bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Apparent Respiratory Quotient of Soils and Tree Stems and the Processes That Control It
Authors: Hilman Boaz , Weiner Tal , Haran Tom , Masiello Caroline A. , Gao Xiaodong , Angert Alon 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe CO2/O2 fluxes ratio (apparent respiration quotient [ARQ]) measured in soils and plants contains valuable information about the respiratory‐substrate stoichiometry and biotic and abiotic non‐respiratory processes. We investigated ARQ variability by measurements in soil pore space air, and in headspace air from incubations of bulk‐soil and tree stem tissues (both fresh and 24‐hr stored tissues) in 10 measurement campaigns over 15 months in a Mediterranean oak forest. Mean (range) ARQ values were: soil air, 0.76 (0.60–0.92); bulk soil, 0.75 (0.53–0.90); fresh stem tissues, 0.39 (0.19–0.70); and stored stem tissues, 0.68 (0.42–1.08). The variability in tree stems was assumed to be controlled by CO2 re‐fixation that lowered ARQ from 1.0, the value expected for carbohydrate respiration in plants. We estimate that the values of the stored tissues represent better stem metabolism since the fresh‐tissue results contained a signal of wound‐response O2 uptake that further lowered ARQ. The mean bulk‐soil ARQ (0.75) was considerably lower than expected by soil organic matter (SOM) stoichiometry (0.95). This lower value might represent the stoichiometry of the SOM sub‐pool that supports respiration, and/or oxidative depolymerization that increases O2 fluxes. Abiotic O2 uptake was demonstrated to reduce bulk‐soil ARQ down to 0.37 and consume Fe2+, but estimated to have small effect under typical respiration rates. Soil‐air ARQ was usually higher than bulk‐soil ARQ and lower than root ARQ (which, when measured, ranged from 0.73 to 0.96), demonstrating the potential of ARQ to partition the autotrophic and heterotrophic sources of soil respiration. The limitations of this partitioning method are discussed.
Real-world patient characteristics associated with survival of 2 years or more after radium-223 treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (EPIX study)
Authors: George Daniel J. , Agarwal Neeraj , Sartor Oliver , Sternberg Cora N. , Tombal Bertrand , Saad Fred , Miller Kurt , Constantinovici Niculae , Guo Helen , Reeves John , Jiao XiaoLong , Sandström Per , Verholen Frank , Higano Celestia S. , Shore Neal 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The real-world EPIX study was conducted to gather information about the characteristics of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who survived ≥2 years after treatment with the alpha-emitter radium-223.

Methods
This retrospective study of electronic health records in the US Flatiron database (NCT04516161) included patients with mCRPC treated with radium-223 between January 2013 and June 2019. Median overall survival (OS) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (≥50% reduction) from start of radium-223 treatment were the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Patient characteristics were compared between those who survived ≥2 years versus <2 years, including a subgroup who survived <6 months.

Results
In the 1180 patients identified, median OS was 12.9 months (95% CI: 12.1–13.7), and 13% of patients with data at 6 months had a PSA response. The survival groups included 775 patients (65.7%) who survived <2 years (including 264 (22.4%) who survived <6 months) and 185 patients (15.7%) who survived ≥2 years; 220 patients (18.6%) had incomplete follow-up data and were censored. On multivariate analysis, age >75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 2–4, visceral metastases, prior symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs), and prior chemotherapy were independently prognostic of reduced OS. For patients with survival ≥2 years versus <2 years, median age was 71 versus 75 years, 4% versus 14% had ECOG PS 2–4, 4% versus 10% had visceral metastases, 38% versus 44% had prior SSEs, and 16% versus 32% had prior chemotherapy.

Conclusions
In this study of men with mCRPC treated in real-world clinical practice, median OS was consistent with that seen in the phase 3 ALSYMPCA trial. Patients who survived ≥2 years after the start of radium-223 were younger and had better ECOG PS, lower disease burden, and less use of prior chemotherapy than those who survived <2 years.
Future perspectives of uveal melanoma blood based biomarkers
Authors: Beasley Aaron B. , Chen Fred K. , Isaacs Timothy W. , Gray Elin S. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy affecting adults. Despite successful local treatment of the primary tumour, metastatic disease develops in up to 50% of patients. Metastatic UM carries a particularly poor prognosis, with no effective therapeutic option available to date. Genetic studies of UM have demonstrated that cytogenetic features, including gene expression, somatic copy number alterations and specific gene mutations can allow more accurate assessment of metastatic risk. Pre-emptive therapies to avert metastasis are being tested in clinical trials in patients with high-risk UM. However, current prognostic methods require an intraocular tumour biopsy, which is a highly invasive procedure carrying a risk of vision-threatening complications and is limited by sampling variability. Recently, a new diagnostic concept known as “liquid biopsy” has emerged, heralding a substantial potential for minimally invasive genetic characterisation of tumours. Here, we examine the current evidence supporting the potential of blood circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), microRNA (miRNA) and exosomes as biomarkers for UM. In particular, we discuss the potential of these biomarkers to aid clinical decision making throughout the management of UM patients.
Temporal artery biopsy: time for a rethink on training?
Authors: Osei Georgia , Rainsbury Paul , Morris Daniel , Haridas Anjana 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is often performed by ophthalmology trainees without direct supervision. The traditional model of ‘see one, do one, teach one’ still prevails in most units. Whilst it is generally a safe procedure, damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve has been reported when harvesting the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery.

Methods
A survey of trainees from Wessex, Wales, London and Severn deaneries was performed to look at current training techniques, anatomical knowledge and practice.

Results
38 trainees responded to the survey, with complete responses from 28 participants. Formal teaching of the anatomical considerations in TAB was not reported by any trainee, with informal teaching being standard practice. Whilst 61% of respondents reported having learnt about the anatomical ‘danger zone’ for facial nerve damage, 97% of trainees chose an incision that fell within this zone when given a choice between potential incision sites.

Conclusion
TAB remains a largely trainee-taught, trainee-performed procedure. Most trainees are not aware of how to avoid the risk of damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. We suggest harvesting the parietal branch of the temporal artery via an incision outside the anatomical ‘danger zone’. In our experience, this is an easily taught technique that minimises the potential risk of damage to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.
Anionic character of the conduction band of sodium chloride
Authors: Leon Christopher C. , Grewal Abhishek , Kuhnke Klaus , Kern Klaus , Gunnarsson Olle 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe alkali halides are ionic compounds. Each alkali atom donates an electron to a halogen atom, leading to ions with full shells. The valence band is mainly located on halogen atoms, while, in a traditional picture, the conduction band is mainly located on alkali atoms. Scanning tunnelling microscopy of NaCl at 4 K actually shows that the conduction band is located on Cl− because the strong Madelung potential reverses the order of the Na+ 3s and Cl− 4s levels. We verify this reversal is true for both atomically thin and bulk NaCl, and discuss implications for II-VI and I-VII compounds.
Effect of biannual azithromycin distribution on antibody responses to malaria, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens in Niger
Authors: Arzika Ahmed M. , Maliki Ramatou , Goodhew E. Brook , Rogier Eric , Priest Jeffrey W. , Lebas Elodie , O’Brien Kieran S. , Le Victoria , Oldenburg Catherine E. , Doan Thuy , Porco Travis C. , Keenan Jeremy D. , Lietman Thomas M. , Martin Diana L. , Arnold Benjamin F. ,   MORDOR-Niger Study Group
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe MORDOR trial in Niger, Malawi, and Tanzania found that biannual mass distribution of azithromycin to children younger than 5 years led to a 13.5% reduction in all-cause mortality (NCT02048007). To help elucidate the mechanism for mortality reduction, we report IgG responses to 11 malaria, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens using a multiplex bead assay in pre-specified substudy of 30 communities in the rural Niger placebo-controlled trial over a three-year period (n = 5642 blood specimens,n = 3814 children ages 1–59 months). Mass azithromycin reducesCampylobacterspp. force of infection by 29% (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.89;P = 0.004) but serological measures show no significant differences between groups for other pathogens against a backdrop of high transmission. Results align with a recent microbiome study in the communities. Given significant sequelae ofCampylobacterinfection among preschool aged children, our results support an important mechanism through which biannual mass distribution of azithromycin likely reduces mortality in Niger.
Acoustically manipulating internal structure of disk-in-sphere endoskeletal droplets
Authors: Shakya Gazendra , Yang Tao , Gao Yu , Fajrial Apresio K. , Li Baowen , Ruzzene Massimo , Borden Mark A. , Ding Xiaoyun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractManipulation of micro/nano particles has been well studied and demonstrated by optical, electromagnetic, and acoustic approaches, or their combinations. Manipulation of internal structure of droplet/particle is rarely explored and remains challenging due to its complicated nature. Here we demonstrated the manipulation of internal structure of disk-in-sphere endoskeletal droplets using acoustic wave. We developed a model to investigate the physical mechanisms behind this interesting phenomenon. Theoretical analysis of the acoustic interactions indicated that these assembly dynamics arise from a balance of the primary and secondary radiation forces. Additionally, the disk orientation was found to change with acoustic driving frequency, which allowed on-demand, reversible adjustment of the disk orientations with respect to the substrate. This dynamic behavior leads to unique reversible arrangements of the endoskeletal droplets and their internal architecture, which may provide an avenue for directed assembly of novel hierarchical colloidal architectures and intracellular organelles or intra-organoid structures.
Rad52 mediates class-switch DNA recombination to IgD
Authors: Xu Yijiang , Zhou Hang , Post Ginell , Zan Hong , Casali Paolo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn B cells, IgD is expressed together with IgM through alternative splicing of primaryVHDJH-Cμ-s-m-Cδ-s-mRNAs, and also through IgD class switch DNA recombination (CSR) via double-strand DNA breaks (DSB) and synapse of Sμ with σδ. How such DSBs are resolved is still unknown, despite our previous report showing that Rad52 effects the ‘short-range’ microhomology-mediated synapsis of intra-Sμ region DSBs. Here we find that induction of IgD CSR downregulates Zfp318, and promotes Rad52 phosphorylation and recruitment to Sμ and σδ, thereby leading to alternative end-joining (A-EJ)-mediated Sμ-σδrecombination with extensive microhomologies,VHDJH-Cδstranscription and sustained IgD secretion. Rad52 ablation in mouseRad52−/−B cells aborts IgD CSR in vitro and in vivo and dampens the specific IgD antibody response to OVA. Rad52 knockdown in human B cells also abrogates IgD CSR. Finally, Rad52 phosphorylation is associated with high levels of IgD CSR and anti-nuclear IgD autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in lupus-prone mice. Our findings thus show that Rad52 mediates IgD CSR through microhomology-mediated A-EJ in concert with Zfp318 downregulation.
Nontrivial nanostructure, stress relaxation mechanisms, and crystallography for pressure-induced Si-I → Si-II phase transformation
Authors: Chen Hao , Levitas Valery I. , Popov Dmitry , Velisavljevic Nenad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCrystallographic theory based on energy minimization suggests austenite-twinned martensite interfaces with specific orientation, which are confirmed experimentally for various materials. Pressure-induced phase transformation (PT) from semiconducting Si-I to metallic Si-II, due to very large and anisotropic transformation strain, may challenge this theory. Here, unexpected nanostructure evolution during Si-I → Si-II PT is revealed by combining molecular dynamics (MD), crystallographic theory, generalized for strained crystals, and in situ real-time Laue X-ray diffraction (XRD). Twinned Si-II, consisting of two martensitic variants, and unexpected nanobands, consisting of alternating strongly deformed and rotated residual Si-I and third variant of Si-II, form$$\{111\}$${111}interface with Si-I and produce almost self-accommodated nanostructure despite the large transformation volumetric strain of$$-0.237$$−0.237. The interfacial bands arrest the$$\{111\}$${111}interfaces, leading to repeating nucleation-growth-arrest process and to growth by propagating$$\{110\}$${110}interface, which (as well as$$\{111\}$${111}interface) do not appear in traditional crystallographic theory.
A hemimetabolous wing development suggests the wing origin from lateral tergum of a wingless ancestor
Authors: Ohde Takahiro , Mito Taro , Niimi Teruyuki 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe origin and evolution of the novel insect wing remain enigmatic after a century-long discussion. The mechanism of wing development in hemimetabolous insects, in which the first functional wings evolved, is key to understand where and how insect wings evolutionarily originate. This study explored the developmental origin and the postembryonic dramatic growth of wings in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We find that the lateral tergal margin, which is homologous between apterygote and pterygote insects, comprises a growth organizer to expand the body wall to form adult wing blades in Gryllus. We also find that Wnt, Fat-Dachsous, and Hippo pathways are involved in the disproportional growth of Gryllus wings. These data provide insights into where and how insect wings originate. Wings evolved from the pre-existing lateral terga of a wingless insect ancestor, and the reactivation or redeployment of Wnt/Fat-Dachsous/Hippo-mediated feed-forward circuit might have expanded the lateral terga.
Nuclear genome of Bulinus truncatus, an intermediate host of the carcinogenic human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium
Authors: Young Neil D. , Stroehlein Andreas J. , Wang Tao , Korhonen Pasi K. , Mentink-Kane Margaret , Stothard J. Russell , Rollinson David , Gasser Robin B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSome snails act as intermediate hosts (vectors) for parasitic flatworms (flukes) that cause neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiases.Schistosoma haematobiumis a blood fluke that causes urogenital schistosomiasis and induces bladder cancer and increased risk of HIV infection. Understanding the molecular biology of the snail and its relationship with the parasite could guide development of an intervention approach that interrupts transmission. Here, we define the genome for a key intermediate host ofS. haematobium—calledBulinus truncatus—and explore protein groups inferred to play an integral role in the snail’s biology and its relationship with the schistosome parasite.Bu. truncatusshared many orthologous protein groups withBiomphalaria glabrata—the key snail vector forS. mansoniwhich causes hepatointestinal schistosomiasis in people. Conspicuous were expansions in signalling and membrane trafficking proteins, peptidases and their inhibitors as well as gene families linked to immune response regulation, such as a large repertoire of lectin-like molecules. This work provides a sound basis for further studies of snail-parasite interactions in the search for targets to block schistosomiasis transmission.
Sex-specific disease modifiers in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Shakeshaft Amy , Panjwani Naim , Collingwood Amber , Crudgington Holly , Hall Anna , Andrade Danielle M. , Beier Christoph P. , Fong Choong Yi , Gardella Elena , Gesche Joanna , Greenberg David A. , Hamandi Khalid , Koht Jeanette , Lim Kheng Seang , Møller Rikke S. , Ng Ching Ching , Orsini Alessandro , Rees Mark I. , Rubboli Guido , Selmer Kaja K. , Striano Pasquale , Syvertsen Marte , Thomas Rhys H. , Zarubova Jana , Richardson Mark P. , Strug Lisa J. , Pal Deb K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a common idiopathic generalised epilepsy with variable seizure prognosis and sex differences in disease presentation. Here, we investigate the combined epidemiology of sex, seizure types and precipitants, and their influence on prognosis in JME, through cross-sectional data collected by The Biology of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (BIOJUME) consortium. 765 individuals met strict inclusion criteria for JME (female:male, 1.8:1). 59% of females and 50% of males reported triggered seizures, and in females only, this was associated with experiencing absence seizures (OR = 2.0, p < 0.001). Absence seizures significantly predicted drug resistance in both males (OR = 3.0, p = 0.001) and females (OR = 3.0, p < 0.001) in univariate analysis. In multivariable analysis in females, catamenial seizures (OR = 14.7, p = 0.001), absence seizures (OR = 6.0, p < 0.001) and stress-precipitated seizures (OR = 5.3, p = 0.02) were associated with drug resistance, while a photoparoxysmal response predicted seizure freedom (OR = 0.47, p = 0.03). Females with both absence seizures and stress-related precipitants constitute the prognostic subgroup in JME with the highest prevalence of drug resistance (49%) compared to females with neither (15%) and males (29%), highlighting the unmet need for effective, targeted interventions for this subgroup. We propose a new prognostic stratification for JME and suggest a role for circuit-based risk of seizure control as an avenue for further investigation.
Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilization in saline rich, arid conditions: a ‘micro to macro’ approach
Authors: Armistead Samuel J. , Smith Colin C. , Staniland Sarah S. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWater scarcity in semi-arid/arid regions is driving the use of salt water in mining operations. A consequence of this shift, is the potentially unheeded effect upon Mine Tailing (MT) management. With existing stabilization/solidification methodologies exhibiting vulnerability to MT toxicity and salinity effects, it is essential to explore the scope for more environmentally durable sustainable alternatives under these conditions. Within this study we investigate the effects of salinity (NaCl, 0–2.5 M) and temperatures associated with arid regions (25 °C, 40 °C), on Locust Bean Gum (LB) biopolymer stabilization of MT exemplar and sand (control) soil systems. A cross-disciplinary ‘micro to macro’ pipeline is employed, from a Membrane Enabled Bio-mineral Affinity Screen (MEBAS), to Mineral Binding Characterisation (MBC), leading finally to Geotechnical Verification (GV). As predicted by higher Fe2O3 LB binding affinity in saline in the MEBAS studies, LB with 1.25 M NaCl, results in the greatest soil strength in the MT exemplar after 7 days of curing at 40 °C. Under these most challenging conditions for other soil strengthening systems, an overall UCS peak of 5033 kPa is achieved. MBC shows the critical and direct relationship between Fe2O3-LB in saltwater to be ‘high-affinity’ at the molecular level and ‘high-strength’ achieved at the geotechnical level. This is attributed to biopolymer binding group’s increased availability, with their ‘salting-in’ as NaCl concentrations rises to 1.25 M and then ‘salting-out’ at higher concentrations. This study highlights the potential of biopolymers as robust, sustainable, soil stabilization additives in challenging environments.
Half of germline pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants found on panel tests do not fulfil NHS testing criteria
Authors: Andoni Tala , Wiggins Jennifer , Robinson Rachel , Charlton Ruth , Sandberg Michael , Eeles Rosalind 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGenetic testing for cancer predisposition has been curtailed by the cost of sequencing, and testing has been restricted by eligibility criteria. As the cost of sequencing decreases, the question of expanding multi-gene cancer panels to a broader population arises. We evaluated how many additional actionable genetic variants are returned by unrestricted panel testing in the private sector compared to those which would be returned by adhering to current NHS eligibility criteria. We reviewed 152 patients referred for multi-gene cancer panels in the private sector between 2014 and 2016. Genetic counselling and disclosure of all results was standard of care provided by the Consultant. Every panel conducted was compared to current eligibility criteria. A germline pathogenic / likely pathogenic variant (P/LP), in a gene relevant to the personal or family history of cancer, was detected in 15 patients (detection rate of 10%). 46.7% of those found to have the P/LP variants (7 of 15), or 4.6% of the entire set (7 of 152), did not fulfil NHS eligibility criteria. 46.7% of P/LP variants in this study would have been missed by national testing guidelines, all of which were actionable. However, patients who do not fulfil eligibility criteria have a higher Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) burden. We demonstrated that the current England NHS threshold for genetic testing is missing pathogenic variants which would alter management in 4.6%, nearly 1 in 20 individuals. However, the clinical service burden that would ensue is a detection of VUS of 34%.
How low working memory demands and reduced anticipatory attentional gating contribute to impaired inhibition during acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: Stock Ann-Kathrin , Yu Shijing , Ghin Filippo , Beste Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHigh-dose alcohol intoxication is commonly associated with impaired inhibition, but the boundary conditions, as well as associated neurocognitive/neuroanatomical changes have remained rather unclear. This study was motivated by the counterintuitive finding that high-dose alcohol intoxication compromises response inhibition performance when working memory demands were low, but not when they were high. To investigate whether this is more likely to be caused by deficits in cognitive control processes or in attentional processes, we examined event-related (de)synchronization processes in theta and alpha-band activity and performed beamforming analyses on the EEG data of previously published behavioral findings. This yielded two possible explanations: There may be a selective decrease of working memory engagement in case of relatively low demand, which boosts response automatization, ultimately putting more strain on the remaining inhibitory resources. Alternatively, there may be a decrease in proactive preparatory and anticipatory attentional gating processes in case of relatively low demand, hindering attentional sampling of upcoming stimuli. Crucially, both of these interrelated mechanisms reflect differential alcohol effects after the actual motor inhibition process and therefore tend to be processes that serve to anticipate future response inhibition affordances. This provides new insights into how high-dose alcohol intoxication can impair inhibitory control.