Sun was significantly more variable than the present Sun. The amplitude of the solar-cycle TSI variability of the 600 Myr old Sun was about ten times larger than that of the present Sun. Furthermore, the variability of the young Sun was spot-dominated (the Sun being brighter at the activity minimum than in the maximum), that is, the Sun was overall brighter at activity minima than at maxima. The amplitude of the TSI variability decreased with solar age until it reached a minimum value at 2.8 Gyr. After this point, the TSI variability is faculae-dominated (the Sun is brighter at the activity maximum) and its amplitude increases with age.
Classical biological control: should we stop or continue?
Authors: Belyakova Natalia , Polikarpova Yulia
Published: March 2020

Real contribution of classical biological control (CBC) in the practice of plant protection might be estimated as essential. In Russia, the finest example of a successful CBC agent is Cryptolaemus montrouzieri t, which established population was found in Sochi. The population is adapted for development at low temperatures. Speed up of development rate was noted as positively correlated response on natural selection in cold resistant population of C.montrouzieri. Natural selection can increase the efficiency of introduced species, as well as the prospects for using these positive changes in their breeding technologies. The pros and cons of using CBC are discussed. Restriction of CBC limits the control of invaders, which spread is promoted by globalization and climate change.
Prevalence rates of Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) in Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) population in the south of russia in 2013-2018
Authors: Grushevaya Inna
Published: March 2020

The European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) is a dangerous corn pest – a convenient object for studying population dynamics and assessing various pest mortality factors. The mortality of European corn borer’s eggs by the natural parasite population Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) was estimated in 2013–2018 in the Gulkevichsky district of the Krasnodar Territory. Two generations of the European corn borer are developing in the Krasnodar Territory. Often pest’s first generation of is not infected with the parasite. When monitoring the abundance of the second generation, even in years with a low abundance of the European corn borer, infected phytophage eggs are found in the crops of grain corn. Infection of eggs of the second-generation European corn borer in 2013-2018 ranged from 0.26 to 69.55 eggs / m2, with an average of 37.53 eggs / m2.
Application of phytoseiid mites for whitefly control on roses in the North-West of Russia
Authors: Kozlova Ekaterina , Moor Vladimir , Krasavina Lidiya
Published: March 2020

Predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii and Neoseiulus cucumeris are considered as effective biocontrol agents against whitefly and thrips in indoors on vegetable crops. Our goal was to assess the effect of these predatory mites on whitefly density on roses indoors in the North-West of Russia. Result showed that the dynamics of the pest population is affected not only by the predator release rate, but also by the time between introductions and their frequency. There was no difference between two species, except one case, when temperatures had risen above 27°C and consequently A. swirskii had a bigger impact on whiteflies than N. cucumeris.
Results of long-term use of pheromone traps to monitor harmful tortricid moths in Leningrad Region of Russia
Authors: Ovsyannikova Elena , Grichanov Igor
Published: March 2020

Monitoring the population dynamics of harmful moths using synthetic sex attractants in Leningrad Region was carried out in the fruit experimental orchard of St. Petersburg Agrarian University (Pushkin) and small private orchards of Pushkin district. As a result of the analysis of many years temperature characteristics of vegetation seasons in the Leningrad Region and calculation of the sums of effective temperatures, it has been found that the codling moth had high numbers and developed in two full generations in 1999, 2002, 2006, 2013 and 2018. The complex of phytophagous leaf rollers as a whole can cause sometimes significant harm to both industrial orchards and homestead lands, because the economic threshold of harmfulness by yield losses is often achieved, when plants are damaged by more than one pest species, each of which causing only weak harm. As a general conclusion, the complex of orchard leaf rollers is a dynamic system. Their development and numbers ratio is influenced by weather conditions of a year and climate changes in general.
A Γ-convergence result for fluid-filled fracture propagation
Authors: Bach Annika , Sommer Liesel
Published: March 2020

In this paper we provide a rigorous asymptotic analysis of a phase-field model used to simulate pressure-driven fracture propagation in poro-elastic media. More precisely, assuming a given pressurep ∈ W1,∞ (Ω) we show that functionals of the form$$ E(\vec{u})={\int }_{\mathrm{\Omega }} e(\vec{u}):\mathbb{C}e(\vec{u})+p\nabla \cdot \vec{u}+\left\langle \nabla p,\vec{u}\right\rangle\enspace \mathrm{d}x+{\mathcal{H}}^{n-1}({J}_{\vec{u}}),\enspace \vec{u}\in \mathrm{G}{SBD}(\mathrm{\Omega })\cap {L}^1(\mathrm{\Omega };{\mathbb{R}}^n) $$can be approximated in terms of Γ-convergence by a sequence of phase-field functionals, which are suitable for numerical simulations. The Γ-convergence result is complemented by a numerical example where the phase-field model is implemented using a Discontinuous Galerkin Discretization.
Immunsuppression bei schubförmig-remittierender Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Meuth Sven G.
Published: March 2020

Die frühzeitige, individualisierte Therapie der schubförmig-remittierenden Multiplen Sklerose (RRMS) kann die Prognose der Patienten verändern. Wird eine Eskalationstherapie notwendig, steht heute eine ganze Reihe von Therapeutika zur Auswahl. Dabei stellt sich die Frage nach der individuell besten Strategie.