bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEC1A and SEC6 synergistically regulate pollen tube polar growth
Authors: Fan Tingting , Fan Yuemin , Yang Yang , Qian Dong , Niu Yue , An Lizhe , Xiang Yun 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTPollen tube polar growth is a key physiological activity for angiosperms to complete double fertilization, which is highly dependent on the transport of polar substances mediated by secretory vesicles. The exocyst and Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins are involved in the regulation of the tethering and fusion of vesicles and plasma membranes, but the molecular mechanism by which they regulate pollen tube polar growth is still unclear. In this study, we found that loss of function of SEC1A, a member of the SM protein family inArabidopsis thaliana, resulted in reducing pollen tube growth and a significant increase in pollen tube width. SEC1A was diffusely distributed in the pollen tube cytoplasm, and was more concentrated at the tip of the pollen tube. Through co‐immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry screening, protein interaction analysis andin vivomicroscopy, we found that SEC1A interacted with the exocyst subunit SEC6, and they mutually affected the distribution and secretion rate at the tip of the pollen tube. Meanwhile, the functional loss of SEC1A and SEC6 significantly affected the distribution of the SNARE (soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex member SYP125 at the tip of the pollen tube, and led to the disorder of pollen tube cell wall components. Genetic analysis revealed that the pollen tube‐related phenotype of thesec1a sec6double mutant was significantly enhanced compared with their respective single mutants. Therefore, we speculated that SEC1A and SEC6 cooperatively regulate the fusion of secretory vesicles and plasma membranes in pollen tubes, thereby affecting the length and the width of pollen tubes.
In Search of a Risk‐Free Asset: Search Costs and Sticky Deposit Rates
Authors: YANKOV VLADIMIR 
Published: March 2023

AbstractI examine the role of costly consumer search for the pricing of deposits. Estimates of a model of heterogeneous search cost households reveal a large fraction of high‐search‐cost depositors composed of elderly and less financially sophisticated households. Those households grant banks significant monopoly power that results in low and asymmetric interest rate pass‐through. The predictions of the estimated model are consistent with responses in the Survey of Consumer Finances to questions related to financial sophistication, search for investment return, and deposit allocations across multiple bank accounts. The estimated model also reveals a nonmonotone relationship between bank entry, deposit rates, and consumer surplus.
Relationships and dynamics in families with a child with a kidney transplant—A study of parents' everyday life experiences
Authors: Agerskov Hanne , Thiesson Helle C. , Schultz Helen , Pedersen Birthe D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric kidney transplantation is often the best choice of treatment for kidney failure with replacement therapy and represents an important change in the child's well‐being. There are, however, still a number of challenges in addition to the parental role. The magnitude of intensive parental caregiving and support required by children with a kidney transplant could be disruptive to family relationships and dynamics.ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of family relationships and dynamics among parents of a child with a kidney transplant.DesignAn explorative study using a qualitative method.ParticipantsTwelve parents (seven mothers and five fathers) of seven children with a kidney transplant were included.ApproachA phenomenological–hermeneutic approach was applied.MethodSemistructured, individual interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation on three levels: naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion.FindingsThree themes were generated: Emotions during ups and downs in everyday life; Balancing different needs among children; and Opportunities and having consideration in the family.ConclusionRelationships between parents that are based on mutual emotional support are significant and essential during periods of severe illness in a child. Parents who are alone or emotionally marked by their child's disease history feel vulnerable and struggle to overcome challenges. Different health situations among siblings lead to challenges in bringing up the children and emotional dilemmas among parents that impact family dynamics. Resilience in parents is a shifting phenomenon that can influence how they deal with family relationships and dynamics.
TDP‐43 pathology and functional deficits in wild‐type and ALS/FTD mutant cyclin F mouse models
Authors: van Hummel Annika , Sabale Miheer , Przybyla Magdalena , van der Hoven Julia , Chan Gabriella , Feiten Astrid F. , Chung Roger S. , Ittner Lars M. , Ke Yazi D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle weakness and eventually death. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) presents clinically with significant behavioural decline. Approximately 10% of cases have a known family history, and disease‐linked mutations in multiple genes have been identified in FTD and ALS. More recently, ALS and FTD‐linked variants have been identified in the CCNF gene, which accounts for an estimated 0.6% to over 3% of familial ALS cases.MethodsIn this study, we developed the first mouse models expressing either wild‐type (WT) human CCNF or its mutant pathogenic variant S621G to recapitulate key clinical and neuropathological features of ALS and FTD linked to CCNF disease variants. We expressed human CCNF WT or CCNFS621G throughout the murine brain by intracranial delivery of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) to achieve widespread delivery via somatic brain transgenesis.ResultsThese mice developed behavioural abnormalities, similar to the clinical symptoms of FTD patients, as early as 3 months of age, including hyperactivity and disinhibition, which progressively deteriorated to include memory deficits by 8 months of age. Brains of mutant CCNF_S621G mice displayed an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins with elevated levels of phosphorylated TDP‐43 present in both CCNF_WT and mutant CCNF_S621G mice. We also investigated the effects of CCNF expression on interaction targets of CCNF and found elevated levels of insoluble splicing factor proline and glutamine‐rich (SFPQ). Furthermore, cytoplasmic TDP‐43 inclusions were found in both CCNF_WT and mutant CCNF_S621G mice, recapitulating the key hallmark of FTD/ALS pathology.ConclusionsIn summary, CCNF expression in mice reproduces clinical presentations of ALS, including functional deficits and TDP‐43 neuropathology with altered CCNF‐mediated pathways contributing to the pathology observed.
Poaceae‐specific β‐1,3;1,4‐d‐glucans link jasmonate signalling to OsLecRK1‐mediated defence response during rice‐brown planthopper interactions
Authors: Dai Yang‐Shuo , Liu Di , Guo Wuxiu , Liu Zhi‐Xuan , Zhang Xue , Shi Li‐Li , Zhou De‐Mian , Wang Ling‐Na , Kang Kui , Wang Feng‐Zhu , Zhao Shan‐Shan , Tan Yi‐Fang , Hu Tian , Chen Wu , Li Peng , Zhou Qing‐Ming , Yuan Long‐Yu , Zhang Zhenfei , Chen Yue‐Qin , Zhang Wen‐Qing , Li Juan , Yu Lu‐Jun , Xiao Shi 
Published: March 2023

SummaryBrown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), a highly destructive insect pest, poses a serious threat to rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. Jasmonates are key phytohormones that regulate plant defences against BPH; however, the molecular link between jasmonates and BPH responses in rice remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered a Poaceae‐specific metabolite, mixed‐linkage β‐1,3;1,4‐d‐glucan (MLG), which contributes to jasmonate‐mediated BPH resistance. MLG levels in rice significantly increased upon BPH attack. Overexpressing OsCslF6, which encodes a glucan synthase that catalyses MLG biosynthesis, significantly enhanced BPH resistance and cell wall thickness in vascular bundles, whereas knockout of OsCslF6 reduced BPH resistance and vascular wall thickness. OsMYC2, a master transcription factor of jasmonate signalling, directly controlled the upregulation of OsCslF6 in response to BPH feeding. The AT‐rich domain of the OsCslF6 promoter varies in rice varieties from different locations and natural variants in this domain were associated with BPH resistance. MLG‐derived oligosaccharides bound to the plasma membrane‐anchored LECTIN RECEPTOR KINASE1 OsLecRK1 and modulated its activity. Thus, our findings suggest that the OsMYC2‐OsCslF6 module regulates pest resistance by modulating MLG production to enhance vascular wall thickness and OsLecRK1‐mediated defence signalling during rice‐BPH interactions.
Primary vulvar melanoma in an adolescent patient
Authors: Li Kathy P. , Ajebo Etsubdenk M. , Diamond Davis , Powell Matthew , Belcher Matthew 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHerein we describe the case of a Black adolescent who was found to have widely metastatic melanoma originating from a primary vulvar lesion. The lesion presented as a pink, vegetative nodule of the clitoral hood which grew in size over several years and was confirmed to be melanoma on shave biopsy. This patient's amelanotic presentation in conjunction with the rare incidence of vulvar melanoma contributed to the delay in diagnosis. This case exemplifies the challenge of early recognition of potentially malignant vulvar lesions for primary care providers in adolescents.
Mean values of the logarithmic derivative of the Riemann zeta‐function near the critical line
Authors: Ge Fan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAssuming the Riemann hypothesis and a hypothesis on small gaps between zeta zeros (see equation (ES 2K) below for a precise definition), we prove a conjecture of Bailey, Bettin, Blower, Conrey, Prokhorov, Rubinstein and Snaith [J. Math. Phys. 60 (2019), no. 8, 083509], which states that for any positive integer K and real number ,
When , this was essentially a result of Goldston, Gonek and Montgomery [J. Reine Angew. Math. 537 (2001), 105–126] (see Equation (1) below).
Laser Forming of Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Ames Daniel C. , Smith Gabriel L. , Lazarus Nathan , Howell Larry L. , Magleby Spencer P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSmall-scale flexible (or compliant) mechanisms are valuable in replacing rigid components while retaining comparable motion and behavior. However, fabricating such mechanisms on this scale (from 0.01 to 10 cm) proves difficult, especially with thin sheet metals. The manufacturing method of laser forming, which uses a laser to cut and bend metal into desired shapes, could facilitate this fabrication. However, specific methods for designing mechanisms formed by lasers need to be developed. This work presents laser forming as a means for creating compliant mechanisms on this scale with thin sheet metal. The unique challenges for designing mechanisms to be laser formed are explored, and new adaptations of existing designs are fabricated and discussed. The design of basic “building-block” features is developed for several mechanisms: a parallel-guided mechanism, a cross-axis flexural pivot, a lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint array, a split-tube flexure, and a bi-stable switch. These mechanisms are shown to perform repeatable behavior and motion comparable to existing nonlaser-formed versions. The further possibilities for fabricating compliant mechanisms with laser forming are explored, as advanced applications can benefit from using lasers to create compliant mechanisms from thin sheet metal.
Cost-effectiveness of a direct to beneficiary mobile communication programme in improving reproductive and child health outcomes in India
Authors: LeFevre Amnesty Elizabeth , Mendiratta Jai , Jo Youngji , Chamberlain Sara , Ummer Osama , Miller Molly , Scott Kerry , Shah Neha , Chakraborty Arpita , Godfrey Anna , Dutt Priyanka , Mohan Diwakar 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionKilkari is the largest maternal messaging programme of its kind globally. Between its initiation in 2012 in Bihar and its transition to the government in 2019, Kilkari was scaled to 13 states across India and reached over 10 million new and expectant mothers and their families. This study aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of exposure to Kilkari as compared with no exposure across 13 states in India.MethodsThe study was conducted from a programme perspective using an analytic time horizon aligned with national scale-up efforts from December 2014 to April 2019. Economic costs were derived from the financial records of implementing partners. Data on incremental changes in the practice of reproductive maternal newborn and child health (RMNCH) outcomes were drawn from an individually randomised controlled trial in Madhya Pradesh and inputted into the Lives Saved Tool to yield estimates of maternal and child lives saved. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out to assess uncertainty.ResultsInflation adjusted programme costs were US$8.4 million for the period of December 2014–April 2019, corresponding to an average cost of US$264 298 per year of implementation in each state. An estimated 13 842 lives were saved across 13 states, 96% among children and 4% among mothers. The cost per life saved ranged by year of implementation and with the addition of new states from US$392 ($385–$393) to US$953 ($889–$1092). Key drivers included call costs and incremental changes in coverage for key RMNCH practices.ConclusionKilkari is highly cost-effective using a threshold of India’s national gross domestic product of US$1998. Study findings provide important evidence on the cost-effectiveness of a national maternal messaging programme in India.Trial registrationNCT03576157.
Transradial flow diversion with an aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Bram Richard , Atwal Gursant 
Published: March 2023

Transradial access for diagnostic and therapeutic neurointerventional procedures has gained popularity due to a decreased incidence of access site complications and improved patient comfort compared with transfemoral access.1–4 An aberrant right subclavian artery is an aortic arch variant characterized by a right subclavian artery that arises directly from the arch as the most distal great vessel. Transradial access with an aberrant right subclavian artery is anatomically challenging due to the predilection of the catheter system to collapse into the descending aorta. In this (video 1), we describe a step-by-step technique for transradial access in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery undergoing endovascular flow diversion for a left superior hypophyseal artery aneurysm. Particular emphasis is placed on the technique for accessing the proximal arch and aortic valve as well as distal catheter navigation while avoiding prolapse into the descending aorta.Video 1
3 Imaging of high activity radioactive fragments with mobile digital radiography equipment
Authors: May Eleanor , Melley Thomas , Bland Steven , Gibb Iain , Napier Ian 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionDefence Medical Services, supporting CBRN Casualty Care, requested that Dstl consider the use of a crude radiological dispersal device (‘dirty bomb’) in a mass casualty scenario, and the effect of a radioactive fragment embedded in a patient on a diagnostic medical radiograph, as well as the impact on the patient and surgical team. Initial work showed an unpredicted white ‘bloom’ artefact, opposite to the expected darkening; subsequently this trial empirically tested all Defence mobile X-ray systems (DRagon, DART, and DR-Go).MethodMeasurements were taken with DART equipment; a 600 GBq sealed iridium-192 source at varying heights to simulate different activities; and a caesium iodide flat panel detector. The width of the resulting artefact was plotted against source height, to determine a threshold dose rate at which the bloom was indistinguishable. From this, minimum detectable activities (MDAs) were calculated for several fragment depths.ResultsThe MDAs, without the scatter reduction grid (MDAs with it are higher), for radioactive fragments 0.5 cm and 24.5 cm from the detector are 0.79 ± 0.06 GBq and 1900 ± 140 GBq, respectively. Other effects are discussed such as inconclusive results on changing exposure factors, shadows and an unaffected central region at high dose rates. Anatomically representative images were also taken with a test phantom for future clinical training use.ConclusionEven for fragment activities below the MDA, surgical teams are likely to approach occupational dose limits within an hour, and in some cases, minutes. Patient images could appear normal, with the injury site still receiving several hundred Grays, having severe impacts on patient outcomes and clinical decision making, such as amputation. This work has contributed to surgical and CBRN medical training, planning recommendations in NHS Emergency Preparedness procedures, and will support further work to develop UK and international clinical guidelines, refine dose thresholds, and investigate other imaging modalities.
4 Using virtual reality to deliver essential neurosurgery in austere and low-resource settings
Authors: Please H , Edemaga D , Bolton W , Nagadya C , Obiga O , Kiryabwire J , Smith C , Khan M , Dhanda J , Ekanayake J 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionHead injuries account for >¼ of all battlefield deaths1. Simple but essential neurosurgical procedures on the field such as burr-holes can save lives2,3. These penny-sized, manually drilled holes in the skull, enable release of compressive blood clots or placement of catheters. However, there is little to no training in this procedure for the field surgeon. As such, patients presenting in coma from traumatic head injuries are by default triaged to no treatment1. We provide an alternative approach, with life-saving potential- real-time guidance for field practitioners using an established virtual reality interface to enable delivery of emergency neurosurgery.MethodWe carried out a combined virtual reality and face-to-face neurosurgical training program at the Human Cadaveric lab, Brighton (UK) and concurrently in Ugandan Christian University, Kampala (Uganda). We demonstrated the feasibility of remote and in-person proctorship of emergency neurosurgical procedures including burr-hole, craniotomy, and ventriculostomy, by general surgeons using non-powered neurosurgical instruments (e.g., Hudson brace, Gigli saw). Delegates had limited or no previous experience of cranial access. UK faculty worked with delegates in-person, supported by Ugandan faculty via videoconferencing. This was filmed in 360-degree video for the VRiMS (Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery) procedural library, accessed in real-time from Uganda, and stored for training.ResultsDelegates ‘attended’ the teleconference via three approaches: 1.Hands-on training, Brighton, (9 delegates): UK faculty supported by picture-in-picture live-feed from Ugandan faculty. Delegates were divided into 3 groups and each performed 2 sets of burr-holes. 2.Real-time virtual reality training, Uganda, (23 delegates): low-cost cardboard headsets were provided to each delegate, used with personal smartphones to allow 360-degree video viewing. 3.Remote live-streaming (107 delegates): attendance from 19 countries.ConclusionWe demonstrate proof-of-principle for bi-directional surgical skills assessment using a remote proctorship interface combining live-streaming, 2D and 360-degree videos, and access via the VRIMS telesurgical platform.
5 Association between combat-related traumatic injury and skeletal health: bone mineral density loss is localised and correlates with altered loading in amputees – the ADVANCE study
Authors: McMenemy L , Behan FP , Kaufmann J , Cain D , Bennett AN , Boos C , Fear NT , Cullinan P , Bull AMJ , Phillips ATM , McGregor AH 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe association between combat-related traumatic injury (CRTI) and bone health is uncertain. A disproportionate number of lower limb amputees from the Afghanistan conflict are diagnosed with osteopenia/osteoporosis, increasing lifetime risk of fragility fracture and challenging traditional osteoporosis treatment paradigms.It was hypothesised that CRTI results in a reduction in Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Specifically, a localised BMD reduction in the amputated limb of lower limb amputees that is progressively greater with higher level amputations.MethodCross-sectional analysis of the first phase of a cohort study comprising 579 male adult UK military personnel with CRTI (UK-Afghanistan War 2003–2014; including 153 lower limb amputees) who were frequency-matched to 565 uninjured men by age, service, rank, regiment, deployment period, and role-in-theatre. BMD was assessed using DEXA scanning of the hips and lumbar spine.ResultsFemoral neck BMD was lower in the CRTI than the uninjured group (T-score -0.08 vs -0.42 p=0.000). Subgroup analysis revealed this reduction was significant only at the femoral neck of the amputated limb of amputees (p=0.000), where the reduction was greater for above knee amputees than below knee amputees (p=0.037). There were no differences in spine BMD.ConclusionChanges in bone health in CRTI appear to be mechanically driven rather than systemic. This may arise from altered joint and muscle loading creating a reduced mechanical stimulus to the femur. These findings support a lexicon change tounloading osteopeniaand should not be associated with a diagnosis of systemic osteoporosis nor systemic treatments.
6 Analysis of 983 civilian blast and ballistic casualties and the generation of a predictive model of injury burden
Authors: Maitland Laura , Veen Harald , Harrison David , Baden James , Hettiaratchy Shehan 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionWars, such as in Ukraine, as well as terror attacks cause blast and ballistic casualties that are unusual in civilian practice. The immediate surgical response has not been systematically characterised due to the unpredictable, stochastic nature of such mass casualty events. We studied how the military trauma system managed civilian casualties during the Afghanistan conflict (2009-2014), to quantify and assess the surgical response to blast and ballistic injuries managed in a developed world paradigm and may be a tool for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) planning.MethodThroughout the Afghanistan conflict (2009–2014) data was gathered prospectively by surgical teams at the UK-led military Medical Treatment Facility, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. A total of 10,891 consecutive surgical cases were catalogued. Civilian cases were identified that had primary trauma surgery for blast and ballistic injuries and these formed the focus of this study (n=983). Statistical analyses with z-tests, significance was accepted at the 5% level (p<0·05).ResultsPaediatric wounding patterns when compared to adults show that children suffered consistently significantly more head (36·9% ;29·4%) and abdominal trauma (52·5%; 60·3%) for blast and ballistic injuries respectively (blast: 26·5%, z-2·263; p<0·05; 43·6%, z=-1·758, p<0·05; ballistic: 11·8%, z=2·926, p<0·01; 8%, z=-4·992; p<0·001; 60·3%, z=2·071, p<0·05). The three most common surgical procedures for blast injuries were debridement, amputation and laparotomy. For ballistic injuries, these were debridement, laparotomy and vascular procedures. A scalable predictive model of injury burden for blast and ballistic injuries in both adults and children is presented.ConclusionThis evidenced based, predictive model of the immediate response required to manage civilians injured by blast and ballistic mechanism can be applied to the conflict in Ukraine and to prepare for terror attacks on mass urban populations where blast and ballistic injuries are commonplace.