bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene regulation underpinning increased thermal tolerance in a laboratory‐evolved coral photosymbiont
Authors: Chakravarti Leela J. , Buerger Patrick , Levin Rachel A. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSmall increases in ocean temperature can disrupt the obligate symbiosis between corals and dinoflagellate microalgae, resulting in coral bleaching. Little is known about the genes that drive the physiological and bleaching response of algal symbionts to elevated temperature. Moreover, many studies to‐date have compared highly divergent strains, making it challenging to accredit specific genes to contrasting traits. Here, we compare transcriptional responses at ambient (27°C) and bleaching‐relevant (31°C) temperatures in a monoclonal, wild‐type (WT) strain of Symbiodiniaceae to those of a selected‐strain (SS), derived from the same monoclonal culture and experimentally evolved to elevated temperature over 80 generations (2.5 years). Thousands of genes were differentially expressed at a log fold‐change of >8 between the WT and SS over a 35 days temperature treatment period. At 31°C, WT cells exhibited a temporally unstable transcriptomic response upregulating genes involved in the universal stress response such as molecular chaperoning, protein repair, protein degradation and DNA repair. Comparatively, SS cells exhibited a temporally stable transcriptomic response and downregulated many stress response genes that were upregulated by the WT. Among the most highly upregulated genes in the SS at 31°C were algal transcription factors and a gene probably of bacterial origin that encodes a type II secretion system protein, suggesting interactions with bacteria may contribute to the increased thermal tolerance of the SS. Genes and functional pathways conferring thermal tolerance in the SS could be targeted in future genetic engineering experiments designed to develop thermally resilient algal symbionts for use in coral restoration and conservation.
Carboniferous plant physiology breaks the mold
Authors: Wilson Jonathan P. , White Joseph D. , Montañez Isabel P. , DiMichele William A. , McElwain Jennifer C. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Hren Michael T. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryHow plants have shaped Earth surface feedbacks over geologic time is a key question in botanical and geological inquiry. Recent work has suggested that biomes during the Carboniferous Period contained plants with extraordinary physiological capacity to shape their environment, contradicting the previously dominant view that plants only began to actively moderate the Earth's surface with the rise of angiosperms during the Mesozoic Era. A recently published Viewpoint disputes this recent work, thus here, we document in detail, the mechanistic underpinnings of our modeling and illustrate the extraordinary ecophysiological nature of Carboniferous plants.
Salicylate sensitizes oral squamous cell carcinoma to chemotherapy through targeting mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Fei , Zeng Yu , Zhu Xuyou , Peng Lin , Zhang Long , Gu Jun , Han Hongxiu , Yi Xianghua , Shi Juanhong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an extremely aggressive neoplasm, which is usually diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease. Extensive studies have shown a link between chronic inflammation and various types of cancer, including OSCC. Salicylate is a biotransformation product of aspirin, with similar anti‐inflammatory ability to aspirin but lacks aspirin's inhibitory effect on the isolated cyclooxygenase activity. Our study indicates that salicylate sensitizes OSCC to anti‐cancer drugs, but the mechanisms of its action are unclear. Here, OSCC cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of salicylate alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP). RPPA proteomic array and Western blotting were employed to determine the signaling pathways affected by salicylate. Salicylate decreased cell survival rate and induced cell apoptosis in OSCC cells but not human normal oral mucosal epithelial cells (hTERT‐OME). The use of sodium salicylate (SS) dramatically sensitized OSCC cells to CDDP. RPPA array showed that SS reduced many oncogenes such as PI3K/mTOR signaling and cancer stem cell (CSC)‐related genes versus control. Western and transcriptional analyses substantiated that salicylate down‐regulated these CSC‐associated genes and the mTOR pathway dose dependently. Salicylate preferentially repressed the ability of sorted ALDH1+ cells to form tumor spheres. Finally, salicylate suppressed tumor growth in vivo, and the combination of salicylate and CDDP further synergistically reduced the growth of tumors. Salicylate hinders OSCC cell growth and sensitizes OSCC cells to CDDP through targeting CSCs and the mTOR signaling pathway. We propose that salicylate is beneficial for OSCC patients, and salicylate may be combined with chemotherapies to effectively treat OSCC patients.
Efficacy of aromatherapy on dental anxiety: A systematic review of randomised and quasi‐randomised controlled trials
Authors: Cai He , Xi Pengjun , Zhong Linna , Chen Junyu , Liang Xing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy on dental anxiety.MethodsA detailed protocol was registered a priori (PROSPERO: CRD42019141093). PubMed, EMBASE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CNKI and grey literature databases were searched from inception to 10 January 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐randomised controlled trials (CCTs) that examined the effects of aromatherapy on dental anxiety, compare to either negative control (i.e. no aromatherapy) or other positive control approaches (e.g. music), were included. The risk of bias of the selected studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and ROBINS‐I, while the certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. A narrative synthesis was performed, rather than meta‐analysis, due to the high level of heterogeneity across studies.ResultsEleven RCTs and six CCTs were included. The risk of bias was identified as either high or unclear in RCTs, and moderate to serious in CCTs. Performance bias and detection bias were the most prevalent in RCTs, followed by selection bias and reporting bias. As to CCTs, greater risk of bias was found in the selection of participants into the study and in the measurement of outcomes. Based on the selected studies, the most commonly used aromatherapy for dental anxiety management was lavender fragrance, followed by orange. Compared to the negative control condition, aromatherapy might reduce the anxiety‐related physiological parameters and psychometric rating, pain, and mood, alertness, and calmness compared to the negative control condition; and there might be no intergroup difference in such outcomes between aromatherapy and music. However, GRADEs of the relevant evidence were judged as low to very low.ConclusionsCompared to the negative control condition, aromatherapy is more effective to reduce dental anxiety and has comparable effects on dental anxiety compared to music intervention; however, the certainty of evidence is relatively limited. Further high‐quality randomised trials with robust study design and large sample size are warranted to confirm our findings and to confirm the role of aromatherapy in relieving dental anxiety.
Diagnosis and management of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator infections based on process mapping
Authors: Baddour Larry M. , Weiss Raul , Mark George E. , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Biffi Mauro , Probst Vincent , Lambiase Pier D. , Miller Marc A. , McClernon Timothy , Hansen Linda K. , Knight Bradley P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfection is a well‐recognized complication of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation, including the more recently available subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD). Although the AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines include recommendations for S‐ICD use, currently there are no clinical trial data that address the diagnosis and management of S‐ICD infections. Therefore, an expert panel was convened to develop consensus on these topics.MethodsA process mapping methodology was used to achieve a primary goal – the development of consensus on the diagnosis and management of S‐ICD infections. Two face‐to‐face meetings of panel experts were conducted to recommend useful information to clinicians in individual patient management of S‐ICD infections.ResultsPanel consensus of a stepwise approach in the diagnosis and management was developed to provide guidance in individual patient management.ConclusionAchieving expert panel consensus by process mapping methodology in S‐ICD infection diagnosis and management was attainable, and the results should be helpful in individual patient management.
The extent of cranio‐caudal spread within the erector spinae fascial plane space using computed tomography scanning in a neonatal cadaver
Authors: Govender Sabashnee , Mohr Dwayne , Van Schoor Albert Neels , Bosenberg Adrian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe erector spinae plane block (ESP) is a novel approach for blockade of the spinal nerves in infants, children, and adults. Until recently, the gold standard for truncal procedures includes the paravertebral and epidural blocks. However, the exact mechanism by which this blockade is achieved is subject to debate.Methods2.3 mL (1 mL/kg) of iodinated contrast dye was injected bilaterally into the erector spinae fascial plane of a fresh unembalmed preterm neonatal cadaver (weighing 2.3 kg), to replicate the erector spinae plane block and to track the cranio‐caudal spread of the contrast dye using computed tomography. The “block” was performed at vertebral level T8 on the right‐hand side and at vertebral level T10 on the left‐hand side.ResultsContrast dye was spread over three dermatomal levels from T6 to T9 on the right‐hand side, while on the left‐hand side, the spread was seen over four dermatomal levels from T9 to T11/12. Contrast dye also spread over the costotransverse ligament, into the paravertebral space and further lateral from the lateral border of the erector spinae muscle into the intercostal space. However, no spread was seen in the epidural space.ConclusionThe erector spinae plane block is a versatile technique that can be part of the multimodal postoperative analgesic strategy for truncal surgery. In this study, contrast material dye was tracked over four vertebral levels in the paravertebral space (suggesting an approximate volume of 0.5‐0.6 mL per dermatome).
Perioperative care for internationally adopted children: Medical, surgical, and psychosocial considerations for a population of concern
Authors: Knipper Emily , Davies Julian , Smith Caitlin , Earley Timothy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe overall number of international adoptions has dropped in the last 20 years, but a relative increase in the proportion of these children with special and surgical needs has occurred. Cleft lip/palate and anorectal malformations are two common surgical pathologies for internationally adopted children. Internationally adopted children with cleft lip/palate have high rates of speech impairment and frequent need for reoperation, and children with anorectal malformation commonly need multiple reoperations. For both groups, surgery prior to adoption may have actually contributed to morbidity. Both speech impairment and anorectal malformation negatively affect quality of life, independent of adoption. Additionally, internationally adopted children frequently have experienced trauma, single or complex, and institutionalization. Each of these can independently contribute to impaired psychosocial and behavioral development. These children face surgery, sometimes multiple surgeries, while adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and bonding with a new family. The impact of prior medical experiences without the presence of a caregiver and/or while institutionalized is understudied. The surgical experience and perioperative outcomes within this population warrant research, and clinical coordination between teams may help improve care for this uniquely vulnerable population.
Gamification improves melanoma visual identification among high school students: Results from a randomized study
Authors: Jia Justin L. , Shen Andrew , Tabata Mika M. , Sarin Kavita Y. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIdentification of melanoma or worrisome moles is often taught as an important part of routine skin checks. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of gamified education vs. traditional ABCDEs education on melanoma identification and self‐confidence in identifying worrisome moles. We report that in our cohort (n = 271), participants randomized to the gamified intervention were more likely to correctly identify melanoma and non‐melanoma skin lesions than those randomized to the ABCDE control cohort (74.2% vs 63.5% correct, P < .0001) and perceived confidence in self‐identifying worrisome lesions was slightly higher in the gamified group than the traditional group, though the trend was not significant. These novel findings have significant implications on improved ways to educate young patients on the visual identification of melanoma and worrisome moles.
Development of elementary teachers' science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics planning practices
Authors: Cook Kristin , Bush Sarah , Cox Richard , Edelen Dan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this instrumental case study was to understand elementary teachers' planning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum during a two‐year professional development experience. This research was guided by the following question: What planning practices developed or changed during a professional development experience? Analysis of 25 teachers' planning documents indicated growth in the following areas: (a) tighter alignment to fewer standards, (b) more meaningful integration and broader definitions of arts and technology, and (c) increased use of formative assessment but persistent difficulties in summatively assessing the multiple disciplines of STEAM. The growth in teachers' STEAM instruction from the beginning to the end of this two‐year professional development was important in building our understanding of what constitutes sound design of STEAM inquiries.
Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical cocktails did not preserve diaphragm muscle function or reduce muscle damage in D2‐mdx mice
Authors: Spaulding H. R. , Quindry T. , Quindry J. C. , Selsby J. T. 
Published: April 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We previously demonstrated that quercetin transiently preserved respiratory function in dystrophin‐deficient mice. To gain lasting therapeutic benefits, we tested quercetin in combination with nicotinamide riboside, lisinopril and prednisolone in the D2‐mdx model.
What is the main finding and its importance?
We demonstrated that these quercetin‐based cocktails did not preserve respiratory or diaphragmatic function or reduce histological damage after 7 months of treatment starting at 4 months of age.

AbstractDuchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by the absence of dystrophin protein and causes muscle weakness and muscle injury, culminating in respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy. Quercetin transiently improved respiratory function but failed to maintain long‐term therapeutic benefits in mdx mice. In this study, we combined quercetin with nicotinamide riboside (NR), lisinopril and prednisolone to assess the efficacy of quercetin‐based cocktails. We hypothesized that quercetin, NR and lisinopril independently would improve respiratory function and decrease diaphragmatic injury and when combined would have additive effects. To address this hypothesis, in vivo respiratory function, in vitro diaphragmatic function and histological injury were assessed in DBA (healthy), D2‐mdx (dystrophic) and D2‐mdx mice treated with combinations of quercetin, NR and lisinopril from 4 to 11 months of age. Respiratory function, assessed using whole‐body plethysmography, was largely similar between healthy and dystrophin‐deficient mice. Diaphragm specific tension was decreased by ∼50% in dystrophic mice compared with healthy mice (P < 0.05), but fatigue resistance was similar between groups. Contractile area was decreased by ∼10% (P < 0.05) and fibrotic area increased from 3.5% in healthy diaphragms to 27% (P < 0.05) in dystrophic diaphragms. Contrary to expectations, these functional and histological parameters of disease were not offset by any intervention. These data suggest that quercetin, NR and lisinopril, independently and in combination, did not prevent diaphragmatic injury or preserve respiratory function.
Induction of plasticity in the human motor system by motor imagery and transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Foysal K. M. Riashad , Baker Stuart N. 
Published: April 2020

Key points
Delivering transcranial magnetic brain stimulation over the motor cortex during motor imagination leads to enhanced motor output, which is selective for the muscles primarily involved in the imagined movement.
This novel protocol may be useful to enhance function after damage to the motor system, such as after stroke.
AbstractSeveral paired stimulation paradigms are known to induce plasticity in the motor cortex, reflected by changes in the motor evoked potential (MEP) following the paired stimulation. Motor imagery (MI) is capable of activating the motor system and affecting cortical excitability. We hypothesized that it might be possible to use MI in conjunction with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to induce plasticity in the human motor system. TMS was delivered to the motor cortex of healthy human subjects, and baseline MEPs recorded from forearm flexor, forearm extensor and intrinsic hand muscles. Subjects were then asked to imagine either wrist flexion or extension movements during TMS delivery (n = 90 trials). Immediately after this intervention, MEP measurement was repeated. Control protocols tested the impact of imagination or TMS alone. Flexion imagination with TMS increased MEPs in flexors and an intrinsic hand muscle. Extensor imagination with TMS increased MEPs in extensor muscles only. The control paradigms did not produce significant changes. We conclude that delivering TMS during MI is capable of inducing plastic changes in the motor system. This new protocol may find utility to enhance functional rehabilitation after brain injury.
Development of Advanced Hybrid Polymer Melt Delivery Systems for Efficient High Precision Injection Molding
Authors: Thakur Chandresh , Alqosaibi Khalid , Kundu Animesh , Coulter John P. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
A novel melt manipulation “RheoDrop” concept for hot runner injection molding is presented. In this concept, a controlled rotational shear is applied to a polymer melt in the hot drop to reduce its viscosity without raising the temperature. This is achieved by providing a transient rotational motion to the valve pin in the hot drop. This strategy is developed to mitigate issues associated with cold slug formation during injection molding in hot runner systems. The cold slug formation is particularly relevant for injection molding of engineering plastics such as liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) for medical and electronic applications. Analytical and experimental investigations were performed to validate the concept. The efficacy of the concept is assessed analytically utilizing a combination of two software modules, autodesk, moldflow and ansys fluent. The results confirmed that the concept was able to produce enough shear to reduce the dynamic viscosity between injection molding cycles. A prototype RheoDrop system was designed and developed and retrofitted in a four drop hot runner system mold to experimentally validate the concept. Preliminary experiments were performed utilizing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and parts were successfully fabricated at temperatures that are too low for traditional molding in a hot runner system.
A Mechanically Intelligent Crawling Robot Driven by Shape Memory Alloy and Compliant Bistable Mechanism
Authors: Meng Lingda , Kang Rongjie , Gan Dongming , Chen Guimin , Chen Lisha , Branson David T. , Dai Jian S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Mechanical components in a robotic system were used to provide body structure and mechanism to achieve physical motions following the commands from electronic controller. This kind of robotic system utilizes complex hardware and firmware for sensing and planning. To reduce computational cost and increase reliability for a robotic system, employing mechanical components to fully or partially take over control tasks is a promising way, which is also referred to as “mechanical intelligence” (MI). This paper proposes a shape memory alloy driven robot capable of using a reciprocating motion to crawl over a surface without any use of electronic controller. A mechanical logic switch is designed to determine the activation timing for a pair of antagonistic shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. Meanwhile, a compliant pre-strain bistable mechanism is introduced to cooperate with the SMA actuators achieving reliable reciprocating motion between the two stable positions. The SMA actuator is modeled base on a static two-state theory while the bistable mechanism is described by combining a pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) with a Bi-beam constraint model (Bi-BCM). Following this, the design parameters of the bistable mechanism and SMA actuators are determined according to theoretical simulations. Finally, a robotic prototype is fabricated using anisotropic friction on its feet to convert the reciprocating motion of the actuator to uni-directional locomotion of the robot body over a surface. Experiments are carried out to validate the presented design concept and the modeling methods.
A Monolithic Compliant Continuum Manipulator: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Thomas Theodosia Lourdes , Venkiteswaran Venkatasubramanian Kalpathy , Ananthasuresh G. K. , Misra Sarthak 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Continuum robots have the potential to form an effective interface between the patient and surgeon in minimally invasive procedures. Magnetic actuation has the potential for accurate catheter steering, reducing tissue trauma and decreasing radiation exposure. In this paper, a new design of a monolithic metallic compliant continuum manipulator is presented, with flexures for precise motion. Contactless actuation is achieved using time-varying magnetic fields generated by an array of electromagnetic coils. The motion of the manipulator under magnetic actuation for planar deflection is studied. The mean errors of the theoretical model compared to experiments over three designs are found to be 1.9 mm and 5.1 deg in estimating the in-plane position and orientation of the tip of the manipulator, respectively, and 1.2 mm for the whole shape of the manipulator. Maneuverability of the manipulator is demonstrated by steering it along a path of known curvature and also through a gelatin phantom, which is visualized in real time using ultrasound imaging, substantiating its application as a steerable surgical manipulator.