bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record
Authors: Lev Ma‘ayan , Weinstein-Evron Mina , Yeshurun Reuven 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSquamate (lizard and snake) remains are abundant in the terminal Pleistocene Natufian archaeological sites of the Levant, raising the question of whether they constitute part of the broad-spectrum diet characteristic of this period. However, the role of squamates in Natufian diets remains unclear, as they are taphonomically under-studied. We conducted a series of experiments and actualistic observations that tested the impact of pre- and post-depositional processes on squamate vertebrae. We emphasized the multiple destruction processes that leave overlapping or altered marks on the bones, such as digestion marks that were modified by trampling. The resulting bone modification typology provides a tool for studying archaeological squamate remains. The experimental data were compared to the archaeological bone samples of the Natufian sequence of el-Wad Terrace (Mount Carmel, Israel, 15,000–12,000 cal BP). The Natufian squamate samples deviate from all actualistic ones in their lesser evidence of digestion and much greater indications for trampling, erosion and breakage. The taphonomic study, coupled with intra-site analysis, has unraveled the complex depositional history of el-Wad Terrace, enabling us to differentiate between cultural and non-cultural contexts and to identify possible human consumption of the European glass lizard and the large whip snake in the Natufian.
Prediction of re-oxidation behaviour of ultra-low carbon steel by different slag series
Authors: Deng Aijun , Xia Yunjin , Dong Hongbiao , Wang Haichuan , Fan Dingdong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA kinetic model was developed using FactSage Macro Processing to simulate the re-oxidation of ultra-low carbon steel via different oxidising slags. The calculated results show good agreement with experimental laboratory thermal simulation data. Therefore, the model can be used to predict the change behaviour of slag-metal-inclusion in the re-oxidation reaction of liquid steel. It can provide prediction and guidance for an accurate secondary oxidation control process. During the slag re-oxidation process, when the oxygen in the steel is supersaturated and the slag is low in oxidation, it can easily form stick-like and dendritic shape inclusions of Al2O3 in steel. As the (FeO) content increases in slag, the oxygen transfer from slag to steel is evident, and the inclusion size increases, showing clusters and spherical shapes. In addition, supersaturated oxygen in steel easily forms unstable Al2O3-TiOx inclusions with [Ti]. As the components of liquid steel tend to be uniform, the Al2O3-TiOx inclusions will decompose and disappear, forming stable Al2O3 and TiO2 inclusions. The number of inclusions can be reduced by increasing the basicity and the ratio of CaO to Al2O3 in the initial slag.
Genome wide analysis of NLP transcription factors reveals their role in nitrogen stress tolerance of rice
Authors: Jagadhesan B. , Sathee Lekshmy , Meena Hari S. , Jha Shailendra K. , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Santosh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe NIN-LIKE PROTEIN (NLP) family of transcription factors were identified as nitrate-responsive cis-element (NRE)-binding proteins, which function as transcriptional activators in the nitrate-regulated expression of downstream genes. This study was aimed at genome-wide analysis of NLP gene family in rice and the expression profiling of NLPs in response to nitrogen (N) supply and deficiency in rice genotypes with contrasting N use efficiency (NUE). Based on in silico analysis, 6 NLP genes (including alternative splice forms 11 NLPs) were identified from rice. Expression of NLPs was promoted by nitrate supply as well as N deficiency (NLP1, NLP3, NLP4 and NLP5). Four rice genotypes APO (high NUE under sufficient N), IR83929-B-B-291-3-1-1 (IR-3-1-1), Nerica-L-42 (NL-42) (High NUE at low N), and Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1, low NUE) to correlate traits governing NUE and expression of NLPs. Analysis of rate of nitrate uptake and expression of N assimilatory and uptake genes established that IR-3-1-1 has high uptake and assimilation efficiency, translating into high NUE, whereas PB1 is efficient in uptake only when N availability is high. Along with the transcriptional upregulation of NLPs, genotype IR-3-1-1, displayed highest expression of OsNRT1.1B gene, the closest rice homologue of nitrate transceptor AtNRT1.1 and plays major role in nitrate uptake, translocation and signaling in rice. The results showed that high NUE rice genotypes has both high Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE) and Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE), resulting from the effective and coordinated signal transduction network involving the rice homologue of nitrate transceptor OsNRT1.1B, the probable primary nitrate response (PNR) regulator OsNLP1 and the master response regulator OsNLP3, a homologue of AtNLP6/7.
Discovery of os cordis in the cardiac skeleton of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Moittié Sophie , Baiker Kerstin , Strong Victoria , Cousins Emma , White Kate , Liptovszky Mátyás , Redrobe Sharon , Alibhai Aziza , Sturrock Craig J. , Rutland Catrin Sian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCardiovascular diseases, especially idiopathic myocardial fibrosis, is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in captive great apes. This study compared the structure and morphology of 16 hearts from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) which were either healthy or affected by myocardial fibrosis using X-ray microtomography. In four hearts, a single, hyperdense structure was detected within the right fibrous trigone of the cardiac skeleton. High resolution scans and histopathology revealed trabecular bones in two cases, hyaline cartilage in another case and a focus of mineralised fibro-cartilaginous metaplasia with endochondral ossification in the last case. Four other animals presented with multiple foci of ectopic calcification within the walls of the great vessels. All hearts affected by marked myocardial fibrosis presented with bone or cartilage formation, and increased collagen levels in tissues adjacent to the bone/cartilage, while unaffected hearts did not present with os cordis or cartilago cordis. The presence of an os cordis has been described in some ruminants, camelids, and otters, but never in great apes. This novel research indicates that an os cordis and cartilago cordis is present in some chimpanzees, particularly those affected by myocardial fibrosis, and could influence the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
Plasmodium falciparum immunodominant IgG epitopes in subclinical malaria
Authors: Azcárate Isabel G. , Marín-García Patricia , Abad Paloma , Pérez-Benavente Susana , Paz-Artal Estela , Reche Pedro A. , Fobil Julius N. , Rubio José M. , Diez Amalia , Puyet Antonio , Bautista José M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIncomplete non-sterile immunity to malaria is attained in endemic regions after recurrent infections by a large percentage of the adult population, who carry the malaria parasite asymptomatically. Although blood-stagePlasmodium falciparumrapidly elicits IgG responses, the target antigens of partially protective and non-protective IgG antibodies as well as the basis for the acquisition of these antibodies remain largely unknown. We performed IgG-immunomics to screen forP. falciparumantigens and to identify epitopes associated with exposure and clinical disease. Sera from malaria cases identified five prevalent antigens recognized by all analyzed patients’ IgGs. Epitope mapping of them, using adult and children sera samples from an endemic malaria region in Ghana segregated into patients with positive or negative subclinical detection ofP. falciparum, revealed binding specificity for two 20-mer immunodominant antigenic regions within the START-related lipid transfer protein and the protein disulfide isomerase PDI8. These 20-mer epitopes challenged with sera samples from children under 5 years old displayed specific IgG binding in those with detectable parasitemia, even at subclinical level. These results suggest that humoral response against START and PDI8 antigens may be triggered at submicroscopic parasitemia levels in children and may eventually be used to differentially diagnose subclinical malaria in children.
Optimizing Exogenous Surfactant as a Pulmonary Delivery Vehicle for Chicken Cathelicidin-2
Authors: Baer Brandon , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Molchanova Natalia , Jekhmane Shehrazade , Weingarth Markus , Jenssen Håvard , Lin Jennifer S. , Barron Annelise E. , Yamashita Cory , Veldhuizen Ruud 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant lung infections has instigated a much-needed search for new therapeutic strategies. One proposed strategy is the use of exogenous surfactants to deliver antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), like CATH-2, to infected regions of the lung. CATH-2 can kill bacteria through a diverse range of antibacterial pathways and exogenous surfactant can improve pulmonary drug distribution. Unfortunately, mixing AMPs with commercially available exogenous surfactants has been shown to negatively impact their antimicrobial function. It was hypothesized that the phosphatidylglycerol component of surfactant was inhibiting AMP function and that an exogenous surfactant, with a reduced phosphatidylglycerol composition would increase peptide mediated killing at a distal site. To better understand how surfactant lipids interacted with CATH-2 and affected its function, isothermal titration calorimetry and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as bacterial killing curves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were utilized. Additionally, the wet bridge transfer system was used to evaluate surfactant spreading and peptide transport. Phosphatidylglycerol was the only surfactant lipid to significantly inhibit CATH-2 function, showing a stronger electrostatic interaction with the peptide than other lipids. Although diluting the phosphatidylglycerol content in an existing surfactant, through the addition of other lipids, significantly improved peptide function and distal killing, it also reduced surfactant spreading. A synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactant however, was shown to further improve CATH-2 delivery and function at a remote site. Based on these in vitro experiments synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactants seem optimal for delivering AMPs to the lung.
Zebrafish xenografts as a fast screening platform for bevacizumab cancer therapy
Authors: Rebelo de Almeida Cátia , Mendes Raquel Valente , Pezzarossa Anna , Gago Joaquim , Carvalho Carlos , Alves António , Nunes Vitor , Brito Maria José , Cardoso Maria João , Ribeiro Joana , Cardoso Fátima , Ferreira Miguel Godinho , Fior Rita 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDespite promising preclinical results, average response rates to anti-VEGF therapies, such as bevacizumab, are reduced for most cancers, while incurring in remarkable costs and side effects. Currently, there are no biomarkers available to select patients that can benefit from this therapy. Depending on the individual tumor, anti-VEGF therapies can either block or promote metastasis. In this context, an assay able to predict individual responses prior to treatment, including the impact on metastasis would prove of great value to guide treatment options. Here we show that zebrafish xenografts are able to reveal different responses to bevacizumab in just 4 days, evaluating not only individual tumor responses but also the impact on angiogenesis and micrometastasis. Importantly, we perform proof-of-concept experiments where clinical responses in patients were compared with their matching zebrafish Patient-Derived Xenografts - zAvatars, opening the possibility of using the zebrafish model to screen bevacizumab therapy in a personalized manner.
Further investigation on solant–rectenna‐based flexible Hilbert‐shaped metamaterials
Authors: Elwi Taha A. , Abdulqader Sarah G. 
Published: June 2020

This study discusses the design of a low‐profile metamaterial‐based antenna consisting of a 3 × 5 array of Hilbert shaped unit cells organised as a rectangular patch. The antenna is backed by with a partial ground plane loaded with square electromagnetic band gap defects for energy harvesting applications in the context of ultra‐wideband self‐powered wearable wireless devices. The antenna is mounted on a 28 × 32 mm FR4 substrate, with a thickness of 0.394 mm, a relative permittivity of 4.2 and a loss tangent of 0.02. The antenna is also printed on a flexible solar panel for self‐powered devices through solant–rectenna output terminals. The proposed solant–rectenna is found to cover the frequency range from 0.8 up to 10 GHz. The I–V characteristics of the solar panel are measured with and without the antenna structure to realize low shadowing effects. After that, the solant radiofrequency (RF) port is connected to a rectifier circuit to create a rectenna port that collects the RF energy and converts it to an output DC voltage at 0.915 GHz. It is found that the proposed rectenna provides an output DC voltage of 1.42 V with a conversion efficiency of 90%.
Photometric detection of internal gravity waves in upper main-sequence stars
Authors: Bowman D. M. , Burssens S. , Simón-Díaz S. , Edelmann P. V. F. , Rogers T. M. , Horst L. , Röpke F. K. , Aerts C. 
Published: June 2020

Context. Massive stars are predicted to excite internal gravity waves (IGWs) by turbulent core convection and from turbulent pressure fluctuations in their near-surface layers. These IGWs are extremely efficient at transporting angular momentum and chemical species within stellar interiors, but they remain largely unconstrained observationally.
Aims. We aim to characterise the photometric detection of IGWs across a large number of O and early-B stars in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, and explain the ubiquitous detection of stochastic variability in the photospheres of massive stars.
Methods. We combined high-precision time-series photometry from the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite with high-resolution ground-based spectroscopy of 70 stars with spectral types O and B to probe the relationship between the photometric signatures of IGWs and parameters such as spectroscopic mass, luminosity, and macroturbulence.
Results. A relationship is found between the location of a star in the spectroscopic Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and the amplitudes and frequencies of stochastic photometric variability in the light curves of massive stars. Furthermore, the properties of the stochastic variability are statistically correlated with macroturbulent velocity broadening in the spectral lines of massive stars.
Conclusions. The common ensemble morphology for the stochastic low-frequency variability detected in space photometry and its relationship to macroturbulence is strong evidence for IGWs in massive stars, since these types of waves are unique in providing the dominant tangential velocity field required to explain the observed spectroscopy.
Entwicklung einer deutschen Telefonversion des IQCODE (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly) innerhalb einer Kohorte von Angehörigen von Patienten nach ischämischem Schlaganfall
Authors: Engelhardt Sabrina , Wiedmann Silke , Rücker Viktoria , Kraft Peter , Mackenrodt Daniel , Malzahn Uwe , Störk Stefan , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Heuschmann Peter 
Published: June 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Eine validierte telefonische Fassung der deutschen Version des Fragebogens „Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly“ (IQCODE) zur Erfassung kognitiver Veränderungen von Schlaganfall-Patienten über einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren vor Schlaganfall durch Befragung Angehöriger liegt bislang nicht vor. Eine deutsche telefonische Kurzversion existiert ebenfalls nicht.
Methoden 60 Angehörige von 60 Patientinnen und Patienten mit ischämischem Schlaganfall wurden mit der persönlichen und der telefonischen 26-Item-Version des IQCODE in randomisierter Reihenfolge befragt. Als Maß zur Quantifizierung der Reliabilität beider IQCODE-Versionen wurde ein gewichtetes Kappa berechnet (Fleiss-Cohen Gewichte). Mithilfe von Varianzinflationsfaktoren wurde eine telefonische Kurzversion des IQCODE entwickelt und diese Version mit der 26-Item-Telefonversion mittels Spearman‘s Korrelationskoeffizienten verglichen.
Ergebnisse Das gewichtete Kappa der telefonischen Befragung gegenüber der persönlichen betrug 0,84 (95 % Konfidenzintervall 0,72–0,97). Die neu entwickelte Kurzversion des telefonbasierten IQCODE umfasste 10 Items. Der Korrelationskoeffizient zwischen der Kurz- und der Langversion betrug 0,97 (95 % Konfidenzintervall 0,96–0,99).
Schlussfolgerung Die telefonische Version des deutschsprachigen 26-Item IQCODE zeigte im Vergleich zur persönlichen Befragung exzellente Übereinstimmungswerte. Die telefonische 10-Item-Kurzversion zeigte eine exzellente Übereinstimmung mit der telefonischen Langversion. Somit stehen nun auch für den deutschen Sprachraum vereinfachte Werkzeuge für die effiziente Befragung großer Kollektive zur Verfügung.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Associated with a Familial MAX Deletion
Authors: Petignot Sandrine , Daly Adrian F. , Castermans Emilie , Korpershoek Esther , Scagnol Irène , Beckers Pablo , Dideberg Vinciane , Rohmer Vincent , Bours Vincent , Beckers Albert 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMost pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN) occur sporadically but they
can also occur as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).
MAX was originally described as an inherited
pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma risk gene, but also has recently been
implicated in pituitary tumorigenesis. Here we describe the first case of a
pNEN associated with an inherited MAX gene deletion in a family with
endocrine tumors. The patient was a male carrier of an intragenic exon 3
deletion inherited from his father who had recurrent pheochromocytomas and a
macroprolactinoma. The patient underwent screening and hormonal studies but
no pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma, pituitary or renal tumors were
identified. However, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a
1 cm lesion in body of the pancreas. The lesion was hyperintense on
T2-weighted signal, and there was hyperfixation of the tumor on 68Ga-DOTANOC
PET-CT images. No biochemical evidence of pancreatic hormone excess was
identified. Following a guided biopsy, a pathological diagnosis of a low
grade pNEN was made and immunohistochemistry showed loss of MAX nuclear
staining. Genetic analysis of the tumor tissue indicated copy number neutral
loss of heterozygosity consistent with uniparental disomy. This is the first
reported case of a MAX deletion associated pNEN and strengthens the
argument that MAX may represent an inheritable multiple endocrine
neoplasia risk gene. Further analysis of germline and somatic MAX
mutations/deletions in large cohorts of unexplained NEN cases could
help clarify the potential role of MAX in NEN etiology.
Factors Associated with Formula Feeding among Late Preterm Neonates
Authors: Fishel Bartal Michal , Chen Han-Yang , Blackwell Sean C. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sibai Baha M. 
Published: June 2020

Objective Late preterm births (delivery at 34–36 weeks) account for nearly three quarters of the preterm births and among them there is a knowledge gap about an important aspect of infant care: breast versus formula feeding. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with formula feeding in late preterm neonates.
Study Design Secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial of antenatal corticosteroids for women at risk for late preterm birth. All women with a singleton pregnancy who delivered at 340/7 to 366/7 weeks were included. Women with no information on neonatal feeding or known fetal anomalies were excluded. The outcome evaluated was the type of neonatal feeding during hospital stay. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were compared among women who initiated breast versus formula feeding. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) for formula feeding with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Results Of the 2,831 women in the parent trial, 2,329 (82%) women met inclusion criteria and among them, 696 (30%) were formula feeding. After multivariable regression, the following characteristics were associated with an increased risk of formula feeding: maternal age < 20 years (aRR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.20–1.80) or ≥35 years (aRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.40), never married status (aRR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.20–1.60), government-assisted insurance (aRR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16–1.70), chronic hypertension (aRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01–1.40), smoking (aRR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.31–1.74), cesarean delivery (aRR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32), and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (aRR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.16–1.48). Hispanic ethnicity (aRR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.94), education >12 years (aRR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.96), and nulliparity (aRR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.62–0.82) were associated with a reduced risk for formula feeding.
Conclusion In this geographically diverse cohort of high-risk deliveries, 3 out 10 late preterm newborns were formula fed. Smoking cessation was a modifiable risk factor that may diminish the rate of formula feeding among late preterm births.
Key Points
Pregnancy Outcomes after Preeclampsia: The Effects of Interpregnancy Weight Change
Authors: Tabet Maya , Banna Soumya , Luong Lan , Kirby Russell , Chang Jen Jen 
Published: June 2020

Objective This study aimed to examine the effects of interpregnancy weight change on pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent preeclampsia, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), and cesarean delivery, among women with a history of preeclampsia. We also evaluated whether these associations were modified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) category in the first pregnancy (BMI < 25 vs. ≥25 kg/m2) and if associations were present among women who maintained a healthy BMI category in both pregnancies.
Study Design We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study including 15,108 women who delivered their first two nonanomalous singleton live births in Missouri (1989–2005) and experienced preeclampsia in the first pregnancy. We performed Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for outcomes of interest after controlling for potential confounders.
Results Interpregnancy weight gain was associated with increased risk of recurrent preeclampsia, LGA, and cesarean delivery. These risks increased in a “dose–response” manner with increasing magnitude of interpregnancy weight gain and were generally more pronounced among women who were underweight or normal weight in the first pregnancy. Interpregnancy weight loss exceeding 1 BMI unit was associated with increased risk of SGA among underweight and normal weight women, while interpregnancy weight loss exceeding 2 BMI units was associated with reduced risk of recurrent preeclampsia among overweight and obese women.
Conclusion Even small changes in interpregnancy weight may significantly affect pregnancy outcomes among formerly preeclamptic women. Appropriate weight management between pregnancies has the potential to attenuate such risks.
Key Points