bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐course changes in the regulation of ions and amino acids in the hard clam Meretrix lusoria upon lower salinity challenge
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hao , Yeh Po‐Ling , Lee Tsung‐Han 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, we examined ion and amino acid regulation in the gill and mantle of the hard clam Meretrix lusoria. We found that the osmolality and Na+ and Cl‐ concentrations of hard clam hemolymph were significantly reduced after transferring clams from the salinity of their natural habitat [20‰ saltwater (SW)] to a lower salinity environment (10‰ SW). Specific activities of Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA), which provides the driving force for the secondary ion transport associated with cell osmoregulation in gills and mantles, were unaffected during the acclimation to lower salinity. In contrast, there was a significant decline in the contents of free amino acids (FAAs) in the gills and mantles of hard clams during lower salinity acclimation. Taurine was established to be the dominant FAA, the content of which is considerably higher than that of other FAAs in the hard clam. Following acclimation to the lower salinity environment, mRNA expression of the taurine transporter (TAUT), which plays a pivotal role in regulating intracellular taurine contents, was significantly upregulated in the gill and downregulated in the mantle of hard clams at different time points. However, the relative abundance of TAUT protein in the gill and mantle was significantly increased after transfer from 20‰ SW to 10‰ SW, which may reflect feedback regulation in response to reduced taurine contents in the gill and mantle of hard clams. Collectively, the findings of this study provide important insights on the dynamic processes of ion and amino acid regulation in the peripheral tissues of bivalves.
Clinical Application of Non‐Contrast‐Enhanced Dixon Water‐Fat Separation Compressed SENSE Whole‐Heart Coronary MR Angiography at 3.0 T With and Without Nitroglycerin
Authors: Lu Hongfei , Zhao Shihai , Tian Di , Yang Shan , Ma Jianying , Chen Yinyin , Ge Meiying , Zeng Mengsu , Jin Hang 
Published: July 2021

Background3.0 T non‐contrast‐enhanced nitroglycerin (NTG)‐assisted whole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) employing Dixon water‐fat separation and compressed SENSE (CS‐SENSE) acceleration is a promising method for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD).PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of this technique for detecting clinically‐relevant (≥50% diameter reducing) CAD and to evaluate the difference in NTG‐induced coronary vasodilation between patients with and without clinically‐relevant CAD.Study TypeProspective.PopulationSixty‐six patients with suspected CAD.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T; CSSENSE, Dixon water‐fat separation, three‐dimensional segmented turbo field gradient‐echo sequence for whole‐heart coronary MRA.AssessmentOverall image quality of coronary MRA was calculated on the basis of all visible coronary segments. The diagnostic performance of coronary MRA for detecting a ≥50% reduction in coronary artery diameter with and without NTG was compared using X‐ray coronary angiography (CAG) as the reference. According to CAG, patients were divided into a non‐clinically‐relevant CAD group and clinically‐relevant CAD group, and the difference in NTG‐induced vasodilation between the groups was evaluated.Statistical TestsUnpaired/paired Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, paired Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, χ2 test, McNemar test. A two‐tailed P value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOverall image quality was increased significantly in the coronary MRA images after NTG. The diagnostic performance of the non‐NTG vs. NTG‐assisted coronary MRA was as follows on a per‐patient basis: sensitivity 94.3% vs. 94.3%, specificity 64.5% vs. 83.9%, positive predictive value 75.0% vs. 86.8%, negative predictive value 90.9% vs. 92.9%, and accuracy 80.3% vs. 89.4%, respectively. NTG‐induced vasodilation was significantly lower in the clinically‐relevant CAD group than in the non‐clinically‐relevant CAD group (13.7 ± 8.1% vs. 24.1 ± 16.3%).Data ConclusionNon‐contrast Dixon water‐fat separation CS‐SENSE coronary MRA at 3.0 T can noninvasively detect clinically‐relevant CAD and sublingual NTG improved performance. Combining pre‐ and post‐NTG coronary MRA may provide a simple noninvasive and nonionizing test to evaluate coronary vasodilation function.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
Effects of the middle Holocene high sea‐level stand and climate on Amazonian mangroves
Authors: Cohen Marcelo C. L. , Camargo Paloma Maria Pinto , Pessenda Luiz C. R. , Lorente Flávio Lima , De Souza Adriana V. , Corrêa José Augusto Martins , Bendassolli José , Dietz Marianne 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe high sea‐level stand during the mid‐Holocene is a benchmark in mangrove dynamics along the north‐east/south‐east coast of Brazil and provides a reference point for landward and seaward mangrove migrations corresponding to changes in relative sea level (RSL). However, evidence of the impacts associated with RSL fall on the northern Brazilian coast is scarce. Multi‐proxy data from the highest tidal flats of the Bragança Peninsula in northern Brazil revealed modern herbaceous areas were occupied by mangroves Rhizophora and Avicennia from ~6250 to ~5850 cal a bp, and only Avicennia between ~5850 and ~5000 cal a bp. The same tidal flats were vegetation‐free between ~5000 and ~4300 cal a bp. A combination of a high sea‐level stand (0.6 ± 0.1 m) at ~5000 cal a bp and a dry early–middle Holocene in the Amazon probably caused an increase in porewater salinity of tidal flats, which resulted in a mangrove succession from Rhizophora to Avicennia dominance. RSL fall accentuated this process, contributing to mangrove degradation between ~5000 and ~4300 cal a bp. RSL fall, and a wetter period over the past ~4300 cal a bp caused a mangrove migration from highest to lowest flats, followed by expansion of herbaceous vegetation on the highest flats.
An ecological baseline for Laminaria hyperborea forests in western Ireland
Authors: Schoenrock Kathryn M. , O'Callaghan Rory , O'Callaghan Tony , O'Connor Aisha , Stengel Dagmar B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe biodiversity associated with subtidal Irish kelp forests dominated by Laminaria hyperborea has never been described. To enumerate species assemblages in these ecosystems, subtidal surveys were done throughout the calendar year to investigate species assemblages within kelp forests, composition of benthic communities, species colonizing kelp thalli, recruitment to kelp forests, and habitat recovery processes after canopy clearances. Surveys were further undertaken in maërl beds, sediment‐bottom bays, Serpula vermicularis reefs, and bedrock habitats for comparison. Across all four seasons, kelp forests harbor the richest species assemblages, second only S. vermicularis reefs in diversity, with a total of 313 unique species in the habitat (from juvenile recruits to mature macrofauna). Peak diversity in kelp forests occurred in summer and echinoderms were one of the most abundant groups, though urchins never reach densities that would threaten over‐grazing. The thalli of L. hyperborea are diverse habitats harboring many deposit feeders, filter feeders, and marine macroalgae. Epibiotic communities become more diverse with age of kelp, culminating in a maximum of 1660 individuals on stipes and 949 on holdfasts. Recruitment of crustaceans, echinoderms, and worms was high in kelp forests, but recruitment of common Irish fish could not be monitored because of unique life history stage. Habitat establishment took over a year on artificial substrata which were colonized by macroalgae and dense canopy cover inhibited growth of juvenile sporophytes. This descriptive study represents an essential baseline for kelp forest biodiversity in Ireland.
Short‐pulsed and Q‐switched ND‐YAG laser with topical carbon versus fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of enlarged facial pores: A split‐face comparative study
Authors: Tarek Eman , Mostafa Wedad Z. , Allam Riham S. H. M. , El‐Samanoudy Solwan I. , Saadi Dina G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess and compare the efficacy and safety of topical carbon plus short‐pulsed and Q‐switched Nd‐YAG laser to fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in improving the appearance of wide facial pores.Materials and MethodsThirty Egyptian patients with wide facial pores were treated in a split‐face manner with two sessions of fractional CO2 laser on one side of the face and topical carbon followed by short‐pulsed and Q‐switched Nd‐YAG laser on the other side at 4‐week intervals. Clinical evaluation by Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), patient satisfaction level, and photography before treatment and 1 month after the second laser session was performed and adverse effects were monitored. Dermoscopic evaluation by dermoscopy pore score and optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation by surface irregularities score were performed at baseline and 1‐month posttreatment.ResultsOne month after treatment, both modalities produced significant reduction in IGA score, dermoscopy pore score, and surface irregularities by OCT (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Both procedures were well‐tolerated. There was no significant difference in IGA, dermoscopy pore score, surface irregularities score by OCT, adverse effects or patient satisfaction level between both treated sides.ConclusionFractional CO2 laser and topical carbon application followed by short‐pulsed and Q‐switched Nd‐YAG laser can be safely and effectively used to improve the appearance of wide facial pores.
Quantifying myelin in crossing fibers using diffusion‐prepared phase imaging: Theory and simulations
Authors: Cottaar Michiel , Wu Wenchuan , Tendler Benjamin C. , Nagy Zoltan , Miller Karla , Jbabdi Saad 
Published: July 2021

PurposeMyelin has long been the target of neuroimaging research. However, most available techniques can only provide a voxel‐averaged estimate of myelin content. In the human brain, white matter fiber pathways connecting different brain areas and carrying different functions often cross each other in the same voxel. A measure that can differentiate the degree of myelination of crossing fibers would provide a more specific marker of myelination.Theory and MethodsOne MRI signal property that is sensitive to myelin is the phase accumulation. This sensitivity is used by measuring the phase accumulation of the signal remaining after diffusion‐weighting, which is called diffusion‐prepared phase imaging (DIPPI). Including diffusion‐weighting before estimating the phase accumulation has two distinct advantages for estimating the degree of myelination: (1) It increases the relative contribution of intra‐axonal water, whose phase is related linearly to the thickness of the surrounding myelin (in particular the logg‐ratio); and (2) it gives directional information, which can be used to distinguish between crossing fibers. Here the DIPPI sequence is described, an approach is proposed to estimate the logg‐ratio, and simulations are used and DIPPI data acquired in an isotropic phantom to quantify other sources of phase accumulation.ResultsThe expected bias is estimated in the logg‐ratio for reasonable in vivo acquisition parameters caused by eddy currents (~4%‐10%), remaining extra‐axonal signal (~15%), and gradients in the bulk off‐resonance field (<10% for most of the brain).ConclusionThis new sequence may provide ag‐ratio estimate per fiber population crossing within a voxel.
Longitudinal motor function in proximal versus distal DMD pathogenic variants
Authors: Thangarajh Mathula , Bello Luca , Gordish‐Dressman Heather ,   CINRG‐DNHS Investigators
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThere is considerable heterogenicity in clinical outcomes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to assess whether dystrophin gene (DMD) pathogenic variant location influences upper or lower extremity motor function outcomes in a large prospective cohort.MethodsWe used longitudinal timed and quantitative motor function measurements obtained from 154 boys with DMD over a 10‐y period by the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group Duchenne Natural History Study (CINRG‐DNHS) to understand how the trajectories of motor function differ based on proximal versus distal DMD pathogenic variants. Proximal variants were defined as located proximal to 5′ DMD intron 44, and distal variants as those including nucleotides 3′ DMD including intron 44. Distal DMD variants are predicted to alter the expression of short dystrophin isoforms (Dp140, Dp116, and Dp71). We compared various upper extremity and lower extremity motor function measures in these two groups, after adjusting for total lifetime corticosteroid use.ResultsThe time to loss‐of‐ambulation and timed motor function measurements of both upper and lower limbs over a 10‐y period were comparable between boys with proximal (n = 53) and distal (n = 101) DMD pathogenic variants. Age had a significant effect on several motor function outcomes. Boys younger than 7 y of age (n = 49) showed gain in function whereas boys 7 y and older (n = 71) declined, regardless of dystrophin pathogenic variant location.DiscussionThe longitudinal decline in upper and lower motor function is independent of proximal versus distal location of DMD pathogenic variants.
Once were warriors: Challenging occupation preconceptions in Lebanese weapon‐associated burials (Middle Bronze Age, Sidon)
Authors: Kharobi Arwa , Stantis Chris , Maaranen Nina , Schutkowski Holger 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesFound throughout the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2000–1600 BCE), many modern scholars emphasize that weapon‐associated burials are ideological and symbolic associations, not reflections of occupation. However, the term “warrior burial” still carries interpretive value that misinforms popular perception. The site of Sidon (Lebanon) offers an excellent context to discuss this phenomenon. Our paper aims to assess whether there are any commonalities or trends that set the Sidonian weapon‐associated burials (n = 6) apart from the rest of the assemblage (n = 62) beyond funerary practice and to explore any patterns regarding occupation and/or elite lifestyle.Materials and methodsThe six skeletons, presumed to be males with funerary practices, associated with high social status and cultural values awarded to the warrior elite, were examined using bioarchaeological methods (paleopathology, activity lesions, stable isotopes and non‐metric dental traits).ResultsWeapon‐associated burials shared similar pathological condition prevalence to the “non‐warriors.” Further, noweapons‐associated burials display common skeletal evidence of interpersonal violence. Additionally, they do not present specific entheseal changes suggestive of frequent weaponry use. δ13C and δ15N analysis of bone collagen found that all weapon‐associated burials except Burial 12 consumed a diet similar to the wider assemblage. Finally, the different avenues of statistical analysis using dental nonmetric traits indicate that the weapon‐associated burials were not from ancestry groups different from the rest of the Sidon population.DiscussionTherefore, we conclude that associating those individuals with copper alloy weaponry is a funerary gesture reflecting more their social and/or cultural status than their occupation and lived experience. We suggest care when using the term “warrior burial” with these types of funerary practices, as it may conflate incorrect interpretation.
Reachable set estimation for discrete‐time systems with hybrid time‐delays
Authors: Zhao Jiemei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article investigates the problem of reachable set estimation for linear discrete‐time systems (LDSs) with both discrete and distributed delays as well as bounded disturbance inputs. The purpose is to determine a bounded set in which all the LDSs states are in the set. By exploiting Wirtinger‐based summation inequality and linear matrix inequalities techniques, a sufficient criterion is established which guarantees the states of LDSs are bounded by the ellipsoid. An improved Lyapunov–Krasovskii (L‐K) functional is addressed and the L‐K functional matrices are not required all to be positive definite. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods are substantiated by two numerical examples.
Adoptive Transfer of Autologous Invariant Natural Killer T Cells as Immunotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Gao Yao , Guo Jia , Bao Xuli , Xiong Fang , Ma Yanpin , Tan Bingqin , Yu Lele , Zhao Yong , Lu Jun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLessons LearnedBackgroundInvariant natural killer T cells co-express T-cell antigen receptor and natural killer (NK) cell receptors. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells exhibit antitumor activity, but their numbers and functions are impaired in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The adoptive transfer of iNKT cells might treat advanced HCC.MethodsThis phase I study (NCT03175679) enrolled 10 patients with HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] stage B/C) at Beijing YouAn Hospital (April 2017 to May 2018). iNKT cells isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were expanded and alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)–pulsed. Dosage escalated from 3 × 107 to 6 × 107 to 9 × 107 cells/m2 (3+3 design). An exploratory dose trial (1 × 1010 cells/m2) was conducted in one patient.ResultsExpanded iNKT cells produced greater quantities of T-helper 1 (Th1) cytokines (e.g., interferon-gamma, perforin, and granzyme B) but less interleukin-4 than nonexpanded iNKT cells. Circulating numbers of iNKT cells and activated NK cells were increased after iNKT cell infusion. Most treatment-related adverse events were grade 1–2, and three grade 3 adverse events were reported; all resolved without treatment. Four patients were progression-free at 5.5, 6, 7, and 11 months after therapy, and one patient was alive and without tumor recurrence at the last follow-up. Five patients died at 1.5 to 11 months after treatment.ConclusionAutologous iNKT cell treatment is safe and well-tolerated. Expanded iNKT cells produce Th1-like responses with possible antitumor activity. The antitumor effects of iNKT cell infusion in patients with advanced HCC merit further investigation.
Chemotherapy with atezolizumab for small cell or neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate: A single institution experience
Authors: Wee Christopher E. , Costello Brian A. , Orme Jacob J. , Quevedo J. Fernando , Pagliaro Lance C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionChemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy has a proven survival benefit compared to chemotherapy alone in extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and is the new standard of care. Since extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (SCCs) are less common, treatment paradigms are reasonably extrapolated from SCLC regimens. We examined our institution's experience utilizing the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy (as used in SCLC) for SCC and neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate.MethodsUtilizing an institutional database search tool, we queried the electronic medical record to identify patients with SCC or neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate who had been treated with atezolizumab and chemotherapy. We recorded patient characteristics, including age, pathology, and disease extent. Treatment characteristics included number of prior treatments, use of concominant androgen deprivation, number of cycles of immunotherapy, and prior systemic therapies (including those for adenocarcinoma of the prostate). Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary outcomes.ResultsWe identified seven men who received atezolizumab for metastatic prostate cancer with a small cell or neuroendocrine component. In six of the seven patients, the combination of carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab was the first‐line of treatment after diagnosis of small cell or neuroendocrine carcinoma. Two of the seven patients had de novo small cell/neuroendocrine pathology, while the other five had transformation from a preexisting adenocarcinoma. In the patients who received chemotherapy plus immunotherapy in the first‐line setting, at a median follow‐up of 6.5 months (range: 1.5–15.1) the median PFS was 3.4 months and median OS was 8.4 months.ConclusionSmall cell or neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate was associated with poor survival outcomes despite adding immunotherapy (atezolizumab) to chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide). To our knowledge, there has been no demonstrable benefit of adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy in this setting.
Experimental and numerical simulation studies of liquefied petroleum gas fire in a full–scale compartment
Authors: Kumar Aravind , Kumar Rajiv , Ansari A. A. , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLiquefied petroleum gas fuel fire hazard characteristics such as thermal, toxic, and radiation hazards were investigated in a full–scale compartment. A 0.3 m × 0.3 m sand–filled burner was used as a fire source with quasi–steady–state heat release rate of 40 kW and 160 kW for 300 s and 600 s respectively. The experimental study was carried out in the compartment of size 2.4 m × 3.6 m × 2.4 m with a doorway opening of size 0.8 m × 1 m for ventilation condition. Temperatures, gas concentrations, and irradiance measurements were carried out at different locations in the compartment with respect to time. Numerical simulation studies were performed for validation and predictions for different door aspect ratios using the computational fluid dynamics tool, fire dynamics simulator. Experimental measurements temperatures, velocities, heat flux, and species concentrations at different locations were reported in transient analysis. Numerical predictions were carried out for different door aspect opening ratios and discussed the impact of the thermal, toxic, and radiation hazards. Comparative evaluation of numerical predictions was in good agreement with measurements of experimental data.
Co‐occurrence of subunit B and C mutations in respiratory complex II confers high resistance levels to pyflubumide and cyenopyrafen in the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Maeoka Ayumu , Osakabe Masahiro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPyflubumide and cyenopyrafen are respiratory complex II (complex II) inhibitors. Previous quantitative trait locus analyses suggested associations of I260V and S56L in complex II subunit B (B‐I260V) and subunit C (C‐S56L) with pyflubumide and cyenopyrafen resistance, respectively, in Tetranychus urticae. However, although resistant strains had been selected separately by these acaricides, all strains were homozygous for both B‐I260V and C‐S56L. Hence, the effects of each mutation on resistance development remain unclear.RESULTSWe established strains homozygous for B‐I260V with C‐S56 (B‐I260V_I260V/C‐S56_S56) and for C‐S56L with B‐I260 (B‐I260_I260/C‐S56L_S56L). High resistance levels (LC50 > 1000 mg L−1) to pyflubumide and cyenopyrafen was not conferred by B‐I260V or C‐S56L alone. Next, we prepared intermixed strains by crossing B‐I260V_I260V/C‐S56_S56 and B‐I260_I260/C‐S56L_S56L. Selection of the intermixed strains by either acaricide caused very high resistance levels (LC50 ≥ 10 000 mg L−1) to both acaricides and fixed both mutations. Allele‐selected recoupling of the mutations without acaricide selection also conferred very high resistance levels to both acaricides in the intermixed strains. Unlike these, B‐I260V or C‐S56L alone conferred very high and high resistance levels to cyflumetofen, respectively.CONCLUSIONWe conclude that the effect of individual mutations characteristically varies among complex II inhibitors. Moreover, very high resistance levels to pyflubumide and cyenopyrafen is conferred by the co‐occurrence of B‐I260V and C‐S56L mutations, which alone have limited effects on resistance level.