bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of regulatory pathways involved in female reproductive physiology of Rhodnius prolixus under different nutritional states
Authors: Leyria Jimena , Orchard Ian , Lange Angela B. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe triatomine Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of the etiological agent of Chagas disease, has long been used as model to understand important aspects of insect physiology. Despite this history, the impact of the nutritional state on regulatory pathways associated with reproductive performance in triatomines has never been studied. The insulin-like peptide/target of rapamycin (ILP/ToR) signaling pathway is typically responsible for detecting and interpreting nutrient levels. Here, we analyzed transcriptomes from the central nervous system, fat bodies and ovaries of adult females in unfed and fed conditions, with a focus on the ILP/ToR signaling. The results show an up-regulation of transcripts involved in ILP/ToR signaling in unfed insects. However, we demonstrate that this signaling is only activated in tissues from fed insects. Moreover, we report that FoxO (forkhead box O) factor, which regulates longevity via ILP signaling, is responsible for the up-regulation of transcripts related with ILP/ToR signaling in unfed insects. As a consequence, we reveal that unfed females are in a sensitized state to respond to an increase of ILP levels by rapidly activating ILP/ToR signaling. This is the first analysis that correlates gene expression and protein activation of molecules involved with ILP/ToR signaling in R. prolixus females in different nutritional states.
Klf9 is a key feedforward regulator of the transcriptomic response to glucocorticoid receptor activity
Authors: Gans Ian , Hartig Ellen I. , Zhu Shusen , Tilden Andrea R. , Hutchins Lucie N. , Maki Nathaniel J. , Graber Joel H. , Coffman James A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe zebrafish has recently emerged as a model system for investigating the developmental roles of glucocorticoid signaling and the mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-induced developmental programming. To assess the role of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) in such programming, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to produce a new frameshift mutation, GR369-, which eliminates all potential in-frame initiation codons upstream of the DNA binding domain. Using RNA-seq to ask how this mutation affects the larval transcriptome under both normal conditions and with chronic cortisol treatment, we find that GR mediates most of the effects of the treatment, and paradoxically, that the transcriptome of cortisol-treated larvae is more like that of larvae lacking a GR than that of larvae with a GR, suggesting that the cortisol-treated larvae develop GR resistance. The one transcriptional regulator that was both underexpressed in GR369- larvae and consistently overexpressed in cortisol-treated larvae was klf9. We therefore used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation of klf9 and RNA-seq to assess Klf9-dependent gene expression in both normal and cortisol-treated larvae. Our results indicate that Klf9 contributes significantly to the transcriptomic response to chronic cortisol exposure, mediating the upregulation of proinflammatory genes that we reported previously.
Development of thermo-reporting nanoparticles for accurate sensing of geothermal reservoir conditions
Authors: Rudolph Bastian , Berson Jonathan , Held Sebastian , Nitschke Fabian , Wenzel Friedemann , Kohl Thomas , Schimmel Thomas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe inaccessibility of geological reservoirs, both for oil and gas production or geothermal usage, makes detection of reservoir properties and conditions a key problem in the field of reservoir engineering, including for the development of geothermal power plants. Herein, an approach is presented for the development of messenger nanoparticles for the determination of reservoir conditions, with a proof of concept example of temperature detection under controlled laboratory conditions. Silica particles are synthesized with a two-layer architecture, an inner enclosed core and an outer porous shell, each doped with a different fluorescent dye to create a dual emission system. Temperature detection happens by a threshold temperature-triggered irreversible release of the outer dye, thus changing the fluorescence signal of the particles. The reported particle system consequently enables a direct, reliable and fast way to determine reservoir temperature. It also displays a sharp threshold for accurate sensing and allows detection at concentration ranges as low as few nanograms of nanoparticles per milliliter.
Estimating wearable motion sensor performance from personal biomechanical models and sensor data synthesis
Authors: Derungs Adrian , Amft Oliver 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe present a fundamentally new approach to design and assess wearable motion systems based on biomechanical simulation and sensor data synthesis. We devise a methodology of personal biomechanical models and virtually attach sensor models to body parts, including sensor positions frequently considered for wearable devices. The simulation enables us to synthesise motion sensor data, which is subsequently considered as input for gait marker estimation algorithms. We evaluated our methodology in two case studies, including running athletes and hemiparetic patients. Our analysis shows that running speed affects gait marker estimation performance. Estimation error of stride duration varies between athletes across 834 simulated sensor positions and can soar up to 54%, i.e. 404 ms. In walking patients after stroke, we show that gait marker performance differs between affected and less-affected body sides and optimal sensor positions change over a period of movement therapy intervention. For both case studies, we observe that optimal gait marker estimation performance benefits from personally selected sensor positions and robust algorithms. Our methodology enables wearable designers and algorithm developers to rapidly analyse the design options and create personalised systems where needed, e.g. for patients with movement disorders.
Sand deposits reveal great earthquakes and tsunamis at Mexican Pacific Coast
Authors: Ramírez-Herrera María-Teresa , Corona Néstor , Cerny Jan , Castillo-Aja Rocío , Melgar Diego , Lagos Marcelo , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Machain María Luisa , Vazquez-Caamal Miriam L. , Ortuño María , Caballero Margarita , Solano-Hernandez Ericka Alinne , Ruiz-Fernández Ana-Carolina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGlobally, instrumentally based assessments of tsunamigenic potential of subduction zones have underestimated the magnitude and frequency of great events because of their short time record. Historical and sediment records of large earthquakes and tsunamis have expanded the temporal data and estimated size of these events. Instrumental records suggests that the Mexican Subduction earthquakes produce relatively small tsunamis, however historical records and now geologic evidence suggest that great earthquakes and tsunamis have whipped the Pacific coast of Mexico in the past. The sediment marks of centuries old-tsunamis validate historical records and indicate that large tsunamigenic earthquakes have shaken the Guerrero-Oaxaca region in southern Mexico and had an impact on a bigger stretch of the coast than previously suspected. We present the first geologic evidence of great tsunamis near the trench of a subduction zone previously underestimated as potential source for great earthquakes and tsunamis. Two sandy tsunami deposits extend over 1.5 km inland of the coast. The youngest tsunami deposit is associated with the 1787 great earthquake, M 8.6, producing a giant tsunami that poured over the coast flooding 500 km alongshore the Mexican Pacific coast and up to 6 km inland. The oldest event from a less historically documented event occurred in 1537. The 1787 earthquake, and tsunami and a probable predecessor in 1537, suggest a plausible recurrence interval of 250 years. We prove that the common believe that great tsunamis do not occur on the Mexican Pacific coast cannot be sustained.
Expression profile of microRNAs in the testes of patients with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Ibarra-Ramírez Marisol , Calvo-Anguiano Geovana , Lugo-Trampe José de Jesús , Martínez-de-Villarreal Laura Elia , Rodríguez-Torres David , Nistal Manuel , González-Peramato Pilar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractKlinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy. A distinctive characteristic of KS is oligozoospermia. Despite multiple studies that have described the natural history of the degenerative process of germ cells in patients with KS, the molecular mechanisms that initiate this process are not well characterized. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated post-transcriptional control mechanisms have been increasingly recognized as important regulators of spermatogenesis; however, only a few studies have evaluated the role of miRNAs in the gonadal failure of these patients. Here, we describe a differential expression profile for the miRNAs in testicular tissue samples taken from KS patients. We analysed testicular tissue samples from 4 KS patients and 5 control patients (obstructive azoospermia) through next-generation sequencing, which can provide information about the mechanisms involved in the degeneration of germ cells. A distinctive differential expression profile was identified for 166 miRNAs in the KS patients: 66 were upregulated, and 100 were downregulated. An interactome analysis was performed for 7 of the upregulated and the 20 downregulated miRNAs. The results showed that the target genes are involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation processes of spermatogenesis, which may explain their role in the development of infertility. This is the first report of a miRNA expression profile generated from testicular tissue samples of KS patients.
Scale invariance in a nonvibrating magnetic granular system
Authors: Torres-Vargas G. , Fossion R. , Donado F. , López-González F. , Tapia-Ignacio C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA nonvibrating magnetic granular system is studied by using a time series approach. The system consists of steel balls confined inside a circular wall that surrounds a glass plate. Kinetic energy is provided to the particles by the application of an external vertical time-dependent magnetic field of different amplitudes. We carried out a characterization of the system dynamics through the measurement of the correlations present in the time series of positions, in the x-direction, of each particle. In particular, by performing Fourier spectral analysis, we find that the time series are fractal and scale invariant, in such a way that the corresponding Fourier power spectra follow a power law $$P(f)\propto 1/f^\beta$$P(f)∝1/fβ, with $$0<\beta <2.5$$0<β<2.5. More specifically, we find that the values of $$\beta$$β, and therefore the strength of the correlations, increase as the magnetic field also increases. In this way, the present system constitutes an experimental model to generate correlated random walks. Additionally, we show how the introduction of a constant magnetic field breaks down this scale invariance property in the positions of each particle. Finally, we confirm the above results by applying detrended fluctuation analysis.
Confirming the geography of fatty infiltration in the deep cervical extensor muscles in whiplash recovery
Authors: Smith Andrew C. , Albin Stephanie R. , Abbott Rebecca , Crawford Rebecca J. , Hoggarth Mark A. , Wasielewski Marie , Elliott James M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrevious preliminary work mapped the distribution of neck muscle fat infiltration (MFI) in the deep cervical extensor muscles (multifidus and semispinalis cervicis) in a small cohort of participants with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD), recovered, and healthy controls. While MFI was reported to be concentrated in the medial portion of the muscles in all participants, the magnitude was significantly greater in those with chronic WAD. This study aims to confirm these results in a prospective fashion with a larger cohort and compare the findings across a population of patients with varying levels of WAD-related disability one-year following the motor vehicle collision. Sixty-one participants enrolled in a longitudinal study: Recovered (n = 25), Mild (n = 26) and Severe WAD (n = 10) were studied using Fat/Water magnetic resonance imaging, 12-months post injury. Bilateral measures of MFI in four quartiles (Q1–Q4; medial to lateral) at cervical levels C4 through C7 were included. A linear mixed model was performed, controlling for covariates (age, sex, body mass index), examining interaction effects, and comparing MFI distribution between groups. The recovered group had significantly less MFI in Q1 compared to the two symptomatic groups. Group differences were not found in the more lateral quartiles. Results at 12 months are consistent with the preliminary study, indicating that MFI is spatially concentrated in the medial portions of the deep cervical extensors regardless of WAD recovery, but the magnitude of MFI in the medial portions of the muscles is significantly larger in those with severe chronic WAD.
Germany’s digital health reforms in the COVID-19 era: lessons and opportunities for other countries
Authors: Gerke Sara , Stern Ariel D. , Minssen Timo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractReimbursement is a key challenge for many new digital health solutions, whose importance and value have been highlighted and expanded by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Germany’s new Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale–Versorgung–Gesetz or DVG) entitles all individuals covered by statutory health insurance to reimbursement for certain digital health applications (i.e., insurers will pay for their use). Since Germany, like the United States (US), is a multi-payer health care system, the new Act provides a particularly interesting case study for US policymakers. We first provide an overview of the new German DVG and outline the landscape for reimbursement of digital health solutions in the US, including recent changes to policies governing telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss challenges and unanswered questions raised by the DVG, ranging from the limited scope of the Act to privacy issues. Lastly, we highlight early lessons and opportunities for other countries.
Genomic insights of body plan transitions from bilateral to pentameral symmetry in Echinoderms
Authors: Li Yongxin , Omori Akihito , Flores Rachel L. , Satterfield Sheri , Nguyen Christine , Ota Tatsuya , Tsurugaya Toko , Ikuta Tetsuro , Ikeo Kazuho , Kikuchi Mani , Leong Jason C. K. , Reich Adrian , Hao Meng , Wan Wenting , Dong Yang , Ren Yaondong , Zhang Si , Zeng Tao , Uesaka Masahiro , Uchida Yui , Li Xueyan , Shibata Tomoko F. , Bino Takahiro , Ogawa Kota , Shigenobu Shuji , Kondo Mariko , Wang Fayou , Chen Luonan , Wessel Gary , Saiga Hidetoshi , Cameron R. Andrew , Livingston Brian , Bradham Cynthia , Wang Wen , Irie Naoki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEchinoderms are an exceptional group of bilaterians that develop pentameral adult symmetry from a bilaterally symmetric larva. However, the genetic basis in evolution and development of this unique transformation remains to be clarified. Here we report newly sequenced genomes, developmental transcriptomes, and proteomes of diverse echinoderms including the green sea urchin (L. variegatus), a sea cucumber (A. japonicus), and with particular emphasis on a sister group of the earliest-diverged echinoderms, the feather star (A. japonica). We learned that the last common ancestor of echinoderms retained a well-organized Hox cluster reminiscent of the hemichordate, and had gene sets involved in endoskeleton development. Further, unlike in other animal groups, the most conserved developmental stages were not at the body plan establishing phase, and genes normally involved in bilaterality appear to function in pentameric axis development. These results enhance our understanding of the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes almost 500 Mya.
Temperature induced shifts of Yu–Shiba–Rusinov resonances in nanowire-based hybrid quantum dots
Authors: Estrada Saldaña Juan Carlos , Vekris Alexandros , Sosnovtseva Victoria , Kanne Thomas , Krogstrup Peter , Grove-Rasmussen Kasper , Nygård Jesper 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe strong coupling of a superconductor to a spinful quantum dot results in Yu–Shiba–Rusinov discrete subgap excitations. In isolation and at zero temperature, the excitations are sharp resonances. In transport experiments, however, they show as broad differential conductance peaks. Here we obtain the lineshape of the peaks and their temperature dependence in superconductor–quantum dot–metal nanowire-based devices. Unexpectedly, we find that the peaks shift in energy with temperature, with the shift magnitude and sign depending on ground state parity and bias voltage. Additionally, we empirically find a power-law trend of the peak area versus temperature. These observations are not explained by current models.
Mike Wakelam: an appreciation
Authors: Michell Bob 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This issue of Essays in Biochemistry explores lipid mediators — biologically active metabolites formed by enzymic and non-enzymic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These can be exported across the cell membrane into the extracellular space, where they activate cell surface receptors to stimulate the cells of origin (autocrine) or nearby cells (paracrine). Lipid mediators are involved in many physiological processes, which may become dysregulated during ageing and in lipid-related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic syndrome.
Following the death in March 2020 of Professor Mike Wakelam, with the loss of his major input into the lipid signalling field, Portland Press and Guest Editors John Harwood and Emyr Lloyd-Evans decided to dedicate this issue to his memory. This Editorial briefly recalls his work and influence.
Respiratory–Swallow Training Methods: Accuracy of Automated Detection of Swallow Onset, Respiratory Phase, Lung Volume at Swallow Onset, and Real-Time Performance Feedback Tested in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hopkins-Rossabi Theresa , Rowe Mickey , McGrattan Katlyn , Rossabi Sam , Martin-Harris Bonnie 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPreliminary studies have shown that respiratory–swallow training (RST) is a successful treatment for oropharyngeal head and neck cancer patients with refractory dysphagia. Refining the RST protocol with automated analysis software to provide real-time performance feedback has the potential to improve accessibility, reproducibility, and translation to diverse clinical settings.MethodAn automated software program for data acquisition and analysis developed to detect swallows, determine respiratory phase, calculate lung volume at the onset of the swallow, and provide real-time performance feedback was tested for feasibility in a small cohort of healthy adults.Outcome MeasuresPercent difference in swallow detection and accuracy of real-time performance feedback of respiratory phase and lung volume at swallowing onset between the automated software and the manual gold standard method were determined.ResultsThe automated software program accurately detected the onset of the swallow on 91% of the swallows completed during the training trials. Feedback of respiratory phase and lung volume was accurate on 94% of the trials in which the swallow was accurately detected.ConclusionsThis novel, automated, and real-time RST software successfully detected the onset of the swallow, respiratory phase, and lung volume at swallow onset and provided appropriate real-time performance feedback with a high degree of accuracy in healthy adults. The software has the potential to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and translation of RST to diverse patient populations.
The Distributed L1 and L2 Language-Learning Environments of Dual Language Learners Across Home and School Settings
Authors: Kan Pui Fong , Miller Annaliese , Cheung Shirley , Brickman Angela 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
This study explored the language-learning environments of typically developing dual language learners (DLLs) who learned Cantonese (first language [L1]) at home and English (second language [L2]) in preschool settings through direct and indirect measures.

Method
Nine typically developing Cantonese–English DLLs participated in this study. Participants' daylong activities were audio-recorded using the digital language processor of the Language ENvironment Analysis system. A manual coding scheme was developed to examine the audio recordings with the focus of the amount of L1 and L2 used by participants, adults, and their peers across home and school settings. In addition, participants' language use was indirectly examined using parent questionnaires, teacher reports, and classroom observations.

Results
The results of the audio recordings showed that Cantonese was the primary language used at home, and both Cantonese and English were used in school settings, consistent with the parent and teacher reports. Correlation analyses revealed that the amount of L1 used by the participants was associated with the L1 used by their peers: and the amount of L2 used by participants was positively related to the L2 used by adults at home.

Conclusions
The findings illustrate how parent/teacher reports and daylong audio recordings could complement each other in the investigation of DLLs' language-learning environments.
Can Hip Joint Position affect Quadriceps Muscle Responses during Knee
Extension Exercise?
Authors: Vieira Denis César Leite , Dourado Marco Aurélio Araujo , Ugliara Lucas , Durigan Joao Luiz Quagliotti , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Bottaro Martim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the acute effects of seated and supine knee extension
exercise on muscle swelling, torque, and work output. Twelve resistance-trained
men performed two isokinetic concentric-only knee-extension training protocols
at different hip positions in a counter-balanced order. They completed the knee
extension exercise in the seated (hip angle at 85°) and supine (hip
angle at 180°) positions. The torque and work output were assessed
during each set. Moreover, muscle thickness of the middle and proximal vastus
lateralis and rectus femoris were evaluated before and after each protocol and
used as an indicator of muscle swelling. Middle rectus femoris and proximal
vastus lateralis thickness increased significantly (p=0.01) with no
difference between exercise variations. However, the middle vastus lateralis
thickness increased (p=0.01) only after the seated knee extension
exercise (~7%). Knee extensors’ peak torque and work
output were approximately 8% higher (p=0.04) in the seated when
compared to the supine hip position. There was a similar decrease in torque and
work output throughout both protocols (p=0.98). In conclusion, seated
knee extension exercises produced greater torque, work output, and muscle
swelling in the vastus lateralis when compared to the supine knee extension
exercise.