bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled impacts of sea ice variability and North Pacific atmospheric circulation on Holocene hydroclimate in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Broadman Ellie , Kaufman Darrell S. , Henderson Andrew C. G. , Malmierca-Vallet Irene , Leng Melanie J. , Lacey Jack H.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Our new record of hydroclimatic change over the past ∼10,000 years in Arctic Alaska reveals that periods of reduced sea ice result in isotopically heavier precipitation derived from proximal, Arctic moisture sources. This systematic relationship is supported by isotope-enabled model simulations and a compilation of regional paleoclimate records. Periods of sea ice reduction also correspond to regionally wetter conditions. A transition from generally wetter conditions (∼10,000 y to 4,000 y ago) to relatively drier conditions (∼4,000 y ago to present) appears related to a recognized shift in North Pacific circulation involving the Aleutian Low atmospheric pressure cell, where less sea ice is associated with strengthened low pressure shifted to the west.
Linking 19th century European settlement to the disruption of a seabird’s natural population dynamics
Authors: Duda Matthew P. , Allen-Mahé Sylvie , Barbraud Christophe , Blais Jules M. , Boudreau Amaël , Bryant Rachel , Delord Karine , Grooms Christopher , Kimpe Linda E. , Letournel Bruno , Lim Joeline E. , Lormée Hervé , Michelutti Neal , Robertson Gregory J. , Urtizbéréa Frank , Wilhelm Sabina I. , Smol John P.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Globally, seabird populations are in decline. Without long-term monitoring, realistic conservation goals are difficult to establish. Here, we use lake sediment records to reconstruct the long-term dynamics of an important colony of Leach’s Storm-petrels. We show that this seabird population underwent moderate natural population fluctuations until Europeans settled near the colony, after which seabird numbers were dramatically reduced. Our approach provides data concerning shifting baselines in conservation by demonstrating that the colony is only ∼16% of the potential carrying capacity, and thus, reasonable conservation goals should be based on preindustrialization population sizes. Likely, numerous other seabirds are also unknowingly in decline, highlighting the need for longer-term data and the immediate need to protect and rehabilitate the critical habitat.
Nanoscale morphological evolution of monocrystalline Pt surfaces during cathodic corrosion
Authors: Arulmozhi Nakkiran , Hersbach Thomas J. P. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Cathodic corrosion is a relatively unexplored but highly enigmatic electrochemical phenomenon that transforms, roughens, and dissolves metal surfaces under cathodic polarization. We show how cathodic corrosion of a platinum spherical single-crystal electrode in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte leads initially to the formation of etch pits that reflect the local symmetry of the surface and subsequently develop into a growth regime in which self-similar diffusion-limited patterns emerge. These are unique observations that may eventually open the door to controlled surface patterning and nanoparticle preparation.
BAM1/2 receptor kinase signaling drives CLE peptide-mediated formative cell divisions in
Arabidopsis
roots
Authors: Crook Ashley D. , Willoughby Andrew C. , Hazak Ora , Okuda Satohiro , VanDerMolen Kylie R. , Soyars Cara L. , Cattaneo Pietro , Clark Natalie M. , Sozzani Rosangela , Hothorn Michael , Hardtke Christian S. , Nimchuk Zachary L.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Proper elaboration of the plant body plan requires that cell division patterns are coordinated during development in complex tissues. Activation of cell cycle machinery is critical for this process, but it is not clear how or if this links to cell-to-cell communication networks that are important during development. Here we show that key cell divisions that generate the plant root are controlled by cell-to-cell signaling peptides which act through plant-specific receptor kinases to control expression of a specific
cyclinD
cell cycle regulatory gene. We show that
cyclinD
gene expression depends on both receptor signaling and the SHORT-ROOT transcription factor to ensure timely and robust cell division patterns.
Direct visualization of translational GTPase factor pool formed around the archaeal ribosomal P-stalk by high-speed AFM
Authors: Imai Hirotatsu , Uchiumi Toshio , Kodera Noriyuki
Published: December 2020

Significance

Translation of genetic information by the ribosome is a core biological process in all organisms. The ribosomal stalk is a multimeric ribosomal protein complex which plays an essential role in translation elongation. However, the working mechanism of the ribosomal stalk still remains unclear. In this study, we applied HS-AFM to investigate the working mechanism of the archaeal ribosomal P-stalk. HS-AFM movies demonstrate that the P-stalk collects two translational GTPase factors (trGTPases), aEF1A and aEF2, and increases their local concentration near the ribosome. These direct visual evidences show that the multiple arms of the ribosomal P-stalk catch the trGTPases for efficient protein synthesis in the crowded intracellular environment.
DIA-based systems biology approach unveils E3 ubiquitin ligase-dependent responses to a metabolic shift
Authors: Karayel Ozge , Michaelis André C. , Mann Matthias , Schulman Brenda A. , Langlois Christine R.
Published: December 2020

Significance

We use a single-run, data-independent acquisition–based mass spectrometry approach to generate and compare dozens of yeast proteomes in less than a day, and provide a comprehensive resource detailing changes to the yeast proteome following commonly used stress treatments in yeast. Our systems biology approach identifies and validates regulatory targets of an E3 ubiquitin ligase during a metabolic switch, providing insights into the interplay of metabolic pathways. The speed, simplicity, and scalability of this workflow makes it particularly well-suited for screens in any cellular system to investigate specific effects of deletions or mutants or other perturbations to obtain the response of biological system on a global level.
Dutch speech intelligibility in bilingual Turkish-Dutch children in Flanders
Authors: Simon Ellen , D’haeseleer Evelien , Altinkamis Feyza , Plevoets Koen
Published: December 2020

This study examines the Dutch intelligibility of a group of monolingual Dutch and bilingual Turkish-Dutch preschool children in Flanders, as rated by native Dutch listeners and measured by a Dutch intelligibility test. The intelligibility of the bilingual children is compared to that of the monolingual Dutch children, in order to examine whether age and/or task effects are similar or different in the two groups. The results revealed that intelligibility was affected by age, but showed no significant interaction between age and group. However, we found a significant interaction between age and task: children’s intelligibility increased with age for a word production as well as a sentence production task, but much more so for the latter than for the former. We discuss the results in relation to the children’s developing phonological systems, the age of exposure to Dutch and the nature of the test.
Acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on cycling and running performance. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shyamali Kaushalya Fernando , Romero‐Arenas Salvador , García‐Ramos Amador , Colomer‐Poveda David , Marquez Gonzalo
Published: December 2020

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to induce positive effects on athletic performance. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of anodal‐tDCS on endurance (time to exhaustion [TTE] or endurance time trial [ETT]) and sprint performance during cycling and running tasks. We performed a systematic literature review in the databases Medline (via PubMed), SPORTDiscus and Science Direct. We included only randomised controlled trials conducted with healthy individuals in which an anodal‐tDCS protocol was applied prior to cycling or running tests. The effect of anodal‐tDCS (experimental condition) was compared against sham stimulation (control condition). A total of 15 interventions from 13 studies were included. The sub‐group analysis revealed a positive effect of anodal‐tDCS on TTE (standardised mean differences [SMD] = 0.37; 90% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13, 0.61; p = 0.01), but not on ETT (SMD = 0.00; 90% CI = −0.29, 0.30; p = 1.00) or sprint performance (SMD = 0.19; 90% CI = −0.23, 0.60; p = 0.46). The current meta‐analysis suggests that the effect of anodal‐tDCS on whole‐body dynamic exercises (running and cycling) could be task dependent. Specifically, anodal‐tDCS enhance running and cycling time to exhaustion performance during TTE tasks but not ETT or sprint tasks. The increase in cortical excitability induced by anodal‐tDCS may lead to lower ratings of perceived exertion by reducing the input required to perform the physical task. Task should be taken into account, because it is probably influencing the result obtained by anodal‐tDCS.
Whole body and regional phase angle as indicators of muscular performance in athletes
Authors: Hetherington‐Rauth Megan , Leu Chiara G. , Júdice Pedro B. , Correia Inês R. , Magalhães João P. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: December 2020

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)‐derived phase angle (PhA) has been used to assess cellular health in various populations, but its usefulness as a tool for measuring muscular performance in adult athletes has not been extensively investigated. Our investigation examined the association of whole‐body (WB) PhA with muscular performance in 117 adult athletes from different sports and additionally assessed whether regional PhA was a better indicator of muscular performance compared to WB, while accounting for lean soft tissue (LST). Muscular performance was assessed with handgrip strength and countermovement jump power. WB and regional PhA and LST were obtained by BIA and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to model outcomes, while adjusting for LST. WB PhA was positively associated with relative power and relative and absolute strength (p < 0.05), irrespective of LST. Regional PhA measures explained similar amounts of variance in absolute and relative power and strength as that of WB PhA after accounting for age, sex, height, and sport type (lower limb adj R 2 = 0.42, 0.60 for power; upper limb adj R 2 = 0.38, 0.74 for strength; WB adj R 2 = 0.44, 0.63 and 0.38, 0.75 for power and strength, respectively). Only upper limb PhA was related with strength (p < 0.05) after accounting for upper limb LST. PhA may have the potential to be used as a marker of functional muscle mass, which is important when it comes to assessing muscular performance of athletes. Regional measures of PhA do not provide a better indicator of regional strength or power when compared to WB PhA.
Use of Arduino to observe the chaotic movement of a magnetic pendulum
Authors: Ramos L M , Reis C R N , Calheiro L B , Goncalves A M B
Published: December 2020

Using a joystick module, we followed the movement of a chaotic magnetic pendulum. The pendulum bar was attached to a joystick that served as a pivot point and biaxial angular motion sensor. Using an Arduino board, we could follow the position as a function of time along both the x and y-axis and draw a graph showing the chaotic behaviour of the pendulum.
Configuraional Entropy of a parabolic potential system: A density functional approach
Authors: Mondal Arijit
Published: December 2020

We study the configurational entropy of many-particle system interacting with parabolic potential. The classical density functional theory(cDFT) is used here to study it. In this work, the parabolic potential system is mapped to a hard-sphere system (Mondal et al 2017 Phys. Rev. E 96, 012 124) with a properly chosen diameter and evaluate the free energy. The configurational entropy is obtained from this free energy. In cDFT the inhomogeneous density profile is described in terms of Gaussian density profile located at all the lattice points, which are characterized through Bernal pair correlation function. The extrapolated configurational entropy vanishes at Kauzmann packing fraction(η

k
). The η

k
shows amorphous structure dependence. The dependence of η

k
with the strength of the parabolic potential is also studied here.
Treatment of facial nerve palsies with laser and endermotherapy: a report of two cases
Authors: Panhóca Vitor Hugo , Nogueira Marcelo Saito , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: December 2020

Facial nerve palsy involves paralysis of unknown origin caused by trauma, infectious disease or metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to employ low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the recovery of two patients with facial nerve palsies due to trauma and Bell’s palsy (BP), respectively. LLLT was used with a gallium aluminum arsenide laser (780 nm) in the first case and in the second case LLLT (660 nm and 808 nm) was used synergistically with a vacuum therapy device. No medication was administered during laser treatment and vacuum therapy. The treatments resulted in complete recovery and normal facial expression in both patients including improved facial movement and facial symmetry at rest. With this result in mind, we believe LLLT and combined vacuum therapy may be an alternative treatment to decrease the recovery time of facial expression in normal patients with facial nerve palsies and BP.
Numerical investigation of the effect of river meander on the dynamics of the atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Bobrov M S , Hrebtov M Yu
Published: December 2020

We report on a numerical study of diurnal cycle in the atmospheric boundary layer above a meandering river. The topography and the river shape are taken from the satellite data near Krasnoyarsk (Russia). Convective patterns developing during the early morning and the daytime lead to the formation of horizontal circulation and the jet-like flow across the river at the point of maximum curvature of the meander. This effect may play an important role in the transport of atmospheric pollutants in urban environment. During the flow evolution, formation of some coherent large-scale vertices is observed. The observed pattern can appear in many similar conditions in nature.
Experimental investigation of applicability limits of K-e turbulent model and Reynolds stresses transfer model in rotary-divergent flow under control via turning blades
Authors: Kabardin I K , Yavorsky N I , Meledin V G , Pravdina M Kh , Gordienko M R , Ezendeeva D P , Kakaulin S V , Usov E V , Kolotilov V A , Krotov S V , Bakakin G V , Kabardin A K
Published: December 2020

The work continues the work of the previous year. The mass transfer characteristics were experimentally analyzed in a rotary-divergent flow with inserted blades. The laser Doppler anemometer was used for turbulent mass transfer diagnostics. The experimental investigation was used to verify the numerical calculations. As in previous year the model of Reynolds stress transfer describes the flow in range of flow rates from 50 to 250 n.m3/h more adequately than the K-e turbulence model.
Pressure perturbation influence on the length and formation of immiscible liquid plugs in a T-shaped microchannel
Authors: Kovalev A V , Yagodnitsyna A A , Bilsky A V
Published: December 2020

The influence of input pressure perturbations on the plug length and plug formation stages during liquid-liquid plug flow was studied experimentally. Sine-shaped perturbations with amplitudes equal to 1 and 2 magnitudes of average pressure in the unperturbed flow were shown to have a strong influence on the plug length distribution. Stabilization of plug flow and reduction of plug length standard deviation was found for the perturbation period equal to the natural period of a system. The effect of backflow in the dispersed liquid entrainment was observed in the local minima of the perturbation signal.
Capillary hydrodynamics and heat transfer in two-phase gas-liquid microscale systems
Authors: Kuznetsov V V
Published: December 2020

This paper aims at discussing the hydrodynamics and heat transfer in gas-liquid microscale systems. A new approach for the determination of the flow pattern, based on measuring the statistical characteristics of gas-liquid flow is proposed that can be used for flow pattern map design. The characteristics of heat transfer during upflow boiling in microchannel heat exchangers that operate at low wall superheat are discussed. A novel method for prediction of the flow boiling heat transfer which accounts the heat transfer enhancement due to formation of the thin curved liquid film and surface waves is presented. The characteristics of heat transfer during subcooled flow boiling in microchannel heat sink designed for high heat flux removal are discussed and method for heat transfer prediction is proposed.
The influence of water level at working area on freon 134a hydrate synthesis by the method of explosive boiling of liquid hydrate-forming gas in water volume with simultaneous mixing
Authors: Meleshkin A V
Published: December 2020

This work is part of a comprehensive study to search for the optimal operational parameters of the method based on the explosive boiling of liquefied hydrate-forming gas in a volume of water during decompression. Studies have shown the effectiveness of mixing the working area during decompression. Therefore, this paper presents an experimental study of the influence of the water level at the working site on the synthesis of gas hydrate by the studied method with stirring of the work area. Freon 134a was used as a hydrate forming gas.
Simulation of the outflow of steam from a high-pressure volume into a closed external region
Authors: Alekseev M V , Vozhakov I S , Sorokin A L , Lezhnin S I
Published: December 2020

A numerical simulation of the process of unsteady outflow of steam (steam-water mixture) from a volume under high pressure into a closed region with rigid boundaries is carried out. The calculations used a thermodynamically equilibrium homogeneous model of a vapor-liquid medium. At small and large (up to 0.15 s) times, spatial distributions of pressure, mass vapor content, density and temperature were obtained and analyzed.
Experimental study of thermal decomposition of mechanochemical formations of solid fuel
Authors: Kuznetsov A V , Butakov E B
Published: December 2020

To establish an unobvious relationship between the structure and properties of solid fuels, obtained under various conditions of preliminary machining of individual fuel components and the joint mechanochemical treatment of fuel components before burning, with the observed physicochemical processes in the combustion chamber, the physicochemical and thermophysical properties of pine sawdust were studied using various methods. The combustion of the samples was carried out in two stages, the times of the maximum burning rate and the heat flux during combustion of the samples at both stages varied depending on the crystallinity index of the samples.
LDA diagnostics of the flow structure in the model of an advanced four-vortex furnace
Authors: Shadrin E Yu , Anufriev I S , Alekseenko S V
Published: December 2020

In this work, the internal aerodynamics of a laboratory model of a promising furnace with a four-vortex scheme for burning coal fuel is studied using the method of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). Distributions of the averaged velocity and velocity pulsations are obtained in various areas of the furnace model in a wide range of regimes. The main features of the flow are identified. The experimental results are compared with the previous measurements by the PIV method; their good agreement is achieved. The data obtained are used to verify the mathematical model in numerical studies of a full-scale furnace.
The dependence of the graphene electrical resistance on mechanical deformation
Authors: Boyko E V , Kostogrud I A , Smovzh D V
Published: December 2020

In this work, the piezoresistive properties of polymer-graphene composites were investigated. The electrical resistance of these samples ranged from 693 to 1277 Ohm/sq for single-layer graphene coating, and from 477 to 1096 Ohm/sq for multilayer coating. It was shown that with a tensile strain of 4%, the maximum gauge factor was 100. For bending with a radius of curvature of 70 mm, which corresponds to a stretch of 0.75%, the maximum gauge factor was 34. It is shown that samples with a single-layer graphene coating are more resistant to deformation processes – their electrical resistance changes less than in samples with a multilayer graphene coating. Such a phenomenon can be associated with an increased concentration of defects and imperfections in graphene structures, which, in the case of a multilayer coating, leads to lower strength of the entire structure and much more destructive consequences in tension. A multilayer coating can have a heterogeneous structure: individual multilayer islands can be connected by single-layer sections. The gap between the latter leads to a significant drop in the electrical resistance of the entire sample.
Accelerated ion-plasma nitriding of austenitic steels in a low-frequency ferromagnetic enhanced induction discharge
Authors: Isupov M V , Pinaev V A
Published: December 2020

In the present work, a possibility of the accelerated ion-plasma nitriding of austenitic stainless steels at elevated temperatures is discussed. Experimental data on the plasma-assisted nitriding process of AISI 304 stainless steel are presented in the temperature range of 400-500 °C, with the use of ferromagnetic enhanced induction discharge with a low-frequency and low-pressure as an external source of nitrogen ions and radicals.
Extreme heat fluxes and heat transfer mechanisms during electronics spray and jet impingement cooling with boiling
Authors: Pukhovoy M V , Bykovskaya E A , Kabov O A
Published: December 2020

Microelectronics already needs for heat removal more than 1 kW/cm2. To assess the spray cooling capabilities to meet the growing requirements, a review of experimental studies is presented. Both the lack of progress in increasing the limit values of critical heat fluxes over the past 20-30 years and the fact that this technique is considered effective and promising are demonstrated. The “modern” physical picture has been formed at the turn of the 21st century. The review shows that the trend towards increasing the heat transfer coefficients is realized in the same way as in other promising cooling technologies. The paper refers to the studies in which the coolant film thickness was reduced by the authors, as well as those that presented correlations of the three-phase contact line dynamics with the values of the achieved heat flux. A problem is formulated for the required detailed studies of highly dynamic processes in an ultra-thin liquid film at the micro level, aimed at the heat transfer enhancement.
Incinerator for thermal cleaning of ash and slag waste
Authors: Domarov P V , Faleev V A
Published: December 2020

The research of remelting ash of incineration waste was described. The chemical composition of ash and slag waste in the process of thermal neutralization of municipal solid waste was revealed. To determine the chemical and phase composition of the ash at a temperature of 1700K, thermodynamic calculations were performed. Based on the calculation results, experimental studies of remelting ash and slag waste from an incinerator were conducted. It was experimentally confirmed that the melt of fly ash cooled in water takes the form of an inert vitrified slag.
Protons could be lighter than thought
Authors: Dumé Isabelle
Published: December 2020

New measurements of the proton–electron mass ratio could help shine a light on several problems in physics
First female fellows
Authors: Frost Mike
Published: December 2020

In response to the “2020 summer quiz part 1” (July p56).
Path of least resistance
Authors: Teague Rosemary , Yallop Amber
Published: December 2020

Graduate student Rosemary Teague and undergraduate Amber Yallop share their nontraditional degree pathways, some difficult choices they made along the way, and what a future in physics looks like for them now
Longitudinal Associations Among Diet Quality, Physical Activity and Sleep Onset Consistency With Body Mass Index z-Score Among Toddlers in Low-income Families
Authors: Covington Lauren , Armstrong Bridget , Trude Angela C B , Black Maureen M
Published: December 2020

Background

Habits surrounding health behaviors (i.e., sleep, physical activity, diet) are developed in toddlerhood. Lack of consistent health habits may increase obesity risk among toddlers in low-income families.

Purpose

To compare the role of sleep onset consistency, physical activity and diet quality as mediators between household poverty and toddler weight.

Methods

Two hundred and seven toddlers (mean age = 20.2 months, 46% female, 68.1% Black) participating in an obesity prevention trial were assessed at three time points over 12 months. Using Actical accelerometers, we assessed sleep and physical activity at each time point for up to 1 week. We defined sleep onset consistency as the standard deviation of sleep onset across all days. We calculated the Healthy Eating Index-2015 from a 24-hr dietary recall. We used WHO standards to calculate BMI-for-age z-scores from toddlers’ weight/length, and calculated poverty ratio from parent-reported income and family size. Multilevel mediation models tested toddler sleep onset consistency, physical activity, and diet quality as mediators between household poverty and toddler BMI z-score.

Results

Toddlers from households with higher poverty ratios had more inconsistent sleep onset times. Toddlers with more inconsistent sleep onset times had higher BMI z-scores across all timepoints, even when accounting for physical activity and diet quality. Sleep onset consistency indirectly explained the association between household poverty and BMI z-score.

Conclusions

Inconsistent sleep schedules could help explain the association between poverty and BMI. Future research should examine strategies to support low-income families to develop and maintain routines as a mechanism to prevent obesity and reduce disparities.

Trial registration number

NCT02615158.
Lagged Relationships Among Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, Sleep Quality, and Physical Activity During and After Chemotherapy
Authors: Bulls Hailey W , Hoogland Aasha I , Small Brent J , Kennedy Brittany , James Brian W , Arboleda Bianca L , Shahzad Mian M K , Gonzalez Brian D , Jim Heather S L
Published: December 2020

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is well-documented and can become chronic for up to a third of patients. CIPN management is hampered by limited pharmacological options. Thus, identifying modifiable behaviors that influence CIPN may help inform future interventions.

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine bidirectional relationships between sleep quality, physical activity, and CIPN during and after chemotherapy.

Methods

Participants were 138 women with gynecologic cancer (M age = 61, 94% white, 96% non-Hispanic), collected as part of an ongoing study. Assessments occurred at postcycle 1, postcycle 6, and 6- and 12-month postchemotherapy. CIPN (EORTC-CIPN20), sleep quality (PSQI), and physical activity (IPAQ) were assessed via self-report. Objective physical activity was assessed via wrist actigraphy. Latent change score models were used to examine lagged relationships between CIPN, sleep quality, and physical activity pairs.

Results

Over the study period, sleep quality was found to contribute to CIPN (p = .001), but not the reverse (p > .05). Bidirectional relationships were observed between CIPN and both objective and subjective walking (ps ≤ .001). Illustrations of these relationships showed that patients with less CIPN early in treatment demonstrate more substantial increases in walking over time, while those with higher CIPN demonstrate more consistent levels of walking during and after treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that worse sleep quality and lower walking levels may contribute to the course and maintenance of CIPN. Future investigation should evaluate the impact of early interventions aimed at improving sleep quality and encouraging physical activity in patients treated with chemotherapy.
Early Treatment Improvements in Depression Are Associated With Overall Improvements in Fatigue Impact and Pain Interference in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Knowles Lindsey M , Arewasikporn Anne , Kratz Anna L , Turner Aaron P , Alschuler Kevin N , Ehde Dawn M
Published: December 2020

Background

Depression, fatigue, and pain commonly co-occur in multiple sclerosis (MS) and are positively associated with one another. However, it is unclear whether treatment-related improvement in one of these symptoms is associated with improvements in the other two symptoms.

Purpose

This study examined whether early improvements in depressive symptoms, fatigue impact, and pain interference during a multisymptom intervention in persons with MS were associated with overall improvements in the other two symptoms.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in which both treatments improved depressive symptoms, fatigue, and pain interference. Adults with MS experiencing chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and/or moderate depressive symptoms (N = 154, 86% women) participated in an 8-week, telephone-delivered intervention: self-management (n = 69) or education (n = 85); intervention groups were combined for the current study. Outcome measures were depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), fatigue impact (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory). Path analysis examined associations between pre-to-mid intervention improvement in one symptom (i.e., depression, fatigue, pain interference) and pre-to-post (overall) improvement in the other two symptoms.

Results

Early reduction in depressive symptoms was associated with an overall reduction in pain interference and fatigue impact (p’s < .01). Early reduction in fatigue impact was associated with an overall reduction in depressive symptom severity (p = .04) but not pain interference. Early reduction in pain interference was not associated with reductions in fatigue impact or depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the potential importance of reducing depressive symptoms to overall improvement in fatigue and pain interference in persons with MS.

Clinical Trial Registrations

NCT00944190.
How to Maximize Aesthetics in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Wagner Ryan D , Hamilton Kristy L , Doval Andres F , Spiegel Aldona J
Published: December 2020

With continuous technical and functional advances in the field of breast reconstruction, there is now a greater focus on the artistry and aesthetic aspects of autologous reconstruction. Whereas once surgeons were most concerned with flap survival and vessel patency, they are now dedicated to reconstructing a similarly or even more aesthetically pleasing breast than before tumor resection. We discuss the approach to shaping the breast through the footprint, conus, and skin envelope. We then discuss how donor site aesthetics can be optimized through flap design, scar management, and umbilical positioning. Each patient has a different perception of their ideal breast appearance, and through conversation and counseling, realistic goals can be set to reach optimal aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction.
SugarPy facilitates the universal, discovery-driven analysis of intact glycopeptides
Authors: Schulze Stefan , Oltmanns Anne , Fufezan Christian , Krägenbring Julia , Mormann Michael , Pohlschröder Mechthild , Hippler Michael
Published: December 2020

Motivation

Protein glycosylation is a complex post-translational modification with crucial cellular functions in all domains of life. Currently, large-scale glycoproteomics approaches rely on glycan database dependent algorithms and are thus unsuitable for discovery-driven analyses of glycoproteomes.

Results

Therefore, we devised SugarPy, a glycan database independent Python module, and validated it on the glycoproteome of human breast milk. We further demonstrated its applicability by analyzing glycoproteomes with uncommon glycans stemming from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the archaeon Haloferax volcanii. SugarPy also facilitated the novel characterization of glycoproteins from the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae.

Availability and implementation

The source code is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/SugarPy/SugarPy), and its implementation in Python ensures support for all operating systems.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Deep learning formulation of electrocardiographic imaging integrating image and signal information with data-driven regularization
Authors: Bacoyannis Tania , Ly Buntheng , Cedilnik Nicolas , Cochet Hubert , Sermesant Maxime
Published: December 2020

Aims

Electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is a promising tool to map the electrical activity of the heart non-invasively using body surface potentials (BSP). However, it is still challenging due to the mathematically ill-posed nature of the inverse problem to solve. Novel approaches leveraging progress in artificial intelligence could alleviate these difficulties.

Methods and results

We propose a deep learning (DL) formulation of ECGI in order to learn the statistical relation between BSP and cardiac activation. The presented method is based on Conditional Variational AutoEncoders using deep generative neural networks. To quantify the accuracy of this method, we simulated activation maps and BSP data on six cardiac anatomies.

We evaluated our model by training it on five different cardiac anatomies (5000 activation maps) and by testing it on a new patient anatomy over 200 activation maps. Due to the probabilistic property of our method, we predicted 10 distinct activation maps for each BSP data. The proposed method is able to generate volumetric activation maps with a good accuracy on the simulated data: the mean absolute error is 9.40 ms with 2.16 ms standard deviation on this testing set.

Conclusion

The proposed formulation of ECGI enables to naturally include imaging information in the estimation of cardiac electrical activity from BSP. It naturally takes into account all the spatio-temporal correlations present in the data. We believe these features can help improve ECGI results.
Decoding capsule synthesis in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Su Tong , Nakamoto Rei , Chun Ye-Yu , Chua Wan-Zhen , Chen Jia-Hui , Zik Justin J , Sham Lok-To
Published: December 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae synthesizes >100 types of capsular polysaccharides (CPSs). While the diversity of the enzymes and transporters involved is enormous, it is not limitless. In this review, we summarized the recent progress on elucidating the structure–function relationships of CPSs, the mechanisms by which they are synthesized, how their synthesis is regulated, the host immune response against them and the development of novel pneumococcal vaccines. Based on the genetic and structural information available, we generated provisional models of the CPS repeating units that remain unsolved. In addition, to facilitate cross-species comparisons and assignment of glycosyltransferases, we illustrated the biosynthetic pathways of the known CPSs in a standardized format. Studying the intricate steps of pneumococcal CPS assembly promises to provide novel insights for drug and vaccine development as well as improve our understanding of related pathways in other species.
Development of Redwood Regeneration after Conifer Partial Harvest and Hardwood Management
Authors: Berrill John-Pascal , Webb Lynn A , DeYoung Kristy L , Dagley Christa M , Bodle Christopher G , Simpson Sean M
Published: December 2020

Harvesting of commercial conifer species from conifer-hardwood mixtures can leave residual stands dominated by hardwoods. Removing unwanted hardwoods by cutting or herbicide makes growing space available to residual trees and regeneration and can restore conifer dominance. Forest managers of north coastal California need guidance on how such treatments affect subsequent growth of planted redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens [D. Don.] Endl.) or natural regeneration, as well as proliferation of undesirable species. Our observational study reconstructed growth of 108 regenerating redwoods in 26 treated stands. Residual stand density was the main driver of height and diameter growth in the new cohort of redwoods, irrespective of whether hardwoods were cut or received herbicide frill treatment (prevents resprouting). At lower residual stand densities, there were higher densities of natural regeneration (ingrowth) of conifers and hardwoods, which affected diameter at breast height (dbh) growth of regenerating redwoods. After heavier cutting of hardwoods, this ingrowth comprised a greater proportion of unwanted hardwood regeneration. Therefore, frill treatment is recommended when the objective of management is to reduce hardwood stocking and regeneration. Combining partial harvesting of conifers with cutting or frill treatment of hardwood is another option that reduces stand density to promote height and dbh growth of regenerating redwoods.
Genetic Parameters and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Regional Progeny Tests of Pinus taeda L. in the Southern USA
Authors: Lauer Edwin , Sims Andrew , McKeand Steven , Isik Fikret
Published: December 2020

Genetic parameters were estimated using a five-series multienvironment trial of Pinus taeda L. in the southern USA. There were 324 half-sib families planted in five test series across 37 locations. A set of six variance/covariance matrices for the genotype-by-environment (G × E) effect for tree height and diameter were compared on the basis of model fit. In single-series analysis, extended factor analytical models provided generally superior model fit to simpler models for both traits; however, in the combined-series analysis, diameter was optimally modeled using simpler variance/covariance structures. A three-way compound term for modeling G × E interactions among and within series yielded substantial improvements in terms of model fit and standard errors of predictions. Heritability of family means ranged between 0.63 and 0.90 for both height and diameter. Average additive genetic correlations among sites were 0.70 and 0.61 for height and diameter, respectively, suggesting the presence of some G × E interaction. Pairs of sites with the lowest additive genetic correlations were located at opposite ends of the latitude range. Latent factor regression revealed a small number of parents with large factor scores that changed ranks significantly between southern and northern environments.
Exercise Effects on Falls, Fractures, Hospitalizations, and Mortality in Older Adults With Dementia: An Individual-Level Patient Data Meta-analysis
Authors: de Souto Barreto Philipe , Maltais Mathieu , Rosendahl Erik , Vellas Bruno , Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle , Lamb Sarah E , Pitkala Kaisu , Rolland Yves
Published: December 2020

Background

To study the effects of exercise on falls, fractures, hospitalizations, and death in people with dementia.

Method

We conducted an individual-level patient data meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We looked for studies from the reference list of previous systematic reviews and undertook an electronic search for articles published between 2013 and 2019 in Ageline, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SportsDiscus. Main (binary) outcome measures were the risk of mortality, hospitalization, faller, multiple faller, injurious faller, and fractures. Secondary (count) outcomes were the incident rates of hospitalizations, falls, and injurious falls.

Results

From the 1314 participants, 771 were allocated to the exercise group and 543 to the control group. The number of cases regarding the main outcome measures in exercisers and controls were, respectively: 45 (5.8%) and 31 (5.7%) deaths; 102 (14.4%) and 65 (13.4%) participants hospitalized; 221 (34.4%) and 175 (41.3%) had at least 1 fall; 128 (20.2%) and 92 (21.7%) had multiple falls; 78 (24.8%) and 92 (29.3%) had injurious falls; and 19 (2.9%) and 15 (3.5%) had suffered a fracture. Two-step meta-analysis found no effects of exercise on any outcome. One-step meta-analysis found exercise reduced the risk of falls (odds ratio 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.99). Exploratory analysis showed exercise decreased the rate of incident falls in participants with the lowest functional ability (incident rate ratio 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30–0.79).

Conclusions

Although the 2-step meta-analysis suggests exercise does not have an effect on the outcomes, 1-step meta-analysis suggested that exercise may reduce fall risk. Data from further high-quality RCTs are still needed.
Localized effect of treated wastewater effluent on the resistome of an urban watershed
Authors: Thornton Christopher N , Tanner Windy D , VanDerslice James A , Brazelton William J
Published: December 2020

Background

Wastewater treatment is an essential tool for maintaining water quality in urban environments. While the treatment of wastewater can remove most bacterial cells, some will inevitably survive treatment to be released into natural environments. Previous studies have investigated antibiotic resistance within wastewater treatment plants, but few studies have explored how a river’s complete set of antibiotic resistance genes (the “resistome") is affected by the release of treated effluent into surface waters.

Results

Here we used high-throughput, deep metagenomic sequencing to investigate the effect of treated wastewater effluent on the resistome of an urban river and the downstream distribution of effluent-associated antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. Treated effluent release was found to be associated with increased abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. The impact of wastewater discharge on the river’s resistome diminished with increasing distance from effluent discharge points. The resistome at river locations that were not immediately downstream from any wastewater discharge points was dominated by a single integron carrying genes associated with resistance to sulfonamides and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Conclusions

Our study documents variations in the resistome of an urban watershed from headwaters to a major confluence in an urban center. Greater abundances and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes are associated with human fecal contamination in river surface water, but the fecal contamination effect seems to be localized, with little measurable effect in downstream waters. The diverse composition of antibiotic resistance genes throughout the watershed suggests the influence of multiple environmental and biological factors.
Accurate assembly of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) genome using long-read and Hi-C data
Authors: Batra Sanjit Singh , Levy-Sakin Michal , Robinson Jacqueline , Guillory Joseph , Durinck Steffen , Vilgalys Tauras P , Kwok Pui-Yan , Cox Laura A , Seshagiri Somasekar , Song Yun S , Wall Jeffrey D
Published: December 2020

Background

Baboons are a widely used nonhuman primate model for biomedical, evolutionary, and basic genetics research. Despite this importance, the genomic resources for baboons are limited. In particular, the current baboon reference genome Panu_3.0 is a highly fragmented, reference-guided (i.e., not fully de novo) assembly, and its poor quality inhibits our ability to conduct downstream genomic analyses.

Findings

Here we present a de novo genome assembly of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) that uses data from several recently developed single-molecule technologies. Our assembly, Panubis1.0, has an N50 contig size of ∼1.46 Mb (as opposed to 139 kb for Panu_3.0) and has single scaffolds that span each of the 20 autosomes and the X chromosome.

Conclusions

We highlight multiple lines of evidence (including Bionano Genomics data, pedigree linkage information, and linkage disequilibrium data) suggesting that there are several large assembly errors in Panu_3.0, which have been corrected in Panubis1.0.
Geological effects and tectonic environment of the 26 November 2019,Mw 6.4 Durres earthquake (Albania)
Authors: Vittori Eutizio , Blumetti Anna Maria , Comerci Valerio , Di Manna Pio , Piccardi Luigi , Gega Dashamir , Hoxha Ismail
Published: December 2020

The Mw 6.4 26 November 2019, earthquake has been the strongest in the last decades in Albania, causing damages of intensity VIII to IX EMS in the epicentral region around Durres. The region north of Durres has experienced a maximum uplift of ca. 11 cm, based on SAR interferometry, which represents the main environmental effect induced by the earthquake. Other coseismic environmental effects were liquefaction mostly in the coastal area north and south of Durres, lateral spread in the Erzen river banks and possibly minor rock falls. As a whole, the observed effects are indicative of an intensity VIII to IX in the ESI scale. The rupture parameters that best fits the earthquake data (seismic moment, hypocentre depth, GPS data, deformation field from SAR interferometry), based on Coulomb modelling, show a reverse slip of 0.6 m on a NW–SE trending plane dipping 25° northeast, 20 km long and ca. 12 km wide, from 19.5 to ca. 15 km deep. The surface projection of the upper tip of the rupture is on the coast north of Durres. The inferred Coulomb stress change does not impose any significant load on the surrounding major faults, that is Kruja thrust, Lezha transfer fault, and the offshore thrust fault responsible for the 1979 Mw 7.1 Montenegro earthquake. The historical earthquakes and the regional tectonic setting, dominated by plate collision and important transfer fault zones suggest that the last earthquake might not be representative of the actual maximum seismic and surface faulting hazards in northwestern Albania, a region of fast industrial and touristic growth. This calls for detailed active tectonics studies with a palaeoseismological perspective in the region surrounding the epicentral area, where the two main towns in Albania lie.