bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences with offering pro bono medical genetics services in the West Indies: Benefits to patients, physicians, and the community
Authors: Sobering Andrew K. , Li Dong , Beighley Jennifer S. , Carey John C. , Donald Tyhiesia , Elsea Sarah H. , Figueroa Karla P. , Gerdts Jennifer , Hamlet Andre , Mirzaa Ghayda M. , Nelson Beverly , Pulst Stefan M. , Smith Janice L. , Tassone Flora , Toriello Helga V. , Walker Ruth H. , Yearwood Katherine R. , Bhoj Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2020

We describe our experiences with organizing pro bono medical genetics and neurology outreach programs on several different resource‐limited islands in the West Indies. Due to geographic isolation, small population sizes, and socioeconomic disparities, most Caribbean islands lack medical services for managing, diagnosing, and counseling individuals with genetic disorders. From 2015 to 2019, we organized 2–3 clinics per year on various islands in the Caribbean. We also organized a week‐long clinic to provide evaluations for children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder. Consultations for over 100 different individuals with suspected genetic disorders were performed in clinics or during home visits following referral by locally registered physicians. When possible, follow‐up visits were attempted. When available and appropriate, clinical samples were shipped to collaborating laboratories for molecular analysis. Laboratory tests included karyotyping, cytogenomic microarray analysis, exome sequencing, triplet repeat expansion testing, blood amino acid level determination, biochemical assaying, and metabolomic profiling. We believe that significant contributions to healthcare by genetics professionals can be made even if availability is limited. Visiting geneticists may help by providing continuing medical education seminars. Clinical teaching rounds help to inform local physicians regarding the management of genetic disorders with the aim of generating awareness of genetic conditions. Even when only periodically available, a visiting geneticist may benefit affected individuals, their families, their local physicians, and the community at large.
Cavity pressure‐based holding pressure adjustment for enhancing the consistency of injection molding quality
Authors: Huang Ming‐Shyan , Ke Kun‐Cheng , Liu Chun‐Ying
Published: December 2020

Cavity pressure is one of the best indicators of injection molding conditions and thus has been used for quality prediction in the injection molding process. Also, the repeatability of the cavity pressure profile at each shot indicates the consistency of the part quality, which is easily affected by environmental changes, such as barrel temperature. To maintain quality consistency (such as part weight and geometrical dimensions) during mass production, this study proposed a novel method of the holding pressure adjustment to control the deviation in the cavity pressure distribution during each shot. Injection molding of a thin‐walled dumbbell‐shaped sample was performed to verify the proposed process, which proved the feasibility of this method for suppressing the influence of the barrel temperature changes on part quality.
Predicting users' continued engagement in online health communities from the quantity and quality of received support
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , High Andrew , Wang Xi , Zhao Kang
Published: December 2020

Online health communities (OHCs) have been major resources for people with similar health concerns to interact with each other. They offer easily accessible platforms for users to seek, receive, and provide supports by posting. Taking the advantage of text mining and machine learning techniques, we identified social support type(s) in each post and a new user's support needs in an OHC. We examined a user's first‐time support‐seeking experience by measuring both quantity and quality of received support. Our results revealed that the amount and match of received support are positive and significant predictors of new users' continued engagement. Our outcomes can provide insight for designing and managing a sustainable OHC by retaining users.
Modification of the thermodynamic variability closure in the Met Office Unified Model prognostic cloud scheme
Authors: Morcrette Cyril J.
Published: December 2020

In the Met Office Unified Model prognostic cloud scheme (PC2), thermodynamic variability is represented by considering two distributions, based on the properties of the clear and cloudy portions of the grid‐box. To calculate a cloud fraction increment, the equation set needs to be closed. The closure assumption determines how these two distributions are blended together at the saturation boundary. The current closure is reviewed. In the limit of vanishing liquid condensate, this can lead to very tall but narrow probability distribution functions (PDFs). At present, the two parts of the PDF are weighted based on the area under their curves. As a result, these very tall PDFs are allowed to contribute significantly, since their area is finite. This closure is shown to sometimes lead to unphysically large cloud fraction changes. However, they are prevented from affecting the model evolution by being overwritten if their magnitude is unrealistically large. A new blending closure is proposed. This weighs the two PDFs based on their widths. The contribution of very tall, but narrow, PDFs is hence drastically reduced. While this removes the undesirable need for overwriting unrealistic increments, it is shown that overall model performance did not improve or worsen.
Do Biological Sex and Early Developmental Milestones Predict the Age of First Concerns and Eventual Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Authors: Harrop Clare , Libsack Erin , Bernier Raphael , Dapretto Mirella , Jack Allison , McPartland James C. , Van Horn John D. , Webb Sara J. , Pelphrey Kevin ,   the GENDAAR Consortium
Published: December 2020

Despite advances in early detection, the average age of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis exceeds 4 years and is often later in females. In typical development, biological sex predicts inter‐individual variation across multiple developmental milestones, with females often exhibiting earlier progression. The goal of this study was to examine sex differences in caregiver‐reported developmental milestones (first word, phrase, walking) and their contribution to timing of initial concerns expressed by caregivers and eventual age of diagnosis. 195 (105 males) children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years with a clinical diagnosis of ASD were recruited to the study (mean IQ = 99.76). While developmental milestones did not predict timing of diagnosis or age parents first expressed concerns, females had earlier first words and phrases than males. There was a marginal difference in the age of diagnosis, with females receiving their diagnosis 1 year later than males. Despite sex differences in developmental milestones and diagnostic variables, IQ was the most significant predictor in the timing of initial concerns and eventual diagnosis, suggesting children with lower IQ, regardless of sex, are identified and diagnosed earlier. Overall, biological sex and developmental milestones did not account for a large proportion of variance for the eventual age of ASD diagnosis, suggesting other factors (such as IQ and the timing of initial concerns) are potentially more influential.

Lay Summary

In this study, a later age of diagnosis in females having ASD was confirmed; however, biological sex was not the stronger predictor of age of diagnosis. Parents reported that females learned language more quickly than males, and parents noted their first concerns when females were older than males. In this sample, the strongest predictor of age of diagnosis was the age of first concerns.
Prediction of window handle state using machine learning
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Langer Marina , Banihashemi Farzan , Harter Hannes , Kierdorf Daniel , Lang Werner
Published: December 2020

Vorhersage des Fensteröffnungszustands unter Anwendung von maschinellem Lernen

Der in dieser Publikation beschriebene methodische Ansatz zur Anwendung von Algorithmen des maschinellen Lernens zur Vorhersage des Fensteröffnungsverhaltens von Gebäudenutzenden, basiert auf Monitoring‐Daten eines Bürogebäudes in Regensburg, Deutschland. Das umfangreiche Monitoring zur Erfassung der notwendigen Daten, z. B. der Innenraum‐ und Außentemperaturen, die Fenstergriffzustände etc. wurde im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojektes in den Jahren 2017 bis 2020 durchgeführt. Im Folgenden werden verschiedene Klassifizierungsalgorithmen des maschinellen Lernens auf die gemessenen Daten angewendet, um Modelle für die Vorhersage von Fensteröffnungen und ‐schließungen zu trainieren. Das Ziel ist es, die Potenziale und Grenzen der realistischen Vorhersage des Nutzerverhaltens auf der Grundlage der verfügbaren Daten zu identifizieren.
Teaching children with autism to request items using audio scripts, interrupted chain procedure and sufficient exemplar training
Authors: Wójcik Marta , Eikeseth Svein , Eldevik Sigmund , Budzińska Anna
Published: December 2020

We examined whether an interrupting chain procedure with establishing operation (EO)‐absent and EO‐present trials and sufficient exemplar training was effective in teaching three preschool‐aged children with autism to request missing items. Children were taught to request missing items across three different skill domains (play, self‐help, and academic tasks), and audio scripts were used as prompts. We employed a non‐concurrent multiple‐baseline design across participants. All three participants learned to request missing items during EO‐present trials and to refrain from doing so during EO‐absent trials. The behavior transferred to untrained tasks, generalized to new people, and was maintained at follow‐up 3 months after the intervention.
Purification of Cas9—RNA complexes by ultrafiltration
Authors: Manzano Ivan , Taylor Neil , Csordas Matthew , Vezeau Grace E. , Salis Howard M. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: December 2020

The discovery of CRISPR‐Cas9 has revolutionized molecular biology, greatly accelerating the introduction of genetic modifications into organisms and facilitating the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics. For many applications, guide RNA and Cas9 protein are expressed, combined, and purified to produce a ribonucleic enzyme complex that is then added into a diagnostic device or delivered into cells. The objective of this work was to develop an ultrafiltration process for the selective purification of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein by removal of excess guide RNA. A His‐tagged Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 protein was produced in Escherichia coli, purified by metal affinity chromatography, and complexed with a 40 kDa (124 nucleotide) single guide RNA. Ultrafiltration experiments were first performed on solutions containing either guide RNA or Cas9 protein to identify the effect of filtration conditions and membrane pore size on the selectivity. Shear‐induced aggregation of the Cas9 led to significant fouling under some conditions. A diafiltration process was then developed using a Biomax® 300 kDa polyethersulfone membrane to selectively remove excess guide RNA from a solution containing Cas9‐bound guide RNA and free guide RNA. These results demonstrate the potential of using ultrafiltration for the removal of excess RNA during the production of functional ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Preliminary Antileukemic Activity of 4‐Methoxybenzyl Derivatives Bearing Imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole
Authors: Choodamani B. , Cano Hernandez Karla G. , Kumar Sujeet , Tony Ann Maria , Schiaffino Bustamante Austre Y. , Aguilera Renato J. , Schols Dominique , Gopi Mohan C. , Karki Subhas S.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we synthesized 22 compounds in a series with various substitution on imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole. The potential cytotoxic activity of these compounds investigated in leukemia cell lines by Differential Nuclear Staining (DNS). Our results identified two compounds, 2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐6‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl thiocyanate and 6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole‐5‐carbaldehyde, exhibited the most cytotoxic effect against murine leukemia cells (L1210), human T‐lymphocyte cells (CEM) and human cervix carcinoma cells (HeLa) with IC50 values ranging between 0.79 and 1.6 μM. The results indicate that 2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐6‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl thiocyanate is inducing phosphatidylserine externalization and caspase‐3 activation which are both a hallmark of apoptosis. Docking studies showed that 2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐6‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazol‐5‐yl thiocyanate binds within the active sites of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) type I receptor kinase domain by strong hydrogen binding and hydrophobic interactions.
Righting the course of the ship: How professional shared governance can implement a behavior system
Authors: Perkel Marc J.
Published: December 2020

The Pediatric Inpatient Medical Psychiatric Program (Selya 6) at Hasbro Children's Hospital is a unique environment structured to simultaneously address the physical and emotional needs of adolescents. Located at the top floor of Rhode Island's only Level 1 trauma center for children, this unit manages typical medical conditions with psychiatric comorbidity, with access to specialty consultations from departments within the hospital. Early this year, Selya 6 found itself needing to recalibrate its integrated approach in the caring for patients; thus, the unit reformed the Professional Shared Governance Committee (PSGC). The PSGC was composed of representation from psychiatry, pediatrics, psychology, social work, nursing, and milieu staff. This article explores the implementation of a new behavior system to promote positive reinforcement for patients using the PSGC, and examines Erik Erikson's Identity versus Role Confusion as an overarching principle for growth during a critical development period.
Neurofeedback reduced medication for ADHD but not inattention
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2020

Many parents are opposed to the idea of stimulant medication for their child's moderate to severe attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), even though it is the first‐line recommended treatment. A recent study has found that neurofeedback (NF), even though it had no effect at either the end of treatment or at the 13‐month follow‐up based on inattention only, did result in the need for less medication.
Retrobulbar embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes in a golden retriever dog
Authors: Martins Bianca C. , Struthers Jason , Abbott Jeffrey R. , Plummer Caryn E.
Published: December 2020

Although rare, embryonal tumors (previously called primitive neuroectodermal tumors) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retrobulbar tumors in dogs regardless of the age of the patient, and ancillary tests are required for definitive diagnosis.
Perioperative management of thyroglossal duct cystectomy in a pediatric patient: A case report
Authors: Sato (Boku) Aiji , Kako Eisuke , Okuni Nozomi , Kusama Nobuyoshi , Kamimura Yuji , Sento Yoshiki , So MinHye , Tanaka Motoshi , Miyamoto Hironori , Kato Shinichiro , Kobayashi Masaki , Shibuya Yasuyuki , Sobue Kazuya
Published: December 2020

Thyroglossal duct on the dorsum of the tongue in the pediatric patient can cause a difficult airway due to the large mass and risk of airway obstruction associated with a swollen tongue after surgery.
Annual bluegrass control in bermudagrass using dimethenamid and pendimethalin
Authors: Carroll Devon E. , Brosnan James T. , Breeden Greg K.
Published: December 2020

A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted at three locations across Tennessee during 2017–2018 to determine if early‐postemergence (EPOST) applications of FreeHand [pendimethalin (3,4‐dimethyl‐2,6‐dinitro‐N‐pentan‐3‐ylaniline) + dimethenamid (2‐chloro‐N‐[2,4‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl]‐N‐[1‐methoxypropan‐2‐yl]acetamide)] could control annual bluegrass (Poa annuaL.)(ABG) similar to Kerb SC [pronamide (3,5‐dichloro‐N‐[2‐methylbut‐3‐yn‐2‐yl]benzamide)] and Princep [simazine (6‐chloro‐2‐N,4‐N‐diethyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine)]. Across all locations and years, EPOST applications of FreeHand at 200 lb acre–1controlled ABG by 88 to 100% 23 wk after the initial treatment, more than or equal to Kerb SC and Princep. Follow‐up research was conducted in Knoxville, TN, during 2018–2019 to compare the efficacy of FreeHand applied EPOST with Pendulum AquaCap (pendimethalin) and Tower (dimethenamid) applied individually. Sequential EPOST applications of Tower controlled ABG similar to FreeHand on all ratings dates, whereas single applications of Tower resulted in less control. Annual bluegrass control efficacy with EPOST applications of Pendulum AquaCap varied over years. Over the course of eight trials, EPOST applications of FreeHand at 200 lb acre–1controlled ABG by 88 to 100%, suggesting that it is a new option turfgrass managers can use to control ABG in bermudagrass (Cynodonspp.).
Generation and Long‐Term Stability of Ultrafine Bubbles in Water
Authors: Tanaka Shunya , Terasaka Koichi , Fujioka Satoko
Published: December 2020

This study investigated submicron‐sized bubbles, more precisely ultrafine bubbles (UFBs). The number concentration, size, and scattered light intensity of UFBs were measured by particle tracking analysis (PTA). The results showed that storage temperature had a significant effect, whereas the storage containers had little effect on the long‐term stability of UFBs. It was found that the second‐order aggregation rate equation could predict the stability of UFBs; however, there were some differences from the theory at high storage temperatures. The features of the PTA were also discussed in detail.
Gen‐Editierung mit CRISPR‐Cas9
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: December 2020

Die Genschere CRISPR‐Cas9 gilt als Wunderwaffe der Biochemie. Mit dieser Methode lässt sich das Erbgut von Menschen, Tieren, Pflanzen und Mikroorganismen so genau, schnell und einfach verändern wie nie zuvor. Dies macht sie zum großen Hoffnungsträger in Medizin und Agrarwirtschaft. Als Jennifer Doudna und Emmanuelle Charpentier 2012 das Verfahren beschrieben, war vielen klar, dass es sich um eine Revolution in der Gentechnik handelt. Nun erhalten die zwei Wissenschaftlerinnen dafür den Nobelpreis für Chemie. Mithilfe der CRISPR‐Cas9‐Technik können Forscher herausfinden, wie Krankheiten wie Diabetes oder Alzheimer entstehen aber auch Pflanzen erzeugen, die gegenüber Hitze, Schädlingen und Trockenheit weniger empfindlich sind. Das Potenzial der Genschere erscheint fast grenzenlos. Sie kann helfen, neue Krebstherapien zu entwickeln oder Erbkrankheiten zu heilen, aber sie könnte auch verwendet werden, um Menschen gezielt zu „gestalten“, was viele ethische Fragen aufwirft und manche Gerichte bereits beschäftigt hat.
Automated Two‐Chamber Operon ID/ED Task for Mice
Authors: Scarsi Francesca , Scheggia Diego , Papaleo Francesco
Published: December 2020

Attentional set shifting is a measure of cognitive flexibility and executive functions widely assessed in humans by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the CANTAB Intra‐/Extra‐Dimensional set‐shifting task (ID/ED). The recently established automated two‐chamber “Operon ID/ED” task for mice has proved to be an effective preclinical tool for drug testing and genetic screening, with direct translational valence in healthy human subjects and patients with schizophrenia. Here, we describe an upgraded version of the Operon ID/ED task that is now commercially available. This automated task allows one to study the ability of mice to shift attention through different rules, using two or three different dimensions (i.e., lights, odors, and textures). This unit provides a detailed step‐by‐step protocol for preparing and testing the mice that includes all procedures required for this upgraded attentional set‐shifting paradigm. A short manual for the use of the dedicated ANY‐maze software and tools for adapting it to different needs are also provided. Overall, this is a comprehensive guideline for the use of this complex upgraded equipment and paradigm. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Operon ID/ED testing

Support Protocol: Use of ANY‐maze software
Analysis of DNA methylation of E‐cadherin and p16ink4a in oral lichen planus/oral lichenoid lesions
Authors: Chujo Takatoshi , Yoshida Koki , Takai Rie , Uehara Osamu , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Morikawa Tetsuro , Sato Jun , Chiba Itsuo , Matsuzaka Kenichi , Abiko Yoshihiro
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Epigenetic phenomena are changes in gene expression not involving the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is a major occurrence underlying epigenetic changes in human cells. Although aberrant DNA methylation is well documented in malignant lesions, limited information has been shown on the involvement of DNA methylation in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions (OLP). The present study aimed to investigate DNA methylation of E‐cadherin and p16 in OLP, and compare the findings with those in non‐inflamed gingiva (Non), radicular cyst (RC), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Materials and methods

Paraffin‐embedded surgical biopsy specimens were sliced, DNA was extracted, bisulfite treatment was applied, and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction was performed. Immunohistochemistry was performed to observe the relative expression patterns of these genes.

Results

E‐cadherin was hypermethylated in OLP (p < 0.01), SCC (p < 0.01), and RC (p < 0.05), when compared with Non; DNA hypermethylation was confirmed in OLP and SCC when compared to Non and RC. Hypermethylation of p16ink4a was observed only in SCC (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

DNA methylation levels of E‐cadherin and p16ink4a were significantly higher in OLP than in normal tissues, and may be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.
Varietal timelines and leadership challenges affecting the legacy of Nikolai Ivanovich Vavilov
Authors: Cohen Joel I.
Published: December 2020

In 1941, Nikolai Vavilov was imprisoned just after his election as President of the International Congress on Genetics. How could a prominent Russian geneticist and plant explorer simultaneously earn distinction and animosity? This is directly answered by Stalin using Vavilov as a scapegoat for the failure of collective farming, declining yields, and continued famine. Not as apparent is that Vavilov's defamation was made easier because of four scientific and managerial challenges, not previously noted explicitly, which aided Stalin's accusations. These include: (a) clarifying the time required for crop improvement and new varieties, (b) authorizing continued support for germplasm investments that would benefit countries other than Russia alone, (c) lacking yield‐enhancing genes for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and, (d) politicizing the term of his directorship, thus detracting from its impact. Stalin exploited these challenges to demean Vavilov while advancing Trofim Lysenko, setting Russian agricultural back for 25 years. Commemorating Vavilov not only restores honor and meaning to his life but also reminds society of the central nature of agriculture, the scientific integrity required to ensure food security, and the resources required to preserve genetic diversity.
Limited sliding network: Fine‐grained target detection on electrical infrastructure for power transmission line surveillance
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Kun , Wang Zihao , Liu Fengkai , Sun Guanhua , Chou Jinling , Xu Min , Zhang Xi , Liu Xiangdong , Li Zhen
Published: December 2020

Because of its small size, low local contrast, and much interference, the field image of fine‐grained equipment taken from power transmission line surveillance is hard to be sustained by the traditional small target detection technique, which requires the manual extraction of features, making it difficult to accurately detect micro‐fine‐grained equipment. The deep learning‐based algorithms have prospective application but require abundant data to guarantee performance and tackle the problem of foreground–background imbalance. This paper develops an effective pipeline, i.e., limited sliding network (LSNet), to detect the small and fine‐grained defects on equipment in power transmission line infrastructure. The model firstly performs the regional analysis on the entire image to determine the potential target locations. The feature extraction and classification on the potential location image blocks are further performed by the VGG‐style model for the dense target locations, and the nonmaximum suppression method is finally applied to locate the target. On the other hand, a specific training method is also developed to better deal with a wide range imbalances of positive and negative samples. The proposed method achieves the detection mean average precision (mAP) rate of 98.66% on the real datasets, while limiting the computational overhead of hardware.
Facultative mutualisms: A double‐edged sword for foundation species in the face of anthropogenic global change
Authors: van der Heide Tjisse , Angelini Christine , de Fouw Jimmy , Eklöf Johan S.
Published: December 2020

Ecosystems worldwide depend on habitat‐forming foundation species that often facilitate themselves with increasing density and patch size, while also engaging in facultative mutualisms. Anthropogenic global change (e.g., climate change, eutrophication, overharvest, land‐use change), however, is causing rapid declines of foundation species‐structured ecosystems, often typified by sudden collapse. Although disruption of obligate mutualisms involving foundation species is known to precipitate collapse (e.g., coral bleaching), how facultative mutualisms (i.e., context‐dependent, nonbinding reciprocal interactions) affect ecosystem resilience is uncertain. Here, we synthesize recent advancements and combine these with model analyses supported by real‐world examples, to propose that facultative mutualisms may pose a double‐edged sword for foundation species. We suggest that by amplifying self‐facilitative feedbacks by foundation species, facultative mutualisms can increase foundation species’ resistance to stress from anthropogenic impact. Simultaneously, however, mutualism dependency can generate or exacerbate bistability, implying a potential for sudden collapse when the mutualism's buffering capacity is exceeded, while recovery requires conditions to improve beyond the initial collapse point (hysteresis). Thus, our work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging facultative mutualisms for conservation and restoration of foundation species‐structured ecosystems, but highlights the potential risk of relying on mutualisms in the face of global change. We argue that significant caveats remain regarding the determination of these feedbacks, and suggest empirical manipulation across stress gradients as a way forward to identify related nonlinear responses.
eDNA metabarcoding reveals a core and secondary diets of the greater horseshoe bat with strong spatio‐temporal plasticity
Authors: Tournayre Orianne , Leuchtmann Maxime , Galan Maxime , Trillat Marine , Piry Sylvain , Pinaud David , Filippi‐Codaccioni Ondine , Pontier Dominique , Charbonnel Nathalie
Published: December 2020

Dietary plasticity can be a determining factor allowing species to cope with environmental changes. Consequently, it is an important issue to consider in conservation biology. Despite this, it remains rarely addressed in the literature, potentially due to methodologies which were until recently rather limited. The advent of molecular approaches now makes it possible to get a precise picture of diet and its plasticity, even for endangered and elusive species. Here, we focused on the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in Western France, where this insectivorous species has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the Regional Red List in 2016. We applied an eDNA metabarcoding approach to 1986 fecal samples collected in six maternity colonies on three sampling dates. We described the diet and investigated whether the landscape surrounding colonies and the different phases of the maternity cycle influenced the diversity and the composition of this diet. We showed that R. ferrumequinum feed on a much more diverse prey spectrum than expected from previous studies, highlighting how eDNA metabarcoding can improve our knowledge on the dietary habits of elusive species. Our approach also revealed that the diet of R. ferrumequinum seems to be composed of two distinct features: the core diet consisting of a few preferred taxa shared by all the colonies (25% of the occurrences) and the secondary diet consisting of numerous rare prey taxa that were highly different between colonies and sampling dates (75% of the occurrences). Constraints associated with the greater horseshoe bat life cycle, as well as insect phenology and landscape features, strongly influenced the diversity and composition of both the core diet and the diet as a whole. Further research should now explore the relationships between R. ferrumequinum dietary plasticity and fitness, to better assess the impact of core prey decline on R. ferrumequinum population viability.
The Wonderful World of β‐Enamino Diketones Chemistry
Authors: Mittersteiner Mateus , Andrade Valquiria P. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P. , Zanatta Nilo
Published: December 2020

The simple preparation and functionalization of oxa/aza heterocycles requires new and efficient starting materials to be discovered so that regioselective methodologies with a wide range of applications in organic synthesis can be developed. With this in mind, β‐enamino diketones have emerged as a suitable building block for preparing the most diverse (poly)heterocyclic systems, through cyclocondensation or cycloaddition reactions. This review compiles all the reactions that have been conducted using these starting materials, ever since they were first disclosed in 1980.
Multihazard framework for investigating high‐rise base‐isolated buildings under earthquakes and long‐duration winds
Authors: Roy Tathagata , Saito Taiki , Matsagar Vasant
Published: December 2020

Japan experiences a considerable number of low to medium earthquake shocks and long‐duration winds throughout the year, which is relatively more as compared to other different regions of the world. Considering this multihazard scenario, structures designed using the existing guidelines may have significant chances to underestimate the induced distress level in the structure as well as in the energy dissipation devices, which are designed based on traditional peak variables neglecting accumulation of damage. To overcome the shortcoming of the existing assessment technique, a multihazard framework is formulated that deals in estimating probable number of earthquakes and long‐duration winds likely to occur in the design life of a structure. The sequence of design earthquakes and long‐duration winds obtained through the proposed methodology is subsequently implemented in base‐isolated high‐rise buildings of two different heights, which are designed based on Japanese standard. Responses are addressed in terms of displacement and acceleration at isolation and top floor level, force‐deformation and fatigue damage induced in the isolation devices under individual and multihazard scenarios. Results show that a particular range of building exists that is governed by both earthquake and wind events, and it is recommended that design of such building types should include the effects of both hazards. Moreover, the series of events likely to occur in design life of the buildings induce significant damage in the isolators as compared to the individual hazard event, thereby emphasizing a strong need to develop multihazard framework, where the occurrence rate of such extreme events is relatively higher.
Does the domestication of Origanum compactum (Benth) affect its chemical composition and antibacterial activity?
Authors: Yousif Laghmouchi , Belmehdi Omar , Abdelhakim Bouyahya , Skali Senhaji Nadia , Abrini Jamal
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the major compounds of wild and cultivated Origanum compactum essential oils and to study their antibacterial activity. The wild O. compactum was harvested at the flowering stage from northern Morocco, and then, two modes of culture were realized: seed germination and cuttings. Essential oils were isolated using steam distillation and the chemical composition was determined by GC‐MS. The antibacterial activity was tested against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria innocua) using the well diffusion assay; then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. The results showed that carvacrol (11.05%‐63.65%), thymol (0.16%‐30.72%), p‐cymene (6.69%‐36.79%), γ‐terpinene (0.86%‐22.37%) and trans‐caryophyllene (0.15%‐5.76%) were the major compounds. The rate of these compounds varied importantly between wild and cultivated O. compactum. The antibacterial assays revealed that all oils tested from wild and cultivated studied O. compactum showed strong activities. The diameter of inhibitory zones varied from 10.33 to 49.00 mm, and the MIC and MBC values ranged from 0.06% to 0.5% (v/v) and from 0.12% to 0.5% (v/v), respectively, with significant differences between wild and cultivated plants. From these results, it was concluded that the domestication of O. compactum using seed germination and cutting significantly affects the amount of the major compounds and consequently its antimicrobial properties.
Progress Towards a Comprehensive Approach for Habitat Restoration in the Columbia Basin: Case Study in the Grande Ronde River
Authors: White Seth M , Brandy Sarah , Justice Casey , Morinaga Kayla A , Naylor Leslie , Ruzycki James , Sedell Edwin R , Steele Jesse , Towne Alexandra , Webster James G , Wilson Ian
Published: December 2020

Despite immense resources directed towards habitat restoration, recovering fish populations remains a daunting and perplexing issue. In 2015, recommendations for a comprehensive approach to habitat restoration in the Columbia River basin were published in Fisheries, which included elements of landscape ecology and resilience, broad public support, governance for collaboration and integration, and capacity for learning and adaptation. Using the Grande Ronde River basin as a case study, we convened a working group consisting of local restoration practitioners, managers, and researchers involved in habitat restoration research, monitoring, and evaluation to assess progress towards meeting these recommendations. We concluded that partnerships and collaborations in governance have been formed and research using a landscape perspective has been integrated into decision making, but efforts would benefit from gaining broader public support, formalizing an adaptive management strategy, and defining objectives and indicators for biological and ecological diversity. Continued progress will require consistent policy and funding support from the broader region. We envision this self-assessment at the 5-year milestone would be helpful to other groups facing similar challenges.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of extracts from the seed and pulp of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) grown in Iran
Authors: Rajaei Ahmad , Salarbashi Davoud , Asrari Najmeh , Fazly Bazzaz Bibi Sedigheh , Aboutorabzade Seyyed Mohammad , Shaddel Rezvan
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological activities of the ultrasound‐assisted extracts obtained from pulp and seed of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fruits. To reach this purpose, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total pro‐anthocyanin, DPPH radical scavenging activity, rancimat test, as well as antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity test of both jujube pulp and seed extracts were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total pro‐anthocyanin in pulp extract were higher than those obtained from seed extract. In addition, DPPH radical scavenging activity of pulp extract (IC50 = 53.97 µg/ml) was higher than that of seed extract (IC50 = 88.68 µg/ml). Furthermore, the highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 20 mg/ml) for both seed and pulp extracts. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation on seven cell lines revealed that pulp and seed extracts of jujube had no cytotoxic activity. The present results suggested the promising antioxidant properties of jujube, which can be used in the fabrication of functional bioactive ingredients for different purposes.
Extraction optimization by using response surface methodology and purification of yellow pigment from Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makikno
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Jiangtao , Yu Xin , Shu Yue , Zhang Siyu , Zhang Yinglao
Published: December 2020

Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makikno contains rich gardenia yellow pigment (GYP). In this study, the process of pigment extraction was optimized based on a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The absorbance and antioxidant activity (AA) were considered as responses. The result showed that the optimal extraction conditions were ethanol concentration 65.10%, liquid/solid ratio 10:1 ml/g, extraction time 59.85 min, and extraction temperature 60.04℃ for the maximal response values of absorbance (0.79) and AA (91.30%), respectively. Crude GYP was purified by the 13 different resins. The result showed that BJ‐7514 was suitable for purifying GYP with the absorption ratio of 95.4%. Moreover, the 80% of ethanol eluent is applicable on the BJ‐7514 with the desorption ratio of 91.93%. The major component of GYP (Crocin‐3) was isolated and identified from the purified GYP.
Cognitive training with modern board and card games in healthy older adults: two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Estrada‐Plana Verónica , Montanera Roger , Ibarz‐Estruga Ana , March‐Llanes Jaume , Vita‐Barrull Núria , Guzmán Núria , Ros‐Morente Agnès , Ayesa Arriola Rosa , Moya‐Higueras Jorge
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a cognitive intervention based on modern board and card games.

Methods

We conducted two two‐arm parallel‐group, randomized controlled trials. The first one (pilot study) was nonblind. The second one (main study) was a double‐blind design. Participants (14 in a pilot study and 35 in the main study) were healthy older adults over 65 years old who were assisting to adult care institutions. In the pilot study, participants in the experimental group (n = 6) played modern board and card games which activated cognitive processes; whereas the control group (n = 6) was in the wait‐list condition. In the main study, participants in the experimental group (n = 12) also played modern board and card games; whereas the control group (n = 15) performed standardized paper‐and‐pencil cognitive tasks. Psychologists specialized in older‐people conducted all the interventions. In both studies, intervention sessions were bi‐weekly for 5 weeks. The outcomes of both studies were cognitive status and executive functioning, depressive symptomatology, and quality of life measures. All assessment and intervention sessions took place in their habitual centers.

Results

In the pilot study, participants in the games intervention showed a significant improvement in semantic verbal fluency. In the main study, both interventions showed significant improvements in phonemic verbal fluency. Whilst board and card games maintained motor impulsivity control, paper‐and‐pencil tasks improved speed in an inhibition task.

Conclusions

Modern board and card games could be an effective cognitive intervention to maintain some cognitive functions.
Along‐tract statistics of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging diffusion metrics to enhance MR tractography quantitative analysis in healthy controls and in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Pieri Valentina , Sanvito Francesco , Riva Marco , Petrini Alessandro , Rancoita Paola M. V. , Cirillo Sara , Iadanza Antonella , Bello Lorenzo , Castellano Antonella , Falini Andrea
Published: December 2020

Along‐tract statistics analysis enables the extraction of quantitative diffusion metrics along specific white matter fiber tracts. Besides quantitative metrics derived from classical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), such as fractional anisotropy and diffusivities, new parameters reflecting the relative contribution of different diffusion compartments in the tissue can be estimated through advanced diffusion MRI methods as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), leading to a more specific microstructural characterization. In this study, we extracted both DTI‐ and NODDI‐derived quantitative microstructural diffusion metrics along the most eloquent fiber tracts in 15 healthy subjects and in 22 patients with brain tumors. We obtained a robust intraprotocol reference database of normative along‐tract microstructural metrics, and their corresponding plots, from healthy fiber tracts. Each diffusion metric of individual patient's fiber tract was then plotted and statistically compared to the normative profile of the corresponding metric from the healthy fiber tracts. NODDI‐derived metrics appeared to account for the pathological microstructural changes of the peritumoral tissue more accurately than DTI‐derived ones. This approach may be useful for future studies that may compare healthy subjects to patients diagnosed with other pathological conditions.
The effects of hippocampal and area parahippocampalis lesions on the processing and retention of serial‐order behavior, autoshaping, and spatial behavior in pigeons
Authors: Johnston Melissa , Scarf Damian , Wilson Alysha , Millar Jessica , Bartonicek Adam , Colombo Michael
Published: December 2020

We examined the role of the avian hippocampus and area parahippocampalis in serial‐order behavior and a variety of other tasks known to be sensitive to hippocampal damage in mammals. Damage to the hippocampus and area parahippocampalis caused impairments in autoshaping and performance on an analogue of a radial‐arm maze task, but had no effect on acquisition of 2‐item, 3‐item, and 4‐item serial‐order lists. Additionally, the lesions had no effect on the retention of 3‐items lists, or on the ability to perform novel derived lists composed of elements from lists they had previously learned. The impairments in autoshaping and spatial behavior are consistent with the findings in mammals. The absence of impairments on the serial‐order task may also be consistent once one considers that damage to the hippocampus in mammals seems to affect more internally‐organized rather than externally‐organized serial‐order tasks. Together, the findings support the view that the avian hippocampal complex serves a function very similar to the mammalian hippocampus, a finding that is interesting given that the architecture of the avian hippocampus differs dramatically from that of the mammalian hippocampus.
Institutional determinants of FDI in Oman: Causality analysis framework
Authors: Ibrahim Omer Ali , Devesh Sonal , Shaukat Mughees
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the institutional determinants of FDI in Oman and the role of FDI in enhancing Oman's economic diversification strategy. Time series data was collected for the selected institutional factors influencing FDI during the period 1996–2018. Unit root and Granger causality framework were used in the analysis. Results indicated that strong and clear property rights protection, corruption freedom, fiscal and trade freedom, cause FDI inflows in Oman, whereas business freedom had no effects. It is crucial for policy makers in Oman to strengthen these institutional factors, craft and implement a policy framework to sustain their efficacy, while improving business freedom towards an open economic model. This also includes strengthening the legal framework, combating corruption and reducing subsidies and other forms of favouritism towards state‐owned enterprises. Such policy measures, aimed at channelling FDI flow towards targeted sectors, would enhance Oman's diversification strategy and foster economic growth and development.
Evaluation of trappin‐2 in cervicovaginal secretions as predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic high‐risk women: Nested case‐control study
Authors: Negi Deepika , Guleria Kiran , Tyagi Vipin , Dev Banerjee Basu , Suneja Amita
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate trappin‐2 levels in cervicovaginal secretions for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and compare it with transvaginal sonography (TVS) cervical length in asymptomatic women at risk of PTB.

Methods

Trappin‐2 levels assessed in cervicovaginal secretions collected from 80 asymptomatic pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery and cervical length measured by TVS, first at 14–20 weeks of pregnancy and repeated 8 weeks later. On the basis of delivery outcomes, participants were divided into cases (delivery <37 weeks) and controls (delivery at 37–41 weeks).

Results

The mean value of cervicovaginal trappin‐2 was significantly higher in women who delivered preterm (n = 40), compared with the term group (n = 40: P < 0.001) both at 14–20 weeks and at 22–28 weeks. The critical cut‐off value for cervicovaginal trappin‐2 at 14–20 weeks was 4620 pg/mL, above which participants delivered prematurely with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 82.5%, 71.0%, 78.5%, and 81.5% respectively, whereas TVS cervical length in this window period was not significantly associated with preterm birth. At 22–28 weeks a trappin‐2 value of 6900 pg/mL had similar predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

Raised cervicovaginal trappin‐2 levels can be used as an early tool for prediction of PTB as early as 14–20 weeks (earlier than TVS) in asymptomatic high‐risk women.
LINC00261/microRNA‐550a‐3p/SDPRaxis affects the biological characteristics of breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Li Yi , Wu Chihua
Published: December 2020

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC). The study was to explore the effect of long non‐coding RNA LINC00261/microRNA (miR)‐550a‐3p/serum deprivation response (SDPR) axis on the biological characteristics of BC stem cells (BCSCs). BC and adjacent normal tissues of patients were collected. LINC00261, miR‐550a‐3p and SDPR expression in BC tissues and cell lines and CD24 and CD44 expression in BC tissues was detected. CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs were sorted. CD44+/CD24−/lowMDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells were screened and transfected with altered expression of LINC00261 or miR‐550a‐3p to explore their roles in cell viability, microsphere (MS) formation ability, migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs. The targeting relationships of LINC00261, miR‐550a‐3p and SDPR were detected. Reduced LINC00261, decreased SDPR and elevated miR‐550a‐3p exhibited in BC tissues of patients and cell lines. Elevated CD44+/CD24−were present in BC tissues. LINC00261 up‐regulated SDPR expression as a sponge of miR‐550a‐3p. Elevated LINC00261 suppressed BC cell viability, MS formation ability, migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs. Moreover, up‐regulated miR‐550a‐3p reversed the inhibitive effect of elevated LINC00261 on BCSCs, and reduced SDPR reversed the promotive effect of decreased miR‐550a‐3p on BCSCs. The study highlights that LINC00261 can adsorb miR‐550a‐3p to modulate SDPR, thus inhibiting the viability and MS formation of BC cells, reducing migration and invasion of CD44+/CD24−/lowBCSCs, exerting a potential effect on therapy.