bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of HLA class I and class II genes in patients with multiple skin warts
Authors: Gülseren Duygu , Tan Çağman , Yaz İsmail , Özbek Begüm , Çağdaş Deniz , Tezcan İlhan
Published: April 2021

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are genetic markers that have critical roles in the immune response against pathogens, vary greatly among individuals. The aim of the study is to investigate the frequency of HLA class I (HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLAC) and class II (HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DQA1) genes in patients with multiple skin warts and to elucidate the role of these genes in the genetic susceptibility to skin warts. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 100 patients with multiple skin warts and 300 healthy individuals (controls). HLA typing was performed after DNA isolation from the blood samples. The HLA‐A*02 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; p = 0.0019), HLA‐DQA1*03:01 (OR: 0.45; p = 0.0017) and DQA1*05:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001) genes were significantly more prevalent in the patients than in the healthy individuals and were thus identified as risk genes. The HLA‐DQA1*01:01 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*01:02 (OR: 0.17; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*01:03 (OR: 0.11; p < 0.0001), HLA‐DQA1*02:01 (OR:027; p<0.0001) and HLA‐DQA1*05:05 (OR:0.16; p<0.0001) genes were classified as protective genes because of their low frequencies in the patients. The limitation of the study is that Human papillomavirus typing could not be performed while investigating the relationship between skin warts and HLA class I and class II genes. Our data suggest the role of HLA genes in the development of skin warts. However, other components of the major histocompatibility complex system and acquired factors of the immune system could also be involved and should be further investigated.
Colonizations cause diversification of host preferences: A mechanism explaining increased generalization at range boundaries expanding under climate change
Authors: Singer Michael C. , Parmesan Camille
Published: April 2021

As species' poleward range limits expand under climate change, generalists are expected to be better colonists than specialists, extending their ranges faster. This effect of specialization on range shifts has been shown, but so has the reverse cause–effect: in a global meta‐analysis of butterfly diets, it was range expansions themselves that caused increases in population‐level diet breadth. What could drive this unexpected process? We provide a novel behavioral mechanism by showing that, in a butterfly with extensive ecotypic variation, Edith's checkerspot, diet breadths increased after colonization events as diversification of individual host preferences pulled novel hosts into population diets. Subsequently, populations that persisted reverted toward monophagy. We draw together three lines of evidence from long‐term studies of 15 independently evolving populations. First, direct observations showed a significant increase in specialization across decades: in recent censuses, eight populations used fewer host genera than in the 1980s while none used more. Second, behavioral preference‐testing experiments showed that extinctions and recolonizations at two sites were followed, at first by diversification of heritable preference ranks and increases in diet breadth, and subsequently by homogenization of preferences and contractions of diet breadth. Third, we found a significant negative association in the 1980s between population‐level diet breadth and genetic diversity. Populations with fewer mtDNA haplotypes had broader diets, extending to 3–4 host genera, while those with higher haplotype diversity were more specialized. We infer that diet breadth had increased in younger, recently colonized populations. Preference diversification after colonization events, whether caused by (cryptic) host shifts or by release of cryptic genetic variation after population bottlenecks, provides a mechanism for known effects of range shifts on diet specialization. Our results explain how colonizations at expanding range margins have increased population‐level diet breadths, and predict that increasing specialization should accompany population persistence as current range edges become range interiors.
Health‐promoting behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic among Saudi Adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ashgar Rnda Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Aims

To evaluate health‐promoting behaviour among Saudi adults in the Jazan region during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

Saudi adults (N= 305) completed an online survey from 23 April to 5 July 2020. The survey comprised demographic/social factors, COVID‐19 pandemic‐related factors and the Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile‐II.

Results

On average, participants reported participating in health‐promoting behaviour ‘sometimes’. Only years of education was associated with participation in health‐promoting behaviour generally. Nutritional behaviours were positively correlated with sex, age and having a job before and/or after the pandemic and negatively correlated with the number of people in the household. Interpersonal relationships increased with age and years of education. Interpersonal relationships and stress management decreased among those who reported that the pandemic had negatively affected their income.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that COVID‐19 factors are associated with Saudi adults' adoption of health‐promoting behaviour.
Development and validation of an instrument to measure scope of practice in school nurses
Authors: White Krista A. , Davis Diane , Maughan Erin D.
Published: April 2021

Aims

The aim of the study was to develop and psychometrically test a new instrument to measure the scope of school nursing practice.

Design

Methodological study.

Methods

Data were collected in Spring 2018. Frontline school nurses in the United States (N = 3099) completed the 39‐item Scope of School Nursing Practice Tool (SSNPT) with two domains (current practice and importance to practice). One half of sample data (N1 = 1521) were used for exploratory factor analysis, item analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and Spearman–Brown to estimate validity and reliability of the instrument. Sample data from the other half (N2 = 1578) were retained for future analysis.

Results

Factor analysis resulted in a stable four‐dimension solution: (A) Using the Nursing Process; (B) Applying Evidence to Improve Practice; (C) Connecting with Community; and (D) Leveraging the School and Family Team, accounting for 50.48% (current practice) and 53.31% (importance to practice) of total variance. Cronbach's alpha and Spearman–Brown ranged from .73 to .90 and .73 to .92, respectively. Item–total correlations ranged from .36 to .82.

Conclusion

Initial psychometric properties indicate the new SSNPT is valid and reliable to assess the scope of practice of frontline school nurses.

Impact

School nurses play a key role in population health and frequently serve as the sole provider of healthcare in schools worldwide. However, variability in school nursing practice affects the health, safety and educational outcomes of children and youth. No instrument exists that measures the scope of practice of school nurses. Frontline school nurses can use the SSNPT to assess practice, school nurse administrators can use the tool for resource utilization and school nurse researchers can use the tool to examine school nursing practices’ impact on student/community health and academic outcomes. The SSNPT may provide a template for others who wish to examine specialty nursing scope of practice.
Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for smokers with chronic diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Li William Ho Cheung , Cheung Ankie Tan , Xia Wei
Published: April 2021

Aims

To systematically summarize seminal studies on the design and effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions targeted at patients with chronic diseases through a critical appraisal of the literature.

Design

A systematic review.

Data Sources

This review included literature identified through a search of six databases up to June 2020.

Review Methods

This review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The literature search was limited to English‐language articles on the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for smokers who were aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with chronic diseases. Data were extracted using the Cochrane Data collection form for intervention reviews of randomized controlled trials and non‐randomized controlled trials. The articles were subjected to a quality assessment.

Results

Ten relevant articles were identified. The designs of the interventions were highly heterogeneous, and only six articles reported a significant increase in smoking abstinence among patients with chronic diseases. In the target population, an intervention delivered by healthcare professionals on an intensive schedule was shown to more effectively induce smoking cessation, compared with minimal counselling. However, methodological flaws were identified in most of the included studies.

Conclusion

The findings of this review suggest that additional efforts are needed to design smoking cessation interventions for patients with chronic diseases and that further examination of the effectiveness and feasibility of these interventions is warranted.

Impact

What problem did the study address?

This review evaluated the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions targeted at patients with chronic diseases.

What were the main findings?

An intervention with an intensive schedule that was delivered by healthcare professionals was shown to more effectively induce smoking cessation in patients with chronic diseases, compared with minimal counselling.

More attention and resources should be directed towards smokers with no intention to quit, especially those with chronic diseases.

There is an urgent need for generic smoking cessation interventions that use novel approaches to address the unique needs of this population and to integrate such evidence‐based interventions into routine care.

Where and on whom will the research have impact?

The findings of this review may guide nurses, who play a prominent role in raising the issue of smoking cessation with patients, to design appropriate smoking cessation interventions for patients with chronic diseases.

The resulting improvements in patients’ health would not only benefit patients themselves but also reduce the burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.
Do phylogeny and habitat influence admixture among four North American chickadee (family: Paridae) species?
Authors: Graham Brendan A. , Gazeley Ian , Otter Ken A. , Burg Theresa
Published: April 2021

Hybridization is an important aspect of speciation, yet questions remain about the ecological and environmental factors that influence hybridization among wild populations. We used microsatellite genotyping data and collected land cover and environmental data for four North American chickadee species: black‐capped Poecile atricapillus, mountain P. gambeli, chestnut‐backed P. rufescens and boreal P. hudsonicus chickadees. Combining these datasets, we sought to examine whether there is evidence of admixture between four widely distributed North American chickadee species; whether admixture takes place more often between more closely related species pairs or between species pairs with more similar ecological preferences; and whether certain habitat types have higher rates of admixture than others. We detected admixture for five of the six species pairs analyzed (chestnut‐backed–mountain chickadee pair showed no evidence of admixture), and found rates of admixture varied geographically, and within taxa pairs. Admixture was higher among less closely related species than more closely related species, although habitat similarity was not a significant predictor. Finally, rates of admixture were higher in urban parkland habitats than deciduous, mixed or coniferous forest habitats. Our work indicates admixture occurs frequently among North American parids, and habitat and environmental variation may play an important role in the frequency and geographic distribution of hybridization.
STED nanoscopy – A novel way to image the pore space of geological materials
Authors: Hellmuth Karl‐Heinz , Sammaljärvi Juuso , Siitari‐Kauppi Marja , Robinet Jean‐Charles , Sardini Paul
Published: April 2021

STED nanoscopy (Stimulated Emission Depletion). which can resolve details far below the diffraction barrier has been applied hitherto preferentially to life sciences. The method is however also ideal for the investigation of geological matrices containing transparent minerals, an application tested here, to our knowledge, for the first time. The measurements on altered granitic rock and sedimentary clay rock, both containing very fine‐grained phases, were conducted successfully. The STED fluorophore was dissolved in C‐14‐labelled methylmethacrylate (C‐14‐MMA) monomer which was polymerised within the rock matrix, thereby labelling the pore space in the geomaterials. Double labelling provided by the C‐14‐labelled MMA enables autoradiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), providing necessary complementary information for characterisation and quantification of porosity distributions and mineral and structure identification. Promising perspectives for further investigations of geological matrices by using different fluorophores and the optimisation of measuring procedures or even higher resolution are discussed. The combination of these different methods enlarges the observation scale of porosity from nanometre to centimetre scale.
Towards better out‐of‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A survey of nurses
Authors: Noureddine Samar , Avedissian Tamar , Khatib Nina , Irani Joanna
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses in Lebanon regarding out‐of‐hospital resuscitation, compare hospital nurses to those who work in community settings on the variables of interest, determine the nurses’ willingness to attempt resuscitation in the community and identify predictors of their willingness.

Background

Only 5.5% of victims survive out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in Lebanon. There is no national guideline for cardiopulmonary resuscitation nor a policy for nurses’ training in resuscitation in Lebanon for neither in‐hospital nor out‐of‐hospital settings. However, some hospitals have their own policies.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used with a cluster sample of 692 working nurses. A 28‐item questionnaire developed for this study was mailed to the nurses. Data were analysed with correlational and multivariable regression analyses. The STROBE checklist for observational studies was used in reporting this study.

Results

Most nurses received cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, but 19.8% did not renew their certification in the past two years, because of limited training centres and lack of time. Only one third of the sample knew the first step to be taken in an arrest, yet 61% knew the compression‐to‐breath ratio. Nurses who work in community settings had significantly less frequent training in resuscitation than hospital nurses. Most nurses were willing to resuscitate in the community. In deciding to perform out‐of‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the nurses were mostly influenced by their training, courage, recent practice, policy, fear of infection and hesitation to do mouth‐to‐mouth breathing. Receiving training, fear of being sued, religious beliefs, geographic location and believing in the importance of training laypeople in resuscitation predicted the nurses’ willingness to perform resuscitation in the community.

Conclusion

Lebanon needs a national policy on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, regular training of all nurses and a Good Samaritan law.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study informs policy related to nurses’ training in out‐of‐hospital resuscitation.
Carbohydrates molecular structure profiles in relation to nutritional characteristics of newly developed low and normal tannin faba bean varieties in dairy cows analysed by using standard methods and the vibrational molecular spectroscopy (Ft/IR‐ATR)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Espinosa María E. , Guevara‐Oquendo Víctor H. , Yu Peiqiang
Published: April 2021

To our knowledge, there was no study on interactive relationship between CHO molecular structure spectral profiles of newly developed cool‐season adapted faba bean and nutritional characteristics in ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of genotypes and tannin levels on the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of faba bean as an alternative protein and energy source for ruminants and its relation to CHO molecular structure spectral profiles using vibrational molecular spectroscopy (Ft/IR‐ATR). Eight genotypes with two tannin levels (low and normal) grown at three different locations in Saskatchewan (CDC crop research fields) were analysed. Chemical analyses were performed using AOAC standards and energy was evaluated using NRC standards. Rumen degradation kinetics were determined using in situ dairy trial. Intestinal digestion was analysed by a modified three‐step in vitro technique with 12 h pre‐rumen incubation in dairy cows. Molecular spectral study was performed using Ft/IR–ATR, and the molecular structural features were analysed at ca. 4000–800 cm−1 using the Spectra ManagerII. CHO‐related functional groups were analysed with OMNIC 7.3. The results showed low‐tannin faba bean (LT) presented a highly significant difference (p < 0.05) on rumen bypass starch (BSt) compared to normal tannin faba bean (NT). On the other hand, NT had more total tract digested starch (TDST) compared to LT. No significant differences (p > 0.10) were observed for total digestible nutrients (TDN1x), metabolizable protein (MP), feed milk value (FMV) or rumen undegraded crude protein (RUP). Results showed differences in physicochemical characteristics among faba bean varieties; however, the predicted production performance was not different within faba bean genotypes. These outcomes suggest that faba bean can be used as nutritive ingredient for dairy cattle without a significant genotype or tannin level effect on metabolic characteristics. Results from vibrational spectroscopic study showed a higher ATR‐Ft/IR absorbance (p < 0.05) in NT on inherent structural CHO (STCHO), total CHO (TCHO) area and peaks (H_1015, H_1076, H_1145), and cellulosic compounds (CEC) to total CHO (TCHO) ratio. Significant correlations could be found between CHO spectral profiles and metabolic characteristics of faba bean, which indicates that structural spectral features of faba bean could be used to predict metabolic characteristics in ruminants.
Combined analysis of gut microbiota, diet and PNPLA3 polymorphism in biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Lang Sonja , Martin Anna , Zhang Xinlian , Farowski Fedja , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , J.G.T. Vehreschild Maria , Krawczyk Marcin , Nowag Angela , Kretzschmar Anne , Scholz Claus , Kasper Philipp , Roderburg Christoph , Mohr Raphael , Lammert Frank , Tacke Frank , Schnabl Bernd , Goeser Tobias , Steffen Hans‐Michael , Demir Münevver
Published: April 2021

Background and aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health burden. Risk factors for disease severity include older age, increased body mass index (BMI), diabetes, genetic variants, dietary factors and gut microbiota alterations. However, the interdependence of these factors and their individual impact on disease severity remain unknown.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we performed 16S gene sequencing using fecal samples, collected dietary intake, PNPLA3 gene variants and clinical and liver histology parameters in a well‐described cohort of 180 NAFLD patients. Principal component analyses were used for dimensionality reduction of dietary and microbiota data. Simple and multiple stepwise ordinal regression analyses were performed.

Results

Complete data were available for 57 NAFLD patients. In the simple regression analysis, features associated with the metabolic syndrome had the highest importance regarding liver disease severity. In the multiple regression analysis, BMI was the most important factor associated with the fibrosis stage (OR per kg/m2: 1.23, 95% CI 1.10‐1.37, P < .001). The PNPLA3 risk allele had the strongest association with the histological grade of steatosis (OR 5.32, 95% CI 1.56‐18.11, P = .007), followed by specific dietary patterns. Low abundances of Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides and Prevotella and high abundances of Gemmiger were associated with the degree of inflammation, ballooning and stages of fibrosis, even after taking other cofactors into account.

Conclusions

BMI had the strongest association with histological fibrosis, but PNPLA3 gene variants, gut bacterial features and dietary factors were all associated with different histology features, which underscore the multifactorial pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Autoimmune hepatitis in patients aged 70 years or older: Disease characteristics, treatment response and outcome
Authors: Dalekos George N. , Azariadis Kalliopi , Lygoura Vasiliki , Arvaniti Pinelopi , Gampeta Stella , Gatselis Nikolaos K.
Published: April 2021

Background & Aims

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) affects both sexes and all age groups. However, very few studies have focused specifically on the characteristics and outcome of AIH in patients aged 70 y or older.

Methods

25/234 patients with well‐established AIH and disease onset at ≥70‐y (median: 73‐y) were analysed and compared to the rest patients (median: 47 y). Treatment response was assessed in all patients from both groups who were eligible for treatment (n = 202).

Results

Disease presentation was mainly insidious in both groups (19/25, 76% vs. 134/209, 64.1%; P = .313). At diagnosis, older patients had lower alaninoaminotrasferase (101[433] vs. 199[441] IU/L, P < .05) but were more frequently cirrhotic (12/25, 48% vs. 57/209, 27.3%; P = .03). Importantly, similar rates of on‐treatment response (16/18, 89% vs. 154/184, 84%; P = .565), corticosteroid withdrawal (10/16, 62.5% vs. 113/154, 73.4%; P = .355) and complete withdrawal of immunosuppression (1/16, 6.3% vs. 40/154, 26%; P = .122) were achieved in both groups. Treatment‐related adverse events were evenly observed between groups (6/18, 33% vs. 54/184, 29%; P = .724). In treated patients, the age ≥70 y was only associated with the overall mortality (HR 8.3 [95% CI: 2.1‐36.4], P = .003), but not with the liver‐related mortality (HR 3.4 [95% CI: 0.4‐30.0], P = .268).

Conclusion

AIH should be seriously considered in patients ≥70 y with unexplained impaired liver function tests as the disease is not infrequent in this group and seems to bear an increased risk for advanced disease stage at diagnosis. However, if immunosuppression is started promptly, it seems as safe and effective as in younger patients.
Daily photoprotection to prevent photoaging
Authors: Krutmann Jean , Schalka Sérgio , Watson Rachel Elizabeth Beatrice , Wei Liu , Morita Akimichi
Published: April 2021

Background

Extrinsic skin aging or photoaging was previously thought to be almost exclusively due to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, recent literature has described other contributing factors and clarification is thus required as to what extent and what type of daily photoprotection is needed to mitigate extrinsic skin aging.

Methods

We reviewed the existing scientific evidence on daily photoprotection, and specific requirements at the product level, to prevent extrinsic skin aging. We critically reviewed the existing evidence on potential ecological and toxicological risks which might be associated with daily photoprotection.

Results

Evidence shows that broad protection against the entire solar range of UVB, UVA, UVA1, visible light, and short infrared (IRA) is required to prevent extrinsic aging. Other exposome factors, such as air pollution and smoking, also contribute to skin aging. Daily broad‐spectrum sunscreen photoprotection should thus contain antioxidant ingredients for additional benefits against UV, IRA, and pollution‐induced oxidative stress as well as anti‐aging active ingredients to provide clinical benefits against skin aging signs, such as wrinkles and dark spots. Broad‐spectrum sunscreen containing pigments, such as iron oxide, may be required for melasma prevention. There is no conclusive clinical evidence that daily sunscreen use is unsafe or that it compromises vitamin D synthesis.

Conclusion

Daily use of broad‐spectrum sunscreen containing antioxidant and anti‐aging active ingredients can effectively reduce extrinsic aging.
Contourite depositional system after the exit of a strait: Case study from the late Miocene South Rifian Corridor, Morocco
Authors: de Weger Wouter , Hernández‐Molina Francisco Javier , Miguez‐Salas Olmo , de Castro Sandra , Bruno Miguel , Chiarella Domenico , Sierro Francisco Javier , Blackbourn Graham , Manar Mohamed Amine
Published: April 2021

Idealized facies of bottom current deposits (contourites) have been established for fine‐grained contourite drifts in modern deep‐marine sedimentary environments. Their equivalent facies in the ancient record however are only scarcely recognized due to the weathered nature of most fine‐grained deposits in outcrop. Facies related to the erosional elements (i.e. contourite channels) of contourite depositional systems have not yet been properly established and related deposits in outcrop appear non‐existent. To better understand the sedimentary facies and facies sequences of contourites, the upper Miocene contourite depositional systems of the South Rifian Corridor (Morocco) is investigated. This contourite depositional system formed by the dense palaeo‐Mediterranean Outflow Water. Foraminifera assemblages were used for age‐constraints (7.51 to 7.35 Ma) and to determine the continental slope depositional domains. Nine sedimentary facies have been recognized based on lithology, grain‐size, sedimentary structures and biogenic structures. These facies were subsequently grouped into five facies associations related to the main interpreted depositional processes (hemipelagic settling, contour currents and gravity flows). The vertical sedimentary facies succession records the tectonically induced, southward migration of the contourite depositional systems and the intermittent behaviour of the palaeo‐Mediterranean Outflow Water, which is mainly driven by precession and millennial‐scale climate variations. Tides substantially modulated the palaeo‐Mediterranean Outflow Water on a sub‐annual scale. This work shows exceptional examples of muddy and sandy contourite deposits in outcrop by which a facies distribution model from the proximal continental slope, the contourite channel to its adjacent contourite drift, is proposed. This model serves as a reference for contourite recognition both in modern environments and the ancient record. Furthermore, by establishing the hydrodynamics of overflow behaviour a framework is provided that improves process‐based interpretation of deep‐water bottom current deposits.
Repetitive Late Pleistocene soft‐sediment deformation by seismicity‐induced liquefaction in north‐western Lithuania
Authors: Belzyt Szymon , Pisarska‐Jamroży Małgorzata , Bitinas Albertas , Woronko Barbara , Phillips Emrys R. , Piotrowski Jan A. , Jusienė Asta
Published: April 2021

Liquefaction can cause deformation of unconsolidated sediment, but specific processes involved and the trigger mechanisms often remain obscured. This study describes multiple deformed sediment layers in a succession of lacustrine sand, silt and clay deposited during the Marine Isotope Stage 5d in north‐western Lithuania. The deformation structures (load casts, pseudonodules, ball‐and‐pillow structures, broken‐up laminae and injections) are embedded in ten separate layers of fine‐grained, laterally continuous sediments. Detailed mesoscale sedimentological analyses suggest that each deformation event consisted of numerous successive stages of sediment advection facilitated by liquefaction. Low‐permeability fine‐grained laminae contributed to localized pore‐water pressure build‐up and lowering of sediment strength. Erosional top surfaces that truncate layers with soft‐sediment deformation structures suggest that at least seven deformation events were separated by successive periods of initial erosion and then uninterrupted deposition in the lake. The most likely trigger of the deformation was recurrent palaeoseismic activity possibly linked to a late glacial isostatic adjustment following the Scandinavian Ice Sheet melting after the Saalian glaciation. This study emphasizes the potential role of seismic processes in shaping the sedimentary record of the intraplate region of north‐eastern Europe and contributes to constraining the depth of liquefaction, regardless of the actual trigger mechanism.
Detection of the HLA‐B*18:116 allele in a Singaporean bone marrow donor
Authors: Cho Louise , Seng Zi‐Jing , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: April 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 120 of HLA‐B*18:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*18:116.
Interactive Grounding and Inference in Learning by Instruction
Authors: Salvucci Dario D.
Published: April 2021

Learning by instruction is one of the most common forms of learning, and a number of research efforts have modeled the cognitive process of instruction following, with many successes. However, most computational models remain brittle with respect to the given instructions, and they lack the ability to adapt dynamically to variants of the instructions. This paper aims to illustrate modeling constructs designed to make instruction following more robust, including (1) more flexible grounding of language to execution, (2) processing of instructions that allows for inference of implicit instruction knowledge, and (3) dynamic, interactive clarification of instructions during both the learning and execution stages. Examples in the context of a paired‐associates task and a visual‐search task are discussed.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MUDFLOW WITH A TWO-DIMENSIONAL DEPTH-AVERAGED MODEL
Authors: How Tion Puay , Jia Jun Lim , Zakaria Nor Azazi
Published: April 2021

This study is motivated by the need to mitigate damages caused by mudflow disaster, which is occurring frequently due to intensive forest clearing and uncontrolled land use at highland. Numerical modelling of mudflow is challenging as the propagation speed and rheological behavior of the flow relies on the accuracy of the numerical scheme and choice of rheological model. In this study, a two-dimensional depth-averaged model was developed to simulate a simplified mudflow event. In order to capture shock in mudflow, the finite volume method (FVM) with third order accurate Monotonic Upstream-centered Scheme of Conservation Laws (MUSCL) scheme was adopted in the numerical model and the model was verified against a benchmark partial dam-break problem.  By assuming that the mudflow has high amount of fine mud suspension. the rheological model was represented by a simplified Herschel-Bulkley model. Numerical results showed that the Herschel-Bulkley model could reproduce the viscoplastic behavior of mudflow well, especially in the estimation of final longitudinal flow spreading (2% difference compared to experimental value) and depth of peak wave (8.8% maximum difference). The robustness and stability of the model was demonstrated by simulating a simplified mudflow event with obstacles.
IN-SILICO ALANINE SCANNING ANALYSIS ON THE CATALYTIC RESIDUES OF A NOVEL Β-GLUCOSIDASE FROM TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM UC1
Authors: Mohamad Yunus Aimi Aliah , Abdul Wahab Roswanira , Bahaman Aina Hazimah , Adekilekun Oyewusi Habeebat , Syed Yaacob Syariffah Nuratiqah
Published: April 2021

Currently, the catalytic residue of the highly prolific fungal β-glucosidase (BGL) of Trichoderma asperellum UC1 remains unvalidated.  The study used the alanine scanning method to confirm the catalytic residues of the BGL as Glu165, Asp226, and Glu423. This method cancels out all intermolecular hydrogen bonds with substrates, lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Results revealed an overall decline in the stability of the energy-minimized mutant enzymes' compared to the wild-type BGL. The mutant enzyme registered lower PROCHECK (91.0%), ERRAT (93.09%), and Verify-3D (98.92%) values, in comparison to 90.2%, 92.09%, 98.06%, in the wild-type BGL, respectively. The mutant BGL UC1-substrate complexes were less stable than the wild-type enzyme, in which the mutant exhibited higher binding energies for docked lignin (−7.4% kcal mol-1), cellulose (−7.2 kcal mol-1), and hemicellulose (−7.2 kcal mol-1). Binding energies of the wild-type BGL with the corresponding substrates were lower at −7.9 kcal mol-1, −8.1 kcal mol-1, and −7.8 kcal mol-1. An interesting observation was that the alanine scanning changed the substrate preference order based on the calculated binding energies. The mutant BGL bound preferentially to lignin>cellulose=hemicellulose, while the wild-type BGL was selective to cellulose>lignin>hemicellulose. Hence, the findings convey the high likelihood of Glu165, Asp 256, and Glu423 are the catalytic residues of the BGL of T. asperellum UC1.
WAVEFORM CLASSIFICATION AND RETRACKING OF JASON-2 AND JASON-3 IN HALMAHERA SEA
Authors: Sinurat Maya Eria , Nababan Bisman , Gaol Jonson Lumban , Manik Henry Munandar , Idris Nurul Hazrina
Published: April 2021

The accuracy of sea surface heights (SSHs) estimation from satellite altimeters is strongly influenced by the microwave reflected signals (or waveforms). Waveforms in open oceans generally have ideal shapes following the Brown (1977) model. However, in coastal and shallow waters, the signals are disturbed by lands, thus resulting in complicated waveforms (non-Brown). Non-Brown waveforms produce inaccurate SSH estimations; therefore, specialized protocols such as waveform classification and retracking are crucial when attempting to produce accurate estimations. In this study, waveforms of Jason-2 and Jason-3 satellite altimeters in the Halmahera were classified and retracked using several algorithms, such as Offset Centre of Gravity (OCOG), Ice, Threshold, and Improved Threshold. The results showed that waveforms in the Halmahera Sea had ten generic classes with dominant class of the Browns. The validation results showed that all retrackers (except OCOG) had the value of correlations exceeding 0.75, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) smaller than 25 cm at a distance of 5-20 km from the land. The Threshold 10% was the most common retracker that appeared with the highest improvement percentage (IMP), meanwhile the Ice retracker consistently produced the best correlation (0.86) and the lowest RMSE (16cm). The retracking results showed that waveform retracking generally can improve SSH estimation accuracy from ocean (standard) retracker.
SIMULTANEOUS ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF ASCORBIC ACID, DOPAMINE, AND URIC ACID AT MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES/REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE MODIFIED ELECTRODE
Authors: Mohd Rosli Azleen Rashidah , Yusoff Farhanini , Hong Loh Saw , Mohd Yusoff Hanis , Abdul Jamil Muhammad Mahadi , Shamsudin Shazrul Hasry
Published: April 2021

A magnetic nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide modified glassy carbon electrode (MNP/rGO/GCE) was fabricated via one-step facile synthesis route for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), along with uric acid (UA). A series of diseases and disorders has been associated with irregular levels of these respective analytes, thus early detection is highly crucial. Physical and electrochemical characterization of the modified electrode was conducted by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Brauneur-Emmet-Teller (BET), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The results obtained confirmed the formation of MNP/rGO composite. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) of MNP/rGO/GCE displays three well-defined peaks which associated to AA, DA and UA, respectively. The response towards DA is linear in the concentration range of 15 nM to 100 µM with a detection limit of 0.19 nM while a response to AA and UA is also linear in the concentration range of 10 µM to 100 µM with a limit of detection 0.22 µM and 45 nM respectively. The proposed modified electrode offers a good response towards simultaneous detection of three different electroactive species with excellent electron transfer rate, great capacitance and ideal diffusive control behavior.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLIC AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF KENINGAU GROWN CUCUMIS SATIVUS L. AT TWO GROWTH STAGES
Authors: Mohd Shariff Amir Husni , Baharin Shahirah , Abdul Wahab Roswanira , Huyop Fahrul , Mohamad Nur Royhaila , Zakaria Mona , Roslan Jumardi , Huda Nurul , Julmohammad Norliza
Published: April 2021

The maturation stage of Cucumis sativus is among the important factors affecting its composition and quality. Hence, this study monitored the differences in total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, pigment and colour of Keningau-grown cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) at two stages of maturities, namely the semi-ripe (SR) and ripe (R). The colourimetric and spectroscopic findings revealed significant differences in the assessed variables (P < 0.05) in the two growth stages except for the pigment. The colour of semi-ripe cucumbers was of lower L* (33.39 ± 4.26) and a* (−10.00 ± 1.74) mean values, while the ripe cucumbers registered the corresponding mean values of 36.71 ± 2.85 and −8.90 ± 1.85. R cucumbers gave a higher mean b* coordinate (16.38 ± 3.16) over the SR ones (14.52 ± 2.52). Compositions of pigments, namely, chlorophyll-a (SR: 4.86 ±0.01 μg/mL, R: 3.55 ± 0.00 μg/mL), chlorophyll-b (SR: 2.12 ± 0.02 μg/mL, R: 1.79, 0.02 μg/mL) and total chlorophyll were higher in SR (6.98 ± 0.02 μg/mL) than R ( 5.34 ± 0.02 μg/mL) cucumbers, except for the composition of carotenoids (SR: 0.82 ± 0.01 μg/mL, R: 1.78 ± 0.01 μg/mL). The TPC in SR was higher (424.21± 5.32 mg/g) than the R ones (185.51±4.62 mg/g), with the corresponding antioxidant activity (IC50) for SR and R at 157.98 ± 1.57 and 191.66 ± 2.58 μg/mL, respectively. TPC and antioxidant activity between the SR and R cucumbers were negatively correlated (−0.992), which meant that not all phenolic compounds were involved in free radical scavenging.
REVIEW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUEL CELLS AND ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: Ravichandran Thareny , Jaafar Juhana , Ilbeygi Hamid , Purwanto Mochammad
Published: April 2021

Fossil fuels are unsustainable energy storage medium with pollution problems. With the limitation of fossil fuels, fuel cells, which are known as effective electrochemical converters, has attracted much attention. Present review paper provides a complete information on fuel cell technology and history which includes competing technologies, current status of research-and-development and its future direction. Fuel cell plays an important role in stationary applications from 1990s till now due to its efficiency upon reducing emissions.
Influencing Factors on Consumers’ Willingness to Share Energy Data on Online Energy Platforms
Authors: Maier Claudia , Pfeiffer Christian , Hatzl Stefanie , Fleiß Eva
Published: April 2021

Climate change requires an adaptation of the energy system towards an efficient use of renewable energies. For efficient control and optimization of the energy system, energy consumption and production data at household level play an essential role. Sharing platforms can enable the bundling and controlling of energy data from individual households. However, there is often a lack of acceptance among potential users to share their own data on such platforms. Therefore, this paper investigates the willingness of consumers to share their personal energy data. In particular, several factors that influence this willingness are examined. Decisive for the willingness are incentives for consumers in return for sharing their energy data. These can be offered in personal added value or collective added value. This paper shows that the factors perceived behavioral control, personal attitude and subjective norm have an influence on the willingness of private users to share energy data if a personal benefit or a collective benefit is provided. The age of users and their privacy concerns affect the willingness to share only in case personal value is added. These findings are valuable for the development and operation of online energy platforms.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Howard Nina
Published: April 2021

International Journal of English and Cultural Studies (IJECS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJECS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 1Gillian Steinberg, SAR High School, USAKeeley Megan Buehler Hunter, Southern New Hampshire University, SwitzerlandAna Costa Lopes, Higher School of Education of Viseu, Viseu Polytechnic Institute, PortugalNicolau Nkiawete Manuel, Agostinho Neto University, AngolaFatma Benelhadj, University of Sfax, TunisiaEllie Boyadzhieva, South-West University, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaEmmanuel Chibuzor Okereke, National Examinations Council, Enugu State Office, Enugu, NigeriaShashi Naidu, Ball State University, United StatesJelena Timotijevic, University of Brighton, United KingdomJânderson Coswosk, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, BrazilHerman, University of HKBP Nommensen, Indonesia Nina HowardEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of English and Cultural StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97006-6018, USAWebsite: http://ijecs.redfame.com
Correlates of Neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern by Early Pandemic Sera
Authors: Vidal Samuel J. , Collier Ai-ris Y. , Yu Jingyou , McMahan Katherine , Tostanoski Lisa H. , Ventura John D. , Aid Malika , Peter Lauren , Jacob-Dolan Catherine , Anioke Tochi , Chang Aiquan , Wan Huahua , Aguayo Ricardo , Ngo Debby , Gerszten Robert E. , Seaman Michael S. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: April 2021

Widespread immunity to SARS-CoV-2 will be necessary to end the COVID-19 pandemic. NAb responses are a critical component of immunity that can be stimulated by natural infection as well as vaccines.
The Architectural Factor HMGB1 Is Involved in Genome Organization in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Lu Binbin , Liu Meng , Gu Liang , Li Ying , Shen Shijun , Guo Gangqiang , Wang Fei , He Xiaohui , Zhao Yuemeng , Shang Xiaomin , Wang Liping , Yang Guang , Zhu Qianshu , Cao Jun , Jiang Cizhong , Culleton Richard , Wei Gang , Zhang Qingfeng
Published: April 2021

Malaria remains a major public health and economic burden currently. The mutually exclusive expression of the virulence genes is associated with the pathogenesis and immune evasion of human malaria parasites in the host.
Combined NLO EW and QCD corrections to off-shell $$\text {t} \overline{\text {t}}\text {W} $$ production at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Pelliccioli Giovanni
Published: April 2021

The high luminosity that will be accumulated at the LHC will enable precise differential measurements of the hadronic production of a top–antitop-quark pair in association with a $$\text {W} $$
W
 boson. Therefore, an accurate description of this process is needed for realistic final states. In this work we combine for the first time the NLO QCD and electroweak corrections to the full off-shell $$\text {t} \overline{\text {t}}\text {W} ^+$$

t

t
¯

W
+

production at the LHC in the three-charged-lepton channel, including all spin correlations, non-resonant effects, and interferences. To this end, we have computed the NLO electroweak radiative corrections to the leading QCD order as well as the NLO QCD corrections to both the QCD and the electroweak leading orders.
Discreteness of space from anisotropic spin–orbit interaction
Authors: Ali Ahmed Farag , Majumder Barun
Published: April 2021

Various approaches to Quantum Gravity suggest an existence of a minimal measurable length. The cost to have such minimal length could be modified uncertainty principle, modified dispersion relation, non-commutative geometry or breaking of continuous Lorentz symmetry. In this paper, we propose that minimal length can be obtained naturally through spin–orbit interaction. We consider Dresselhaus anisotropic spin–orbit interaction as the perturbative Hamiltonian. When applied to a particle, it implies that the space, which seizes this particle, should be quantized in terms of units that depend on particle’s mass. This suggests that all measurable lengths in the space are quantized in units depending on existent mass and the Dresselhaus coupling constant. On one side, this indicates a breakdown of the space continuum picture near the scale of tabletop experiments, and on the other side, it proposes that spin–orbit interaction is a possible quantum gravity effect at low energy scale that leads naturally to space quantization.
Inversion of force lines in fiber-reinforced jammed granular material
Authors: Iliev Pavel S. , Wittel Falk K. , Herrmann Hans J.
Published: April 2021

Freestanding columns, built out of nothing but loose gravel and continuous strings can be stable even at several meters in height and withstand vertical loads high enough to severely fragment grains of the column core. We explain this counter-intuitive behavior through dynamic simulations with polyhedral rigid particles and elastic wire chains. We evaluate the fine structure of the particle contact networks, as well as confining forces and reveal fundamental intrinsic differences to the well-studied case of confining silos.

Graphic abstract
Shape-driven optofluidic rotational actuation
Authors: Lucchetta D. E. , Simoni F. , Sheremet N. , Reshetnyak V. , Castagna R.
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we report light-induced rotation of millimeter-sized objects driven by their non-symmetric shape. The light-induced torque is originated by the thermal gradient on different sides of the teeth of star-shaped objects floating on liquid surfaces that leads to unbalanced surface tension due to the Marangoni effect. The dependence of the angular rotation on the number of teeth is demonstrated. The angular velocity is linearly dependent on the light intensity and follows a simple time behavior typical of objects moving under fluid friction.

Graphic abstract
Semi-invariants of binary forms pertaining to a unimodality theorem of Reiner and Stanton
Authors: Chen William Y. C. , Jia Ivy D. D.
Published: April 2021

The symmetric difference of the [Formula: see text]-binomial coefficients [Formula: see text] was introduced by Reiner and Stanton. They proved that [Formula: see text] is symmetric and unimodal for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] even by using the representation theory for Lie algebras. Based on Sylvester’s proof of the unimodality of the Gaussian coefficients, as conjectured by Cayley, we find an interpretation of the unimodality of [Formula: see text] in terms of semi-invariants. In the spirit of the strict unimodality of the Gaussian coefficients due to Pak and Panova, we prove the strict unimodality of the symmetric difference [Formula: see text], except for the two terms at both ends, where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and at least one of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is even.