bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental gradients and physical barriers drive the basin‐wide spatial structuring of Mediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic Ocean prokaryotic communities
Authors: Sebastián Marta , Ortega‐Retuerta Eva , Gómez‐Consarnau Laura , Zamanillo Marina , Álvarez Marta , Arístegui Javier , Gasol Josep M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Mediterranean Sea is a miniature ocean divided by the Sicily Strait into two basins with a marked west to east trophic gradient and separated of the nearby eastern Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar. Here, we test the hypothesis that these physical and environmental barriers favor the development of specific prokaryotic assemblages, leading to changes in community structure both in the vertical and horizontal spatial scales. By analyzing taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity using amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the 16S rRNA gene, we show that there is indeed marked vertical segregation of prokaryotic groups, similar to that found in other areas of the ocean, but also a clear horizontal structuring among the two Mediterranean basins and the adjacent Atlantic waters. Prokaryotic diversity increased with depth and toward the Atlantic, whereas the easternmost stations displayed more phylogenetically diverse phylotypes, despite harboring globally less diverse communities. Basin‐indicator taxa (ASVs) accounted for a large fraction of the community (between 50% and 80%) in each of the basins at the surface and bathypelagic layers, being associated with different environmental variables. The existence of biogeographic and environmental barriers in the Mediterranean Sea is likely related to the trophic gradient at the surface and the isolation of water bodies in depth due to the Gibraltar and Sicily straits. Our work highlights the importance of studying microbial regional biogeography and provides the basis for future studies on the impact of this regionalization in the function of Mediterranean Sea prokaryotic communities.
Turning the Tide on Hepatitis C Virus–Related Liver Transplantation: The Return on Investment in Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Howell Jess , Majumdar Avik , Fink Michael A. , Byrne Mandy , McCaughan Geoff , Strasser Simone I. , Crawford Michael , Hodgkinson Peter , Stuart Katherine A. , Tallis Caroline , Chen John , Wigg Alan , Jones Robert , Jaques Bryon , Jeffrey Gary , Adams Leon , Wallace Michael C. , Munn Stephen , Gane Ed , Thompson Alex J. , Gow Paul 
Published: October 2021

Introduction of universal access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia and New Zealand on March 1st, 2016, has had a major impact on the number of people with chronic HCV infection, but the impact on liver transplantation rates is unknown. We conducted a retrospective registry study including all adult liver transplantations from the Australia and New Zealand Liver and Intestinal Liver Transplant Registry (ANZLITR) data set. Interrupted time series analysis determined the impact of DAAs in 2016 on the number of HCV liver transplantations per year. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the impact of DAAs on post–liver transplantation survival. Between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2019 5318 adult liver transplantations were performed, and 29% (1531) were for HCV infection. Prior to the introduction of DAAs, there was a mean increase of 3.5 adult liver transplantations performed for HCV per annum, but between 2016 and 2019 there was a mean decrease of 7.9 adult liver transplantations per annum (P < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of liver transplantations performed for HCV increased from 9% (1990) to 33% in 2016 and then fell to 23% in 2019 (P < 0.001). The number and proportion of patients with HCV added to the liver transplantation waiting list also fell in 2016 (P < 0.001) when compared with other indications. The introduction of DAAs was associated with a 31% reduction in death after liver transplantation, adjusted for age at transplant and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48‐0.99; P = 0.047). The number of adult liver transplantations performed for HCV‐related liver cirrhosis and HCC has reduced since the introduction of universal access to DAAs in 2016 in Australia and New Zealand.
Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol/ Lauramidopropyl Betaine/2D‐HOF Mixed Film with Abundant Hydrogen Bonds Acts as High Mechanical Strength Artificial Skin
Authors: Ye Qin , Chen Shu‐Han , Zhang Ya , Ruan Bo , Zhang Yi‐Jie , Zhang Xin‐Ke , Jiang Tao , Wang Xiaoge , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang‐Chang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe mechanical properties of artificial skins are complicated to maintain under ensuring air permeability and antimicrobial. Thus, a series of hydrophilic antimicrobial polymer networks are prepared by crosslinking chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol with the lauramidopropyl betaine and hydrogen bond organic framework (CS/PVA/LPB/2D‐HOF). The mechanical performance of the control groups and the complex are systematically evaluated to attain an artificial strength skin. The CS/PVA/LPB/2D‐HOF complex exhibits strong mechanical abilities than other control groups. By analyzing the IR spectra and the morphology, the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds between molecules and cracks significantly improves the mechanical properties of the complex. Its maximum tensile strength can reach 29 MPa, and its maximum load capacity can reach 3700 g. Notably, the composite membrane also performs an excellent antimicrobial activity. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that the hybrid membrane can promote tissue regeneration and wound healing (95％). These results may open up the opportunity for future composite material investigations in the artificial skin and tissue engineering field.
Investigating Branched Polyethylene Sensors for Applications in Prosthetics
Authors: Williams Jamie O. D. , Solan Gregory A. , Xu Jinting , Allen Jack , Harris Rob C. , Timmermann Vanessa M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere is a need for new conductive, scalable sensors with piezoresistive and thermoresistive properties for applications in bioengineering. For example, the demand for real‐time sensory feedback in upper‐limb prosthetics requires sensors that are low‐cost, scalable, and sensitive to temperature, pressure, and movement. It is possible to manufacture low‐cost conductive sensors by directly mixing a low‐cost filler such as graphite into fillers such as polyorganosiloxane, although they can have poor electrical and mechanical homogeneity. In this paper, an alternative approach is outlined to form these sensors: ethylene was polymerized using a nickel catalyst to form a polymer with up to 93 branches per 1000 carbon atoms. This branched polyethylene was fibrous and had a greater volume than high‐density polyethylene. After hot pressing with a graphite filler to form a conductive, flexible sensor, the polyethylene samples had electrical resistivity down to 0.067 m, a thermal coefficient of resistance −7.5 at 27 , and a electrical resistance sensitive to forces down to 0.1 N. The process is scalable, and provides a route to homogeneous, low‐cost sensors for future prosthetics applications.
Identification and characterization of the cell division protein MapZ from Streptococcus suis
Authors: Dresen Muriel , Rohde Manfred , Arenas Jesús , de Greeff Astrid , Nerlich Andreas , Valentin‐Weigand Peter 
Published: October 2021

AbstractStreptococcus suis, an emerging zoonotic pathogen, causes invasive diseases in pigs, including sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, and arthritis. Importantly, similar pathologies are reported in human S. suis infections. In previous work, the locus SSU0375 of S. suis strain P1.7 had been identified as a conditionally essential gene by intrathecal experimental infection of pigs with a transposon library of S. suis. This study aimed to identify the function of the corresponding gene product. Bioinformatics analysis and homology modeling revealed sequence and structural homologies with the Streptococcus pneumoniae mid‐cell‐anchored protein Z (MapZ) that is involved in cell division in different bacterial species. Indeed, depletion of this locus in S. suis strain 10 revealed a growth defect as compared to the wild type. Electron microscopy analysis of the corresponding mutant demonstrated morphological growth defects as compared to the wild‐type strain, including an irregular cell shape and size as well as mispositioned division septa. Light microscopy and subsequent quantitative image analysis confirmed these morphological alterations. In the genetic rescue strain, the wild‐type phenotype was completely restored. In summary, we proposed that SSU0375 or the corresponding locus in strain 10 encode for a S. suis MapZ homolog that guides septum positioning as evidenced for other members of the Streptococci family.
A hunt for OM45 synthetic petite interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a role for Miro GTPase Gem1p in cristae structure maintenance
Authors: Shvetsova Antonina , Masud Ali J. , Schneider Laura , Bergmann Ulrich , Monteuuis Geoffray , Miinalainen Ilkka J. , Hiltunen J. Kalervo , Kastaniotis Alexander J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOm45 is a major protein of the yeast's outer mitochondrial membrane under respiratory conditions. However, the cellular role of the protein has remained obscure. Previously, deletion mutant phenotypes have not been found, and clear amino acid sequence similarities that would allow inferring its functional role are not available. In this work, we describe synthetic petite mutants of GEM1 and UGO1 that depend on the presence of OM45 for respiratory growth, as well as the identification of several multicopy suppressors of the synthetic petite phenotypes. In the analysis of our mutants, we demonstrate that Om45p and Gem1p have a collaborative role in the maintenance of mitochondrial morphology, cristae structure, and mitochondrial DNA maintenance. A group of multicopy suppressors rescuing the synthetic lethal phenotypes of the mutants on non‐fermentable carbon sources additionally supports this result. Our results imply that the synthetic petite phenotypes we observed are due to the disturbance of the inner mitochondrial membrane and point to this mitochondrial sub‐compartment as the main target of action of Om45p, Ugo1p, and the yeast Miro GTPase Gem1p.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein harnesses SNX27‐mediated endocytic recycling pathway
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zhong Kunhong , Zhao Jia , Yong Xin , Tong Aiping , Jia Da 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 is an enveloped positive‐sense RNA virus that depends on host factors for all stages of its life. Membrane receptor ACE2 is a well‐established factor for SARS‐CoV‐2 docking. In addition to ACE2, whole‐genome genetic screens have identified additional proteins, such as endosomal trafficking regulators SNX27 and retromer, as key host factors required for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, it is poorly understood how SARS‐CoV‐2 utilize host endocytic transport pathways to produce productive infection. Here, we report that SNX27 interacts with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein to facilitate S protein surface expression. Interestingly, S protein binds to the PDZ domain of SNX27, although it does not contain a PDZ‐binding motif (PDZbm). Either abrogation of the SNX27 PDZ domain or S protein “MTSC” motif, which is critical for SNX27 binding, decreases surface expression of S protein and viral production. Collectively, our study highlights a novel approach utilized by SARS‐CoV‐2 to facilitate virion trafficking to establish virus infection.
A rare unbalanced translocation (trisomy 5q33.3‐qter, monosomy 13q34‐qter) results in growth hormone deficiency and brain anomalies
Authors: Joynt Alyssa C. M. , Deshwar Ashish R. , Zon Jessica , Dupuis Lucie , Wherrett Diane K. , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnbalanced translocations between the q arm of chromosomes 5 and 13 are exceedingly rare and there is only one reported case with distal trisomy 5q/monosomy 13q. In this report, we describe a second patient with a similar rearrangement arising from a paternal balanced translocation.MethodsKaryotype analysis was performed on the proband and their parents. Microarray was also conducted on the proband.ResultsOur patient was found to have global developmental delay, distinct facial features, short stature, growth hormone deficiency, delayed puberty, and brain anomalies including a small pituitary. Karyotype and microarray analysis revealed a terminal duplication of chromosome regions 5q33.3 to 5qter and a terminal deletion of chromosome regions 13q34 to 13qter that resulted from a balanced translocation in her father. The endocrine abnormalities and neuroimaging findings have not been previously described in patients with either copy number change.ConclusionsThis case helps expand on the phenotype of patients with distal trisomy 5q/monosomy 13q as well as possibly providing useful information on the more common individual copy number changes.
Unsupervised anomaly detection in MR images using multicontrast information
Authors: Kim Byungjai , Kwon Kinam , Oh Changheun , Park Hyunwook 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeAnomaly detection in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to distinguish the relevant biomarkers of diseases from those of normal tissues. In this paper, an unsupervised algorithm is proposed for pixel‐level anomaly detection in multicontrast MRI.MethodsA deep neural network is developed, which uses only normal MR images as training data. The network has the two stages of feature generation and density estimation. For feature generation, relevant features are extracted from multicontrast MR images by performing contrast translation and dimension reduction. For density estimation, the distributions of the extracted features are estimated by using Gaussian mixture model (GMM). The two processes are trained to estimate normative distributions well presenting large normal datasets. In test phases, the proposed method can detect anomalies by measuring log‐likelihood that a test sample belongs to the estimated normative distributions.ResultsThe proposed method and its variants were applied to detect glioblastoma and ischemic stroke lesion. Comparison studies with six previous anomaly detection algorithms demonstrated that the proposed method achieved relevant improvements in quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Ablation studies by removing each module from the proposed framework validated the effectiveness of each proposed module.ConclusionThe proposed deep learning framework is an effective tool to detect anomalies in multicontrast MRI. The unsupervised approaches would have great potentials in detecting various lesions where annotated lesion data collection is limited.
TSSK3, a novel target for male contraception, is required for spermiogenesis
Authors: Nayyab Saman , Gervasi María G. , Tourzani Darya A. , Caraballo Diego A. , Jha Kula N. , Teves Maria E. , Cui Wei , Georg Gunda I. , Visconti Pablo E. , Salicioni Ana M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe have previously shown that members of the family of testis‐specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are post‐meiotically expressed in testicular germ cells and in mature sperm in mammals. The restricted post‐meiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggest that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the TSSK6 knock‐out (KO) mice and of the double TSSK1/TSSK2 KO. The aim of this study was to develop KO mouse models of TSSK3 and to validate this kinase as a target for the development of a male contraceptive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the TSSK3 KO allele on B6D2F1 background mice. Male heterozygous pups were used to establish three independent TSSK3 KO lines. After natural mating of TSSK3 KO males, females that presented a plug (indicative of mating) were monitored for the following 24 days and no pregnancies or pups were found. Sperm numbers were drastically reduced in all three KO lines and, remarkably, round spermatids were detected in the cauda epididymis of KO mice. From the small population of sperm recovered, severe morphology defects were detected. Our results indicate an essential role of TSSK3 in spermiogenesis and support this kinase as a suitable candidate for the development of novel nonhormonal male contraceptives.
Associations between demographics and quality of life in children in the first year of cancer treatment
Authors: Raybin Jennifer L. , Hendricks‐Ferguson Verna , Cook Paul , Jankowski Catherine 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSymptom distress and decreased quality of life (QOL) among children with cancer are well documented. Research is emerging on the child's voice in QOL‐symptom reports, but existing QOL questionnaires are burdensome and objective biologic markers are lacking. We examined children's symptoms and QOL from parent and child perspectives and compared the results to one biologic marker (body posture). A cross‐sectional secondary analysis of prospective data from children receiving creative arts therapy explored potential associations among demographics with and between QOL measures (PedsQL, Faces Scale, posture). Children (n = 98) ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (M = 7.8) and were in the first year of cancer treatment. No significant associations were found among the child's sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), or distance from hospital, and total PedsQL. Older age was associated with worse total PedsQL, pain, nausea, worry, and posture (all P < 0.05). Greater worry (β = 0.51) and worse posture (β = 0.41) were the QOL variables most strongly correlated with older age. Poorer posture was associated with worse child PedsQL (total score, nausea, treatment anxiety, cognitive) and parent PedsQL (pain, nausea). Worse scores on the Faces Scale, PedsQL, and posture were all correlated (r = 0.21‐0.39, all P < 0.05). Interventions to improve QOL could target nausea, worry, and older patients. Accuracy and interpretation of symptom distress in children are problematic. The Faces Scale and posture may be suitable, readily obtained measures of QOL in pediatric oncology that hold promise.
Damage analysis of combined continuous and discontinuous thin‐ply carbon/glass hybrid composite using acoustic emission
Authors: Ichenihi Amos , Li Wei , Gao Yantao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThin‐ply hybrid composite is an attractive technology for realizing high‐performance ductile composites (carbon and glass). However, the continuous carbon (CC) layers are limited to a thickness that can only emit small fracture energies to achieve pseudo‐ductility, compromising the mechanical performance of the laminates due to the low carbon/glass ratio. To solve this problem, four different lay‐up architectures of partially discontinuous carbon (DC) and angled carbon layers were coupled with continuous glass and carbon to increase the carbon/glass ratio maintaining pseudo‐ductility and improve mechanical properties. When under tensile loading, sandwiched DC layers with CC layers (H212) can achieve pseudo‐ductility with good mechanical properties compared to a sample with similar carbon layer thickness but with CC sandwiched by DC layers (H412). An improvement of 13% on the modulus and 2% on the yield strength is registered. Besides, acoustic emission (AE) analysis and sentry function are used to monitor the behavior of the respective damage mechanisms in the hybrid composites. The AE procedure used clustered the carbon and glass fiber breakages separately. Consequently, the sentry function analysis shows the damage mechanisms damage progression causing pseudo‐ductility.
Modeling thermo‐mechanical behaviors of carbon nanotube/polyurethane functionally graded shape memory polymer beam
Authors: Zhao Fei , Chen Yuqi , Zhou Bo , Li Yingjie , Xue Shifeng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a new constitutive model which can model the thermo‐mechanical behaviors of functionally graded shape memory polymer (SMP) beam is established. The kinematic equation was established based on the SMP constitutive equation further derived and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The material parameter equations were established by taking the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the gradient based on the material parameter equations of SMP and properties of functionally graded materials. According to the constitutive model, the simply supported beam was taken for example to be solved and simulated by using the virtual work principle. The results show material parameters properties, deflection properties, stress properties and shape memory properties of CNT/carbon nanotube/polyurethane (PU) functionally graded beam and some conclusions are concluded. This work shows the thermo‐mechanical behavior of CNT/PU functionally graded beam, and it provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of functionally graded SMP materials.
Mechanical properties enhancement in composite material structures of poly‐lactic acid/epoxy/milled glass fibers prepared by fused filament fabrication and solution casting
Authors: Mustafa Ammar , Aloyaydi Bandar , Subbarayan Sivsankaran , Al‐Mufadi Fahad A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAdditive manufacturing technology can help us to produce complex components/parts easily. It can be used to develop the parts with multi‐material structures consisting of thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, and ceramic fibers. This multi‐material structure enhances the performance of lightweight polymer‐based components. In this research work, poly‐lactic acid (PLA) lattice (mono‐material structure), PLA lattice filled with epoxy (bi‐material structure), and PLA lattice incorporated with embedded milled glass fibers (MGFs) in an epoxy matrix (tri‐material structure, TMS) were designed and developed by fused filament fabrication and solution casting methods. PLA lattice of 50% volume was fixed in all structures and 50% volume was filled with epoxy and MGFs. The dispersed MGFs in epoxy matrix were varied from 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 vol%. The mechanical properties were carried out by compression test, three‐point bending test, and tensile test. The results revealed that 5 vol% of MGFs in the epoxy sample (TMS) exhibited improved mechanical performances compared to other samples. The cone‐beam CT scan results confirmed the voids/porous free surfaces in the developed materials. The high‐resolution scanning electron microscope microstructural evolutions in‐terms of topography and fractured regions were also examined and reported.