bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body size variation in a guild of carrion beetles
Authors: Collard Allison E. , Wettlaufer Jillian D. , Burke Kevin W. , Beresford David V. , Martin Paul R. 
Published: October 2020

Body size is a key biological trait, influencing the biomechanics, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of species. Describing variation in body size within and among co-occurring species within an ecological guild can provide important context for understanding the ecology of species and the structure of ecological communities. Here, we focus on a guild of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) co-occurring in southeastern Ontario, Canada. We examine how body size varies (i) among species, (ii) within species, including among sexes, and (iii) across the active season, contrasting estimates of size based on mass with those based on morphological structure (elytron length). We find that body size varies significantly both within and among species. Five focal species show evidence for sexual dimorphism in size. All focal species show significant seasonal variation in size, but these patterns differ across species, and depend on our estimates of size. Overall, the observed variation in body size is most consistent with widespread environmental constraints on size and (or) diverse selective pressures favouring different sizes within and among species. We discuss possible selective pressures acting on size within and among species; however, the causes and consequences of the variation in body size that we describe remain to be discovered.
How round is the quantum de Sitter universe?
Authors: Klitgaard N. , Loll R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe investigate the quantum Ricci curvature, which was introduced in earlier work, in full, four-dimensional quantum gravity, formulated nonperturbatively in terms of Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT). A key finding of the CDT approach is the emergence of a universe of de Sitter-type, as evidenced by the successful matching of Monte Carlo measurements of the quantum dynamics of the global scale factor with a semiclassical minisuperspace model. An important question is whether the quantum universe exhibits semiclassicality also with regard to its more local geometric properties. Using the new quantum curvature observable, we examine whether the (quasi-)local properties of the quantum geometry resemble those of a constantly curved space. We find evidence that on sufficiently large scales the curvature behaviour is compatible with that of a four-sphere, thus strengthening the interpretation of the dynamically generated quantum universe in terms of a de Sitter space.
Recurrent HNSCC Harbor an Immunosuppressive Tumor Immune Microenvironment Suggesting Successful Tumor Immune Evasion
Authors: Watermann Christian , Pasternack Helen , Idel Christian , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Brägelmann Johannes , Kuppler Patrick , Offermann Anne , Jonigk Danny , Kühnel Mark Philipp , Schröck Andreas , Dreyer Eva , Rosero Christian , Nathansen Jacqueline , Dubrovska Anna , Tharun Lars , Kirfel Jutta , Wollenberg Barbara , Perner Sven , Krupar Rosemarie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
Recurrent tumors (RT) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) occur in up to 60%, with poor therapeutic response and detrimental prognosis. We hypothesized that HNSCC RTs successfully evade antitumor immune response and aimed to reveal tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) changes of primary tumors (PT) and corresponding RTs.

Experimental Design:
Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) of 300 PTs and 108 RTs from two large independent and clinically well-characterized HNSCC cohorts [discovery cohort (DC), validation cohort (VD)] were compared by IHC. mRNA expression analysis of 730 immune-related genes was performed for 18 PTs and RTs after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The effect of chemotherapy and radiation resistance was assessed with an in vitro spheroid/immunocyte coculture model.

Results:
TIME analysis revealed overall decrease of TILs with significant loss of CD8+ T cells (DC P = 0.045/VC P &lt; 0.0001) and B lymphocytes (DC P = 0.036/VC P &lt; 0.0001) in RTs compared with PTs in both cohorts. Decrease predominantly occurred in RTs after CRT. Gene expression analysis confirmed loss of TILs (P = 0.0004) and B lymphocytes (P &lt; 0.0001) and showed relative increase of neutrophils (P = 0.018), macrophages (P &lt; 0.0001), dendritic cells (P = 0.0002), and mast cells (P = 0.0057) as well as lower overall expression of immune-related genes (P = 0.018) in RTs after CRT. Genes involved in B-lymphocyte functions and number of tertiary lymphoid structures showed the strongest decrease. SPP1 and MAPK1 were upregulated in vivo and in vitro, indicating their potential suitability as therapeutic targets in CRT resistance.

Conclusions:
HNSCC RTs have an immunosuppressive TIME, which is particularly apparent after adjuvant CRT and might substantially contribute to poor therapeutic response and prognosis.
New Drug for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Might Stimulate the Market
Authors: Müller Martin C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The evolution of treatment options over the past 20 years has provided for a normal life expectancy for most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors mainly differ in potency and side effect profile. Flumatinib goes for deep responses and good tolerability.
See related article by Zhang et al., p. 70
Comparison Between Optical Frequency Domain Imaging and Intravascular Ultrasound for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Guidance in Biolimus A9-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Muramatsu Takashi , Ozaki Yukio , Nanasato Mamoru , Ishikawa Masato , Nagasaka Ryo , Ohota Masaya , Hashimoto Yosuke , Yoshiki Yu , Takatsu Hidemaro , Ito Katsuyoshi , Kamiya Hiroki , Yoshida Yukihiko , Murohara Toyoaki , Izawa Hideo ,   on behalf of the MISTIC-1 Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background:
Given the characteristic differences between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), their approach to therapeutic guidance during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and arterial healing response after stenting may also vary.

Methods:
MISTIC-1 (The Multimodality Imaging Study in Cardiology cohort 1) is a multicenter, randomized-controlled, noninferiority trial that compared imaging end points between OFDI- and IVUS-guided PCI. Patients with stable coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to either OFDI- or IVUS-guided PCI using a Biolimus A9-eluting stent according to a prespecified protocol for imaging guidance. Stent sizing was based on external elastic lamina in IVUS-guided PCI while lumen up-size in OFDI-guided PCI. Postprocedural OFDI was investigated regardless of randomization, while operators in IVUS-guided PCI arm were blinded to the images. The primary end point was in-segment minimum lumen area assessed using OFDI at 8 months, while the secondary end point was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or target-lesion revascularization (device-oriented composite end point). Patients were followed up to 3 years after the index procedure.

Results:

A total of 109 patients (mean age 70 years, male 78%) with 126 lesions were enrolled. Postprocedural minimum stent area was 6.31±1.89 and 6.72±2.08 mm
2
in OFDI and IVUS group, respectively (
P
=0.26). At the 8-month follow-up, in-segment minimum lumen area was 4.56±1.94 and 4.13±1.86 mm
2
in OFDI and IVUS group, respectively (
P
non-inferiority
<0.001). Both groups had comparable neointimal healing score (median 0.16 [interquartile range, 0.00–3.14] versus 0.90 [0.00–3.30], respectively;
P
=0.43). The incidence rate of device-oriented composite end point at 3 years was 7.4% and 7.3% in OFDI and IVUS group, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.26–4.18];
P
=0.95).

Conclusions:
OFDI-guided PCI was not inferior to IVUS-guided PCI in terms of in-segment minimum lumen area at 8 months. Although a small sample size was acknowledged, OFDI could be an alternative to IVUS when considering intracoronary imaging-guided PCI in selected populations with coronary artery diseases.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03292081.
Shortening Ambulance Response Time Increases Survival in Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Holmén Johan , Herlitz Johan , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Strömsöe Anneli , Hagberg Eva , Axelsson Christer , Rawshani Araz 
Published: October 2020

Background
The ambulance response time in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has doubled over the past 30 years in Sweden. At the same time, the chances of surviving an OHCA have increased substantially. A correct understanding of the effect of ambulance response time on the outcome after OHCA is fundamental for further advancement in cardiac arrest care.

Methods and Results
We used data from the SRCR (Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to determine the effect of ambulance response time on 30‐day survival after OHCA. We included 20 420 cases of OHCA occurring in Sweden between 2008 and 2017. Survival to 30 days was our primary outcome. Stratification and multiple logistic regression were used to control for confounding variables. In a model adjusted for age, sex, calendar year, and place of collapse, survival to 30 days is presented for 4 different groups of emergency medical services (EMS)‐crew response time: 0 to 6 minutes, 7 to 9 minutes, 10 to 15 minutes, and >15 minutes. Survival to 30 days after a witnessed OHCA decreased as ambulance response time increased. For EMS response times of >10 minutes, the overall survival among those receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation before EMS arrival was slightly higher than survival for the sub‐group of patients treated with compressions‐only cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Conclusions
Survival to 30 days after a witnessed OHCA decreases as ambulance response times increase. This correlation was seen independently of initial rhythm and whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed before EMS‐crew arrival. Shortening EMS response times is likely to be a fast and effective way of increasing survival in OHCA.
Abstract 244: Post- But Not Pre-menopausal Female Smoothelin-like 1 Deficient Mice Develop Diastolic Dysfunction Unlike Their Male Counterparts
Authors: Murali Megha , Belke Darrell D , Cole William C , MacDonald Justin A 
Published: October 2020

Diastolic dysfunction is a core characteristic of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which accounts for half of all HF cases. Our group revealed a novel impact of the smoothelin-like 1 (SMTNL1) protein which when subjected to genetic deletion drives alterations in endothelial and cardiovascular performances. Of note, previous cardiac hemodynamic profiling showed that young male SMTNL1 knockout (KO) mice developed diastolic dysfunction as evidenced by increased end diastolic pressure (EDP), left ventricular relaxation time constant (Tau) and steeper end diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR).
A majority of HFpEF patients are post-menopausal women, so this study examined the impact of SMTNL1 silencing on endothelial and cardiac function with increasing age in a novel female murine model. The cardiac function of SMTNL1 global KO mice (3-, 12- and 18-month old, male and female) was assessed by echocardiography and pressure-volume loop. Unlike young males, 3-month old female KO mice did not develop diastolic dysfunction. However, ageing provided progressive impairment of diastolic function in female KO mice with increased EDP (8.4±1.1 vs 12.2±0.8 mmHg, p<0.02) and EDPVR (0.22±0.05 vs 0.51±0.05, p=0.02) at 18 months; an elevated E/E′ (20.8±1.6 vs 28.3±2.2, p=0.02) and decreased E′/A′ (1.49±0.19 vs 0.97±0.14, p<0.05) at 12 months in comparison to their WT counterparts, along with a normal ejection fraction (>60%) for all age groups. Furthermore, while flow-mediated dilation was continuously impaired in male KO cohorts from 3-month age, female KO showed impairment only at 12-months. Aging was also associated with altered cardiac morphology and fibrotic levels in the aged female KO cohort.
Taken together, we have identified pathophysiologic effects of SMTNL1 silencing on vascular and cardiac function with ageing in female mice. The SMTNL1 KO model for the first time recapitulates the sex dimorphic onset of diastolic dysfunction that is central to HFpEF clinical phenotypes and represents a novel preclinical model to study the etiology of the HFpEF condition. Furthermore, the absence of diastolic dysfunction in KO female mice until post-menopausal age reveals a protective role of female sex hormones and warrants further study.
Abstract 279: A Defective Mechanosensing Promotes Impaired Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast Maturation in the Aging Mouse Heart
Authors: Angelini Aude , Trial JoAnn , Cieslik Katarzyna A 
Published: October 2020

In the aging heart, fibroblasts have a reduced ability to mature into myofibroblasts (expressing contractile actin a-SMA), which is necessary for scar contraction in wound healing. The mechanosensing pathway bridges the extracellular matrix (ECM) with the actin cytoskeleton and is altered during aging. We emphasize that changes in this pathway may affect myofibroblast activation. Using various methods (mass spectrometry, qPCR, flow, IF staining, and western), we found several abnormalities in the fibroblasts derived from old mouse hearts: 1) ECM deposited was altered with an increased quantity of collagens and the presence of fibronectin variant Anastellin that opposes myofibroblast maturation; 2) there was a 50% reduction of Kindlin-2, a protein that promotes integrin activation; 3) Polymerized (F-) to monomeric (G-) actin ratio was decreased by 65%, possibly due to a 5-fold increase in pERKs1/2 level, a negative regulator of F-actin; and pERKs inhibition (by 2.5μM, PD-0325901) increased by 2-fold F/G actin ratio; 4) we found an increased cytoplasmic retention of MRTF-A (by 44%), an actin-sensitive co-transcription factor (necessary for a-SMA) that shuttles into the nucleus in response to F-actin formation; 5) pERKs inhibition increased a-SMA transcription by 78%. Thus, the disrupted mechanosensing pathway contributes to the impaired myofibroblast maturation in the aging heart.
All experiments were performed in young (3-4 month-old) and old (24-30 month-old) hearts or primary cardiac fibroblasts isolated from male C57BL/6J mice. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis, n=2 for mass spectrometry and n=4-10 for all other biological repeats.
Abstract 519: Talin is Required for Normal Adult Heart Function
Authors: Cho Yoshitake , Li Ruixia , Manso Ana M , Ross Robert S 
Published: October 2020

Talin (Tln) is a component of muscle costameres that links integrins to other components of the cellular cytoskeleton and plays an important role in maintaining the cellular integrity of cardiac myocytes (CM). There are two talin genes, Tln1 and Tln2, expressed in the heart. Tln1 is ubiquitously expressed, and Tln2 is dominantly expressed in CM. In our previous study, we show that the global deletion of Tln2 in mice (T2KO) caused no structural or functional changes in the heart, presumably because CM Tln1 became up-regulated. However, we found that mice lacking both CM Tln1 and Tln2 exhibit cardiac dysfunction by 4 weeks (w) of age with 100% mortality by 6 months (m), showing Tln plays an essential role in cardiac development and in maintaining cardiac function. In this study, we produced a tamoxifen (Tamo)-inducible mouse model in which Tln1 could be explicitly reduced in the adult CM (T1icKO), and then generate T1icKO:T2KO (T1/2dKO), so that the function of Tln could be assessed in the postnatal heart.
T2KO and Tln1/2dKO mice were injected with Tamo at 8w. Echocardiograms were performed to evaluate cardiac function up to 8w post-Tamo injection. While T2KO mice showed normal cardiac function, T1/2dKO exhibited a gradual decrease in function post-Tamo injection. At 8w post-Tamo injection, T1/2dKO mice showed cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and heart failure. To understand the mechanism by which deletion CM talin leads to cardiac dysfunction, left ventricular tissue protein lysates from T2KO and T1/2dKO mice at 4w post-Tamo when cardiac function (echo) and structure were preserved in dKO. The protein lysates were subjected to quantitative mass spectrometry analysis. We found there are 1,100 proteins differentially expressed in T2KO and T1/2dKO hearts. Pathway analysis was performed, and the results showed that proteins involved in vesicle transport, protein folding, and innate immunity are most up-regulated in the T1/2dKO heart. Taken together, our results show that Tln is required for maintaining proper cardiac function in the adult heart. The deletion of Tln in CM results in the up-regulation of multiple intracellular pathways, and we are currently studying the role of each pathway in the pathogenesis of heart failure induced by CM Tln deletion.
Abstract 547: Hur Dependent Regulation of Inflammatory Remodeling Following Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion Injury
Authors: Slone Samuel F , Fleifil Salma , Alam Perwez , Anthony Sarah , Nieman Michelle L , Lorenz John , Tranter Michael 
Published: October 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI), resulting from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury due to the obstruction of coronary blood flow, affects an estimated 800,000 Americans annually resulting in a cost of nearly 12 billion dollars to the health care system. Recent medical advances have led to improved survival following acute MI, but unfortunately, the post-MI inflammatory and fibrotic remodeling of the heart is driving an increase in the prevalence of heart failure. Preliminary data from our lab shows that the RNA binding protein Human antigen R (HuR) undergoes nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation within 30 minutes and is increased in expression at both 2 hours and 7 days post-I/R. The objective of this work is to determine the mechanistic role of HuR on the regulation of cardiac cytokine/chemokine expression and the functional effect of HuR on macrophage infiltration and polarization post-I/R.
Wild-type mice were subjected to 30 minutes of LAD (left anterior descending) coronary artery ligation (ischemia) followed by reperfusion with HuR inhibitor or vehicle control administered at the start of reperfusion. Our results show that inhibition of HuR reduces cardiac mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and ICAM-1 at 2 hours post-reperfusion, but does not affect initial (24 hour) infarct size. In addition, HuR inhibition reduces macrophage infiltration at 7 days post-I/R, as well as cardiac fibrosis and ventricular dilation while preserving cardiac function at 14 days post-I/R. Furthermore, H9c2s treated with HuR inhibitor blunts the mRNA expression of CCL2 after acute stimulation of lipopolysaccharide.
In conclusion, we show that HuR inhibition at the time of reperfusion is protective against post-MI inflammatory and fibrotic remodeling through a reduction in inflammatory gene expression and macrophage infiltration. Previous work by the lab has demonstrated a direct role for HuR in cardiac myocytes, but these results also suggest that HuR-mediated gene expression in macrophages may play a role in post-MI inflammatory and fibrotic remodeling.
Crude Illumination: A Crude Oil Art Inspection
Authors: Vargas Elia , Siembieda Danielle 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This statement details Elia Vargas's hybrid research art practice and examines alternative histories of crude oil through the social practice of “Art Inspector” Danielle Siembieda. Using art inspection as a creative framework for understanding the entangled nature and culture of the product Crudoleum, invented by American mystic Edgar Cayce, Siembieda evaluates Vargas's crude oil art practice through an assessment of its environmental impacts. The performative inspection speculatively and empirically examines assumptions about the materiality of oil. The purpose of this statement is twofold: to analyze the constitution of Crudoleum, contextualizing it within a history of other petropractices, and to continue Vargas's ongoing critique of the perspective that fossil fuels are ontologically determinate by humans.
YHW the God of Heaven: An interpretatio persica et aegyptiaca of YHW in Elephantine
Authors: Granerød Gard 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The article discusses the background and implications of the title “the God of Heaven” used as an epithet for YHW in Elephantine. It argues that one should look for the background in the winged symbol used in both Achaemenid and Egyptian iconography. In the Achaemenid–Egyptian context, the title “the God of Heaven” worked as a transmedial, textual reference to the winged symbol that was common to both Achaemenid and Egyptian iconography. In Egypt during the Achaemenid period, the reference of the winged symbol and the title “the God of Heaven” was ultimately the Achaemenid dynasty god Ahura Mazda and perhaps the Egyptian king-protector Horus-Behdety. In the identification of YHW with “the God of Heaven,” we witness an interpretatio persica et aegyptiaca of YHW into the supreme gods of the Achaemenids and the Egyptians.
Synchronicity Research
Authors: Sacco Robert G. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Recent years have seen an increased interest in journal articles and books on the topic of synchronicity. Such scholarly interest is consistent with increased cultural attention given to synchronicity and changes to the social context in which spirituality thrives as a personal search for meaning, which may or may not relate to religion. Based on a review of the extant literature on synchronicity, this paper proposes a new taxonomy for better understanding and analyzing the growing phenomenon of individual and cultural interest in synchronicity. The taxonomy consists of four dimensions of synchronicity: Context, Process, Content, and Explanation. The primary contributions of this paper are (a) description and definition of the concept of synchronicity, (b) preliminary proposal of a taxonomy of synchronicity, and (c) outline of a research agenda to conduct theory-based studies of synchronicity phenomena.
Bridging the Knowledge and Business Ecosystems: Resources and Mechanisms for Regional Entrepreneurial Development
Authors: Oliver Zachary T. , Hogan Michael , Albats Ekaterina 
Published: October 2020

This article explores a phenomenon of a regional startup ecosystem—its key elements, resources and mechanisms needed for the ecosystem development and growth. Despite famous success stories of such regional ecosystems as Silicon Valley, the literature suggests multiple problems to emerge on the ecosystem development pathway. One of the common issues is a relative disconnect between the knowledge subsystem represented by research centers or universities and a business subsystem represented by mainly large firms. The current understanding of the underlying mechanisms helping to bridge the gap between knowledge and business ecosystems in entrepreneurial regions remain limited. Studying the case of one of the oldest science and technology parks in the world, Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, usa, we explore the development of a regional ecosystem—its elements, challenges and mechanisms to address those. Our findings reveal the key elements, with entrepreneurial networks being one of the most crucial, and explain the difficulties in the elements’ interaction.