bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millennial‐Scale Changes in Bottom Water Temperature and Water Mass Exchange Through the Fram Strait 79°N, 63‐13 ka
Authors: El bani Altuna N. , Ezat M. M. , Greaves M. , Rasmussen T. L.
Published: December 2020

The Svalbard margin, in the eastern Fram Strait with its high sediment accumulation, form a key area for the reconstruction of water mass and heat exchange between the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean in relation to abrupt climate changes as seen in glacial Greenland Interstadial and Greenland Stadial (GI‐GS) events. Here, we present a bottom water temperature (BWT) record from the northern Nordic Seas (79°N) at 1,273 m water depth based on benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca. The BWT reconstructions, combined with benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes, benthic foraminiferal fauna compositions and ice‐rafted debris (IRD), reveal at least two distinctive scenarios for the GI‐GS events during the last glacial period (13–63 ka). During GIs, conditions were similar to modern with high productivity, low BWT and deep convection. During GS6, GS8, and GS15 and during Heinrich Stadials (HSs), BWT increased up to 5°C ± 1°C generally concomitant with low planktic and benthic δ18O. Our results suggest, that during some GSs and HSs, deep water generation was reduced, allowing the subsurface Atlantic water (AW) to thicken and deepen down to at least the core site depth. A strong halocline during HSs and GSs prevented heat release from the subsurface AW, which we can now trace from 45°N in the North Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean >79°N. Surfacing of the salty Atlantic subsurface water preconditioned the Nordic seas for convection. Release of the subsurface heat from this vast reservoir must have contributed to the large and abrupt atmospheric warmings at the start of GIs.
Design and implementation of a jellyfish otolith-inspired MEMS vector hydrophone for low-frequency detection
Authors: Wang Renxin , Shen Wei , Zhang Wenjun , Song Jinlong , Li Nansong , Liu Mengran , Zhang Guojun , Xue Chenyang , Zhang Wendong
Published: January 2021

Detecting low-frequency underwater acoustic signals can be a challenge for marine applications. Inspired by the notably strong response of the auditory organs of pectis jellyfish to ultralow frequencies, a kind of otolith-inspired vector hydrophone (OVH) is developed, enabled by hollow buoyant spheres atop cilia. Full parametric analysis is performed to optimize the cilium structure in order to balance the resonance frequency and sensitivity. After the structural parameters of the OVH are determined, the stress distributions of various vector hydrophones are simulated and analyzed. The shock resistance of the OVH is also investigated. Finally, the OVH is fabricated and calibrated. The receiving sensitivity of the OVH is measured to be as high as −202.1 dB@100 Hz (0 dB@1 V/μPa), and the average equivalent pressure sensitivity over the frequency range of interest of the OVH reaches −173.8 dB when the frequency ranges from 20 to 200 Hz. The 3 dB polar width of the directivity pattern for the OVH is measured as 87°. Moreover, the OVH is demonstrated to operate under 10 MPa hydrostatic pressure. These results show that the OVH is promising in low-frequency underwater acoustic detection.
Can gene editing reduce postharvest waste and loss of fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals?
Authors: Shipman Emma N. , Yu Jingwei , Zhou Jiaqi , Albornoz Karin , Beckles Diane M.
Published: January 2021

Postharvest waste and loss of horticultural crops exacerbates the agricultural problems facing humankind and will continue to do so in the next decade. Fruits and vegetables provide us with a vast spectrum of healthful nutrients, and along with ornamentals, enrich our lives with a wide array of pleasant sensory experiences. These commodities are, however, highly perishable. Approximately 33% of the produce that is harvested is never consumed since these products naturally have a short shelf-life, which leads to postharvest loss and waste. This loss, however, could be reduced by breeding new crops that retain desirable traits and accrue less damage over the course of long supply chains. New gene-editing tools promise the rapid and inexpensive production of new varieties of crops with enhanced traits more easily than was previously possible. Our aim in this review is to critically evaluate gene editing as a tool to modify the biological pathways that determine fruit, vegetable, and ornamental quality, especially after storage. We provide brief and accessible overviews of both the CRISPR–Cas9 method and the produce supply chain. Next, we survey the literature of the last 30 years, to catalog genes that control or regulate quality or senescence traits that are “ripe” for gene editing. Finally, we discuss barriers to implementing gene editing for postharvest, from the limitations of experimental methods to international policy. We conclude that in spite of the hurdles that remain, gene editing of produce and ornamentals will likely have a measurable impact on reducing postharvest loss and waste in the next 5–10 years.
SlGRAS4 accelerates fruit ripening by regulating ethylene biosynthesis genes and SlMADS1 in tomato
Authors: Liu Yudong , Shi Yuan , Su Deding , Lu Wang , Li Zhengguo
Published: January 2021

GRAS proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. However, their involvement in the ripening of economically important fruits and their transcriptional regulatory mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated that SlGRAS4, encoding a transcription factor of the GRAS family, was induced by the tomato ripening process and regulated by ethylene. Overexpression of SlGRAS4 accelerated fruit ripening, increased the total carotenoid content and increased PSY1 expression in SlGRAS4-OE fruit compared to wild-type fruit. The expression levels of key ethylene biosynthesis genes (SlACS2, SlACS4, SlACO1, and SlACO3) and crucial ripening regulators (RIN and NOR) were increased in SlGRAS4-OE fruit. The negative regulator of tomato fruit ripening, SlMADS1, was repressed in OE fruit. Exogenous ethylene and 1-MCP treatment revealed that more endogenous ethylene was derived in SlGRAS4-OE fruit. More obvious phenotypes were observed in OE seedlings after ACC treatment. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that SlGRAS4 can directly bind SlACO1 and SlACO3 promoters to activate their transcription, and SlGRAS4 can also directly repress SlMADS1 expression. Our study identified that SlGRAS4 acts as a new regulator of fruit ripening by regulating ethylene biosynthesis genes in a direct manner. This provides new knowledge of GRAS transcription factors involved in regulating fruit ripening.
Genome and transcriptome of Papaver somniferum Chinese landrace CHM indicates that massive genome expansion contributes to high benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis
Authors: Pei Li , Wang Baishi , Ye Jian , Hu Xiaodi , Fu Lihong , Li Kui , Ni Zhiyu , Wang Zhenlong , Wei Yujie , Shi Luye , Zhang Ying , Bai Xue , Jiang Mengwan , Wang Shuhui , Ma Chunling , Li Shujin , Liu Kaihui , Li Wanshui , Cong Bin
Published: January 2021

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a source of morphine, codeine, and semisynthetic derivatives, including oxycodone and naltrexone. Here, we report the de novo assembly and genomic analysis of P. somniferum traditional landrace ‘Chinese Herbal Medicine’. Variations between the 2.62 Gb CHM genome and that of the previously sequenced high noscapine 1 (HN1) variety were also explored. Among 79,668 protein-coding genes, we functionally annotated 88.9%, compared to 68.8% reported in the HN1 genome. Gene family and 4DTv comparative analyses with three other Papaveraceae species revealed that opium poppy underwent two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events. The first of these, in ancestral Ranunculales, expanded gene families related to characteristic secondary metabolite production and disease resistance. The more recent species-specific WGD mediated by transposable elements resulted in massive genome expansion. Genes carrying structural variations and large-effect variants associated with agronomically different phenotypes between CHM and HN1 that were identified through our transcriptomic comparison of multiple organs and developmental stages can enable the development of new varieties. These genomic and transcriptomic analyses will provide a valuable resource that informs future basic and agricultural studies of the opium poppy.
The transcription factor OpWRKY2 positively regulates the biosynthesis of the anticancer drug camptothecin in Ophiorrhiza pumila
Authors: Hao Xiaolong , Xie Chenhong , Ruan Qingyan , Zhang Xichen , Wu Chao , Han Bing , Qian Jun , Zhou Wei , Nützmann Hans-Wilhelm , Kai Guoyin
Published: January 2021

The limited bioavailability of plant-derived natural products with anticancer activity poses major challenges to the pharmaceutical industry. An example of this is camptothecin, a monoterpene indole alkaloid with potent anticancer activity that is extracted at very low concentrations from woody plants. Recently, camptothecin biosynthesis has been shown to become biotechnologically amenable in hairy-root systems of the natural producer Ophiorrhiza pumila. Here, time-course expression and metabolite analyses were performed to identify novel transcriptional regulators of camptothecin biosynthesis in O. pumila. It is shown here that camptothecin production increased over cultivation time and that the expression pattern of the WRKY transcription factor encoding gene OpWRKY2 is closely correlated with camptothecin accumulation. Overexpression of OpWRKY2 led to a more than three-fold increase in camptothecin levels. Accordingly, silencing of OpWRKY2 correlated with decreased camptothecin levels in the plant. Further detailed molecular characterization by electrophoretic mobility shift, yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays showed that OpWRKY2 directly binds and activates the central camptothecin pathway gene OpTDC. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that OpWRKY2 acts as a direct positive regulator of camptothecin biosynthesis. As such, a feasible strategy for the over-accumulation of camptothecin in a biotechnologically amenable system is presented.
Genomic consequences of apple improvement
Authors: Migicovsky Zoë , Gardner Kyle M. , Richards Christopher , Thomas Chao C. , Schwaninger Heidi R. , Fazio Gennaro , Zhong Gan-Yuan , Myles Sean
Published: January 2021

The apple (Malus domestica) is one of the world’s most commercially important perennial crops and its improvement has been the focus of human effort for thousands of years. Here, we genetically characterise over 1000 apple accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) germplasm collection using over 30,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We confirm the close genetic relationship between modern apple cultivars and their primary progenitor species,Malus sieversiifrom Central Asia, and find that cider apples derive more of their ancestry from the European crabapple,Malus sylvestris, than do dessert apples. We determine that most of the USDA collection is a large complex pedigree: over half of the collection is interconnected by a series of first-degree relationships. In addition, 15% of the accessions have a first-degree relationship with one of the top 8 cultivars produced in the USA. With the exception of ‘Honeycrisp’, the top 8 cultivars are interconnected to each other via pedigree relationships. The cultivars ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Delicious’ were found to have over 60 first-degree relatives, consistent with their repeated use by apple breeders. We detected a signature of intense selection for red skin and provide evidence that breeders also selected for increased firmness. Our results suggest that Americans are eating apples largely from a single family tree and that the apple’s future improvement will benefit from increased exploitation of its tremendous natural genetic diversity.
Ecological adaptations influence the susceptibility of plants in the genus Zantedeschia to soft rot Pectobacterium spp.
Authors: Guttman Yelena , Joshi Janak Raj , Chriker Nofar , Khadka Nirmal , Kleiman Maya , Reznik Noam , Wei Zunzheng , Kerem Zohar , Yedidia Iris
Published: January 2021

Soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium spp. is responsible for severe agricultural losses in potato, vegetables, and ornamentals. The genus Zantedeschia includes two botanical groups of tuberous ornamental flowers that are highly susceptible to the disease. Previous studies revealed that Z. aethiopica, a member of the section Zantedeschia, is significantly more resistant to Pectobacterium spp. than members of the same genus that belong to the section Aestivae. During early infection, we found different patterns of bacterial colonization on leaves of hosts belonging to the different sections. Similar patterns of bacterial colonization were observed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) artificial inert replicas of leaf surfaces. The replicas confirmed the physical effect of leaf texture, in addition to a biochemical plant–bacterium interaction. The differential patterns may be associated with the greater roughness of the abaxial leaf surfaces of Aestivae group that have evolutionarily adapted to mountainous environments, as compared to Zantedeschia group species that have adapted to warm, marshy environments. Transverse leaf sections also revealed compact aerenchyma and reduced the total volume of leaf tissue air spaces in Aestivae members. Finally, an analysis of defense marker genes revealed differential expression patterns in response to infection, with significantly higher levels of lipoxygenase 2 (lox2) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pal) observed in the more resistant Z. aethiopica, suggesting greater activation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) mechanisms in this group. The use of Zantedeschia as a model plant sheds light on how natural ecological adaptations may underlay resistance to bacterial soft rot in cultivated agricultural environments.
Divided attention does not affect the acquisition and consolidation of transitional probabilities
Authors: Horváth Kata , Török Csenge , Pesthy Orsolya , Nemeth Dezso , Janacsek Karolina
Published: December 2020

Statistical learning facilitates the efficient processing and prediction of environmental events and contributes to the acquisition of automatic behaviors. Whereas a minimal level of attention seems to be required for learning to occur, it is still unclear how acquisition and consolidation of statistical knowledge are affected when attention is divided during learning. To test the effect of divided attention on statistical learning and consolidation, ninety-six healthy young adults performed the Alternating Serial Reaction Time task in which they incidentally acquired second-order transitional probabilities. Half of the participants completed the task with a concurrent secondary intentional sequence learning task that was applied to the same stimulus stream. The other half of the participants performed the task without any attention manipulation. Performance was retested after a 12-h post-learning offline period. Half of each group slept during the delay, while the other half had normal daily activity, enabling us to test the effect of delay activity (sleep vs. wake) on the consolidation of statistical knowledge. Divided attention had no effect on statistical learning: The acquisition of second-order transitional probabilities was comparable with and without the secondary task. Consolidation was neither affected by divided attention: Statistical knowledge was similarly retained over the 12-h delay, irrespective of the delay activity. Our findings can contribute to a better understanding of the role of attentional processes in and the robustness of visuomotor statistical learning and consolidation.
Reanalysis datasets outperform other gridded climate products in vegetation change analysis in peripheral conservation areas of Central Asia
Authors: Zandler Harald , Senftl Thomas , Vanselow Kim André
Published: December 2020

Global environmental research requires long-term climate data. Yet, meteorological infrastructure is missing in the vast majority of the world’s protected areas. Therefore, gridded products are frequently used as the only available climate data source in peripheral regions. However, associated evaluations are commonly biased towards well observed areas and consequently, station-based datasets. As evaluations on vegetation monitoring abilities are lacking for regions with poor data availability, we analyzed the potential of several state-of-the-art climate datasets (CHIRPS, CRU, ERA5-Land, GPCC-Monitoring-Product, IMERG-GPM, MERRA-2, MODIS-MOD10A1) for assessing NDVI anomalies (MODIS-MOD13Q1) in two particularly suitable remote conservation areas. We calculated anomalies of 156 climate variables and seasonal periods during 2001–2018, correlated these with vegetation anomalies while taking the multiple comparison problem into consideration, and computed their spatial performance to derive suitable parameters. Our results showed that four datasets (MERRA-2, ERA5-Land, MOD10A1, CRU) were suitable for vegetation analysis in both regions, by showing significant correlations controlled at a false discovery rate < 5% and in more than half of the analyzed areas. Cross-validated variable selection and importance assessment based on the Boruta algorithm indicated high importance of the reanalysis datasets ERA5-Land and MERRA-2 in both areas but higher differences and variability between the regions with all other products. CHIRPS, GPCC and the bias-corrected version of MERRA-2 were unsuitable and not important in both regions. We provide evidence that reanalysis datasets are most suitable for spatiotemporally consistent environmental analysis whereas gauge- or satellite-based products and their combinations are highly variable and may not be applicable in peripheral areas.
Genetic information from discordant sibling pairs points to ESRP2 as a candidate trans-acting regulator of the CF modifier gene SCNN1B
Authors: Becker Tim , Pich Andreas , Tamm Stephanie , Hedtfeld Silke , Ibrahim Mohammed , Altmüller Janine , Dalibor Nina , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Janciauskiene Sabina , Tümmler Burkhard , Stanke Frauke
Published: December 2020

SCNN1B encodes the beta subunit of the epithelial sodium channel ENaC. Previously, we reported an association between SNP markers of SCNN1B gene and disease severity in cystic fibrosis-affected sibling pairs. We hypothesized that factors interacting with the SCNN1B genomic sequence are responsible for intrapair discordance. Concordant and discordant pairs differed at six SCNN1B markers (Praw = 0.0075, Pcorr = 0.0397 corrected for multiple testing). To identify the factors binding to these six SCNN1B SNPs, we performed an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and captured the DNA–protein complexes. Based on protein mass spectrometry data, the epithelial splicing regulatory protein ESRP2 was identified when using SCNN1B-derived probes and the ESRP2-SCNN1B interaction was independently confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation assays. We observed an alternative SCNN1B transcript and demonstrated in 16HBE14o− cells that levels of this transcript are decreased upon ESRP2 silencing by siRNA. Furthermore, we confirmed that mildly and severely affected siblings have different ESPR2 genetic backgrounds and that ESRP2 markers are linked to the response of CF patients’ nasal epithelium to amiloride, indicating ENaC involvement (Pbest = 0.0131, Pcorr = 0.068 for multiple testing). Our findings demonstrate that sibling pairs clinically discordant for CF can be used to identify meaningful DNA regulatory elements and interacting factors.
Sensory capability and information integration independently explain the cognitive status of healthy older adults
Authors: Misselhorn Jonas , Göschl Florian , Higgen Focko L. , Hummel Friedhelm C. , Gerloff Christian , Engel Andreas K.
Published: December 2020

While there is evidence that sensory processing and multisensory integration change with age, links between these alterations and their relation to cognitive status remain unclear. In this study, we assessed sensory thresholds and performance of healthy younger and older adults in a visuotactile delayed match-to-sample task. Using Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM), we explored the factors explaining cognitive status in the group of older adults. Additionally, we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to a parieto-central network found to underlie visuotactile interactions and working memory matching in our previous work. Response times and signal detection measures indicated enhanced multisensory integration and enhanced benefit from successful working memory matching in older adults. Further, tACS caused a frequency-specific speeding (20 Hz) and delaying (70 Hz) of responses. Data exploration suggested distinct underlying factors for sensory acuity and sensitivity d’ on the one side, and multisensory and working memory enhancement on the other side. Finally, BSEM showed that these two factors labelled ‘sensory capability’ and ‘information integration’ independently explained cognitive status. We conclude that sensory decline and enhanced information integration might relate to distinct processes of ageing and discuss a potential role of the parietal cortex in mediating augmented integration in older adults.
Averaging sleep spindle occurrence in dogs predicts learning performance better than single measures
Authors: Iotchev Ivaylo Borislavov , Reicher Vivien , Kovács Enikő , Kovács Tímea , Kis Anna , Gácsi Márta , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: December 2020

Although a positive link between sleep spindle occurrence and measures of post-sleep recall (learning success) is often reported for humans and replicated across species, the test–retest reliability of the effect is sometimes questioned. The largest to date study could not confirm the association, however methods for automatic spindle detection diverge in their estimates and vary between studies. Here we report that in dogs using the same detection method across different learning tasks is associated with observing a positive association between sleep spindle density (spindles/minute) and learning success. Our results suggest that reducing measurement error by averaging across measurements of density and learning can increase the visibility of this effect, implying that trait density (estimated through averaged occurrence) is a more reliable predictor of cognitive performance than estimates based on single measures.
The implication of the air quality pattern in South Korea after the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Koo Ja-Ho , Kim Jhoon , Lee Yun Gon , Park Sang Seo , Lee Seoyoung , Chong Heesung , Cho Yeseul , Kim Jaemin , Choi Kyungbae , Lee Taegyung
Published: December 2020

By using multiple satellite measurements, the changes of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over South Korea were investigated from January to March 2020 to evaluate the COVID-19 effect on the regional air quality. The NO2 decrease in South Korea was found but not significant, which indicates the effects of spontaneous social distancing under the maintenance of ordinary life. The AODs in 2020 were normally high in January, but they became lower starting from February. Since the atmosphere over Eastern Asia was unusually stagnant in January and February 2020, the AOD decrease in February 2020 clearly reveals the positive effect of the COVID-19. Considering the insignificant NO2 decrease in South Korea and the relatively long lifetime of aerosols, the AOD decrease in South Korea may be more attributed to the improvement of the air quality in neighboring countries. In March, regional atmosphere became well mixed and ventilated over South Korea, contributing to large enhancement of air quality. While the social activity was reduced after the COVID-19 outbreak, the regional meteorology should be also examined significantly to avoid the biased evaluation of the social impact on the change of the regional air quality.
Alloy-strain-output induced lattice dislocation in Ni3FeN/Ni3Fe ultrathin nanosheets for highly efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Li Zijian , Jang Haeseong , Qin Danni , Jiang Xiaoli , Ji Xuqiang , Kim Min Gyu , Zhang Lijie , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: December 2020

d-Ni3FeN/Ni3Fe with rich lattice defects, combining the ultrathin 2D morphology and the interface between Ni3FeN and Ni3Fe, endows the electrocatalyst with excellent performance for both the OER and HER in alkaline media.
Polymerization-induced proteinosome formation
Authors: Liu Fang , Cai Yaqian , Wang Huan , Yang Xinlin , Zhao Hanying
Published: December 2020

Bovine serum albumin-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (BSA-PNIPAM) proteinosomes were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer-mediated thermal dispersion polymerization of NIPAM in the presence of BSA at a temperature above the phase transition temperature.
Synergistic effect of the selenophene-containing central core and the regioisomeric monochlorinated terminals on the molecular packing, crystallinity, film morphology, and photovoltaic performance of selenophene-based nonfullerene acceptors
Authors: Ge Gao-Yang , Xiong Wentao , Liu Kai-Kai , Ryu Hwa Sook , Wan Shi-Sheng , Liu Bo , Mahmood Asif , Bai Hai-Rui , Wang Jun-Fang , Wang Zhaohui , Woo Han Young , Sun Yanming , Wang Jin-Liang
Published: December 2020

The synergistic effect of the selenophene-containing core and regioisomeric monochlorinated terminals for improving the molecular packing, crystallinity, film morphology, and photovoltaic performance.
Computational general relativistic force-free electrodynamics
Authors: Mahlmann J. F. , Aloy M. A. , Mewes V. , Cerdá-Durán P.
Published: January 2021

Scientific codes are an indispensable link between theory and experiment; in (astro-)plasma physics, such numerical tools are one window into the universe’s most extreme flows of energy. The discretization of Maxwell’s equations – needed to make highly magnetized (astro)physical plasma amenable to its numerical modeling – introduces numerical diffusion. It acts as a source of dissipation independent of the system’s physical constituents. Understanding the numerical diffusion of scientific codes is the key to classifying their reliability. It gives specific limits in which the results of numerical experiments are physical. We aim at quantifying and characterizing the numerical diffusion properties of our recently developed numerical tool for the simulation of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics by calibrating and comparing it with other strategies found in the literature. Our code correctly models smooth waves of highly magnetized plasma. We evaluate the limits of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics in the context of current sheets and tearing mode instabilities. We identify that the current parallel to the magnetic field (j∥), in combination with the breakdown of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics across current sheets, impairs the physical modeling of resistive instabilities. We find that at least eight numerical cells per characteristic size of interest (e.g., the wavelength in plasma waves or the transverse width of a current sheet) are needed to find consistency between resistivity of numerical and of physical origins. High-order discretization of the force-free current allows us to provide almost ideal orders of convergence for (smooth) plasma wave dynamics. The physical modeling of resistive layers requires suitable current prescriptions or a sub-grid modeling for the evolution of j∥.
Thin silicon solid-state detectors for energetic particle measurements
Authors: Wiedenbeck M. E. , Burnham J. A. , Cohen C. M. S. , Cook W. R. , Crabill R. M. , Cummings A. C. , Davis A. J. , Kecman B. , Labrador A. W. , Leske R. A. , Mewaldt R. A. , Rankin J. S. , Rusert M. D. , Stone E. C. , Christian E. R. , Goodwin P. A. , Link J. T. , Nahory B. W. , Shuman S. A. , von Rosenvinge T. T. , Tindall C. S. , Black H. , Bullough M. , Clarke N. , Glasson V. , Greenwood N. , Hawkins C. , Johnson T. L. , Newton A. , Richardson K. , Walsh S. , Wilburn C. , Birdwell B. , Everett D. T. , McComas D. J. , Weidner S. E. , Angold N. G. , Schwadron N. A.
Published: January 2021

Context. Silicon solid-state detectors are commonly used for measuring the specific ionization, dE∕dx, in instruments designed for identifying energetic nuclei using the dE∕dx versus total energy technique in space and in the laboratory. The energy threshold and species resolution of the technique strongly depend on the thickness and thickness uniformity of these detectors.

Aims. Research has been carried out to develop processes for fabricating detectors that are thinner than 15 μm, that have a thickness uniformity better than 0.2 μm over cm2 areas, and that are rugged enough to survive the acoustic and vibration environments of a spacecraft launch.

Methods. Silicon-on-insulator wafers that have a device layer of the desired detector thickness supported by a thick handle layer were used as starting material. Standard processing techniques were used to fabricate detectors on the device layer, and the underlying handle-layer material was etched away leaving a thin, uniform detector surrounded by a thick, supporting frame.

Results. Detectors as thin as 12 μm were fabricated in two laboratories and successfully subjected to environmental and performance tests. Two detector designs were used in the High-energy Energetic Particles Instrument, which is part of the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun instrument suite on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe spacecraft. These detectors have been performing well for more than two years in space.

Conclusions. Thin silicon detectors in d E∕dx versus total energy instruments enable the identification of nuclei with energies down to ~1 MeV nuc−1. This research suggests that detectors at least a factor of two thinner should be achievable using this fabrication technique.
Traction-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection followed by O-ring and over-the-scope clip closure in the stomach: an animal experimental study
Authors: Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Tada Naoya , Kozuka Kazuhiro , Matsui Takanori , Takata Tadayuki , Chiyo Taiga , Kobayashi Nobuya , Fujita Koji , Yachida Tatsuo , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Nishiyama Akira , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: January 2021

Background and study aims Exposed endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) enables the operator to obtain a sufficient surgical margin. However, insufflation leakage and secure endoscopic full-thickness closure (EFTC) remain problematic. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new exposed EFTR.

Patients and methods Exposed EFTR was performed for 2-cm virtual lesions in different locations of the upper stomach in four dogs. EFTR mainly involved half-circumferential EFTR of the endpoint and clip-line traction. Pulley traction was applied with the forward approach for the greater curvature. EFTC involved endoscopic ligation with O-ring closure to diminish insufflation leakage, followed by over-the-scope clip closure.

Results Complete resection and technical success were achieved in all four cases. One case of intraoperative bleeding was endoscopically managed. No postoperative complications occurred in any cases. The median maximum resected size was 27.5 mm. The median procedure time of the total operation, EFTR, and EFTC was 76, 37, and 35.5 minutes, respectively. The 1-month survival rate was 100 %.

Conclusions This therapeutic strategy may lead to the establishment of exposed EFTR.
Is jumbo biopsy forceps comparable to cold snare for diminutive colorectal polyps? – a meta-analysis
Authors: Srinivasan Sachin , Siersema Peter D. , Desai Madhav
Published: January 2021

Background and study aims Diminutive colorectal polyps are increasingly being detected and it is not clear whether jumbo biopsy forceps (JBF) has comparable efficacy to that of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for management of these lesions.

Methods An electronic literature search was performed for studies comparing resection rates of JBF and CSP for diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm). The primary outcome was incomplete resection rate (IRR). Secondary outcomes included failure of tissue retrieval and complication rates (post-polypectomy bleeding, perforation etc.). Leave-one-out analysis was performed to examine the disproportionate role of any of the studies. Meta-analysis outcomes and heterogeneity (I2) were computed using Comprehensive meta-analysis software.

Results A total of 4 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 1 retrospective study) with 407 patients and 569 total polyps (mean size of 3.62 mm) was included for analysis. IRR of JBF was slightly higher than that of CSP (10.2 % vs 7.2 %) but this was not statistically significantly different (Pooled OR 1.76; 95 % CI 0.94–3.28; I2 = 0). Leave-one-out analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled OR comparison either. Two of the 4 studies reported 0 % failure of tissue retrieval for JBF and 1 % and 4.3 % for CSP. There were no complications for either group from the 2 studies that reported this outcome. The quality of the included studies was moderate to high.

Conclusions This systematic review with only limited data shows that JBF and CSP are not statistically different in completely removing diminutive polyps, although careful endoscopic assessment is needed to ensure complete removal of all polyp tissue.
Evaluation of the optical criteria for sessile serrated lesions of the colon: A prospective study on a colorectal cancer screening population
Authors: Bustamante-Balén Marco , Satorres Carla , Ramos-Soler David , García-Campos Maria , Alonso Noelia , Ponce Marta , Argüello-Viudez Lidia , Giner Francisco , Ferrer-Lozano Jaime , Pons-Beltrán Vicente
Published: January 2021

Background and study aims We aimed to describe the presence and combination of Hazewinkelʼs optical diagnosis (OD) criteria for sessile serrated lesions (SSL), determining which lesion characteristics increase the probability of a correct OD, with a focus on diminutive lesions.

Patients and methods This was a prospective study describing the presence of Hazewinkelʼs OD criteria for SSL in lesions found in consecutive CRC screening colonoscopies. The presence of each OD criterion and their diagnostic combinations in SSL, related to the lesion’s NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification category, size, and location, were described. The presence of two or more optical criteria was considered diagnostic of SSL. The OD was compared to pathology as the gold standard.

Results Seventy-nine SSLs (5.6 %) were diagnosed. Cloud-like appearance was the most prevalent OD criterion (35, 44.3 %). OD criteria were more frequently identified in NICE type 1, ≥ 10 mm, and proximal lesions. Only 26 SLLs fulfilled the OD criteria (sensitivity 32.9 %, 95 % CI 29.1 %–36.7 %). The sensitivity for diminutive SSL was 14.7 %, (95 % CI 11.9 %–17.6 %). Eighty-five lesions were optically diagnosed as SSL. However, only in 26 SSL was this the definitive diagnosis (positive predictive value 30.6 %, 95 % CI 26.9 %–34.3 %). Size > 5 mm and proximal location increased the probability of a correct diagnosis. The overall accuracy of the optical criteria was 92.0 % (95 % CI, 89.8 %–94.2 %).

Conclusions The Hazewinkelʼs optical criteria are not reliable for a positive diagnosis of SSL, particularly for diminutive lesions.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marincola Giuseppe , Gallo Camilla , Hassan Cesare , Sessa Luca , Raffaelli Marco , Costamagna Guido , Bove Vincenzo , Pontecorvi Valerio , Orlandini Beatrice , Boškoski Ivo
Published: January 2021

Background and study aims Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the current standard for bariatric surgery, but it is affected by several postoperative complications. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) was created as a less invasive alternative to LSG. However, its efficacy and safety compared with LSG is unclear.

Materials and methods Relevant publications were identified in MEDLINE/Cochrane/EMBASE/OVID/ PROSPERO and NIH up to January 2020. Studies were selected that included obese patients with a baseline body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m² with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up and with reported incidence of complications. The mean difference in percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months between LSG and ESG represented the primary endpoint. We also assessed the difference in pooled rate of adverse events. The quality of the studies and heterogeneity among them was analyzed.

Results Sixteen studies were selected for a total of 2188 patients (LSG: 1429; ESG: 759) with a mean BMI 34.34 and 34.72 kg/m² for LSG and ESG, respectively. Mean %EWL was 80.32 % (± 12.20; 95 % CI; P = 0.001; I² = 98.88) and 62.20 % (± 4.38; 95 % CI; P = 0.005; I² = 65.52) for the LSG and ESG groups, respectively, corresponding to an absolute difference of 18.12 % (± 0.89; 95 % CI, P = 0.0001). The difference in terms of mean rate of adverse events was 0.19 % (± 0.37; 95 %CI; χ 2  = 1.602; P = 0.2056).

Conclusions Our analysis showed a moderate superiority of LSG versus ESG. No difference in terms of safety was shown between the two groups. ESG is a less-invasive, repeatable and reversable and acceptable option for mild-moderate obese patients.
A Panoramic Review on Lepidium sativum L. Bioactives as Prospective Therapeutics
Authors: Ahmad Asad , Nabi Rabia , Mishra Anuradha , Ahmad Iffat Zareen
Published: December 2020

Background Lepidium sativum (L. sativum), an annual herb belonging to family Brassicaceae is commonly known as Garden cress of Egyptian origin but now a day’s cultivated worldwide. The plant material and its constituents are used in various traditional and folk medicines for the treatment of various liver diseases and other ailments.

Objective This review aims to gather comprehensive information on L. sativumʼs bioactive constituents, and itʼs antioxidant, hepato-protective and anticancer activity.

Method Systematic exploration for research evidences were carried out using well-structured and focused review question and presented data in the tabular form for readers’ convenience.

Results The comprehensive literature survey was conducted, and we found that specific studies on L. Sativum and its bioactive compounds had been carried out to date. We explored the unique and selective effect of L. Sativum and its bioactive constituents to combat oxidative stress and hepatic carcinoma.

Conclusion The present article appraised that L. sativum extract has a potential therapeutic effect against liver toxicity and hepato-carcinoma. Graphical Abstract.
Radiation-Induced Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Vagus Nerve Following Radiation Treatment of Cervical Paraganglioma
Authors: Lekovic Gregory P. , Mehta Gautam U. , Maxwell Anne K. , Peng Kevin A. , Brackmann Derald E.
Published: January 2021

Radiation-induced sarcoma is a known but rare complication of radiation treatment for skull base paraganglioma. We present the cases of a female patient with multiple paraganglioma syndrome treated with external beam radiation treatment who presented 4 years later with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the vagus nerve.
Homoeopathic Management of a Case of Severe Haemophilia Type A with Inhibitor Positive: Case Report
Authors: Shah Hiral , Kundu Tapas Kumar , Shaikh Afroz Farooque
Published: January 2021

Haemophilia is an X-linked inherited immunogenetic bleeding disorder resulting from deficiency of clotting Factor VIII (haemophilia A) or Factor IX (haemophilia B). Haemophilia patients suffer from complication of developing autoantibodies/inhibitor against clotting factors used for the treatment; most commonly patients are treated with Factor VIII replacement therapy. In modern medicine, haemophiliacs with inhibitor positive status are treated with bypassing agents such as Factor VIII inhibitor bypassing agent and immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI) because such patients do not respond to traditional factor replacement therapy during an event of active bleeding. Treatment with ITI is very expensive and it requires medical expertise. Moreover, high cost of such treatment is one part of the problem, while its availability is another problem especially in developing countries. The inhibitor status among haemophilia patients is identified by conducting a blood test which measures the Bethesda units (BU) levels in the blood. In this case report, the homoeopathic management of a patient with haemophilia A severe type (Factor VIII <1%), inhibitor positive (4 BU/mL), is presented. The patient underwent treatment for a span of 4 years. After closely assessing the patient's condition and applying the principles of homeopathy medicine selection, his frequent bleeding episodes were treated with homoeopathic medicines such as Hamamelis Virginica Q, Phosphorus, Arnica montana, Rhus toxicodendron, Calendula officinalis, and Pulsatilla nigricans. Intercurrent medicine—Tuberculinum bovinum—was given when the most indicated medicine failed to relieve the symptoms of the case and was given during non-bleeding phase. The medicines not only helped in reducing haemophilia-related bleeding episodes but also improved complaints of pain, relieved skin complaints, and showed improvement in overall psychological status of patient. It can be concluded that homeopathy medicines were able to successfully reduce the frequency of bleeding and intensity of pain in this patient. Owing to reduced bleeding, he required relatively a smaller number of factor replacement treatment compared with earlier when he was not taking homeopathy. Homoeopathy proved to be effective in managing severe haemophilia patient as a supportive therapy and was able to contribute toward reduced inhibitor levels in severe haemophilia patient.
Usability Testing of a Sensor-Controlled Digital Game to Engage Older Adults with Heart Failure in Physical Activity and Weight Monitoring
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Julien Christine , O'Hair Matthew , Baranowski Thomas , Lee Grace , Allen Catherine , Sagna Atami , Thomaz Edison , Kim Miyong
Published: December 2020

Background Poor self-management of heart failure (HF) has contributed to poor health outcomes. Sensor-controlled digital games (SCDGs) integrates data from behavior-tracking sensors to trigger progress, rewards, content, and positive feedback in a digital game to motivate real-time behaviors.

Objectives To assess the usability of an SCDG prototype over a week of game-playing among 10 older adults with HF in their homes.

Methods During initial play, participants' SCDG experiences were observed in their homes using a checklist based on the seven-item Serious Game User Evaluator (SeGUE) instrument. After a week of game-playing, participants completed a survey guided by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, to provide their perceptions of the SCDG's usability. Qualitative analysis via semistructured interview-derived themes on experiences playing the SCDG, perceptions regarding engaging with the SCDG, and any usability issues encountered.

Results Ten HF participants (50% women and 50% White) played the SCDG for an average of 6 out of 7 days. Nine found the SCDG to be interesting, satisfying, and easy to play. The average step count over a week was 4,117 steps (range: 967–9,892). Average adherence with weight monitoring was 5.9 days in a week. Qualitative analysis yielded outcomes regarding attitudes toward SCDG, and barriers and facilitators that influenced participants' engagement with the SCDG.

Conclusion To the best of the authors' knowledge, this usability and feasibility study is the first to report an SCDG designed to improve HF self-management behaviors of older adults in their homes. Future research should consider several issues, such as user profiles, prior game-playing experiences, and network conditions most suitable for connected health interventions for older adults living in the community.
Long-Term Results of Patch Repair in Destructive Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Li Jing , Zilz Christian , Floerchinger Bernhard , Holzamer Andreas , Camboni Daniele , Schach Christian , Schmid Christof , Rupprecht Leopold
Published: January 2021

Objectives Treatment of destructive endocarditis with abscess formation is a surgical challenge and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A root replacement is often performed in case of an annular abscess. This retrospective study was designed to assess the long-term outcome of extensive debridement and patch reconstruction as an alternative approach.

Methods Between November 2007 and November 2016, a selected group of 79 patients (29.6% of all surgical endocarditis cases) with native valve endocarditis (NVE, 53.2%) or prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE, 46.8%) valve endocarditis underwent surgical therapy with extensive annular debridement and patch reconstruction. Their postoperative course, freedom from recurrent endocarditis, and survival at 1, 5, and 7 years were evaluated.

Results About two-thirds of patients were in a stable condition, one-third of patients were in a critical state. The median logistic EuroSCORE I was 17%. Infected tissue was removed, and defect closure was performed, either with autologous pericardium for small defects, or with bovine pericardium for larger defects. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 11.3% (NVE: 9.7%, PVE: 13.2%; p = 0.412). In single valve endocarditis survival at 1, 5, and 7 years was 81, 72, 72%, respectively for NVE, and 80, 57, 57%, respectively for PVE (p = 0.589), whereas in multiple valve endocarditis survival at 1, 5, and 7 years was 82, 82, 82% for NVE, and 61, 61, and 31%, respectively for PVE (p = 0.132). Confirmed late reinfection was very low.

Conclusion Surgical treatment of destructive endocarditis with abscess formation using patch repair techniques offers acceptable early and long-term results. The relapse rate was low. PVE and involvement of multiple valves were associated with worse outcomes.
Cancer Immunology and Immuno-Oncology (Innate vs. Adaptive Cell Immunity)
Authors: Nezami Nariman , Sanchez Carlos J. , Moon John , Shaikh Jamil , Kokabi Nima
Published: January 2021

Tumorigenesis occurs due to both intrinsic cellular genetic changes and imbalances within the tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is composed of a complex ecosystem of tumor cells, vasculature, extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and immune cells. With these cells, there is both immune activation and immune suppression that promote or inhibit tumor development. These interactions lead to a constant flux of remodeling within the tumor microenvironment that additionally promote or inhibits tumor metastasis. To promote or suppress either antitumorigenic or protumorigenic effects, it is important to understand the complex interactions of the tumor and its interactions with the immune system within the tumor microenvironment. This review article addresses the role of the immune system and its cellular components within the tumor microenvironment.
Continuous-Flow Processes for the Production of Floxacin Intermediates: Efficient C–C Bond Formation through a Rapid and Strong Activation of Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Guo Shao-Zheng , Yu Zhi-Qun , Su Wei-Ke
Published: January 2021

The development of highly efficient C–C bond formation methods for the synthesis of ethyl 2-(2,4-dichloro-5-fluorobenzoyl)-3-(dimethylamino)acrylate 1 in continuous flow processes has been described, which is based on the concept of rapid and efficient activation of carboxylic acid. 2,4-Dichloro-5-fluorobenzoic acid is rapidly converted into highly reactive 2,4-dichloro-5-fluorobenzoyl chloride by treating with inexpensive and less-toxic solid bis(trichloromethyl)carbonate. And then it rapidly reacts with ethyl 3-(dimethylamino)acrylate to afford the desired 1. This process can be performed under mild conditions. Compared with the traditional tank reactor process, less raw material consumption, higher product yield, less reaction time, higher operation safety ensured by more the environmentally friendly procedure, and process continuity are achieved in the continuous-flow system.