bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of dispersal limitation and reforestation in shaping the distributional shift of a forest herb under climate change
Authors: Van Daele Frederik , Honnay Olivier , De Kort Hanne 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimForest herbs might be unable to track shifts in habitat suitability due to rapid climate change and habitat fragmentation. In this study, we quantified the role of dispersal limitation and the potential mitigating effect of large‐scale reforestation on the redistribution of the herbaceous forest plant species Primula elatior under climate change.LocationEurope.MethodsHigh resolution (100 m) landscape‐scale and macro‐climatic variables were combined to predict range‐wide habitat suitability using Maxent. Dispersal limitation was modelled, based on isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR) principles through integration of circuit theory and genomic data, to assess patch accessibility and metapopulation stability under climate change. Large‐scale reforestation was evaluated as a potential mitigating strategy by incorporating a land use change scenario into the distribution and dispersal models.ResultsLandscape‐scale variables contributed significantly to the distribution of P. elatior (78.33%) and to the accuracy of our model (AUC = 0.81). Isolation‐by‐resistance (R2cond = .92) was driven by land use (45.5%), distance from rivers (36.4%) and elevation (18.2%). It was estimated that 46.4 ± 13.9% (mean ± SD of climate change scenarios) of the total distribution area would be lost due to climate change by 2050 and an additional 15.6 ± 1.7% (mean ± SD) of the distribution would not be accessible through migration. The median latitude of the patch distribution shifted 183.2 ± 34.8 km (mean ± SD) northwards and 58.1 ± 9.3 km (mean ± SD) to more maritime regions. The patch accessibility was low in these regions and the metapopulation stability decreased considerably in the south of the distribution. Reforestation mitigated 54.1 ± 18.2% (mean ± SD) of the accessible distribution area loss and 49.5 ± 4.2% (mean ± SD) of the decrease in metapopulation stability.Main conclusionTo alleviate the loss of the accessible distribution area of P. elatior under climate change, it will be required to integrate climate mitigation strategies (RCP 2.6), range‐wide afforestation, restoration of ecological connectivity and focused assisted migration to newly available habitat.
Representation in demoicracies. Contributions from Belgian federalism to the future of Europe
Authors: Bursens Peter , Meier Petra 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis contribution assesses representation in the EU through the lens of demoicracy, focusing on how the demos and the demoi are represented and how this interacts with the executive‐legislative balance and party politics. As the Belgian polity is a living case for the EU but often as flawed as the latter when it comes to democratic standards of representation, we examine whether and how reform proposals for the Belgian polity can inspire future reforms at EU level. We demonstrate that the direction demoicracies should head for when strengthening democratic representation should include a balanced representation of the demos and demoi via a bicameral system, a polity‐wide constituency to represent the demos, involvement of the legislatives of the constituent units at the encompassing level, and a specific role for polity‐wide parties.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to development of alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice
Authors: Hashimoto Kei , Yamada Yoshihito , Sekiguchi Kota , Mori Sachi , Matsumoto Tatsumi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune non‐scarring hair loss disease. Recently, several reports have suggested that innate immune systems such as interferon‐α (IFN‐α)‐producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells and NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes play a role in the pathogenesis of AA. However, critical studies about their involvement in the initiation of AA have not yet been reported. Therefore, we investigated the expression of innate immune cytokines in serum and skin, and examined the effect of a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, on AA in C3H/HeJ mice, induced by transferring cultured skin‐draining lymph node cells. IFN‐α production was upregulated in lesions of AA‐affected mice, and interleukin‐1β in serum and skin was highly expressed before onset as well as postonset. Furthermore, MCC950 treatment prevented AA development and promoted hair growth in AA mouse models by reducing NLRP3 signalling and Th1/Tc1 chemokines and cytokines in the skin. These results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to AA onset and chronicity, and NLRP3 inhibitor may be a potential therapeutic agent for AA.
Fuzzy logic control theory in clinical anesthesia
Authors: Tian Ye , Chu Zheng , Ma Gang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the context of big data, the application of fuzzy logic control theory to clinical anesthesia will produce more research directions and new technologies. This article mainly studies the application of fuzzy logic control theory in clinical anesthesia. First, after introducing the basic content of fuzzy logic control theory, the determination method of commonly used membership functions, the relevant knowledge of clinical anesthesia, and the fuzzy logic code rate control model, this article describes in detail the basic principle diagram of the clinical anesthesia control system and the clinical anesthesia process Mechanism model. The mathematical model of clinical anesthesia control system is constructed based on the data fusion technology of the parameters of anesthesia depth monitoring. The parameters in the model are adjusted by the time domain analysis method to measure the dynamic characteristics, and the stability of the system is analyzed by root locus method. The heart rate does not change significantly when it is lower than 1 MAC, and the heart rate increases when it reaches 1.5–2 MAC. Experimental results show that the application of fuzzy logic control theory to clinical anesthesia can reduce the risk of clinical anesthesia.
Acetylation of the influenza A virus polymerase subunit PA in the N‐terminal domain positively regulates its endonuclease activity
Authors: Hatakeyama Dai , Shoji Masaki , Ogata Seiryo , Masuda Takeshi , Nakano Masahiro , Komatsu Tsugunori , Saitoh Ayaka , Makiyama Kyoko , Tsuneishi Hazuki , Miyatake Asuka , Takahira Mizuki , Nishikawa Erina , Ohkubo Ayana , Noda Takeshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Ohtsuki Sumio , Kuzuhara Takashi 
Published: July 2021

The post‐translational acetylation of lysine residues is found in many nonhistone proteins and is involved in a wide range of biological processes. Recently, we showed that the nucleoprotein of the influenza A virus is acetylated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs), a phenomenon that affects viral transcription. Here, we report that the PA subunit of influenza A virus RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase is acetylated by the HATs, P300/CREB‐binding protein‐associated factor (PCAF), and general control nonderepressible 5 (GCN5), resulting in accelerated endonuclease activity. Specifically, the full‐length PA subunit expressed in cultured 293T cells was found to be strongly acetylated. Moreover, the partial recombinant protein of the PA N‐terminal region containing the endonuclease domain was also acetylated by PCAF and GCN5 in vitro, which facilitated its endonuclease activity. Mass spectrometry analyses identified K19 as a candidate acetylation target in the PA N‐terminal region. Notably, the substitution of the lysine residue at position 19 with glutamine, a mimic of the acetyl‐lysine residue, enhanced its endonuclease activity in vitro; this point mutation also accelerated influenza A virus RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase activity in the cell. Our findings suggest that PA acetylation is important for the regulation of the endonuclease and RNA polymerase activities of the influenza A virus.
Simplification, not “tropicalization”, of temperate marine ecosystems under ocean warming and acidification
Authors: Agostini Sylvain , Harvey Ben P. , Milazzo Marco , Wada Shigeki , Kon Koetsu , Floc’h Nicolas , Komatsu Kosei , Kuroyama Mayumi , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOcean warming is altering the biogeographical distribution of marine organisms. In the tropics, rising sea surface temperatures are restructuring coral reef communities with sensitive species being lost. At the biogeographical divide between temperate and tropical communities, warming is causing macroalgal forest loss and the spread of tropical corals, fishes and other species, termed “tropicalization”. A lack of field research into the combined effects of warming and ocean acidification means there is a gap in our ability to understand and plan for changes in coastal ecosystems. Here, we focus on the tropicalization trajectory of temperate marine ecosystems becoming coral‐dominated systems. We conducted field surveys and in situ transplants at natural analogues for present and future conditions under (i) ocean warming and (ii) both ocean warming and acidification at a transition zone between kelp and coral‐dominated ecosystems. We show that increased herbivory by warm‐water fishes exacerbates kelp forest loss and that ocean acidification negates any benefits of warming for range extending tropical corals growth and physiology at temperate latitudes. Our data show that, as the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming ratchet up, marine coastal ecosystems lose kelp forests but do not gain scleractinian corals. Ocean acidification plus warming leads to overall habitat loss and a shift to simple turf‐dominated ecosystems, rather than the complex coral‐dominated tropicalized systems often seen with warming alone. Simplification of marine habitats by increased CO2 levels cascades through the ecosystem and could have severe consequences for the provision of goods and services.
Taking the bite out of administrative burdens: How beneficiaries of a Mexican social program ease administrative burdens in street‐level interactions
Authors: Peeters Rik , Campos Sergio A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDespite taking the citizen experience of policy implementation as starting point for analysis, the literature on administrative burdens has mostly portrayed citizens as passive victims of burdens. Based on a literature review, three hypotheses are formulated regarding citizens' capacity to ease the impact of administrative burdens through behavioral adjustment, use of social and human capital, and strategic behavior. Evidence for these strategies is found in a case study of beneficiaries' behavior in a Mexican social program, where even the most vulnerable citizens have resources to reduce the impact of administrative burdens, even if the actual causes of those burdens remain out of reach. The findings contribute to understanding (a) variance in people's experience of administrative burdens, (b) the impact of prolonged street‐level interactions on people's ability to ease administrative burdens, (c) the importance of studying informal street‐level interactions, and (d) the relevance of studying state‐citizen interactions in developmental contexts.
Molecular and phenotype characterization of an elongated β‐globin variant produced by HBB:C.313delA
Authors: Lin Wanying , Zhang Qianqian , Shen Zongrui , Qu Xiang , Wang Qi , Wei Liuyuan , Qiu Yuhao , Yang Jie , Xu Xiangmin , Lao Jinquan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionβ‐thalassemia is a severe hereditary hemolytic anemia. Due to the diversity of mutations spectrum, β‐thalassemia manifests a highly heterogeneous clinical severity. We noted that a previous report characterized HBB:c.313delA, at the end of exon 2, as a β‐thalassemia trait rather than dominant β‐thalassemia, the classification given to similar mutations. We further explored the impact of this functional variant on globin structure through larger pedigree analysis and in vitro studies.MethodsHematological analysis and molecular genotyping were conducted on the proband and his family members. We evaluated functional effects of the variant on β‐globin gene in the proband's nucleated erythrocytes and transfected HEK‐293T cells. Three‐dimensional construction of protein structure was carried out in silico to demonstrate amino acid changes.ResultsThe thalassemia major proband was identified as a compound heterozygote of HBB:c.313delA and HBB:c.126_129delCTTT. Three family members with heterozygotes of HBB:c.313delA displayed microcytic hypochromic anemia. Molecular characterization demonstrated that the frameshift mutation could give rise to retro‐positioning of the termination codon, resulting in an elongated β‐globin chain with an extension of 10 amino acids. Clinical phenotype and functional experiments indicated that HBB:c.313delA led to β0‐thalassemia phenotype.ConclusionWe concluded that the phenotype of HBB:c.313delA was mainly related to the stability of mutant mRNA, the degradation of mutant proteins, and production of inclusion bodies according to a systematic description of clinical phenotype and a series of molecular experiments.
Additional mutations in IDH1/2‐mutated patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lu Jingtao , Chen Meiyu , Hua Haiying , Qin Wei , Zhang Ri , Lu Xuzhang , Chao Hongying 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveSomatic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) frequently emerge in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the clinical features and molecular characteristics of IDH mutational status and other coexisting mutations have not been investigated in a large extensively characterized AML series. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the mutational profile of IDH‐mutated patients, such as the frequency and clinical characteristics of coexisting mutated genes.Materials and MethodsWe investigated 485 newly diagnosed AML patients (range 18‐81 years). DNA was extracted from bone marrow samples at the time of diagnosis. All samples were investigated with a panel of 49 mutational genes using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). FLT3‐ITD, NPM1, and CEBPA mutations were detected by Sanger PCR sequencing.ResultsWe found 84 patients (17.3%) with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations. There were 40 IDH1R132, 15 IDH2R140Q, 17 IDH2R172K, and 12 uncommon mutations. No patient was found to have both IDH1 and IDH2 mutations. Patients with IDH2R140Q mutations were more frequently older and presented with significantly lower average platelet counts, while IDH2R172K‐mutated patients had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts. On the background of IDH mutations, the presence of a normal karyotype showed a balanced distribution. The four most frequently coexisting mutated genes were NPM1, DNMT3A, TET2, and FLT3‐ITD. The majority of coexisting mutated genes were involved in regulating transcription and DNA methylation. IDH mutation status had no effect on the CR rate, regardless of other molecular abnormalities.ConclusionIsocitrate dehydrogenases mutations are associated with a complex coexisting mutation cluster in AML. Future investigation is needed to reveal the association between IDH mutations and other genetic abnormalities, which may have an impact on the progression and prognosis of disease.
Local government efficiency: reviewing determinants and setting new trends
Authors: Milán‐García Juan , Rueda‐López Nuria , De Pablo‐Valenciano Jaime 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper has reviewed the international literature on the explaining factors of efficiency of local governments from 1990 to June 2019. The main objective of this work is to explore the dynamics of the development of this line of research, not only to find out the terminology preferences that have dominated the pre‐ and post‐crisis period in this field but also to identify the latest worldwide research trends. For this purpose, a bibliometric and cluster analysis by fractional accounting has been carried out. The principal result of this article is twofold. First, during the whole period 1990–2019, the ranking of the most used terms is dominated by the keywords of the publications in the second subperiod 2008–2019. Second, the analysis of the latest trends, which has been extended until June 2021, shows that in recent years, the study of the determinants of local government efficiency has revolved around concepts related to environmental issues and new forms of local management.
A novel adaptive insertable cardiac monitor algorithm improves the detection of atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia in silico
Authors: Saha Sunipa , Perschbacher David , Jones Paul , Frost Kate , Sharma Arjun , Mittal Suneet , Richards Mark 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionInsertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) provide a minimally invasive method of continuous monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms. While the benefits of ICMs are clear, current algorithm performance can be improved. The objective of this study is to assess the performance of a novel adaptive atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithm and separately programmable atrial tachycardia (AT) algorithm.MethodsA dual‐stage detect‐and‐verify AF algorithm and separately programmable AT algorithm were developed. Sensitivity and PPV across a range of settings were determined in silico by comparison with an adjudicated Holter data set (n = 1966 with 229 patient days). Finally, the ability to improve performance through simulated remote programming was assessed.ResultsThe dual‐stage algorithm detected AF in all true AF patients (76/76) resulting in a patient‐level sensitivity of 100%. Episode‐level sensitivity and PPV ranged from 97.6% to 100% and 79.1% to 98.5%, respectively. Thirty‐six false‐positive episodes were observed and 32 (88.9%) of these were corrected with programming changes. Decoupling of AF and AT durations improved PPV from a range of 10%–22% to a range of 95%–100%.ConclusionsAF and AT algorithms were designed with novel features including an adaptive morphology assessment for AF detection and separately programmable durations for AT detection. In silico performance yielded improved PPVs while maintaining high sensitivity across a range of settings. Importantly, programming changes that may be made remotely with this system reduced false positives. These algorithms allow clinicians to individualize arrhythmia detection settings thereby improving data management and reducing clinic burden.
Blood pressure measurement: Should technique define targets?
Authors: Hiremath Swapnil , Ramsay Tim , Ruzicka Marcel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAccurate assessment of blood pressure (BP) is the cornerstone of hypertension management. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effect of medical personnel presence during BP measurement by automated oscillometric BP (AOBP) and to compare resting office BP by AOBP to daytime average BP by 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). This study is a prospective randomized cross‐over trial, conducted in a referral population. Patients underwent measurements of casual and resting office BP by AOBP. Resting BP was measured as either unattended (patient alone in the room during resting and measurements) or as partially attended (nurse present in the room during measurements) immediately prior to and after 24‐h ABPM. The primary outcome was the effect of unattended 5‐min rest preceding AOBP assessment as the difference between casual and resting BP measured by the Omron HEM 907XL. Ninety patients consented and 78 completed the study. The mean difference between the casual and Omron unattended systolic BP was 7.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5, 9.5). There was no significant difference between partially attended and unattended resting office systolic BP. Resting office BP (attended and partially attended) underestimated daytime systolic BP load from 24‐h ABPM. The presence or absence of medical personnel does not impact casual office BP which is higher than resting office AOBP. The requirement for unattended rest may be dropped if logistically challenging. Casual and resting office BP readings by AOBP do not capture the complexity of information provided by the 24‐h ABPM.
NOD2 deficiency confers a pro‐tumorigenic macrophage phenotype to promote lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Yibei , Miao Ziwei , Qin Xiaoxue , Li Bo , Han Yun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐containing protein 2 (NOD2) was a member of the NOD‐like receptor family and played an important role in the innate immune response. Dysregulated NOD2 had been reported to contribute to tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we investigated that decreased NOD2 expressions could affect the phenotypic polarization of tumour‐associated macrophages and thus lead to the poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. We clustered the patients by the single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis of tumour microenvironment and 13 prognostic differentially expressed immune‐related genes (PDEIRGs) were obtained based on prognostic analyses. After multiple assessments on the 13 PDEIRGs, NOD2 was considered to be the central immune gene and had a strong effect on suppressing tumour progression. Decreased NOD2 expression could be induced by cancer cells and lead to the phenotypic polarization of macrophages from protective M1 phenotype to pro‐tumorigenic M2 subtype which might be attributed to the down‐regulating of NF‐κB signalling pathway. This study draw attention to the role of inhibited innate immune function mediated by depletion of NOD2 in the TME. Our work also points to a potential strategy of NOD2‐mediated TAM‐targeted immunotherapy.
The Couple Relationship Scale: A brief measure to facilitate routine outcome monitoring in couple therapy
Authors: Anderson Shayne R. , Johnson Lee N. , Miller Richard B. , Barham Connor C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRoutine outcome monitoring (ROM) is an important component of evidence‐based practice. To implement ROM in their practice, couple therapists need a brief measure that can quickly assess the relevant aspects of a couple's relationship. The Couple Relationship Scale (CRS) is a 10‐item measure of relational functioning that assesses emotional intimacy, commitment, trust, safety, cohesion, acceptance, conflict, physical intimacy, overall happiness, and personal well‐being. Three studies examined the initial psychometric properties of the CRS. Study One used a sample of 300 individuals to examine the concurrent validity, factor structure, and reliability of the CRS. In Study Two, 53 individuals completed the CRS twice to establish test‐retest reliability. In Study Three, 214 distressed individuals and 135 non‐distressed individuals were used to identify a clinical cutoff and reliable change index (RCI). Results indicated that the CRS has a strong concurrent and construct validity and good reliability. The clinical cutoff was 70.9 with an RCI of 16.